Final answer:
Governments invested heavily in scientific and technological advancements to gain military superiority, leading to new weapons, including the atomic bomb, which played a decisive role in the war and the future global balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientific and technological advancements played a crucial role in the war effort, leading to innovations in missile technology, radar, computers, and ultimately, to the realization of the atomic bomb.
Radar techniques helped the Allies know what was coming at them. Bombsights employing complicated gyroscope technology allowed planes to pinpoint bomb attacks.
These developments were not only essential to the war effort but also significantly influenced the balance of power during the post-war period.
Governments placed a significant emphasis on the advancement of scientific and technological developments because the nature of total war demanded rapid progress in military technology to gain a tactical advantage.
In order to protect national security, avoid destruction, and ensure victory, governments and industries devoted considerable resources to the development of new weapons.