Tech & Science · 1945
Dawn of the Atomic and Digital Ages
In 1945, world-altering scientific breakthroughs emerged from the crucible of World War II. From the unleashing of atomic energy to foundational concepts in computing and space communication, the technological landscape transformed forever.
- July 16, 1945 | USA | Physics
The Trinity Test
The United States detonates the world's first nuclear weapon in New Mexico, unleashing atomic energy and permanently reshaping global physics and politics.
- July 1945 | USA | Information Theory
Vannevar Bush’s 'As We May Think'
Vannevar Bush publishes a visionary essay describing the 'Memex,' conceptualizing modern hypertext, the World Wide Web, and personal computing.
- June 30, 1945 | USA | Computing
Von Neumann Architecture (EDVAC Report)
John von Neumann circulates the First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC, defining the stored-program computer architecture still used today.
- October 1945 | UK | Telecommunications
Geostationary Satellite Concept
Science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke proposes using geostationary orbit satellites for global communications in the journal Wireless World.
- 1945 | USA | Chemistry
Discovery of Promethium
Chemists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory synthesize and isolate element 61, named promethium, filling one of the last remaining gaps in the periodic table.
- October 8, 1945 | USA | Invention
Invention of the Microwave Oven
Percy Spencer files a patent for cooking food using micro-waves after noticing a radar magnetron melted a peanut butter candy bar in his pocket.
- November 1945 | USA | Computing
Completion of ENIAC
Engineers J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly finish constructing ENIAC, the world's first operational, general-purpose electronic digital computer.
- May 1945 | USA/Germany | Rocketry
Launch of Operation Paperclip
The United States secret military program begins recruiting German rocket scientists, importing key technologies that lay the groundwork for the Space Age.
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