Evolution of Chemical Weapons

Chemical weapons have evolved from ancient times, where toxins like arsenic and mustard were used in warfare, to sophisticated, industrially produced agents in the 20th century. World War I marked a significant turning point with the large-scale deployment of chemical agents like chlorine and mustard gas, leading to severe international outcry. Post-war, efforts to regulate these weapons resulted in treaties like the 1925 Geneva Protocol. The Chemical Weapons Convention (1993) aimed to eliminate such arms completely, reflecting a global consensus against their use due to their indiscriminate nature and devastating humanitarian impact.