The Tank
General Info About The Tank
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Tanks usually moved using caterpillar threads, and had a box shaped hull that was heavily armored. Early tanks used internal combustion engines and had machine guns instead of turrets.
The first prototype tank called Little Willie was invented during 1915 in England.
Although no one person fully invented the tank the first official memo was made by Hankey and Frederick Simms made what is considered an invention that lead up to the tank called a motor-war car.
The invention of the tank was mainly a response to trench warfare, it was used in an attempt to break fortifications and force enemy soldiers out of the trenches. It also allowed people to cross no man’s land protected by the tanks armor. After many soldiers died from machine guns many nations sought to invent something that would withstand the rapid fire of machine guns.
The first prototype tank called Little Willie was invented during 1915 in England.
Although no one person fully invented the tank the first official memo was made by Hankey and Frederick Simms made what is considered an invention that lead up to the tank called a motor-war car.
The invention of the tank was mainly a response to trench warfare, it was used in an attempt to break fortifications and force enemy soldiers out of the trenches. It also allowed people to cross no man’s land protected by the tanks armor. After many soldiers died from machine guns many nations sought to invent something that would withstand the rapid fire of machine guns.
The Battle of CambraiA major battle where tanks were used was The Battle of Cambrai. This battle is regarded as one of the greatest demonstrations of tank potential. 474 British tanks were deployed and quickly broke the enemies defenses. Although later the British lost the advantage later because they didn't have the troops to exploit the Germans weakness. Because of this battle many countries began to see the potential of tanks even Germany who was at first skeptical about the usefulness of tanks began to invest more in tank research.
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The First Battle With The Use Of The Tank
Although the tank had major flaws, such as not being able to cross rough terrain the tank struck fear into the enemy during its first appearance in the Battle of the Somme. Later though Germans came up with ways to counter the tank. Digging holes beneath the tank's made it nearly impossible for the bulky tanks to hit enemy soldiers; the bullets would fly above the soldiers.
Impacts And Consequences Of The Tank
The impact of tanks was that it put an end to the trench warfare of World War I, and the mass deaths along with it. Furthermore the tanks massive and terrifying appearance frightened many German troops. The stalemate of Word War I, soon began to turn into a war of mobilization.
Soldiers near the front lines in Europe were now supported by tanks and could advance quicker are more safely. Soldiers no longer had to charge unprotected into enemy machine gun fire. But German troops became terrified by the tanks and were no longer able to be protected by trenches. |
Leaders of warring nations could now order more mobilization of troops because with the protection of the tanks soldiers could advance safely. And many leaders invested a lot of resources in making tanks in hope of ending the war quicker.
Civilians near the front lines were also affected by the tank, houses and other buildings of civilians were destroyed. The tanks devastated the lives of many including those not actively participating as a result of total war. |
Connections To Today
A modern day tank is the M1A2 Abrams, unlike its predecessor it moves 42 mph while the early tanks could only go 2 mph. The M1A2 also has a better range and can transverse rough terrain easier. The tanks of World War I did not have actual turrets, now the M1A2 Abrams has turrets so it can aim better. The munitions of the M1A2 in general far surpass those of World War I. |
The M1A2 Abrams was deployed during the Iraq war. One case is in Fallujah when the United States sent the tanks around November 2004. They were used against insurgents in Iraq during a counter attack.
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Penny Lee