In 1915, U.S. weapons makers were preparing for the possibility of the nation entering World War I. They ramped up production, which meant they needed molasses. Why? This syrup, produced by refining sugar, was used to make bombs. The United States Industrial Alcohol company, which processed molasses for weapons, wanted a way to store the sticky goo near Boston Harbor. But the company’s sloppy solution would soon unleash an epic disaster on the city.