1. major developments in technology, transportation, weaponry, and communication during WWII
*Parts of this lecture have been adapted from the National Museum of WWII’s website:

2. Questions to Consider
What are the major developments in technology, transportation, weaponry, and communication during WWII?
How to analyze each development:
WHAT is the development?
WHY is it significant?
HOW did it influence aspects of WWII?
What is the overall significance of these different technological advancements? How have they evolved?
What are some significant developments since WWII that have greatly influenced our country and the world?

3. Major developments Medicine Chemical Warfare Radar Communications
Meteorology
Training Strategies
Photography & Optics
Rocketry
Atomic Bomb
Mathematics
Nutrition
Equipment

4. medicine Pesticide DDT – controlled the spread of tropical diseases
Penicillin – antibiotics
Sulfadiazine tablets – prevent infected wounds
Atabrine – anti-malaria
Plasma – liquid component of blood; carries blood cells, minerals, and water
Red Cross blood bank
Nutrition!!!
***Notice the lack of increase in
wounded casualties from the chart >

5. Radar How does radar work?
taTM
Significance of radar in WW2?

6. meteorology What is meteorology? Why is it significant?
How did the invention of meteorology influence WW2?

7. Photography & Optics
Before developments, 85,000 letters written on regular note paper weighed 2,000 pounds
After, same number only 20 pounds
> Technology that could shrink soldiers’ letters so that they can be air-mailed home quickly via aircraft (much faster than by ship!)

8. Atomic Bomb

9. Chemical warfare Poisonous gas weapons
Most countries signed treaties banning these weapons
How is chemical warfare relevant today?

10. Communications Radio “walkie-talkies” Portable 2-way radios
Allowed for battlefield
communication

11. Technology using mathematics
Calculators
Computer (-ish)
Altitude adjustment
Determine air speed
Firing altitudes
Navy mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry…)

12. Which do you think is most significant?
Medicine
Radar
Meteorology
Photography & Optics
Atomic Bomb
Nutrition
Chemical Warfare
Communications
Training Strategies
Rocketry
Mathematics
Equipment
*Take 5 minutes to discuss with classmates

13. Evolution of these technologies?
Medicine
Radar
Meteorology
Photography & Optics
Atomic Bomb
Nutrition
Chemical Warfare
Communications
Training Strategies
Rocketry
Mathematics
Equipment
*How have some of these technologies evolved over time?

14. What are some significant developments since WWII that have greatly influenced our country and the world?