Alexander Graham Bell and the First Phone Call

In "Alexander Graham Bell and the First Phone Call," Professor W. Bernard Carlson presents six engaging lectures that delve into the groundbreaking invention of the telephone in 1876. This exploration not only chronicles Bell's journey—marked by legal battles and business challenges—but also addresses broader themes in American history, such as the tension between individual inventors and large corporations, the control of information in democracy, and the implications of the patent system for innovation. By examining this pivotal moment, listeners will uncover enduring questions about technology, freedom, and connection that continue to resonate today.