Behind the Bastards Hiram Maxim, Inventor of the Machine-Gun and Curling Iron
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Jan 18, 2022 Join Karl Kasarda, an alternative voice from InRange TV, as he dives into the life of Hiram Maxim, the inventor infamous for both the machine gun and the curling iron. They discuss Maxim's intriguing legacy, the moral dilemmas of weapon design, and how his innovations shifted military strategies. The conversation critiques the romanticized narratives of colonial warfare shaped by the Maxim gun, revealing its devastating impact. Dive into the complexities of modern warfare and the evolving relationship between technology and masculinity.
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Maxim's Self-Sufficient Childhood
- Hiram Maxim grew up in a self-sufficient community in Maine, where money was scarce but needs were met through barter and trade.
- He had close relationships with neighbors and indigenous communities, even sharing hunting experiences with his father.
Maxim's Skepticism Shapes Inventiveness
- Maxim was skeptical of religious extremist movements sweeping through his home region in his youth.
- This practical, scientific mindset shaped his later inventive career and critical view of superstition.
Early Inventions: Mousetrap to Curling Iron
- Maxim patented an automatic mousetrap at age 14, with many modern traps based on his design.
- At 26, he invented the curling iron, showcasing his wide inventive range.
