Gunpowder Essay
Since gunpowders accidental discovery in China around 850 C.E., gunpowder has been one of the most influential inventions in history. Intended primarily as medicine and entertainment, Chinese scientists quickly realized gunpowders potential for engaging in warfare. “It was a component of flaming arrows and rockets and was used to fire projectiles” (Classroom). The bamboo tubes used to channel the explosive energy of gunpowder to launch a projectile was history first firearms. This new ranged weapon would revolutionize the way humans fought wars all over the globe. From ending the Medieval ages in Europe, to setting up the foundation of the Age of Discovery, modern warfare was made possible by gunpowder (Classroom). Before the late 14th century
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“The period is characterized as a time when Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of trading partners, new goods, and new trade routes” (History). After trade routes were discovered by the explorers, European governments faced the challenge of controlling trading ports while the cities were under rule of foreign empires. The solution was using superior military power, usually naval, to force inferior foreign powers into trade or submission, a strategy called gunboat diplomacy. Compared to the rest of the world, Europe was ahead of its time in account to firearm technology, especially the use of cannons on naval vessels. The use of gunpowder changed the way maritime trade was conducted in the Indian Ocean as Spanish or Portuguese warships threatened the destruction of major cities including Mogadishu or Calicut (World History). Gunpowder played a pivotal role in the shift of economic power during the 16th century along Afro-asian trade because it made Europe able to force itself into the picture.
In conclusion, gunpowder changed warfare by ending the defensive siege wars of feudal Europe and giving European countries a means to assert its control over maritime trade by use of superior projectile technology. Gunboat diplomacy and propelling Europe out of the Dark Ages where direct results of how gunpowder changed
“The period is characterized as a time when Europeans began exploring the world by sea in search of trading partners, new goods, and new trade routes” (History). After trade routes were discovered by the explorers, European governments faced the challenge of controlling trading ports while the cities were under rule of foreign empires. The solution was using superior military power, usually naval, to force inferior foreign powers into trade or submission, a strategy called gunboat diplomacy. Compared to the rest of the world, Europe was ahead of its time in account to firearm technology, especially the use of cannons on naval vessels. The use of gunpowder changed the way maritime trade was conducted in the Indian Ocean as Spanish or Portuguese warships threatened the destruction of major cities including Mogadishu or Calicut (World History). Gunpowder played a pivotal role in the shift of economic power during the 16th century along Afro-asian trade because it made Europe able to force itself into the picture.
In conclusion, gunpowder changed warfare by ending the defensive siege wars of feudal Europe and giving European countries a means to assert its control over maritime trade by use of superior projectile technology. Gunboat diplomacy and propelling Europe out of the Dark Ages where direct results of how gunpowder changed