Spurred on largely by two world wars, the first half of the 20th century was a time of monumental technological advances all over the world. The most promising area of scientific exploration was the nature of atoms, the particles that made them up, and the power they contained. The world was introduced to many everyday items and processes that dominate our society today: the automobile, airplanes, television, and radar, to name just a few. Timelines guide the reading process, and primary sources and diagrams add another layer to this fascinating volume.