cover of episode The Infernal Machine

The Infernal Machine

2024/10/1
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99% Invisible

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Dynamite, invented by Alfred Nobel, revolutionized infrastructure development but was also adopted by anarchists for terrorist acts. This led to a rise in both terrorism and modern law enforcement techniques.
  • Dynamite significantly increased the speed of construction projects.
  • Anarchists used dynamite in terrorist attacks, including the first suicide bombing and civilian attack.
  • Nobel's invention was co-opted for purposes he never intended.

Shownotes Transcript

The unexpected story of how Alfred Nobel’s invention of dynamite—designed to build the world—was co-opted by anarchists to bring about its destruction. From revolutionizing infrastructure to arming political radicals, dynamite shaped the rise of both terrorism and modern law enforcement.

The Infernal Machine)

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