
The tank was invented by the British in 1916 and first used during World War I, with nearly simultaneous development in France. By war's end, a consensus was emerging regarding tank doctrine and design.īackground Christie suspension schematic T3E2 tank with Christie suspension crossing an obstacle during tests in 1936

Tank usage, doctrine and production varied widely among the combatant nations. However, during World War II, most armies employed tanks, and production levels reached thousands each month. Even though tanks in the inter-war years were the subject of widespread research, production was limited to relatively small numbers in a few countries. Tanks were an important weapons system in World War II.

The Tiger I heavy tank could use its long ranged powerful gun to advantage in the open landscapes of the Battle of Kursk, 1943
