The initial effort for internet-based communication was for military purposes.

The internet, as we know it today, has its origins in the early 1960s when the United States Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) initiated a research program called the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET). The primary goal of ARPANET was to create a network that could withstand a nuclear attack and continue to function. This military-driven initiative laid the foundation for internet-based communication.

1. Military Purposes:
- The initial effort for internet-based communication was primarily driven by military purposes. The United States Department of Defense wanted to develop a robust and resilient communication system that could survive a nuclear attack.
- The military needed a decentralized and redundant network infrastructure to ensure that vital information could be transmitted even if individual nodes were destroyed. This led to the development of a packet-switching network, which later evolved into the TCP/IP protocol suite that forms the basis of the modern internet.
- The military's involvement in developing the internet was motivated by the need for reliable and secure communication among military installations and personnel. It allowed for the efficient exchange of information, coordination of military operations, and the ability to quickly respond to threats.
- The military also recognized the potential of networked computing for research and development purposes. The ability to share resources and collaborate across geographically dispersed locations was seen as a significant advantage.
- The military's investment in the development of the internet laid the groundwork for its subsequent expansion and adoption by other sectors, including academia, government, and ultimately the general public.

2. Commercial Communication:
While the initial effort for internet-based communication was driven by military purposes, it quickly expanded to include commercial communication. As the internet infrastructure became more widely available and accessible, businesses recognized its potential for conducting transactions, advertising products and services, and reaching a global audience.

3. Personal Interaction:
Internet-based communication also facilitated personal interaction. As more individuals gained access to the internet, it became a platform for connecting with friends, family, and strangers through email, instant messaging, chat rooms, and social networking sites. The internet revolutionized personal communication by enabling real-time and asynchronous interactions across vast distances.

4. Political Campaigns:
The internet has also become a crucial tool for political campaigns. Political candidates and parties can use various online platforms to reach a wider audience, share their messages, raise funds, and mobilize supporters. Social media platforms, in particular, have become instrumental in shaping political discourse and influencing public opinion.

In conclusion, while the initial effort for internet-based communication was primarily driven by military purposes, it quickly expanded to include commercial communication, personal interaction, and political campaigns. The military's investment in the development of the internet laid the foundation for its subsequent growth and adoption by various sectors.