Sword, Musket & Machine Gun: Britain's Armed History (2017)

Episode Overview

Between 1800 and 1914, there was significant progress in the design and functionality of rifles and automatic firearms. This period saw the transition from muzzle-loading weapons to more advanced breech-loading and repeating rifles. Innovations like rifled barrels improved accuracy, while the introduction of smokeless powder enhanced firepower and reliability. The advent of automatic weapons, such as machine guns, transformed warfare, enabling soldiers to unleash rapid fire and change the dynamics of battlefields. These advancements not only revolutionized military tactics but also had a lasting impact on civilian life and hunting practices.