Armored tanks are probably the most famous of all military vehicles known by military members and civilians alike.
These powerhouses of weaponry have provided essential defensive services throughout many wars, protecting troops and battling through the most challenging of conditions.
The units now sitting in tank museums are used to share their individual histories and illustrate the importance of military tanks and other vehicles, and how they were developed.
World War I – The First Tanks
The first tanks entered the battlefield at the end of World War I in rudimentary models that were vastly different than their current modern offspring.
Borne from the designs of what were at the time armored cars to transport soldiers and supplies across battlefields, they were developed as machine gun destroying land cruisers that would have the capability to travel over difficult terrain.
During the planning for these vehicles which were being developed in secrecy, it was decided to call them “water carriers” to keep things inconspicuous.
The code name of “tank” which came about shortly afterward, remained.
Why Were Tanks Needed?
From the first days of these military vehicles, the challenge was always to build a tank that had thick enough armor to withstand various forms of firepower, capable tracks to maneuver it across difficult terrains and traverse trenches, powerful guns to defend the troops, and enough room inside for an entire crew.
The other challenge was finding efficient engines that were strong enough to drive these huge military tanks with the least amount of fuel and required maintenance.
Tanks From The Mark 1 to the M4 Sherman
The first tanks of WWI, beginning with the infamous Mark I, were generally a failure, with these military vehicles being too heavy and slow, and possessing too-weak weaponry.
Yet these first heavy tanks rolled out by the British marked the start of what has become a century of development of hundreds of tanks in countless sizes and types by tank builders all across the globe.
American, British, German, Russian, and Italian tanks had the most success in the years to follow, with many new and improved tanks showing up to the battle during World War II.
Of them all, the M4 Sherman, the Mark IV, and the Tiger were among the most famous and revered tanks on the battlefield.
Modern Tank Technology
Today, the technology used in military tanks and vehicles is far more advanced than it was during WWI and WWII as well as other past wars; however, they are all derived from those humble beginnings.
Among the many differences, the similarities can easily be seen at tank museums across the country where restored original WW1 and WW2 tanks sit on display for all to see!