How did Germany change the way war was fought in World War 1 and 2?

Answer 1

Germany, alone among the major combatants of WWI, studied that war and learned from its mistakes. The French learned nothing. They had won. They didn't need to know anything further. I suppose it never occurred to them that their army had mutinied and been routed, only surviving due to tremendous sacrifice from their various allies. The British only learned that they didn't want anything to do with another slugfest with Germany on the continent. Thus when WWII came, they bugged out quickly and refused to reenter the continent until the USA put tremendous pressure on them. The Russians also learned nothing, again deciding that great masses of armor and men were the way to fight. They never considered giving the field commanders decision ability over local combat situations. Everything remained much as it was with the Czar's, centrally controlled. The Germans though realized the need for penetration and logistical support. They built highways, finest in the world, to expedite logistical support. They created armor divisions that were supported by mobile infantry. The air wing was made an integral part of tactical maneuver. Speed and field control was emphasized over brute force. Large tanks were not built. Heavy bombers were not developed. Move fast, strike to the rear, destroy the enemy's command and logistical base: These became the German mantra. This type of warfare was not really new, having been known by the ancients Greeks and Romans. However, the Germans alone integrated the internal combustion engine machines into their fighting strength in a way never before done. The result was spectacular and carried Germany from one victory to the next. By late 1942 or so, just about all armies, including the German, had learned that the German tactics could be beaten by various defensive changes. Hitler spoke of this at various times, as he realized that the new offensive power would only be available for a couple of years before the natural power of the defense rose to defeat the offense. By the end of the war the defense was in the accendancy again, as it is in most wars. Today, a technically capable army with reasonable assets can most likely defend itself quite easily against just about anybody. Anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons can devastate the offensive power of expensive offensive weapons such as tanks and aircraft. Mines, miniguns, heavy artillery - these will almost certainly breakup any large concentration of enemy troops. History awaits the next great breakthrough in the offense. Whoever achieves it will likely achieve great things on the battlefield.