| Warfare is an element of the human experience | | | | metals from metal ores. It also focused on how |
| since the beginning of time. While warfare is a | | | | to create weapons from the metal that was |
| destructive force, it also is a very creative force | | | | extracted through molding, forming, hammering |
| as many technologies have been developed as a | | | | and sharpening the metal shapes. Copper was one |
| result of the need to win a war. As new | | | | of the first metals to be extracted and used as a |
| technologies developed so did warfare. | | | | material for weapons. Bronze was the first metal |
| Simple Tools | | | | alloy to be created in 4000 B.C. The alloy was |
| The earliest implementation of scientific principles | | | | stronger and more durable than copper. Smelting |
| in warfare relate to the basic weapons that were | | | | iron was developed in 1250 B.C. by the Hittites |
| produced. It has been hypothesized that rocks | | | | who discovered that heating iron with charcoal |
| either thrown or used as a bludgeoning tool were | | | | create an extra strong veneer on the iron that |
| the first weapons used by humans. As humans | | | | was basically a layer of steel that was created by |
| experimented with various warfare techniques | | | | a chemical bonding of the carbon from the |
| they discovered how simple scientific tools could | | | | charcoal and the iron. |
| be used to improve their weapons. For example, | | | | Explosives were the next chemical advancement |
| the theory of the lever was used to create clubs | | | | to be discovered by humans. The Chinese had for |
| and axes that could be used for a weapon. | | | | centuries been using gunpowder to power their |
| Complex Tools | | | | fireworks. However, in the 13th century a |
| As humans experimented more with basic tools | | | | European weapons expert began to experiment |
| they learned how to create more complex tools. | | | | with the compound and the weapon applications |
| These complex tools were then used to develop | | | | of this compound were developed. |
| more effective weapons. Projectiles, for example, | | | | Firearms |
| that used complex tools and a basic understanding | | | | As a result of the development of gunpowder a |
| of aerodynamics led to the development of | | | | wide range of firearms were developed. These |
| spears and sling shots. These allowed humans to | | | | weapons changed the face of warfare for ever. |
| attack an opponent from a distance. As their | | | | Battles were bloodier and more destructive than |
| understanding of aerodynamics improved and | | | | ever before as the firearms reduced the amount |
| their tool science improved more advanced | | | | of skill needed to fight in a war, as well as provide |
| projectile launchers were developed, including the | | | | a more power killing weapon. |
| bow and arrow and the compound bow. | | | | In the 1500s hand held firearms were developed. |
| Chemistry | | | | By the 1600s the design of firearms had |
| The science of chemistry changed warfare the | | | | improved and long range projectiles were possible |
| most for humans. It not only provided the ability | | | | to launch using gunpowder and cannons. The first |
| for humans to create weapons that were strong, | | | | real improvement to the accuracy and reliability of |
| sharp and more malleable than stone and wooden | | | | a firearm came in 1836 when Samuel Colt |
| weapons, but it also provided them with the ability | | | | invented the Colt Revolver. In 1903 the Ross Rifle |
| to create more destructive weapons. | | | | was introduced. Then in 1947 the first automatic |
| The first chemical advancement that humans | | | | hand held firearm was developed, the AK-47. |
| made was the science of metallurgy. This science | | | | These weapons influenced both modern warfare |
| explored the methodology of extracting pure | | | | and popular culture for generations to come. |