Military Achievement Essay Example

War has been around since the start of human evolution. The inventions and advances which are made during the war have changed our history forever and impacted technology, human rights, employment, strategies, and the global population. It is because of war and the advances created during these times that society is where it is today. In the book, MacMillan quotes: “So many of our advances in science and technology came about because they were needed for wars.” If we look at war from a different perspective, we can see how society, strategies, technology, and equality have been shaped and changed forever because of it.

Due to society's technological advances and inventions in warfare, war is more destructive in the modern world as compared to the war’s fought during ancient times. Society’s advances have originated from a bow and arrow to hand rifles such as guns. As society moves forward, stronger killing machines are invented. Technology like tanks, submarines, airplanes, and poison gas were all created during WWI for the purpose to fight and defeat the enemy and are still used today during warfare. These machines help weaker armies to sustain themselves. Machinery such as tanks or poison gas are extremely destructive and deadly; all easily usable for a weak army. These machines complete tasks quicker and more efficiently. Another example of this is airplanes, which were invented for the transportation of goods during wartime. Airplanes are still used today for the same purpose of transportation, creating an easier way for humans to fly long distances. 

Military strategies and tactics are essential to the conduct of warfare and are the basis of planning and coordination. Being strategic also helps countries to train their army and navy to be as strong as possible. From each war, countries learn new and improved tactical strategies which can be integrated into today’s world. An example of this is the trench warfare during WWI. These trenches were designed to protect troops fighting from firing rifles and machines, the soldiers would occupy these trenches for weeks on end. During WWII, Camp X, located in Oshawa, Ontario was created by the government of Canada, along with the British government, and was a training school for agents and spies. It was also a radio communications centre. Camp X acted as a midpoint for communication between American and Canada with spies who were trained in Canada to help sabotage the enemy. Today, radio communication is still used, as well, trench warfare which is still used today (during the 2011 Syrian War).

Another argument that is presented throughout MacMillan’s book is on equality during wartime, especially women's rights. It was during the First World War were women's rights were no longer overlooked. Both WWI and WWII gave women opportunities that were not available to them before. During the war, the need for equality, especially towards women became a necessity. Women were finally acknowledged as worthy and valuable and were given the respect they deserved. Women had the opportunity to be a part of and support the war effort as the men were fighting overseas. They also had more job opportunities in factories and offices and were able to support their families while their husbands were fighting overseas. Women were keeping our country alive and running during the wars. A breakthrough event for Women which showed off their hard work and advocacy was receiving the right to vote. Women's suffrage groups existed before the war, but their arguments and views were finally heard. During the war, it became difficult for the government to ignore their arguments as there was no longer any excuse for them to not have equal rights. It was unfair to the women who were serving such a big role for our country to not have the ability to share their political opinion. Women needed to be able to have a say, vote, and advocate for themselves in the country in which they played a major role. During WWII, women were given opportunities to earn more money without their husbands having to pay higher income taxes. The government raised women's salaries so they could survive, being the only ones in their household earning money. 

War brings out the most dreadful and terrifying aspects of humanity. It has fundamentally shaped our past and will continue to shape our future. As wars become more deadly, there is the possibility for greater human suffering. As explained above, the deadly consequences of war far outway the positive aspects, even though there have been major advancements that have come about through times of conflict. These advancements could have happened during times of peace, without a battle being involved. I hope that in the future societies will try to find ways to avoid war and advancements and inventions in strategies, technology, and human rights continue to be made in a peaceful society instead of a wartime environment/