5. The Bayonet
The bayonet was a simple yet game-changing addition to the musket. By fitting a blade directly onto the muzzle, soldiers instantly transformed their firearms into formidable spears. This innovation blurred the lines between ranged and melee combat, enabling infantry to defend themselves even after firing their last shot. Bayonets played a crucial role in 17th and 18th-century battles, making close-quarters charges both possible and deadly.
