Tanks: An Illustrated History of Their Impact

by Spencer C. Tucker

Overview

This expert study discusses the development and evolution of the tank and the tactics behind its employment, covering both its capabilities as a weapons system and its strategic use on the battlefield.

Tanks: An Illustrated History of the Their Impact follows the development of tracked-and-armored fighting vehicles across the 20th century, from the world wars to the Cold War battlefields of Korea and Vietnam; and from Arab–Israeli conflicts to the Persian Gulf. The book describes the distinctive characteristics and capabilities of each new generation of tank, as well as the formulation of armored doctrines and deployment strategies in France, Britain, Germany, the Soviet Union, the United States, Japan, Israel, and the Arab nations.

It is an expert introduction to how the role of the tank has changed over time, a story of technological innovation, strategic daring, desperate battles (Stalingrad, Kursk), and charismatic commanders like Erwin Rommel and George S. Patton (who defeated Rommel's division by following a plan from the Desert Fox's own book).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781576079959
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/25/2004
Series:	Weapons and Warfare
Pages:	396
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 10.25(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Spencer C. Tucker, PhD, is senior fellow in military history for ABC-CLIO and the author or editor of more than 40 books and encyclopedias, many of which have been recognized by awards.

Table of Contents

	Introduction to Weapons and Warfare Series	vii
	Preface	ix
Chapter 1	Introduction of the Tank, 1914-1918	1
Chapter 2	The Interwar Years, 1918-1939	41
Chapter 3	World War II, 1939-1945	87
Chapter 4	Tanks of the Cold War, 1945-1989	137
Chapter 5	Contemporary Tanks, 1989 to the Present	181
	Individual Tank Models	199
	Glossary of Terms for Tanks and Their Ordnance	347
	References	363
	Index	371

Editorial Reviews

'All military and most academic libraries will find this volume a worthwhile and satisfying addition.” —American Reference Books Annual

From the Publisher