The Gatling Gun is a rapid-firing weapon invented by Dr. Richard Gatling in 1861. It is one of the first machine guns and operates using a hand-cranked mechanism that rotates multiple barrels. This design allows it to fire several rounds in quick succession, significantly increasing firepower compared to single-shot firearms. The Gatling Gun played a notable role in the American Civil War and later conflicts, influencing the development of modern automatic weapons. Its design paved the way for subsequent firearms, including the Maxim Gun, which further advanced the concept of sustained fire in warfare.