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World Wars

The First World War caused devastation across Europe, and over 70 million soldiers were involved in the fighting. It's near-impossible to summarise such an event, and there was no single cause of this war. Unsatisfactory peace settlements from World War I were probably the greatest influence on the start of the Second World War. The Wall Street Crash was also a major factor, as it caused severe unemployment in Germany. In 1939, Hitler invaded Poland, expecting Britain and France to let him get away with it as they had before. However, they admirably refused, and by September 3rd the two allies honoured their agreement with Poland by declaring war on Germany. What followed was the deadliest conflict ever, which involved soldiers from around the world. Despite getting incredibly close to overpowering the Allies on numerous occasions, they resisted with help from the USA, and the war ended in 1945. Hundreds of different weapons were used in both wars, but you can see a small selection below:

Colt M1911

The Colt M1911 was a standard-issue sidearm for American forces during World War II, known for its reliability and stopping power. It was used by infantry, officers, and specialized units like paratroopers and tank crews, often in close-quarters combat. The pistol's .45 ACP round was effective at neutralizing enemy soldiers, even in challenging environments like the Pacific theater and European battlefronts. Its robust design allowed it to function well under harsh conditions, from mud to extreme cold.

Customize the .45 ACP bullet used in the Colt M1911

M1 Garand

The M1 Garand was the standard-issue rifle for U.S. forces during World War II, renowned for its reliability and firepower. It was a semi-automatic rifle, which gave American soldiers a significant advantage in combat, allowing them to fire eight rounds in rapid succession without manually cycling the action. This increased rate of fire was crucial in both offensive and defensive operations, whether in the open fields of Europe or the dense jungles of the Pacific. The Garand was highly effective in mid-range engagements, and its robust design made it durable in harsh battlefield conditions. Troops used the M1 Garand in key operations like the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge, where its accuracy and stopping power proved invaluable.

Customize the 30-06 Springfield bullet used in the M1 Garand

M1918 BAR

The M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) was a crucial support weapon for U.S. forces during World War II, providing both suppressive fire and mobility on the battlefield. Primarily used by infantry squads, the BAR offered a high rate of fire, allowing soldiers to lay down covering fire during assaults or defensive operations. Its ability to fire in both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes made it versatile, suitable for various combat scenarios from open fields to close-quarters fighting in urban areas. Often carried by a designated "BAR man," the weapon was heavier than a standard rifle, but its firepower made it invaluable for breaking enemy positions or suppressing machine gun nests. It played a key role in major campaigns like the Normandy invasion and battles in the Pacific theater, where firepower and maneuverability were essential.

Customize the 30-06 Springfield bullet used in the M1918 BAR

MP40

The MP40, a German submachine gun, was a widely used weapon during World War II, particularly by Nazi forces. It was most commonly issued to paratroopers, squad leaders, and infantrymen in close-quarters combat, where its fully automatic firing capability and compact design made it highly effective. The weapon’s low recoil allowed soldiers to fire controlled bursts, increasing its accuracy during urban warfare and trench fighting. Its folding stock and relatively light weight made it easy to maneuver in confined spaces, such as buildings and narrow streets, which was essential in many of the war's key battles. The MP40 also became iconic as it was frequently seen in the hands of German troops during large-scale offensives, including on the Eastern Front and in Western Europe.

Customize the 9mm bullet used in the MP40