The Technological Advancements of the World Wars - English 2 - NDLA

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The Technological Advancements of the World Wars

In the first half of the 20th century, the world was devastated by two world wars. One consequence of these wars was technological advancements.
We see a spitfire from the side. It is a small plane. The pilot sits inside a glass cockpit. Photo.
The Spitfire was a fighter plane developed by the British. It was used during World War II. Image: B. Huber / CC BY-SA 4.0

In this in-depth study project, you may choose to look at the connection between the world wars and technology in general, or you may choose a few important technological advancements, study them closely, and discuss their significance.

What to include:

  • description of the technological advancements

  • information about how and why the technology was developed

  • information about which side was responsible for the development. Were technological advancements on one side met with similar advancements from their enemies?

  • discussion about their significance in the war and after the war.

A German zeppelin in flight. It is an oblong, gas-filled baloon, mounted with propellers. Photo.
Zeppelins were used for surveillance and bombings in World War I. Image: Harry Vissering / Public domain

Suggested sources to start from:

The National WWII Museum New Orleans: 'The Scientific and Technological Advances of World War II'. Link to the article on the museum's website

Australian Government, Department of Veteran's Affair: 'Technology and equipment developed during World War I'. Link to the article on the website Anzac Portal

History: 'Manhattan Project'. Link to the article on History's website

Written by: Tone Hesjedal.
Last revised date 04/30/2022