Anglo-American Responses to German War Technology in World War II

Abstract

Technology was a driving factor in World War II. The importance of technology to both the course and the outcome of the war cannot be overstated. Yet the historiography of military technology tends to focus rather narrowly on technical details pertaining to the development and capabilities of specific pieces of equipment. This thesis, by contrast, attempts to explore military technology in a manner that incorporates the military, social, political, economic, and administrative context in which technology evolves. To this end, the thesis explores a specific case study, namely, Anglo-American responses to the German Tiger tank. The Tiger was superior to any British or American tank in the second half of World War II. The thesis identifies the underlying reasons why Anglo-American tank technology fell behind that of the Germans. It also explores the varied responses to the Tiger on the part of Allied commanders, troops, weapon designers, politicians, and journalists. The overall goal of the thesis is to contribute to the development of a more holistic approach to the history of military technology.