Discuss the importance of technological developments to the outcome of two 20th century civil wars

Question 1

Naval Technology

Answer 1

Played a huge role in the outcome of both wars

• Richard Evans: notes importance of tech –> British response to Ger submaries helped was effort with Q-ship and depth charges allowing them to counter U-boats

–> Success was seen in the Battle of the Atlantic

• Historians: early advantage of Japan countered- Japanese subs sank 2 US carriers early on, although this never materialised
• Once the US replaced navy in ‘43 with better torpedoes and range of ships, Japan struggled
• In both wars, early advantage of Japan + Ger countered by effective deployment of tech by Allied powers

Question 2

Counter Argument to naval tech?

Answer 2

• It was not the naval tech but the strategy to counter it
• WW1, capacity of dreadnaughts between GB + Germany similar –> but it was effective blackoding of Germany by the British navy that was crucial
• Similarly in WWII, it was the US strategic shift to island hopping after Guadalcanal in Nov (‘42-‘49)
• US warships destroyed US 2 for Japan - that enabled them to overcome defensive positons and target supply ships from the air

Question 3

Tactics and strategy

Answer 3

Crucial in dictating outcomes of both wars, as effective deployment was more impactful than “better” tech

• Keegan - shift in tactics in (1918) –> was a “turning point” –> Allied deployment of stromtrooper tactics, borrowed from Spring offensive, were adapted in order to launch counter-attacks to Ger gains –> The 100 Days offensive chnged the outcome of the war, landed due to the second battle of Marne - new tech such as recon aircrafts deployed alongside creeping barrage
• Toll: “tactical shift made difference” - B29 bomber developed in 1944+ switch to night bombing –> Bombing of Tokyo (‘45) –> 60k - 100 k deaths

Question 4

Counter arguments to tactics and strategy?

Answer 4

• In both wars, outcome was highly dependent on development of tech
• WW1: Stormtrooper tactics would have been ineffective without development of creeping barrage
• WW2: Atomic Bomb was very necessary
• However, this is not a convincing perspective –> Industrial production of US made outcome inevtiable –> just merely a case of time frame

Question 5

Industrial Productions

Answer 5

Industrial production made a difference, although Ger + Jap had isolated victories, the level of industrial production could not be matched

• Richard Evans: 1917 “Us introduction was huge” - GB + France 66 k vs 17 k Germany (Aircrafts)
• Much the same in the pacific –> 300 k: 76 k aircrafts, 163: 16 Aircaft carriers
• Despite successes (Spring Offensive of 1918 and Battle of Guadalcanal 1942) level of industrial production could not be matched