Question

Which of the following had the most profound effect on the world?

a) Invention of the internet
b) Discovery of electricity
c) Printing press
d) Atomic bomb

Answer 1

Evaluating the most profound effect on the world from the given options is subjective and each has had a significant impact. Information is deemed the most important commodity in a postindustrial society, with the Industrial Revolution creating a significant technological divide.

Step-by-step explanation:

Deciding which event or invention had the most profound effect on the world can be subjective and depends on various factors. However, when we evaluate the long-term impact on society, culture, technology, and global dynamics, we could argue for each mentioned item. Let's briefly explore them:

• The invention of the internet revolutionized information accessibility and communication, shaping the modern era of connectivity, collaboration, and globalisation.
• The discovery of electricity facilitated the advancement of countless technologies, leading to an exponential growth in productivity and comfort in daily life.
• The printing press democratized information, profoundly influencing education, science, and religion, and led to the spread of literacy and new ideas at an unprecedented rate.
• The atomic bomb not only had immediate and devastating effects during World War II but also initiated a nuclear arms race with significant geopolitical consequences.

As for the importance of commodities in a postindustrial society, information is the most valuable, according to the question's context, leading to the rise of data-driven economies. The Industrial Revolution was indeed an event that created a significant divide between Western Europe/America and the rest of the world, as it propelled these regions into a period of rapid technological and industrial growth, leaving others behind.

In WWII, the most important invention of the time was arguably the atomic bomb, which was deemed necessary by President Truman in order to bring a swift end to the war. Communication technologies, like the invention of the telegraph and the evolution of print media, also had a substantial impact on the spread of information and societal change.