why did the dark lord make the one ring?

[Lyta_Underhill]

he could have just done it with the strength of his arms so why bother making a ring and puttng his whole power into it????

if the loremasters could have a say here???

OK, so I'm not a loremaster, but I did use the search function and find this:
The Ring of Sauron which might shed some light on the question. Also, my own view of Sauron at the end of the First Age is one of a fearful and unconfident being; after all, he was bested by Luthien and Huan, and soundly, too. I can see why he would feel himself to be on shaky ground power-wise, as the Second Age dawned. (Not to mention that the Valar gave him a dressing-down that would only have increased his bitterness and hunger for more power). Sorry I can't add more at the moment...must dash!

Cheers,
Lyta