We review the latest results of investigations into polymorphous transformations, the deformation, and the fracture of solids in different structural states subjected to shock waves of submicrosecond duration. The problem of attaining the ideal strength of a condensed material is discussed. An anomalous rise in dynamic yield stress as the in test temperature increases was discovered for high-purity metals. The effects of superheating in the crystal state and premelting under tension, as well as failure waves in shock-compressed glasses, were also discovered.