Alfred Nobel invented dynamite so that nitroglycerine could be safely used in mining, quarrying, and other such non-military endeavors. Naturally, when a stable high explosive was produced, the military was quick to adopt it. (Gunpowder -- "black powder" -- and smokeless powder (nitrocellulose) don't burn fast enough to work well as "high" explosives.)

Military dynamite (60% nitro) is used for various purposes, such as blowing bridge abutments, when TNT or another, higher powered, explosive isn't available.

Nobel was appalled by the damage his invention had wrought. The Prizes were his attempt to bring about a better world by rewarding those who worked to make it so.

Like so many other things, something which started out well was adopted by the military for other ends.