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The changing nature of warfare, 1919 to 39
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The First World War introduced new weapons. Between the wars, armies developed them, and conflicts in Asia, Africa and Spain showed what future wars would look like.
Weapons from the Great War
Gas, tanks, heavy artillery, submarines and military aircraft had all been used in 1914 to 18.
Between the wars, tanks became faster, and fighter and bomber planes improved greatly.
Between the wars, tanks became faster, and fighter and bomber planes improved greatly.
Conflicts of the 1930s
East Asia: Japan's wars in China used modern armies and bombing of cities.
Abyssinia (1935 to 36): Italy used aircraft and poison gas against Ethiopian forces.
Spanish Civil War (1936 to 39): Germany and Italy tested new weapons; the bombing of Guernica (1937) showed the horror of air attacks on civilians.
Abyssinia (1935 to 36): Italy used aircraft and poison gas against Ethiopian forces.
Spanish Civil War (1936 to 39): Germany and Italy tested new weapons; the bombing of Guernica (1937) showed the horror of air attacks on civilians.
Guerrilla tactics
Weaker forces used guerrilla tactics: small-scale attacks, ambushes and support from local people. Chinese Communists used them against stronger enemies.
Why was the bombing of Guernica (1937) significant?
- German planes bombed a Spanish town during the Civil War.
- Many civilians were killed.
- It showed how air power could terrorise civilians in future wars.
Answer: It showed the destructive power of bombing civilians from the air.
Gas, tanks, artillery, submarines and aircraft from the First World War were developed further. Conflicts in East Asia, Abyssinia (with gas) and the Spanish Civil War (Guernica, 1937) tested new methods. Guerrilla tactics were used by weaker forces.
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