During the two world wars, engines helped the warring nations to develop technology faster and invent new weapons.
One of the new weapons was code named a “tank” during development so enemies think of a water storage vessel, but it actually was an armored mobile gun rolling on tracks, therefore able to traverse all terrain, including trenches.
The aeroplane was also employed in the wars in increasing numbers and exponentially greater fire power.
The civilian automobile industry was main source of supply for war machines for all combatants. American car factories produced tanks, artillery guns, even aeroplanes for the war effort.
During the Second World War, Americans thought of a vehicle for rapid movement of troops. The machine had to be simple, lightweight, able to be dropped by parachute behind enemy lines and repaired under battle conditions. The result was called “GP” for General Purpose and pronounced “jeepee”. Soon, it was shortened to the famous “jeep”: the prototype SUV.
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