Artillery

Big Bertha
The Minenwerfer-Gerät, 42 centimetre kurze Marinekanone 14 L/12 or Big Bertha.
Molybdenum was crucial in the construction of Big Bertha, the massive German howitzer used during World War I, because it was used to strengthen the steel in the gun’s barrel. Molybdenum-steel alloys were preferred over traditional nickel-steel because molybdenum made the steel stronger, more heat-resistant, and lighter. This allowed Big Bertha to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures generated when firing its 42 cm (16.5 inch) shells, while also reducing the overall weight of the weapon, making it more transportable.

Big Bertha was important for the Germans because it was a powerful siege artillery weapon capable of destroying heavily fortified structures, such as concrete and steel fortifications. Developed by Krupp, it played a key role in early German victories, particularly in the 1914 invasion of Belgium and France, where it helped breach fortresses like Liège that were considered nearly impenetrable. Its ability to break through enemy defenses gave Germany a tactical advantage in the early stages of the war. However, its usefulness declined as warfare shifted towards more mobile and trench-based combat.