AdvertisementFrom Wristwatches To Radio, How World War I Ushered In The Modern WorldApril 02, 2017Greg MyrefacebookEmailU.S. soldiers operate a radio switchboard just behind the front line during World War I. The U.S. government banned private radio in America during the war. However, the government poured millions into research, which helped advance the industry and led to the rise of commercial radio stations after the war, when the ban was lifted. (AP)