Monday, April 25, 2011

Incorporating Tanks Into Warfare

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/tank-history1.htm

“History of the Tank” is an article that portrays the development and methods of use associated with tanks of World War I. As the development of the armored vehicle of war is described, the author reveals an argument in which he implies that “[c]ompared to other weaponry, the tank was the most rapidly developed weapon system in the history of warfare” (History of the Tank 1). In fact, the model of a tank that was influenced by an English officer, Ernest D. Swinton, as he proposed its creation to the British Committee of Imperial Defense after considering incorporating armor to a simple caterpillar tractor. Although the committee was skeptical of the benefits that such a vehicle could provide in warfare, Winston S. Churchill took great interest in its development. With Churchill’s involvement, the tank prospered from being a simple idea to becoming a beneficial weapon incorporated in military operations executed commonly by the Allies forces in as little as three years. The idea that motivated such quick results involved the desire to overcome the obstacles of trench warfare. The intentional use of the tank was to transport artillery and other supplies to troops across No Man’s Land with greater ease and efficiency. This particular information supports the argument that the tank was the most quickly developed weapon of war throughout history by describing factors that encouraged such rapid development. As a result of such development, trenches no longer posed a threat in the transport of essential needs to troops, which revolutionized warfare. Further support becomes evident as the author describes “[s]mall, local attacks, beginning at Flers on the Somme on 15 September 1916, dissipated the initial surprise of the tank” by British forces (History of the Tank 1). This event occurred approximately a year after Churchill began experimentation on the vehicle. Therefore, the extent of the accelerated pace that the tank was developed is portrayed. Additionally, German forces became interested in tanks as they faced defeat in the Battle of Cambrai, “Black Day”, as a result of the benefits provided by tanks to their opposing force, Britain. The Germans strived to build highly advanced tank models. However, they had a drastic shortage on materials. All in all, the details provided with the text provide strong evidence pertaining to the fact that tanks were the most rapidly developed article of war. As a result, the argument is persuasive.
            The unidentified author of this article seems to strictly focus on the origin and purpose of tanks in World War I. There are no signs that would propose the idea that he of she favors either alliance that participated in the war. Therefore, a bias does not seem to be present in the text. The author seems to be interested in facts and evidence rather than formulating an opinion that supports either force. As the credibility of this source is analyzed, one may consider the fact that the identity of the author is not mentioned. However, the source appears to be quite credible due to the fact that it is part of GlobalSecurity.org, which is a public policy organization which covers subjects such as fields of defense, weapons of mass destruction, homeland security, and intelligence. Additionally, the website seeks information from experts on the subject matter. 

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