Events and Trends Technology The invention of the prototype telephone by Alexander G. Bell The light bulb was invented. The phonograph is invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison. Science Ludwig Boltzmann's statistical definition of thermodynamic entropy War, peace and politics Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) results in the collapse of the Second French Empire and in the formation of both the French Third Republic and the German Empire The Anglo-Zulu War lasts from 11 January 1879 - 4 Ju… (More on 1870s)