British Technology and Innovation in the Battle of Britain: Blueprint for the Future?
Abstract
Following the horrors of trench warfare in World War I, military strategists proclaimed that the bomber was the weapon of the future. They wrote extensively that bombing would be far more effective than any other form of warfare. Some proposed that the only defense against attack by bombers was offensive bombers. Others thought that innovation and technology could develop a defense against this revolutionary new form of warfare. Perhaps there are parallels between the situation facing the British in the years leading up to the Battle of Britain and the situation facing the U.S. today. This paper reviews the Battle of Britain, describing the German plan of attack and the British plan of defense. The article analyzes some of the technology advances and innovations that enabled the British to defeat Germany in this revolutionary new form of warfare. It discusses some of the innovations and technological solutions being developed to transform the United States' Cold War military forces into a 21st Century force capable of defending against emerging threats. Finally, it proposes that Britain's keen analysis of the threat and their application of technology to defeat that threat could reveal a blueprint for the United States' preparation for future conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391202
Entities
People
- Thomas W. Young
Organizations
- United States Army War College