The electrical telegraph is a communication device that transmits messages over long distances using electrical signals. Invented in the early 19th century, it revolutionized communication by allowing information to be sent quickly, compared to traditional methods like mail. The system typically used a series of wires and a code, such as Morse code, to represent letters and numbers. Operators would send messages by tapping a key, which opened and closed an electrical circuit, creating signals that traveled along the wires. The receiving end would decode these signals, allowing for instant communication. The electrical telegraph played a crucial role in industries like railroads and news reporting.