:In the 70s and 80s, there was a need for nuclear and rocket scientists to collaborate in order to advance nuclear missile research. All scientists needed a way see the "big picture" as opposed to only their own particular contribution. Since '''these scientists worked in research organizations (universities and colleges), these institutions allowed other participants, such as instructors and students, to also use many of these collaboration tools such as e-mail, and web-browsers to access the World Wide Web'''.

:That is what I would call an unexpected but highly pleasant side-effect! :)