Were slinky toys used in World War 2?

Yes, slinky toys were used during World War II, primarily as a tool for military purposes. The U.S. Navy reportedly utilized slinkies to help stabilize equipment on ships, as the toy's unique coil design could absorb shock and vibrations. Additionally, slinkies were used to demonstrate principles of physics and mechanics to soldiers during training. However, their popularity as children's toys emerged more prominently in the post-war era.