Claude Chappe

Claude Chappe was a French engineer best known for inventing the optical telegraph in the late 18th century. His system used a series of tall towers equipped with movable arms to send messages over long distances by signaling different arm positions. Established during the French Revolution, this optical telegraph network allowed for rapid communication, significantly aiding military and governmental operations. Though eventually replaced by electrical telegraphy, Chappe's innovations laid the groundwork for modern telecommunications and highlighted the importance of communication in society.