Between the two world wars, the United States contributed significantly
to the evolution of the tank, a weapon invented by the British and the
French seeking to break through the lines of German trenches. From the
employment of the French Renault FT and British Mark V during their
involvement in World War I, the United States branched out with its own
indigenous designs, including the M1 Cavalry Car and the M2 Light and
Medium tanks, the precursors to the Stuart and Grant tanks of World War
II. Tank designers in this period faced unique challenges, and the story
of early American armor is littered with failures among the successes.
Featuring previously unpublished photos and fully illustrated
throughout, Early American Armor (1): Tanks 1916-40 is essential
reading for anyone interested in American armor, or in the development
of tank design.