Why was the Wright brothers' initial offer to sell their aviation technology to the US War Department rejected?
Answer
Persistent skepticism and disbelief regarding the reality of powered flight
The US War Department repeatedly ignored the brothers, sending boilerplate responses that essentially dismissed their claims. This reaction stemmed from a widespread public and official disbelief that powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flight was actually possible, especially given that many respected scientific figures had publicly claimed such flight was impossible. It took significant pressure and international interest, particularly from France, to force the government to reconsider its stance.
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