What was DDT developed for during WWII?

DDT, or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, was developed during WWII primarily to combat typhus outbreaks. The high incidence of typhus, which is spread by lice, posed a significant health threat to troops and civilians alike during the war. DDT proved to be an effective insecticide that could quickly kill lice and help control the spread of this disease, significantly reducing the incidence of typhus in war-torn regions.

The development of DDT was a pivotal moment in public health, especially in wartime scenarios where sanitary conditions were often disrupted. Its usage extended beyond the war, leading to increased interest in its application for agricultural pests and other public health concerns. However, the focus during WWII was specifically on addressing immediate health threats rather than agricultural improvement or enhancing soil and plant growth.