The History of Weapons - Essay Example

The History of Weapons Introduction Weapons had an immense impact throughout the of history. The evolution of human mankind lead to the invention of more enhanced and sophisticated weapons for war as human desire to conquer more territory grew. Over the centuries there has been lot of weapons that has arrived and passed away. After millennia of use, many of the weapons have been rendered as useless by use of latest and advanced tools of obliteration. All these weapons have been significant but there have been some weapons that have shaped history irrevocably. Those weapons are gunpowder, longbow and the nuclear bomb. History have been developed in to what it is today by these weapon of annihilation. These weapons have eternally changed our world. Technological and scientific development has contributed to the development of all new advanced weapons. In the course of history, weapons have played a crucial role in the transformation and changing of society. Weapons were cause of destruction of civilization and also creation of new ones. The evolution of multifarious weapons describes the development of technology implemented by ancestors over the course of history. The main intension of development of weapons was to make it as powerful as possible to capture lands and enslave other people. This essay will discuss about the history of weapons. Discussion During ancient days, Egypt was at its peak but was invaded by the Hyksos by their superior weapons which were made of iron. These innovation and tactical brilliance at that point of time amazed the Egyptians. Earlier days, people used to use weapons to protect themselves and hunt for food. But mostly weapons were used to fight against each other for land, religion and power. Earlier days weapons were simple such as rocks and sharp sticks. Fighting was mainly between the throwing distances of enemy. But gradually weapons were developed in to more destructive and efficient. Weapons that were used and invented during the time of 16th century Guns were used in this century.String of the gun was wet through in saltpeter and then slow match was touched to the gunpowder so that it could ignite. The Wheelock was invented in early 16th century. Gunpowder is ignited by spark which is generated by a metal wheel that spun against an iron pyrites. Because of this most of the cavalry stopped using lances. Instead of lances they used to carry three or four pistol each. But the traditional English weapon used to be a longbow (O’Bryan, 2013). Longbow was around before it was used by the English. But it was never used as efficiently it was used by the English. At that time, most bows used were short ranges. But this short range bows were useless against the French crossbow which were more dangerous. At the time of battle of Hastings, French defeated English with the help of their crossbows. Crossbowman are always vulnerable to the fire as it takes times for reloading. Crossbow was useful and effective but it was not very effective in a pitched battle. English learned from their mistakes and eventually employed new longbow. The range of new longbow was longer and it also has the ability to shoot many arrows at a time. The amount of force that was required to operate bow at long range was around 120 lbs. it required extensive training in strength and shooting the bow (Crincione, 2013). About 8 to 10 arrows are managed by the experienced archers. Masters of archery could manage 15 to 20 arrows but will reduction in accuracy. With this firing rate, it is estimated that 5000 archers could launch 35000- 45000 arrows a minute. At the battle of Crecy, new weapon helped English to rout the French where more than 5000-1000 French fell. This new strategy employed to make this weapon was almost invincible. This new weapon was unbeatable against the short range bows of the French. French should have overcome the English army by exploiting the weakness. French was in superior numbers and they should have attacked from rear of the flank. English would have been disadvantage position without the help of these potent weapons (Herbst, 2005). However during 16th century, the use of longbow slowly went out.Bastions were mainly the triangular sections of the walls which were later extended out from rest of the wall. These bastions provide options for flanking fire. Guns that are placed on bastions could fire enemies from sides.Solid cannonballs which are also called shot were very much useful firing at the enemy walls during sieges. It is also very useful to destroy enemy ships. In early part of this century, there were several community and caste that used different types of weapons. In the early part, Aztecs used to be fearsome warriors. Weapons used by Aztecs were slings and spears. Spears and slings were mainly made of wood and with sharp edged blades attached with them. However, main weapon used by the Aztecs are maquahuitl which is a wooden club (Diamond, 2000). Sharp piece of obsidian is attached in front of wooden club. Aztec warriors also used to carry shields which were made of hides. But however, they are not match with the powerful horses and cannons of Spaniards.Incas were known because of their bow and arrow. Despite bow and arrow they are heavily relied on the sling and stone. These weapons are astoundingly sharp and deadly weapons. Incas did not have sword but instead of that they used wooden club with was attached with bronze or stones. The costume of Incas was made of quilted cotton (Pauly, 2004). These costumes granted them protection from the stone weapons that were used by the South Americans people. Plates of metal or wood helped some Inca warriors to protect their back and chest from enemies.Incas used to have a fortresses made of stones on mountains. When Incas defeats their enemies, then they cover the skull of their enemies with gold and used them as a drinking cup. They used to made drums with the skin of their enemies. In feudal Japan, samurai used to be self-disciplined and loyal. They used to flow a code of behavior which is known as bushido. Samurai never used to get captured by their enemies but when they are near to get captured; they are supposed to commit suicide by disemboweling together. Samurai used to fight with both long and short swords both were named as katana and wakizashi respectively. They also used daggers, spears, skewers and small knives. Small knives used by samurais called kozuka. The armor used by samurai to protect their torso is called as haramaki. They are used to protect their arms with armored sleeves called kote. Indian soldiers used to fight with curved sword which is known as tulwar. They also fought with a type of sabre which is called as a scimitar (Willbanks, 2004). They used steel axe which is known as khanjar. Indians also used a heavy and short knife which is a form of axe known as bhuj. Indians used daggers and it has to be handled with strong fist and stab enemies with punching motion. In North West part of India, Sikhs used chakram and when it is thrown it could slash any enemies. The outer edge of chakra is very sharp and could kill any enemies. Shields used by Indian army were made of hide or steel. Lower arms of Indians are protected by dastania which is made of metal. Weapons that were used and invented during the time of 17th century Weapons such as matchlocks were used in earlier century. When triggered was pull, slow burning of match stick is held on a matchlock which is connected with the gunpowder. With the help of wheel lock where a metal is spun against iron pyrites so that it can create spark. But gradually during the time of 17th century both firearms match locks and wheel locks were replaced by flintlock. Flintlock firearms create a spark when it is hit by a piece of stick.Later in the 17th century, cartridge was invented. Cartridge works when musket ball is placed in a container so that it can select right amount of gunpowder to create spark and fire. The invention of cartridge helped soldiers, as they don’t have to measure gunpowder from powder horn. As it can automatically held the right amount of gunpowder required to fire. There were two branches of army except artillery. One branch of army is cavalry, where they are armed and carries Wheelock pistols. Another branch of army is infantry which consists of men that are armed with muskets. Infantries are armed with pikes. Time taken after reload can make muskets vulnerable. Therefore, at the time of reloading muskets were held by the men with pikes. To muskets is covered by a single pike men (Smith, 2007). Pike men are fully protected with shields and helmets. But muskets usually do not use helmets as they are covered by pike men. Bayonet was invented in the year 1680. Bayonet was used by muskets as it can be used a weapon. Bayonet can be used a weapon even if it is not reloaded. Bayonet reduced the need of pike men. After the invention of bayonet, pike men can be used in fight rather than defending muskets. In the late 1677, grenades were used by English armies. The grenades were built with a metal ball and filled with a gunpowder and fuzz. Weapons that were used and invented during the time of 18th century There were no significant changes in the development of weapons in the 18th century. Artillery was made more mobile and efficient. Heavy cannons were important part of 18th century as it helped to defend fortresses and sieges. Guns used were lighter and could provide direct support to the infantry. Weapons that were used and invented during the time of 19th century In this century industrial revolution took place and it changed the warfare. Armies can be transported much faster than before with the introduction of railways. Messages could also be transmitted much quicker with the help of the telegraph. The introduction of telegraph and railways transformed warfare. At the start of this century, Congreve rocket was developed by Sir William Congreve. This rocket has the power to set most part of the town on fire. But this rocket lacked accuracy and range. In 1807, percussion cap replaces the old flint lock which was used in 17th and 18th century. Percussion cap was patented by Alexander Forsyth. The process of percussion cap is different. When trigger is pulled from a gun, then a hammer automatically hits the rage of mercury. Then the rage created by mercury explodes and ignite gunpowder. In 1865, breach loading gun was used by British armies. The rate of fire is increased by breech loading gun. Rifle guns were common in this century. In this late century, magazines were introduced. Magazines are used is rifle so that it can further increase the rate of fire. In 1836, revolvers were made by Samuel Colt (Boorman, 2001). Previously, swords and pistols were used by cavalries. But the introduction of revolver made sword obsolete. 1n 1884, successful machine gun was called as Maxim gun. Hiram Maxim invented the Maxim gun and later it as used by the British armies. New explosives like dynamite and TNT replaced the use of gunpowder in this century. Cordite was also invented in this century. Weapons that were used and invented during the time of 20th century First World War began in 1914 and it made impossible for infantry to move forward. Weapons that were used by infantry were not so powerful to defend. Tank was introduced in 1916 by British. In the battle of Somme, tanks were first used by British. In 1917, large number of tanks was used at Cambrai. The introduction of tanks can decide in winning the war. The first submarine was launched by British in 1901. In 1918, new machine guns were developed which massively increased the rate of fire.Aircraft was first introduced during the time of First World War. Aircraft was sent to observe the war but war ended before it could provide any help. During the Second World War, the technology of aircraft changed rapidly. Dive bombers aircraft were sued to help armies. While other bomber aircraft were used to destroy industries and cities by bombing. During the time of world war two introductions of advanced rockets. In 1944, rocket V-1 bomb was first launched. But later V-2 rocket was launched which was more dangerous than that of V-1 rockets. V-2 rockets can travel at more than 2000 mph and it ranges from 200-220 miles. Another massive development was atomic bomb. The power of atomic bomb is enormous. It can destroy entire country as it happened in Nagasaki and Hiroshima (Weir, 2005). Two atomic bombs were dropped in Nagasaki and Hiroshima shocked the whole world. First atomic bomb was exploded in Hiroshima on 6th august 1945. Second atomic bomb dropped in Nagasaki on 9th august 1945. The mass destructive power of nucleus energy opens the eyes of others. More than 205 thousand people died in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. And many other people were killed due to the nuclear fallout. These weapons of destruction can provide small countries to annihilate entire enemy country by single nuclear bomb. Atomic bomb was also exploded by the Soviet Union. Powerful hydrogen bomb was introduced by the American scientists in 1952. First hydrogen bomb was exploded by USSR in 1954 (Cleveland, 2009). The Nautilus was the first nuclear powered submarine that was launched in 1955. 20th century shows the ultimate level destructive power of weapons that can destroy entire country will single bomb. Conclusion It can be concluded that weapons has a vast impact over the course of history. The development of weapons from 16th century to 20th century is limitless. In 16th century, traditional weapons long bow were used. But the introduction of handguns slowly removed the use of longbows. Cartridge was invented in 17th century and it made handguns more efficient. Bayonet and grenades was first used in this century. Infantry was the main success of this century. Infantry consisted of muskets and pikes. Pikes used to protect muskets with their long spear and shield. Gradually weapons used were transformed and more advanced over the centuries. There were no significant changes in the 18th century. 19th century saw the invention of new types of explosives and machine gun. The rate of fire was greatly increased during this century. Swords were almost outdated by the introduction of revolvers. 20th century was the invention of most destructive and influential weapon of all centuries. The development of atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb has created a fear among nations. The use of atomic bomb on Nagasaki and Hiroshima has created a greatest effect on the history of weapons. The history of weapons involves the step by step invention of new weapons over the progress of time.This advancement of weapons over the period of history has eternally transformed our world. References Boorman, D. (2001). The History of Winchester Firearms. London: Globe Pequot Press. Cleveland, C. (2009). Concise Encyclopedia of the History of Energy. New York: American Press. Crincione, J. (2013). Bomb Scare. Columbia: Columbia University Press. Diamond, J. (2000). Guns, Germs, and Steel. New York: W.W. Norton. Herbst, J. (2005). The History of Weapons. New York: Lerner Publications. O’Bryan, J. (2013). A History of Weapons. New York: Chronicle Books. Pauly, R. (2004). Firearms. New York: Greenwood Publishing. Smiths, R. (2007). Medieval Weapons. New York: ABC-CLIO. Weir, W. (2005). 50 Weapons that changed Warfare. New York: Career Press. Willbanks, J. (2004). Machine Guns. 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