This class is an "Interactive Documentary" style - meaning that it is very important that students contribute to discussion and ask questions to help create a dynamic atmosphere for everyone. 

Week of 7 October - Background to the idea of and development of the armored fighting vehicle
Week of 15 October - Debut of the tank on the battlefield during the Great War. 
Week of 22 October - The Battle of the Somme an analysis of the impact of the tank
Week of 29 October - The Battle of Cambrai - Preparation
Week of 4 November - The Battle of Cambrai - Execution & Assessment
Week of 11 November - Armored vehicles in WW1 East and Western Fronts
Week of 18 November - Armored vehicles in other theaters of operations
Week of 25 November - Summary of Armored vehicles in the Great War
Week of 3 December - Immediate post-war developments

Other lessons will follow the chronological development of the tank up to the early 21st century. 

Scope of the Class: 

The evolution of tank strategies between World War I and World War II marked a profound shift in military doctrine and warfare tactics. In World War I, tanks were a novel technology used primarily as shock weapons to overcome trench fortifications and provide mobile support for infantry. Their initial role was more about brute force and breakthrough rather than tactical finesse.

However, the interwar period saw significant advancements in tank design and strategy, leading to a complete transformation in how tanks were used on the battlefield. This evolution can be divided into several key developments:

1. Development of Tank Doctrine
Blitzkrieg Tactics: The most notable advancement was the German concept of Blitzkrieg (lightning war), which emphasized rapid, coordinated attacks combining tanks, infantry, and air support. This approach aimed to quickly overwhelm and encircle enemy forces, minimizing prolonged engagements and leveraging the speed and mobility of tanks.
Armored Warfare Theories: During this period, military theorists like J.F.C. Fuller and Basil Liddell Hart advocated for the role of tanks as the spearhead of mechanized warfare. They proposed that tanks should be used to penetrate enemy lines and disrupt command and supply lines, rather than merely supporting infantry.
2. Technological Advancements
Improved Armor and Firepower: Tanks became more robust, with thicker armor and more powerful guns, making them effective against other armored vehicles and fortifications. The development of better engines also enhanced their mobility.
Specialized Variants: The interwar years saw the creation of different types of tanks, including light, medium, and heavy tanks, each designed for specific roles on the battlefield. This specialization allowed for more flexible and effective deployment of armored forces.
3. Integration into Combined Arms Operations
Coordination with Infantry and Artillery: Tank strategies began to emphasize the importance of coordinating with infantry and artillery to maximize effectiveness. This integration allowed for combined arms operations, where tanks supported infantry advances and provided firepower while infantry protected tanks from anti-tank weapons.
Air Support: The role of aircraft in supporting tank operations also became evident. Tactical air support could disrupt enemy formations and provide reconnaissance, further enhancing the effectiveness of tank-led offensives.
4. Training and Doctrine Development
Military Exercises: Nations began to conduct large-scale military exercises to refine tank tactics and strategies. These exercises helped in understanding the practical applications of armored warfare and in developing effective command and control procedures.
Tank Corps and Armored Divisions: The organization of tank units evolved, with the establishment of dedicated tank corps and armored divisions. These units were trained specifically for armored warfare and were equipped with the latest technology and tactics.
Impact on World War II
When World War II erupted, the advancements in tank strategies and technology had a profound impact. The German Blitzkrieg tactics demonstrated the effectiveness of modern armored warfare, leading to rapid victories in the early years of the war. Other nations quickly adapted, incorporating tanks into their own strategies and doctrines, leading to a highly dynamic and mechanized form of warfare.

The revolution in tank warfare during this period not only changed the conduct of battles but also influenced post-war military thinking and the development of armored forces in subsequent conflicts.