The Relationship between Science and War: Focusing on the Scientific and Technological Developments of the Great War

Inquiry into the relationship between science and war, particularly during the Great War, is assisted by a rich vein of both primary and secondary source. Yet it is only recently that scholarly research made a significant contributory effort in piecing together this wealth of material to encourage the purpose of establishing the long-term effect of the integration of these two epic human activities. Research from scholars like Roy and Kay Macleod, William Van Der Kloot and David Edgerton, helps to confirm that which Marwick professed in the 1960s; that the Great War was a stimulant, not just to invention but also to the institutionalisation of science. This thesis draws upon some of this scholarly research, as well as a selection from the vast array of Great War narratives, and attempts to explore Manwick's theory in more detail. It also draws upon primary source material of the development of Great War innovations and inventions; of Government-sponsored bodies established to enable momentum between initial concepts caused by need, through to mass-production facilitated to satisfy demand; and of the individuals responsible for the scientific and technological transformation created by the exigencies of war. It also examines in detail, the distinct clash between tradition and technology that was so inevitably evident in the first two decades of the twentieth century. Many Great War narratives have tended to fuel the popular myths we are all so familiar with. Although some revisionist work has made bold attempts to quash this mythology, it has been so prevailing that Great War history is almost stigmatised; a taboo topic of a 'low-point' for mankind. In researching the scientific and technological developments of the Great War, with a firm frame of mind, it is possible to avoid the demoralisation of such a miserable war and focus on the new beginnings which were born of the struggle. Thus, this research work encourages the reader to view the Great War from a 'progressive' perspective, and replace the expected depression with consideration that this four year period of violence was an integral part of mankind's progression.School of Humanitie