Communications History — Telephone Invention In which decade was the telephone first invented and patented, ushering in modern voice communication?

Introduction / Context:
Identifying the decade of the telephone’s invention helps place the evolution of telecommunication, from wired voice calls to today’s mobile networks. The landmark patent and early demonstrations define the accepted historical period.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question seeks the decade, not the exact day or country.
• “Invention” refers to the establishment of a working device and successful patenting.

Concept / Approach:

The telephone’s breakthrough came in the 1870s, when early inventors demonstrated and patented practical voice transmission devices. This decade anchors the birth of telephony prior to later network expansions and switchboard innovations of the 1880s–1890s.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Recall major milestone: key patents and demonstrations occurred in the mid-1870s.Associate this with the 1870s decade.Choose the option that corresponds to that decade.

Verification / Alternative check:

Museum timelines and patent archives list 1870s filings and public demonstrations as the critical starting point for the telephone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

1850s/1860s: Too early; precursors existed but not the practical, patented telephone.1880s: Too late; by then commercialization was underway.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating widespread adoption (often later) with the initial invention date.

Final Answer:

1870s