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SubmarineA submarine is a submersible ship that can be used for exploration or warfare. Experiments with subs were conducted during the Civil War, but they really came into their own during World War I. In both world wars, Germany tried to disrupt the transatlantic supply routes to Great Britain by sinking merchant ships, causing extensive property damage and loss of life. Following WWII, nuclear subs were invented. These could cruise almost indefinitely without surfacing. The invention of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fitted with nuclear warheads and the introduction of the ballistic missile submarine meant that enough firepower to wipe out several cities could be carried on one submarine. Along with the development of missile submarines, attack submarines evolved to hunt and destroy them. Submarines can also carry conventional cruise missiles such as the Harpoon anti-ship missile and the Tomahawk cruise missile?(also available with nuclear warhead), which can be used to attack land or sea targets. |