Age of Tanks

Age of Tanks is a brilliant 2017 documentary series, which provides a fascinating exploration of historical warfare, focusing primarily on the role of tanks. The series is a comprehensive presentation on the development, implementation, and significance of tanks in war and their drastic impact on global conflicts from the 20th century onward.

The series is broken down into four episodes that deeply delve into the history of tanks, from their initial beginnings during World War I to their continued use and evolution in the modern warfare of the 21st century. These hefty pieces of armor and machinery are shown to have played a critical role in shaping history, impacting warfare in profound ways that forever altered the course of global politics and human experience.

In the first episode, we dive into the inception of tanks during the industrial landscape of World War I. Tanks were a manifestation of industrial prowess and technological advancement, designed to break the deadlock of trench warfare during the 'Great War'. The documentary highlights how tanks emerged as a revolutionary machine that changed the dynamics of combat forever.

In the second episode, Age of Tanks delves into World War II. The viewer gets a comprehensive view of how tanks, now integral to the art of war, had an enormous role to play in the greatest event of the 20th century. Here we see tanks change from a support role to a central role, influencing strategy, tactics, and the course of the entire war.

In the third episode, the documentary steers us into the Cold War era where the role of tanks in conflicts evolves further. We witness how several nations across the globe, particularly the United States and Soviet Union, invest heavily in tank technology. From crew training to designing state-of-the-art tank models, the international arms race becomes apparent.

The concluding episode brings us into the modern era, where the focus is not just on the tanks on the ground but also on the digital battlefield. In the era of high-tech war machines, tanks have evolved with cutting-edge technology, becoming smarter, faster, and more lethal than ever. Here we get a glimpse into the future of tanks, as they continue to be central to global military strategy.

Age of Tanks does not only focus on the military and technological aspects of tanks. The series also explores the social and cultural implications of the presence and use of tanks. How do tanks symbolize power and might? How has the presence of tanks affected civilians in war-torn areas? How does media portrayal of tanks influence public perception? These questions, and many more, are raised and explored throughout the series.

This not just an in-depth historical overview but a compelling storytelling experience, combining historical footage, interviews with military experts, and computer-generated imagery (CGI). It provides a balanced blend of technical information, strategic analysis, political commentary, and human interest. It narrates the transformation of a mechanical beast into a symbol of power and fear, that unfolded over the length of a century.

Age of Tanks also showcases the viewpoints of veterans, engineers, strategists, historians, and analysts to provide a multi-dimensional view of tank warfare. While it illustrates the tactical necessity of tanks, it also delivers an understanding of the human aspect related to this mechanical beast. The series frankly discusses the fearsome reality of operating these machines in the warzone while brilliantly humanizing the narrative.

Age of Tanks, in its essence, is a spectacular cinematic journey providing intricate insights into the tank’s influence over the landscape of modern warfare. For history enthusiasts and military geeks, this series is a reservoir of knowledge and understanding of these complex machines. Even if you're not a history buff, the profound influence of the tank on modern society and warfare as depicted in Age of Tanks makes it a must-watch.

The series succeeds in portraying the awe-inspiring might and terrifying destruction of tanks, investigating their historical momentum, and predicting their continued relevance in military strategy. It represents an essential exploration of a monumental development in military technology that has affected the lives of millions and continues to shape global events.