The invention of the telephone had a major impact on communication in the 20th century. Developed by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, the telephone revolutionized how people interacted, allowing for instant voice communication across long distances. This innovation facilitated both personal and business communications, leading to enhanced connection and collaboration. The telephone paved the way for further advancements in communication technology, such as the fax machine, mobile phones, and eventually the internet. It significantly altered social dynamics, shrinking the world and making communication more accessible, quick, and effective for people and businesses alike.