How Gunpowder Changed Warfare

Gunpowder changed warfare, not only in America, but all over the world. Although, gunpowder was not invented in the U.S., it made a great impact on the country. Despite the fact that gunpowder was invented in 904 AD (Max Distro, 2013), different weapons were used before the gunpowder ages. An example of a prominent weapon used is the longbow. There is not an exact time or place where the longbow was invented, but some think it came from the Celts in Wales (Max Distro, 2013). The longbow is made of remarkably strong wood, and is roughly six feet tall and ⅝ inch wide (Max Distro, 2013). Of course there were other weapons, too, such as spears, boomerangs, metal daggers, and swords (Michael Marshall, 2009). Gunpowder was invented in China in 904 AD (Max Distro, 2013). The Chinese astonishingly kept the use of gunpowder a secret from the rest of the world until the thirteenth century (Heather Whipps, 2008). Gunpowder is made up of saltpeter- a common name for the oxidizing agent potassium nitrate- sulfur and charcoal (Heather Whipps, 2008). When the Chinese scientists first mixed the ingredients together it resulted in smoke and flames, causing their hands and faces to burn (Heather Whipps, 2008). One of the first

The Chinese came up with all of this before inventing any sort of gun. The fire lance, one of the earliest ancestors of the firearm, was first used in 1132 (Max Distro, 2013). The fire lance consisted of a spear attached to a flamethrower, and it was capable of firing projectiles from a barrel made of bamboo or paper (Max Distro, 2013). It wasn’t until the late 14th century in Europe when the safety and thoroughness of incorporation was improved by wet grinding the ingredients of gunpowder (Max Distro, 2013). The paste was then rolled into balls to make travel and storing more