From Prohibition gangsters to WWII paratroopers, the Thompson submachine gun earned its place as one of the most iconic weapons of the 20th century. But beyond the “Tommy Gun” legend lies a history of strange prototypes, forgotten variants, and global adaptations—from the trench-clearing Persuader to Chinese Tokarev conversions. This is the full story. | Simple History

First sold in 1921 for $200, the Thompson submachine gun went from police weapon to underworld favorite. But its true legacy was forged in WWII. With rapid fire and rugged reliability, it became a symbol of Allied strength and a lasting piece of American military history. | Faded History