The Transformation of Explosives

The invention of nitroglycerin in the 19th century revolutionized the use of explosives, but its extreme volatility posed significant dangers. Alfred Nobel sought to create a more controlled means of using this powerful substance, leading to the development of the blasting cap. This innovation allowed for safer handling and transport of nitroglycerin, ultimately enabling the creation of dynamite. The introduction of dynamite markedly improved the efficiency of construction during this era, making labor-intensive processes like tunneling and demolition significantly faster.