Great distances refer to long distances or vast geographical areas that are difficult to traverse or communicate across.
Related terms
Telegraph: A device that uses electrical signals to transmit messages over long distances almost instantaneously.
Transcontinental Railroad: A railroad system that connected the Eastern and Western coasts of the United States, making transportation faster and more efficient across great distances.
Steamship: A large ship powered by steam engines that allowed for quicker transportation of goods and people across oceans and continents.