How is this related to other topics/issues we have studied?
The atomic bomb may be seen as a great invention, revolutionizing the way the countries intimidate each other, but such innovations could be seen in the first World War as well. The atomic bomb caused substantial damage to cities and incinerated populations. This could be related to the weapons that were used by the countries in World War I because so many revelations were made during the war that were used to cause mass destruction. In the first World War, we learned that people fought with advanced guns ranging from new and improved rifles to machine guns that mowed down the opposition. Also, the Maxim Gun was known for its destructive presence in the battlefield. Chemical warfare such as poison gases were also introduced in World War I which served as a simple way to eliminate opposing troops without even engaging in combat.
Both the Allied and Axis powers could be seen bringing their renowned technology into World War I. And it is apparent that after the experiences that countries endured through the first world war, they produced superior weapons to take into the next war.
Both the Allied and Axis powers could be seen bringing their renowned technology into World War I. And it is apparent that after the experiences that countries endured through the first world war, they produced superior weapons to take into the next war.
How did this impact American culture, politics, or economy?
World War 2 & The US Economy
Even though World War II was a horrible time period for the nation as a whole, in terms of lives lost and the tragedies faced, believe it or not it had quite a beneficial impact on the US Economy. The United States was still recovering from the impact of the Great Depression and the unemployment rate was hovering around 25%. Our involvement in the war soon changed that rate. American factories were retooled to produce goods to support the war effort and almost overnight the unemployment rate dropped to around 10%. During the war 17 million new civilian jobs were created, industrial productivity increased by 96 percent, and corporate profits after taxes doubled. By 1944, as a result of wage increases and overtime pay, real weekly wages before taxes in manufacturing were 50 percent higher than in 1939. The war also created entire new technologies, industries, and associated human skills.
Even though World War II was a horrible time period for the nation as a whole, in terms of lives lost and the tragedies faced, believe it or not it had quite a beneficial impact on the US Economy. The United States was still recovering from the impact of the Great Depression and the unemployment rate was hovering around 25%. Our involvement in the war soon changed that rate. American factories were retooled to produce goods to support the war effort and almost overnight the unemployment rate dropped to around 10%. During the war 17 million new civilian jobs were created, industrial productivity increased by 96 percent, and corporate profits after taxes doubled. By 1944, as a result of wage increases and overtime pay, real weekly wages before taxes in manufacturing were 50 percent higher than in 1939. The war also created entire new technologies, industries, and associated human skills.