History’s Deadliest Tools: The 15 Most Notorious Weapons Ever Created - History Collection

11. The Chemical Gas

The introduction of chemical gas in World War I marked a horrifying new chapter in warfare. Agents like mustard gas caused indiscriminate suffering—blistering skin, blinding eyes, and claiming countless lives in the trenches. The psychological terror and physical devastation spurred international outrage and led to the first treaties aimed at banning chemical weapons. Despite these efforts, chemical gas remains one of history’s most notorious and controversial tools of mass destruction.

12. The Landmine

The landmine is a silent, lingering danger used in countless modern conflicts. Designed to maim or kill indiscriminately, landmines remain hidden threats long after battles end, endangering civilians and hindering postwar recovery. Their widespread use has created lasting humanitarian crises, rendering vast areas uninhabitable and causing suffering for generations. Global efforts continue to ban and clear these deadly devices, yet millions remain scattered across former war zones, a grim reminder of war’s enduring legacy.

13. The Flamethrower

The flamethrower introduced a new level of terror to the battlefield. Used extensively in trench and urban warfare, it unleashed torrents of fire to clear bunkers, tunnels, and fortified positions. Beyond its physical devastation, the psychological impact was profound—few weapons inspired such fear and panic among enemy troops. Though now largely restricted by international law, the flamethrower remains infamous for its brutal effectiveness.

14. The Ballistic Missile

The ballistic missile has redefined the reach and speed of modern warfare. Originating with the German V-2 rockets in World War II, these weapons could strike distant targets with terrifying precision and force. Today’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) can carry nuclear warheads across entire continents within minutes, making them central to global military strategy and deterrence. Their existence ensures that the threat of destruction is never far from the geopolitical stage, forever altering the calculus of war and peace.

15. The Drone

The drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), has rapidly become a defining tool of twenty-first-century warfare. Drones enable militaries to conduct surveillance and launch precision strikes without risking pilots’ lives. While their effectiveness is undeniable, their use in targeted killings has sparked fierce debate over ethics, accountability, and civilian casualties. Drones are reshaping conflict, blurring the lines between technology and combat, and raising critical questions about the future of warfare.