7. The Introduction of Tanks at the Battle of the Somme
In September 1916, Britain introduced tanks at the Battle of the Somme, aiming to break the deadlock of trench warfare. The first deployment occurred on September 15 during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, where 15 tanks advanced approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) but failed to achieve a breakthrough. Despite mechanical issues and limited numbers, this marked a significant shift in military tactics, signaling the future role of armored vehicles in warfare. (National Army Museum)
