Question 1

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. Computers, ENIAC

Accepted Answer

ENIAC stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. It was the first electronic general-purpose computer, and it was designed to calculate artillery firing tables for the United States Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory. ENIAC was a monumental step forward in computing technology, representing a significant transition from mechanical computing to electronic computing.

The ENIAC was developed by a team of engineers and scientists led by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering of the University of Pennsylvania. The construction of the ENIAC began in 1943, and it was not completed until 1945. The computer was officially dedicated on February 15, 1946, and it was in operation until 1955.

ENIAC was a massive machine, weighing more than 30 tons, and it occupied about 1,800 square feet of floor space. It contained approximately 18,000 vacuum tubes, 6,000 switches, and could perform 5,000 additions per second, which was a remarkable speed at the time. Unlike modern computers, ENIAC was programmed by manually setting switches and plugging and unplugging cables in a patch panel.

The significance of ENIAC lies in its pioneering role in the field of computing. It demonstrated that high-speed digital computing was possible and practical, and it paved the way for the development of more advanced computers. ENIAC's success led to further government funding for computer research and kickstarted the computer industry. It also set the stage for the development of the stored-program concept, which would be implemented in subsequent computers like the EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) and the UNIVAC I (UNIVersal Automatic Computer I), the latter also designed by Mauchly and Eckert and becoming the first commercially available computer.

ENIAC's legacy is that of a foundational machine in the history of computing, and it is often celebrated as one of the great engineering achievements of the 20th century.

Question 2

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. Dwight Eisenhower

Accepted Answer

Dwight D. Eisenhower, full name Dwight David Eisenhower (October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969), was the 34th President of the United States, serving two terms from January 20, 1953, to January 20, 1961. Before his presidency, Eisenhower was a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe. He was responsible for planning and supervising the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch in 1942–43 and the successful invasion of France and Germany in 1944–45 from the Western Front.

Eisenhower's presidency was marked by several significant events and policies. Domestically, he oversaw a period of considerable economic prosperity, and his administration was responsible for the creation of the Interstate Highway System, which revolutionized American transportation and commerce. He also signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which was the first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction and laid the groundwork for further civil rights advancements.

In terms of foreign policy, Eisenhower's doctrine, known as the Eisenhower Doctrine, pledged U.S. support to Middle Eastern countries resisting communism, reflecting the Cold War dynamics of the time. He also initiated the "Atoms for Peace" program, which aimed to spread the peaceful use of nuclear energy and reduce the threat of nuclear war.

Eisenhower's leadership style was characterized by his "hidden-hand" approach, where he often worked behind the scenes to manage affairs, allowing his subordinates to take the public spotlight. This approach helped him maintain a broad base of support and avoid the brunt of political controversy.

Eisenhower's legacy is one of strong and steady leadership during a period of both international tension due to the Cold War and domestic change. He is often ranked highly among U.S. presidents for his ability to manage the nation's complex domestic and international issues effectively.

Question 3

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. Bretton Woods Agreement, International Monetary Fund, World Bank

Accepted Answer

The Bretton Woods Agreement was a landmark international monetary agreement signed in July 1944 by 44 Allied nations at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The agreement established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, now part of the World Bank Group.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization that aims to promote global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. It was established as part of the Bretton Woods Agreement and officially began operations in 1945. The IMF provides financial assistance to member countries facing balance of payments problems, offers policy advice and technical assistance, and conducts research on international monetary and financial issues.

The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. It was also established as part of the Bretton Woods Agreement and officially began operations in 1946. The World Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credits, and grants to developing countries for a wide array of purposes, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

The significance of the Bretton Woods Agreement, IMF, and World Bank lies in their roles in shaping the post-World War II international monetary system and in promoting global economic stability and development. These institutions have played a crucial role in providing financial assistance and technical expertise to countries in need, and in promoting economic growth and poverty reduction worldwide.

Question 4

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. Earl Warren

Accepted Answer