The development of the proximity fuze for artillery shells during World War II marked a significant technological advancement in military weaponry. Introduced in 1944, this radar-triggered detonation mechanism allowed shells to explode at a predetermined distance from their target, greatly improving airburst effectiveness. This innovation enhanced the lethality of artillery and changed the dynamics of battlefield engagements, contributing to the Allied forces' successes.

The proximity fuze for artillery shells, developed in 1944, underscored the invisible lethality of modern warfare, influencing mid-20th century poetry. Poets like W. H. Auden and Randall Jarrell reflected on the moral implications of such technology, exploring themes of death and destruction in their works.