The earliest advancements in modern computing began during World War II. The United States believed that faster and more precise calculations made by computers could help America win the war. Mathematicians like Herman H. Goldstine (APS 1979), John von Neumann (APS 1938), and John Tukey (APS 1962) played important roles in creating the world’s first electronic digital computer.

Through these mathematicians’ continued efforts, computers became smaller, faster, and more useful during the second half of the 20th century. As APS Members and officers, they brought their expertise and creativity to the APS.