4Learning - Secondary - Resources - History - History in Action: Weapons of War

Second World War

Aims

To chart the development of weapons technology during the 1939-45 war

To examine the relative importance of different types of weapons technology and of innovations in that technology

To examine the ways in which political, military and technological developments in World War Two were connected

This programme may be used on its own or in partnership with Programme 1 in the series (on World War One). When used in tandem with Programme 1, it is particularly effective in showing the progression of weapons development over the two world wars. However, it is entirely possible to use the programme on its own as well.

Learning outcomes

These notes should help students to improve and develop their knowledge and understanding of such issues as:

The main types of weapons used in the 1939-45 war and how they were used
The reasons for, and the effectiveness of, innovations in weapons technology
The relative importance of the contribution of particular weapons to the war efforts
The political impact of particular developments in weapons technology