Final answer:
The first Atlantic cable was successfully laid in 1866, marking a transformative moment in global communications and greatly reducing the time required to send messages across continents. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
A significant milestone in communication technology was achieved when the first transatlantic cable was laid. It marked the beginning of a new era where information could traverse the vast ocean separating Europe and North America. The correct answer to the question, "When was the first Atlantic cable laid?" is 1866.
This monumental feat not only revolutionized the way messages were sent across continents but also signified the rapid advancements that communications technologies were undergoing during the industrial age. By the end of the 19th century, these technological achievements had interconnected the globe with over 100,000 miles of cable, reflecting the unrelenting human pursuit to achieve instant communication.