How did people communicate in the 1900?
In 1900, communicating was simple. You could talk to somebody. You could write a letter. You could read ink, printed on paper.
Some of the oldest forms of human communication include talking or making sounds, drawing or painting, dancing, acting, and using symbols. Making sounds such as grunting or guttural sounds at a low pitch or high pitch would indicate either social communication or be a warning sign.
In the 1950s people relied on newspapers, mail, radio, television, and land-line telephones for communication. There were no cell phones, electronic mail, or social media. The telephone was the only means people had to communicate quickly with friends and family.
Patented in 1875 by Alexander Graham Bell, the telephone gained popularity in the early 1900s. Calls across the country and the world were connected by physical switchboards manned by human operators who would literally connect one line to another.
The oldest known form of communication were cave paintings. After them came pictograms that eventually evolved into ideograms. Fast forward to 3500 BC and the first cuneiform writing was developed by the Sumerians, while the Egyptians developed what is known as hieroglyphic writing.
Early humans could express thoughts and feelings by means of speech or by signs or gestures. They could signal with fire and smoke, drums, or whistles.
In the earlier days, people were using animals for sending mails. Most used were pigeons, hence the name 'pigeon post'. Pigeons, specifically homing pigeons, have an excellent sense of direction and can easily find their way. For this reason, people chose pigeons when sending a note or message to someone.
Gestures and body language were used as an early form of communication. With an increase in contact, some traders, trappers, and Native Americans evolved into translators as they learned the language of one another. Another obstacle in communication was the manner in which the two groups respected others as they spoke.
Methods of communication during the medieval period were very limited. Without the use of television, telephone, radio, Internet or the postal service, correspondence took place in the form of letters delivered by private messengers.
Telephone, telegraph,typewriter and paper mail was popular communication system in 1900s.
How did people communicate in the 19th century?
During the 19th century, communication fundamentally changed from what was available at America's founding. From a society that communicated through voice, art, and the written word (letters, newspapers, and books), the country added a federal postal service, telegraphs, photographs, and telephones.
1920: The rise of the radio
The radio, telephone, and television spawned what would be known as the era of mass communications. However, many households still could not afford any of their own. The most common form of communications was still the humble newspaper.
In 1912 very few households had a phone of their own. If you needed to make a call you'd need to find a store or neighbor that had one. At this time they were still three years away from the first coast to coast, international phone call. 2. Mail—letters was still the most common form of long distant communication.