The History of the Combat Tank By spmason38 Period: Jun 14, 1914 to Jun 14, 2011 The History of Tanks Jul 28, 1914 World War I begins May 15, 1916 Production of the French FT-17 is started Aug 1, 1916 British Mark I tank enters service in WWI The first known combat tank to actively see military combat Aug 16, 1926 The first shells designed to fit tank turrets were designed Feb 28, 1933 The First German Panzer tank is built by Heinz Guderian Sep 1, 1939 Germany invades Poland using its Blitzkrieg strategy Jul 19, 1942 Edward Uhl invents the bazooka to allow infantry to destroy enemy tanks Jan 6, 1944 German King Tiger tanks are commisioned to fight against the allies. They prove to be devastating against allied armor Dec 16, 1944 Allied armor proved critical at the Battle of The Bulge Feb 19, 1945 Flamethrower tanks used at the battle of Iwo Jima to clear out Japanese bunkers Aug 17, 1945 The 105mm gun allowed tanks to pack an extra punch on the battlefield Sep 1, 1950 Tank Armements progressed during the cold war era Nov 15, 1950 M46 Patton tanks are deployed in the Korean War Nov 1, 1955 The Vietnam War Begins Aug 18, 1963 M46 Pattons are deployed in the Vietnam War. They prove to be ineffective however due to rough jungle terrain Apr 9, 1965 Kevlar is invented by the DuPont company. This new and strong material revolutionized tank armor Aug 18, 1971 Electronic interfaces progressed thus increasing tank precision and effectiveness Aug 2, 1990 American M1A1 Abrams tanks are sent to partake in the Gulf War. They do so with great success Oct 7, 2001 M1 Abrams Tanks are deployed in Afghanistan post 9/11 Mar 21, 2003 British Challenger 2 are deployed in operation Iraqi Freedom
