What Were Some of the Tanks Used in World War I?

World War I was the first war in which tanks were used and those vehicles quickly became the weaponry that turned the tide in what then became modern warfare.

Though it was the UK that actually brought the first tanks into the war after developing its infamous Little Willie prototype, many countries were developing their own tanks for WW1 at the same time.

These are just a few of the hundred or more World War I light tanks that were used during that period and that went on to be even further developed into bigger, stronger tanks by the time the second World War started.

  • The British Tanks - With Little Willie starting it all off, the British brought the first World War I tanks to the battlefield as the Mark 1. This tank became one of the most influential war vehicles of the time, as it opened the door for tank warfare and all the new tanks that would follow. The British later brought the Medium Mark A “Whippet” into production, a World War I light tank tasked with supporting the heavier Mark I’s and its successors. The Mark IV, a heavy WWI tank designed to be more powerful and durable than all its predecessors, was possibly the best tank that made it to the battle and the one most feared by other armies.
  • The French Tanks - The French were next in line as the developers of some of the most influential World War I tanks. The Schneider CA1 was their first tank, a heavy tank designed for trench warfare that was cumbersome but powerful. It was followed by the Saint-Chamond, which was even bigger and one of the heaviest tanks used during WWI. But it was the Renault FT that was so important. Considered the world’s first modern tank, it was the first World War I light tank with a rotating turret, another design feature that would be adopted by many tank designers in the future.
  • The German Tanks - Despite it being a source of some of the best cars and other vehicles today, Germany only produced one World War I tank, and only 23 of those. The A7V Sturmpanzerwagen was a heavy tank with a unique idea, as it contained a crew of up to 25, six machine guns, and a forward-facing gun. Shaped like a box, it was like an armored infantry. The idea was not continued and Germany used mostly Allied tanks that had been captured and repurposed for their own needs.

Though today many countries throughout the world have developed bigger, better, and more powerful tanks, these few models were the only WWI tanks that made it to the battlefield in any capacity.

By WWII, that changed entirely as hundreds of more advanced tanks were designed and built all over the world.

Why Is Visiting History Museums So Important?

An enjoyable pastime that can be experienced by people of all ages, from all walks of life, and with any type of interest, is visiting a museum.

Inside the walls and grounds of these public and private collections, people can see evidence of the past and thoughts of the future.

Some museums offer more than just enjoyment, but rather some important learning experiences.

Among them, history museums are at the top of the list. 

What Is The General Appeal of History Museums?

History museums offer a link to all other topics, as they focus on the way things were ‘back when.’

From the technology of the time period to the family and community customs practiced, everything there is to know about the past can be learned, at least to some degree, in a history museum.

There is even more to learn in the museums that focus on topics such as military history, the histories of certain wars, or living history museums that present historical and military topics in interesting and creative ways.

With so many options in the different ways that history can be presented to be more educational and interesting, the ability to learn from these places is endless.

There is a history museum in topic or format for everyone. 

What Impactful Lessons Can Be Learned at History Museums?

But within them all, what are some of the most impactful lessons that can be learned at history museums?

History museums offer inspiration and evidence of progression through the ages with the development of new technology.

They immortalize critical moments in time that changed the world and what led up to them. 

And most importantly, history museums provide the ability to remember and analyze mistakes that have been made in the past so that even today, people can continue learning from them.

Without history museums, including military history museums and living history museums, the great wars of the past would be forgotten as mere tales handed down over time instead of being immortalized as the influential events that they were. 

In Summary

From the earliest days of its founding to the latest military efforts across the world, America has a rich and eventful history.

Knowing this and as another new year begins, it is a great time to make a New Year’s resolution to visit a history museum to grow more appreciation for this country’s past.

Visiting American history and U.S. military history museums is a wonderful way to become more educated about the forces that protect this great land and how America came to be the free and powerful nation that it is!