Technology: The Development Of Technology During World War II
Technology of World War II Nothing accelerates the development of technology as war. In World War II (WWII), every major country was evolving its technology, whether it be the army, navy and so on. All countries were stuck in a race to develop the most devastating and efficient technology to win the war. All the technology used in the war had an impact. For example, radar helped the Allied Forces win the Battle of Britain against the Axis Powers. Through the devastating effects of WWII, it is clear that the development of technology must be monitored due to the type of technology used and its effects. Various types of technology were developed and used during WWII; from the first ever jet fighter, Messerschmitt Me 262, to advancements in
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medicine, such as penicillin. Throughout this phase of time, technology was seen as though it could have a huge impact on the warfront. One of these were the extreme development of fighter planes. Numerous planes were designed with different purposes in mind. For instance, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress were constructed and designed for the purpose of being bomber planes (Thoughtco, Hickman). On the other hand, the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, known on the battlefield as the “Aunty Ju”, was devised as a dive-bomber, to drop bombs through diving or at high speeds, and as a ground-attack, to attack troops on the ground (Thoughtco, Hickman). Moreover, on the ground the Germans had developed a tactic called blitzkrieg, which meant lightning war, and it involved the use of improved tanks such as the, Panther (Thoughtco, Hickman). It was faster and stronger than the World War I tanks and it blindsided the Allied forces. Still, not all developments were in the field of weaponry and the like. In the field of medicine, penicillin was discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming, a bacteriologist from Scotland, and soon the potential of it was realized. As a result, it was mass produced to help soldiers against wounds that could potentially become infected or get gargerne. At least, 400 million doses of this drug were produced in 1943 for soldiers (Nursegroups, n.d.). It was easily inferred that the technology from WWII was more effective in every aspect as compared to WWI and previous wars. The enhanced technology had a massive impact on the war, both on the warfront and otherwise.
Every country in the war could see the need for new and advanced technology. The reason for this was that country with the better equipment would have won more battles compared to their opponent. Mr. Hanson, author of The Second World Wars: How the First Global Conflict Was Fought and Won, said in an interview, “British technology, cryptology, aircraft and vehicle production were superior to Germany’s efforts.” (Stanford, 2017). The technology that Britain eventually developed during the duration of the war overshadowed the German and Japan’s. Even though this was not the only factor that lead to the downfall of the Axis Powers, it was a major one. In addition, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was an extreme example of WWII technology and its effects. When the bomb, “Little Boy”, was dropped on Hiroshima 60-80 thousand people were vaporized instantly. (BBC, n.d.). In addition, there were many long-term effects that impact people till today. Leukemia rates increased 5-6 years later and a decade later, certain cancer chances went up, such as thyroid and breast. Children in future generations had a higher chance of cancer and disabilities, mental or physical. (Icanw, n.d.). On the battlefield itself, Germany's technology won it some swift battles. An example of this, was the invasion of Poland. Poland's pride of its army was its calvary. Yet, it had no chance against Hitler’s …show more content…
tanks and the lightning war tactic, and as a result, Poland was taken in around a month. All of the above examples come together to show the effects of technology in WWII. Additionally, there are many lessons that could be gained from the effects of technology in WWII. The main lesson is that the development of technology must be overseen. An example of technology getting out of hand was the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The effects are long-lasting, even to this day, and the places affected would take a long time to heal, if ever. Moreover, it is imperative that the continuous evolution of technology kept watch over due to that some countries, namely Russia, are capable of retaliting and will fight back if necessary. The reason for that is that the United States of America (U.S.A.) was the only country with an atom bomb during WWII. Following this, Russia successfully created and tested a nuclear bomb on August 29, 1949. Now the game changed. America was not as invincible as before, and as a result, its development must be watched carefully because now the effects would be greater than before. Cities would be razed to the ground and nations destroyed. It would be the end of the world and everything in it. This is why the growth of technology must be closely observed to keep and maintain world peace. It could be easily seen that the development of technology must be monitored, as is clearly seen through the calamitous effects of WWII on the world through the type of technology used and its effects. The technology caused rifts between countries, most notably Russia and America. In the past, technology was used as a source to create more destruction, however, in this day and age technology is used as a way to further advance the human race. Now, is it wise to continue developing technology or to keep peace and unity between all nations?
References Nursing History.
The History of WWII Medicine for Schools. NurseGroups. Retrieved on May 7,2018. Retrieved from http://www.nursegroups.com/article/history-of-wwii-medicine-for-schools.html
Kennedy, H. (January 18, 2018). World War II: Weapons.ThoughtCo. Retrieved on March 5, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/world-war-ii-weapons-2361532
Clifton, P. (December 12, 2017). Axis powers miscalculated after early advantages in World War II, Stanford scholar says. Stanford News. Retrieved on May 8, 2018. Retrieved from https://news.stanford.edu/2017/12/12/axis-powers-miscalculated-early-advantages-wwii-stanford-scholar-says/
(July 7, 2017). Nuclear weapons timeline.ican. Retrieved on May 9, 2018. Retrieved from
http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/the-nuclear-age/
medicine, such as penicillin. Throughout this phase of time, technology was seen as though it could have a huge impact on the warfront. One of these were the extreme development of fighter planes. Numerous planes were designed with different purposes in mind. For instance, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress were constructed and designed for the purpose of being bomber planes (Thoughtco, Hickman). On the other hand, the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, known on the battlefield as the “Aunty Ju”, was devised as a dive-bomber, to drop bombs through diving or at high speeds, and as a ground-attack, to attack troops on the ground (Thoughtco, Hickman). Moreover, on the ground the Germans had developed a tactic called blitzkrieg, which meant lightning war, and it involved the use of improved tanks such as the, Panther (Thoughtco, Hickman). It was faster and stronger than the World War I tanks and it blindsided the Allied forces. Still, not all developments were in the field of weaponry and the like. In the field of medicine, penicillin was discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming, a bacteriologist from Scotland, and soon the potential of it was realized. As a result, it was mass produced to help soldiers against wounds that could potentially become infected or get gargerne. At least, 400 million doses of this drug were produced in 1943 for soldiers (Nursegroups, n.d.). It was easily inferred that the technology from WWII was more effective in every aspect as compared to WWI and previous wars. The enhanced technology had a massive impact on the war, both on the warfront and otherwise.
Every country in the war could see the need for new and advanced technology. The reason for this was that country with the better equipment would have won more battles compared to their opponent. Mr. Hanson, author of The Second World Wars: How the First Global Conflict Was Fought and Won, said in an interview, “British technology, cryptology, aircraft and vehicle production were superior to Germany’s efforts.” (Stanford, 2017). The technology that Britain eventually developed during the duration of the war overshadowed the German and Japan’s. Even though this was not the only factor that lead to the downfall of the Axis Powers, it was a major one. In addition, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was an extreme example of WWII technology and its effects. When the bomb, “Little Boy”, was dropped on Hiroshima 60-80 thousand people were vaporized instantly. (BBC, n.d.). In addition, there were many long-term effects that impact people till today. Leukemia rates increased 5-6 years later and a decade later, certain cancer chances went up, such as thyroid and breast. Children in future generations had a higher chance of cancer and disabilities, mental or physical. (Icanw, n.d.). On the battlefield itself, Germany's technology won it some swift battles. An example of this, was the invasion of Poland. Poland's pride of its army was its calvary. Yet, it had no chance against Hitler’s …show more content…
tanks and the lightning war tactic, and as a result, Poland was taken in around a month. All of the above examples come together to show the effects of technology in WWII. Additionally, there are many lessons that could be gained from the effects of technology in WWII. The main lesson is that the development of technology must be overseen. An example of technology getting out of hand was the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The effects are long-lasting, even to this day, and the places affected would take a long time to heal, if ever. Moreover, it is imperative that the continuous evolution of technology kept watch over due to that some countries, namely Russia, are capable of retaliting and will fight back if necessary. The reason for that is that the United States of America (U.S.A.) was the only country with an atom bomb during WWII. Following this, Russia successfully created and tested a nuclear bomb on August 29, 1949. Now the game changed. America was not as invincible as before, and as a result, its development must be watched carefully because now the effects would be greater than before. Cities would be razed to the ground and nations destroyed. It would be the end of the world and everything in it. This is why the growth of technology must be closely observed to keep and maintain world peace. It could be easily seen that the development of technology must be monitored, as is clearly seen through the calamitous effects of WWII on the world through the type of technology used and its effects. The technology caused rifts between countries, most notably Russia and America. In the past, technology was used as a source to create more destruction, however, in this day and age technology is used as a way to further advance the human race. Now, is it wise to continue developing technology or to keep peace and unity between all nations?
References Nursing History.
The History of WWII Medicine for Schools. NurseGroups. Retrieved on May 7,2018. Retrieved from http://www.nursegroups.com/article/history-of-wwii-medicine-for-schools.html
Kennedy, H. (January 18, 2018). World War II: Weapons.ThoughtCo. Retrieved on March 5, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/world-war-ii-weapons-2361532
Clifton, P. (December 12, 2017). Axis powers miscalculated after early advantages in World War II, Stanford scholar says. Stanford News. Retrieved on May 8, 2018. Retrieved from https://news.stanford.edu/2017/12/12/axis-powers-miscalculated-early-advantages-wwii-stanford-scholar-says/
(July 7, 2017). Nuclear weapons timeline.ican. Retrieved on May 9, 2018. Retrieved from
http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/the-nuclear-age/