What was the name of the government project that created the earliest version of the internet?

The correct answer is ARPANET. This project was initiated by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense in the late 1960s. ARPANET is considered the precursor to the modern internet because it was the first network to implement packet switching, a fundamental technology that allows data to be sent in small packets rather than in a single stream. This innovation paved the way for the networking protocols we use today.

ARPANET connected various universities and research institutions, allowing them to share resources and communicate more effectively. Its development helped establish the framework for the expansion of networks and ultimately led to the creation of the internet as we know it today. By understanding ARPANET's role, one can appreciate its significant contribution to the evolution of digital communication and network connectivity.