In September of 1916, the British launched a suprise attack on Germany using the newly invented tank. The first tank was invented by General Swinton of the Royal Engeners, his idea was based on American farm tractors, the tank he invented was very heavy, could travel only 25 miles, and was plauged by frequent breakdowns. A year later in 1917 the British got their act together and developed a better tank but at this time the germans had all ready developed counter measures against tanks. After this the tank played a crutial part of the war and is still being developed in the present day.
