How war changed the world: 10 military inventions now used by civilians

The article highlights how military innovations originally designed for warfare have significantly influenced civilian life through various technological advancements. It details ten key inventions that transitioned from military use to everyday applications, illustrating how necessity during war spurred groundbreaking developments. Among these, the microwave oven emerged from radar technology research during World War II, revolutionizing food preparation. The internet, initially developed as ARPANET by DARPA to maintain military communications during nuclear threats, evolved into a global network connecting billions and enabling social media, e-commerce, and online education. Additionally, the Global Positioning System (GPS) was created during the Cold War for defense purposes but was later opened to the public, transforming navigation, gaming, and fitness industries worldwide. Drones, conceptualized as remote-controlled weapons in World War I, have found diverse civilian uses including law enforcement, surveying, and package delivery, with companies like Amazon pioneering rapid drone delivery systems. The article underscores that many technologies we rely on daily—originally intended for military dominance—have become