Super Testnet on Nostr: I read the Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant and I was glad that he had some pretty long ...

I read the Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant and I was glad that he had some pretty long sections about the importance of technology to the war effort. Specifically, he was very amazed by the telegraph, and recalls staying up late at night to communicate by wire from the front lines with President Lincoln or other generals, to coordinate and plan their strategy.

He also got to see the creation and deployment of propeller powered naval vessels, and was floored by how much deck space was saved by not having a huge wheel in the middle powered by a giant steam engine. The engine could be a lot smaller because propellers were so much easier to turn. And these boats were faster to boot! What amazing progress in such a short time.