# ELI5 Morse Code - what tragedy led to its invention?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/eli5-explain-like-i-m-5-bite-sized-answers-to-stuff-you-should-know-about-in-a-mini-podcast-484092/eli5-morse-code-what-tragedy-led-to-its-invention
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/eli5-explain-like-i-m-5-bite-sized-answers-to-stuff-you-should-know-about-in-a-mini-podcast-484092/eli5-morse-code-what-tragedy-led-to-its-invention.md
Podcast: [ELI5 Explain Like I'm 5: Bite sized answers to stuff you should know about - in a mini podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/eli5-explain-like-i-m-5-bite-sized-answers-to-stuff-you-should-know-about-in-a-mini-podcast-484092)
Published: 2025-11-21T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://prefix.up.audio/s/pscrb.fm/rss/p/op3.dev/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/ATHLLC7277045012.mp3
Audio file: https://prefix.up.audio/s/pscrb.fm/rss/p/op3.dev/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/ATHLLC7277045012.mp3
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Duration seconds: 520

## Resource

What sparked the invention of Morse code, and how did personal tragedy influence Samuel Morse's creation? Is Morse code still used today? How does Morse code rely on timing, and what role do dits and dahs play in understanding messages? Why do some people still feel a connection to Morse code today despite advances in communication technology? How did WWII utilize Morse code for encrypted communications, and what were the implications for message security? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: stanitor, appropriate_trader, effective-ad-6460, twin_spoons, scotterson34, idealblueman, hipp013, beachedwhale1945. To the community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/ or send us an e-mail: ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com

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## Transcript

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