Technological Developments & War



Wire-laying on the Western Front, World War One

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/war_tech_gallery_09.shtml

In revision booklet Essay #14

What is the impact of technology on war? This is one of those broad, open-ended questions which need you to think clearly, and to have a prepared standpoint ready (remember you only have 45 minutes to answer this question).


Which war to consider?  Your options seem to be:

WW1:

• The first "modern war".
• The introduction of new technologies (air, sea, land)
• The clash between technology and tactics- were the commanders ready to use modern weapons at their disposal?
• What were the "limitations" of the new technologies?
• Was the war won because of tanks, artillery, aircraft or was it won because of attrition (as wars have tended to be won)?

WW2:

• How did the technology of war impact? Think about land, sea and air
• Developments from WWI
• Links to the question "Why did the allies win?"  Was it because of technology or was it because of other factors (ie western economic developments and the inability of Japan and Germany to keep pace with USA/GB/Russia?

Vietnam (Afghanistan would be much the same as would any guerilla war):

• Interesting war to pick because it is it is arguable that technology played little part in the ultimate victory
• How did the US try to use technology to their advantage?
• What was the technological capability of the NVA/VC?
• What was the impact of Soviet/Chinese aid to the NVA/VC struggle?
• Were the Viet Cong really as technologically deficient as they have been presented as?

I'm particularly interested in seeing what you would say in your introduction and your  conclusion.

The Effect of War on Women



Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post

 Essay #17: the role and status of women...

The image to the right appeared on the cover of a major US publication in 1943 commenting upon the contribution of women to the US war effort.  So powerful is this image that it has even been recreated by Pink in her 2010 'Raise Your Glass' video.

What lies behind this image though is the need to look objectively at the gains/loses experienced by women in relation to 20th century conflict.

Consider how war has changed the status of Women- in selecting two regions remember that WWII (Europe) and WWII (Americas/Pacific) can legitimately be counted as two separate regions.

I look forward to your comments...

Limited Warfare

 Second post, first piece of work for you..!

Revision Booklet Warfare Essay #8: By the end of the weekend I would like you to produce your outline essay plan for an answer to this questions. 
Make sure that you:

• Include two relevant case studies (ideally not the Falklands War which we have already used)
• Back up assertions with solid facts (dates, names, figures etc.)
• Provide a clear introduction and a conclusion to your answer which focuses explicitly on the question set.

Hopefully these snapshots of the board will prove helpful in the construction of your plans but please go beyond what we covered this morning.

Put your essay plan into the comments box at the foot of the page, and make sure that you put your name on the post!


RTM

Welcome!

Welcome to the all new RTM History iBlog!
The purpose of this Blog is to provide you with the opportunity to engage in discussion about topics related to your IB History courses and to comment on the thoughts and suggestions of your peers.
It will also allow you to share information and to collaborate on essays and prep tasks