When was the Maxim gun invented?

The Maxim gun was invented in 1884 by Hiram Maxim, an American-born engineer. This innovative firearm was the first true automatic machine gun, utilizing recoil operation to allow for continuous firing as long as ammunition was supplied. The introduction of the Maxim gun had a significant impact on warfare, as it dramatically increased the rate of fire compared to earlier rifles and contributed to the lethality of military engagements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its invention marked a pivotal moment in military technology, leading to widespread use in various conflicts and changing tactics on the battlefield.