What role did IBM play during World War II?

During World War II, IBM played a significant role in the war effort through the provision of punch card tabulating machines and other computing technology. IBM was contracted by the United States government to provide tabulating machines, which were used for tasks such as census taking and calculating the amount of war material that was being produced. These machines were also used by the military for tasks such as logistics, tracking supplies, and calculating ballistic trajectories for artillery.

However, IBM's involvement with Nazi Germany has been a subject of controversy. IBM had a subsidiary in Germany called Dehomag, which provided punch card machines to the Nazis. These machines were used to track Jewish populations and other groups targeted by the Nazi regime for persecution and extermination. There has been debate over the extent to which IBM was aware of how their technology was being used by the Nazis, but it is clear that IBM played a role in the Holocaust.

In the years following the war, IBM faced criticism for their involvement with Nazi Germany. However, the company argued that they were simply providing technology that was being used for legitimate purposes, and that they were not complicit in the crimes committed by the Nazis.

Overall, IBM played a significant role in World War II through the provision of computing technology. However, the company's involvement with Nazi Germany and their role in the Holocaust has been a source of controversy and criticism.