The twentieth century saw two world wars. All these world wars have caused havoc to mankind but at the same time, scientific and technological development has increased tremendously due to these wars.
These wars inspired many scientists to research. However, during the First World War, many great scientists were killed, which hindered scientific research. Despite these problems, many new scientists have
emerged.
Governments generally
did not provide much financial support for scientific research during
peacetime, but countries involved in World War I spent large sums on scientific
research.
During the war, the countries were blockaded, trade with other countries was stopped, and raw materials stagnated. Scientists invented new ways to start many industries using them.
A good example of this
is the Alkali industry, which originated in France. As many raw materials
were not available from abroad, research was also carried out on what else
could be done instead.
Rapid advances in aviation technology
As a result of the First World War, the invention of the
aeroplane also gave rise to the development of related technology. Before the
war, there had been only slow progress.
For example, in 1914
airships could lift only 800 pounds of cargo but by 1926 it had the strength to
lift 40 tons. The aircraft, which could only fly for thirty hours before the
war, was upgraded in 1926 to fly for 78 hours.
During the war, the planes could fly non-stop for 950 miles,
and after 1926 they were capable of 5000 miles. At the start of the war,
aeroplanes could take off with a pilot weighing only 500 pounds, but by 1926
they were flying at 1,300.
The speed of aeroplanes also increased from 80 miles per hour
to 246 miles per hour. At the start of the war, the aircraft could only fly at
an altitude of 19,600 feet, but in 1926 it was able to fly at an altitude of
41,000 feet. Aviation technology advanced greatly as a result of World War.
Development in Telecom Sector
As a result of the world wars, the field of telegraphy saw
tremendous progress. The benefits of wireless telegraphy and the benefits of
cordless telephones are fully understood and many researchers have been carried
out to increase their efficiency. Researches were carried out to detect
different types of enemy aircraft and submarines through optical experiments.
Development in the medical field
The wars resulted in great advances in surgery. Mortality
from hip fractures was reduced from 80 per cent to 20 per cent. Permanent
disability from fractures is greatly reduced. Several technical methods have
been introduced into surgery. New methods for nerve damage, replacement of the
connective tissue between bone and muscle, bone graft therapy, and bone disease
were invented as a result of the wars. Apart from this, plastic surgery has
expanded greatly. Medical treatments were discovered for tuberculosis of the
joints and abnormal growth of the bones.
Toxic gas radiation technology method
Poisonous gases were used extensively in World War I.
Chlorine gas was used on the enemy at Ypres in October 1914. The French bombed
the enemy with the poisonous gas phosgene to protect Verdun. In April 1917 a
blinding gas called lachymatory was used in Arras. The Germans used mustard gas
which had the worst effect. This resulted in more deaths of soldiers sore
shoulders and fainting spells. A lot of research has been done to protect
against these and anti-gas shields have been developed. Chemical research was
done to neutralize the toxic gases. Protective clothing is specially made.
Radar and Computer Innovations
World War II also greatly boosted scientific and
technological research. When German planes dropped bombs on British cities,
they could not be found. This is why radar was invented.
In the form of radar, technology was developed to detect
night bombers, submarines, and carriers with long-range guns. Radar was able to
determine the distance and direction of the enemy.
Although all these could be calculated and done by human
effort, it was difficult to do them on a rapid scale. What was needed was a
machine that accurately calculated the time it took to fire at the enemy and
the time it took to reach him. A lot of money and knowledge were put together
and the computer was invented. Thus World War II was a key facet for the
invention of the computer.
World War II also provided more opportunities for nuclear
research. The result was the atomic bomb. It was used during the war and caused
havoc in Japan. After that more and more research on nuclear energy was done.
Apart from these many new researches in all branches of science were carried
out during that period.
Man can live in peace if he researches to live peacefully on
natural earth.