Innovations during World War II
The outbreak of World War II really impacted on the society. It posed a very great challenge to the wrangling nations which wanted to prove their military prowess by outdoing one another. Thus, it created room for more advanced innovations to help them in coming up with modern technology to use in winning the battle. This necessitated scientists to carry out an extensive research to come up with innovations which address the problems at hand. As a result, there were a lot of innovations which were not only useful during the war period, but are still used today. Some of them are discussed herein:
First, long after Alexander Fleming discovering Penicillin in 1826, his idea was refined by Dr. Howard Florey who, in 1939, collaborated with Andrew Moyer. This was a very important innovation because it would help in producing a high quality antibiotic which would be used by the soldiers. Obviously, such a deadly war had to lead to the wounding of the military men who had to be treated using amore effective drug. The discovery of penicillin has really made a lot of contributions in the medical field. It has helped in providing anti-biotic which helps people up to date.
Secondly, the outbreak of this war led to the invention of the jerrycan. This might appear to be a minor invention, but it was of great significance during this war. It was invented by the Germans who under the support of their leader Hitler Adolf. The jerrycan would be used to replace canisters which had been used in transporting fuels. However, it was much better than the canisters because it was properly designed to be convenient in carrying fuel. This is because it had three handles which made it easier to be carried by just one person. It would later help the German soldiers in transporting fuels wherever they went to. The jerrycans are still used today. They help in domestic and industrial uses because they are used in carrying water, oil and any other liquid which it can hold.
Besides, World War II led to the invention of original computers. Since it was a big war, it was necessary for every party to properly plan. Thus, computers were invented to help the soldiers in executing their activities. At the same time, it helped in coordinating all the activities in the battle filed. Although it was not so much high tech at the time, these computers could be used in activities such record keeping which would be essential in accountability, strategizing and organization of all the personnel. Computer has now become one of the best technologies in the contemporary society.
In addition, World War II led to the invention of nuclear power. Unknown to many, the invention of nuclear energy traces its roots to this war. After joining the war, USA launched attacks on its enemies. Thus, at the advanced stages, it bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It managed to do this because it used nuclear power to manufacture its weapons of mass destruction. Even if it contributed to massive deaths, nuclear power greatly impacted on the course of this war. Had it not been for such bombings, WWII would have continued for a long time. Despite that atomic bombs are destructive weapons; the invention of nuclear power has resulted into the production of cheap energy used by people from all corners of the world today.
Consequently, the outbreak of this war led to the innovation of synthetic oil along side synthetic rubber. As the war intensified, the demand for natural oil increased. Soon, it became necessary to invent new oil in its replacement. Hence, the concerned nations which were at war, had to work hard to invent them. It is for this reason that the Germans invented the synthetic oil whereas the Americans followed them by inventing the synthetic rubber soon after. The polythene oil was of great importance during this war since it was used to power the Luftwaffe Air Force whereas. However, the synthetic rubber was required by the Allied Forces because the Axis had blocked the supply of natural rubber to them.
Lastly, the war led to the innovation of the radar. Although this technology traces its inventions in1886, modern radar came into existence during the World War II when the war was intensifying. It was a result of the work of Arnold Wilkins who used his technology to assemble the radar which would be used in bouncing the radio signals and eventually determining their exact positions. This helped in providing adequate protection during the war. Actually, the invention of the radar has helped in promoting security in the world today. With the increasing cases of international terrorism, it can be used in monitoring the offensive attacks of terrorists who may be interested in attacking their perceived enemies.
Geographic Considerations during World War II
Actually, the outbreak of World War II is attributed to conflicting political ideologies and the ensuing arms race at the time. Meaning, it was much of a political affair which greatly relied on political leaders. However, in order to emerge victorious, it was necessary for all the conflicting parties to make intelligent calculations. Among the most strategic considerations made during the war include, but not limited to the following:
The USA opted to join the war on the side of the Great Britain and Russia because she was committed to maintaining close ties with Europe. She was fulfilling the promises which had been made with Britain which clearly spelt ‘Europe First.’ Meaning, in case of any war, she would always join in favor of Europe. Thus, after declaring a war with Germany, it was obvious that Britain and Russia would only manage to defeat her if they entered into a grand alliance in which US had to be a member. Hence, in order to protect her strong bonds of tradition, language and culture with Europe, it became inevitable that USA had to be allied to them.
After the Lend-lease Treaty of 1941, USA opted to join the war and openly declared to be on the side of the Great Britain and Russia. This was a very important decision because it would enable them to avoid any humiliation which might have resulted in case they were defeated by Germany. The US strategy planners had to come up with viable plans which would help in subduing the intensifying Japanese threat in the Pacific and protecting Europe where they trace their decency. Otherwise, they would finish their ancestor land.
Bibliography
Boog, Horst (2006). Germany and the Second World War. Volume VII: The Strategic Air War in Europe and the War in the West and East Asia, 1943-1944/5. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bradley, F. J. (2009) No Strategic Targets Left. "Contribution of Major Fire Raids Toward Ending WWII", Turner Publishing.
Corum, James. (2007). The Luftwaffe: The Operational Air War, 1918–1940. University of Kansas Press.
