The Social Shaping of British Communications Networks prior to the First World War

Abstract

"Die soziale Prägung der britischen Telekommunikationsnetzwerke vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg". This paper applies concepts from the social sciences to the evolution of communications in Britain before the First World War: the social shaping of technology, social networks and the distinction between short and long term effects. Two cases studies relating to communications in nineteenth century Britain – the telegraphic link to India and phones – are then examined in the light of these concepts. It is argued that communication networks grow out of existing social/business networks, which in turn reflect previous communication and transport networks, and that the main immediate effect of a new mode is to increase commuwhile in the longer run, new practices develop.

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