Richard Gatling

Richard Gatling was an American inventor and engineer best known for creating the Gatling gun in the 1860s. This early machine gun, which fired multiple bullets in quick succession, revolutionized warfare by increasing firepower on the battlefield. Unlike previous firearms, the Gatling gun used a hand-cranked mechanism to automatically reload and fire, making it more efficient. Gatling's invention highlighted the shift toward more advanced weaponry during the Industrial Revolution, shaping military tactics and the future of firearms. He also contributed to other inventions, including innovations in agriculture and steamboat technology.