When searching for an element in the world leading up to World War I that is emblematic of twentieth century modernity, advancements in transportation stand out. With advancements such as railways, people and goods could be transferred from place to place at a much more rapid rate than ever before. As Michael Howard says in “The First World War: A Very Short Introduction,” it was the “development of railways and telegraphs which made possible the rapid deployment to the theater of war unprecedented numbers of men” (Howard 16). Having the ability to transfer people from place to place rapidly changed the nature of conflict and war, as it simplified the travel done by militaries. Battles could be fought in different countries with soldiers from many different locations, as arriving in these locations was easier. Furthermore, the speed of transportation is emblematic of the changes within communication at this time. Innovations, such as the telegraph, allowed messages to flow between people quicker and easier than before. Messages between allies and enemies could be received and could change the conflict faster than in any previous conflict. Transportation and the speed of travel in the world are emblematic of twentieth century modernity because they changed the nature of conflict and are representative of the rapid change in many areas, such as communication, during this time.