Ww2 Technological Advancements

Technological Advances in World War II. The technological advances made during WW2 have left a mark on modern warfare, with innovations that are still prominently shaping today’s battlefields. These advancements were able to revolutionize military strategies and capabilities, changing mechanized warfare, air power, and nuclear energy. The technological advances made in WW2 are still prominent on the battlefields today. One of the most significant changes in World War II was the use of mechanized warfare. Before the war began, battles often relied on infantry and cavalry. However, WW2 saw the use of armored vehicles. This introduction of tanks, armored cars, and trucks changed combat methods. The German Blitzkrieg, or “lightning war”, culminated

An example of this is the Battle of Kursk. The battle of Kursk, fought between Germany and the Soviet Union, is the final blitzkrieg offensive played by Germany. According to Britannica, “The Battle of Kursk was the largest tank battle in history, involving some 6,000 tanks, 2,000,000 troops, and 4,000 aircraft. It marked the decisive end of the German offensive capability on the Eastern Front and cleared the way for the great Soviet offensives of 1944-45.” This large tank battle further exemplifies the strategic shift from trench warfare to mechanized warfare. Further, the battle of Prokhorovka also fights for the claim of the largest tank battle in history. Laying around 50 miles southeast of Kursk, the tanks and self-propelled guns of Russia’s tank army clashed with Germany. According to History.com, “The Battle of Prokhorovka is often referred to as the largest tank battle in history.” Even though the two citations may contradict one another, it still doesn’t take away from the fact that World War II had a shift towards mechanized warfare that we still use today. Before the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, the US still used tanks and armored vehicles, showing the long-lasting impacts of

The United States and other countries then went on a “race”, of sorts, to develop Atomic bombs first. This technology is still used today - these technological advances ignited the fire for nuclear energy. In WW2, the US dropped two atomic bombs, one on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These two bombs were the only bombs used in an offensive ever since an atomic bomb is infinitesimally powerful. The usage of nuclear energy was still being researched even after the two atomic bombs were dropped. During 1947 - 1991, the Cold War kickstarted the production of atomic bombs. As summarized by the Cold War Nuclear Museum, “In August 1949, the Soviet Union had tested its first nuclear weapon and was suspected of developing a hydrogen bomb. The Soviets’ detonation of “Little Joe” sparked a renewed sense of national urgency that was reinforced in 1950 by the outbreak of the Korean War. In January 1950, President Truman made the controversial decision to continue and intensify research and production of thermonuclear weapons.” This then led to the development of nuclear energy and atomic