Tanks The German Tanks Known As Panzers example essay topic

The concept of Blitzkrieg or lightning war was developed because the Germans didn't want to face another trench war such as the one experienced in World War 1. Instead of facing years of slogging in trenches, Germany wanted Britain and France to be beaten back quickly and efficiently. In a Blitzkrieg speed was the most vital thing, as the idea of this attack was to create panic and confusion as fast as possible. It was important for Hitler that the war was to be both short and limited as Germany didn't have enough supplies or weapons to fight a long war on more that one front. Strategy and tactics Blitzkrieg also known as lightning war aimed to inflict a complete defeat on an enemy through one single, powerful offensive. To achieve this the German army needed firepower, mobility and most importantly speed.

The German army came up with this strategy so they were able to avoid the costly and indecisive trench warfare of 1914-1918. Blitzkrieg always avoided the enemy's strong points and targeted the weaker resistance in order to sustain the momentum of the assault. For example the French built a series of extensive underground forts (maginot line), which they believed would protect them. It might have done if Germany had decided to attack the line instead of attacking France at Sedan on Frances border with Belgium. The Maginot line only protected France along its border with Germany, not Belgium.

The assault concentrated on the enemies back line and rear areas to break the lines of supply and communication. Once achieved less mobile forces were able to destroy smaller isolated groups of resistance. Blitzkrieg also required new technology and commanders with tactical vision and flexibility to exploit opportunities and also over come obstacles so that they were able to sustain the momentum. Air force The most vital part of blitzkrieg was probably the air force. They were the first to attack the enemy, destroying strong resistance so tanks and ground troops could then enter. Dive-bombers shelled and attacked front line troops; towns to spread panic, and enemy airfields were destroyed so the Germans were sure they wouldn't have an air assault from the opposition.

A polish officer, now an old man recounted the events and told us that 'The Germans had total air superiority which allowed them to penetrate the country beyond the front lines'. A certain aircraft called the JU 87 Stupa dive-bomber was specially equipped with sirens to ensure its bombing attacks were even more terrifying by spreading panic amongst the refugees that were trying to escape the advancing tanks and troops. On the morning of the 1's of September 1939, blitzkrieg tactics worked with frightening efficiency, with Stupas screeching from above destroying the polish air force, bombing civilians and creating mayhem through out the streets. The Luftwaffe was superior in quality of aircraft, and in tactics of ground- air operations.

They were also considerably superior in numbers, and far better in fighting experience to the Armee de L'Air and the advanced air striking force of the RAF combined. The German army used different types of aircraft for different jobs. Firstly there was the JUNKERS 87, which was a formidable ground attack dive-bomber. This was effectively used especially when protected by the ME 109. There was also the HENKEL 111, which was an effective medium bomber at least for daylight operations. There was also The Messerschmitt 110 heavy fighter and the Messerschmitt 109 which was an excellent example of what today would be called an "air superiority fighter", fast, manoeuvrable heavily armed with a high rate of climb.

Tanks The German tanks known as Panzers were an essential part of blitzkrieg. The tanks were part of stage 2 of blitzkrieg. Firstly the German tanks would smash through the German front line and then head through to destroy other resistance and cause panic. In the invasion of Poland the panzer battalions destroyed the polish countryside at a tremendous speed. The Panzers had an easy job as the streets were so badly crowded with refugees the polish tanks could not get through so the poles had to send their cavalry against the panzers. The horses stood no chance!

The best tank at that stage of the war was not of the Germans but the French, and the best tank of the whole war was the Russian T 34, again not a German tank. The Germans certainly didn't have better equipment than, the allies and Germany's armed forces weren't bigger than that of Britain and France but they were put to better use. Both the British and the French used their tanks in small numbers, and they were spread thinly throughout their troops. The Germans had a different idea they decided to group their tanks together in highly effective armoured units. If they were grouped together the German tanks were able to outnumber their opposition as the Germans chose where they would fight their battles. The tanks focused on the key weak points of the enemy defences.

They used their directed firepower and great numbers to blast through the enemy's positions. Then they went round the better-defended positions cutting them off from their reinforcements. Paratroopers In stage one of Blitzkrieg, paratroopers would seize bridges that the Germans would most likely need use of later on. Paratroops would also seize enemy Head quarters, telephone exchanges. Once this was achieved they would then wait for their own fast moving armoured columns to catch up with them.

Technology People did believe that due to the Germans new, advanced technology and equipment, that this was the reason for the success of Blitzkrieg. Germany did have a lot of advanced technology and were now fighting a different war. When the Germans invaded Russia in 1941 they had 3600 tanks where as Russia had between 10,000 and 15,000 tanks, and the Germans also used 650,000 horses. The British and French also had more tanks than the Germans, but the Germans had a crucial advantage when it came to aircraft numbers. This was important in helping them achieve their stunning victory in 1940. The aircraft wasn't the most important reason though; it basically came down to good planning and strategy rather than having better weapons and equipment.

Conclusion I think blitzkrieg had a huge advantage. First of all they were fighting a different war to the rest of Europe. While Germany were fighting a war with tanks and aircraft, the rest of Europe believed it would be similar to that of word war 1. Trench warfare! Europe was expecting the wrong type of war at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Secondly due to good planning Germany wee very successful with their attacks and managed to win every time, up to the air assault between Britain and Germany. Germany exploited the developments in tanks mobile artillery and aircraft, where as France for example was still expecting a war fought with guns, in trenches. This gave Germany the upper hand as they had the element of surprise and also they were able to choose where they wanted to fight. They were in control! !