The T-34 Tank That Changed World War II Forever! The Soviet T-34, introduced in 1940, completely shocked German forces and revolutionized armored design. Reaching a top speed of 33 mph, it combined impressive mobility with revolutionary sloped armor that effectively doubled its protection against anti-tank fire. Armed initially with a 76.2mm gun, it outclassed early Panzers and forced Germany to develop heavier tanks like the Panther. Its rugged reliability and wide tracks made it a master of th