Although the majority of these new technologies had an effect on the war, they generally were created by one side in response to similar technologies being developed by the other side—the net effect of which was to balance out the new power these technologies offered. The notable exception was the atomic bomb, which the United States developed in secret from 1942 to 1945 and which Japan had no way to counter at the time. Indeed, Japan declared its surrender just days after the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Even today, however, historians debate whether the atomic bomb changed the outcome of the war, as Japan may have been already very close to surrendering.

Technology played a crucial role in determining the outcome of World War II. Much of it was developed during the interwar years of the 1920s and 1930s, some were developed in response to valuable lessons learned during the war, and some were beginning to be developed as the war ended.

Effects on warfare

Almost all types of technology were customized, although major developments were:

Weaponry: ships, vehicles, aircraft, artillery, rocketry, small arms; and biological, chemical, and atomic weapons Logistical support: vehicles necessary for transporting soldiers and supplies, such as trains, trucks, ships, and aircraft Communications and intelligence: devices used for navigation, communication, remote sensing, and espionage Medicine: surgical innovations, chemical medicines, and techniques Industry: the technologies employed at factories and production/distribution centers.

In World War II, continual advancements in technology were mandatory to maintain a competitive edge over the enemy. While technological advancements were made prior to the war, other developments were a direct result of the trials and errors suffered during the war. The WWII era housed a great many changes which affected weaponry, logistical support, communications and intelligence, medicine and various industries.

Overview Advancement in military weaponry occurred rapidly during the Second World War, including everything from aircraft to small arms. At the beginning of WWII, little advancement had been seen since the end of WWI. However, just six short years later the face of warfare morphed significantly with the military utilizing jet aircrafts and ballistic missiles.