History of Weapon in Timeline

A weapon is defined as any tool or device utilized to deter, threaten, inflict harm, damage, or kill. Weapons enhance effectiveness in hunting, crime, law enforcement, self-defense, warfare, and even suicide. In a broader sense, a weapon can be anything used to gain an advantage—tactical, strategic, material, or mental—over an adversary.

1918: Chemical shells in WWI ammunition supplies

By 1918, chemical shells made up 35 percent of French ammunition supplies, 25 percent of British, and 20 percent of American stock during World War I, despite widespread hatred of them compared to bullets or explosive shells.

1925: Issuance of the Geneva Protocol

In 1925, the "Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous, or Other Gases and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare", also known as the Geneva Protocol, was issued and accepted as policy by all major countries.

1937: Manufacture but limited use of poison gas

In 1937, poison gas was manufactured in large quantities but was generally not used, except against nations that lacked modern weapons or gas masks.

1939: Start of frantic weapon development during World War II

1939 marked the beginning of World War II, initiating a period of intense weapon development, characterized by the fielding of numerous new designs, concepts, and improvements to existing technologies.

1945: End of World War II weapon development period

In 1945, the end of World War II concluded a period of significant weapon development, which included the invention of the nuclear bomb, jet aircraft, and radar.

2000: Domestication of the horse and widespread use of spoked wheels

Around 2000 BC, the domestication of the horse and widespread use of spoked wheels led to the creation of the light, horse-drawn chariot, improving mobility and proving important during this era.

2001: United Nations protocol against illicit arms

In 2001, the United Nations established a protocol against the manufacturing and trafficking of illicit arms, which included disposing of illegal arms and licensing new firearms to ensure legitimacy; it was signed by 122 parties.