I am not sure everyone knows this.
What i do know, is that financial budgets are very large when at (cold) war.
Thus developments and research previously thought to be too expensive could then be realized. With that in mind, it is easy to explain where the innovations of war come from. The only other way is when an investor sees an opportunity to make money in the long run and thus invests in scientific research and development.
When humans have a common goal like for example an mutual enemy it is easy to get things done. When there is no mutual enemy, A distinctive large part of humans get lazy(
EDIT :
Forgot to mention that is where the social structure becomes important, that is to drive out the laziness .Humans are lazy by nature(evolutionary advantage, a lazy human consumes less energy)). Only a small group is driven by idea's and curiosity (NOT ideals, those are for the religious part of humanity) so strong that it overrules the standard human behaviour. Humans are lazy by nature. Will not do anything if there is no return of investment. If that investment may be money or labour. Afcourse there are always exceptions. These (lucky) ones are the ones that change history.
When talking about advancements of war, this is a very good documentary :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFSPHfZQpIQ
It is about the advancements of war. And why silicon valley really exists.
The smart thinkers with an idea : Frederick Terman and William_Shockley.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Terman
Without this man, humanity would not have the electronic advancements today. It would come, nevertheless though.
From a certain perspective, you are right. When looking at the bigger picture you are wrong.
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