Introduction
Opening Statement: In the greater scheme of wars studied throughout history, gunpowder is often overlooked in its importance to the outcome of battles. Despite its negative connotation due to its primary function residing in firearms, gunpowder has had many overlooked significant impacts in history, namely its use in trade and naval warfare. It has also played a role in politics involving trade that can be seen in a broader sense starting from the 13th century through the modern age.
Thesis statement: The evolution of the applications of gunpowder was the sole and most prominent factor in the development of warfare and trade between empires which is demonstrated through the outcomes of various battles, naval warfare, the development of advanced artillery, and its long-lasting effects on the modern age.
Body
Body Paragraph #1: The large variance of applications of gunpowder are all rooted in its original discovery under the T’ang Dynasty around 800 AD, expanding throughout China to Europe and then around the world.
Gunpowder was an accidental discovery prompted by Chinese alchemists in the search for an immortal elixir.
Evidence: According to Heather Whipps, observers at the time recorded “…smoke and flames result, so that [the scientists] hands and faces have been burnt, and even the whole house where they were working burned down…” (Whipps).
Analysis: Through the search for an immortal “potion” for the emperor, Chinese alchemists unknowingly discovered gunpowder. While experimenting with alleged life-lengthening elixirs, a certain combination resulted in the creation of said substance. Specifically, an “industrious individual” decided to mix saltpeter, the powerful oxidizing agent potassium nitrate, with sulfur and charcoal. Due to its appearance, the term “black powder” was coined and used as gunpowders primary name until the 17th century when gunpowder started to be used more commonly.
After its discovery, gunpowder spread rapidly and with consistency throughout China and made its way into warfare via the Mongols, prompting the development of firearms.
Evidence: “The Mongols were the first to be subject to flying fire — an arrow fixed with a tube of gunpowder that ignited and would propel itself across enemy lines. More gunpowder-based weapons were invented by the Chinese…”(Whipps)
Analysis: The Mongol conquest forced China to fight back and utilize their gunpowder in firearms for war. The constant Mongol forces induced this advancement of technology as the Chinese began utilizing their resources. This marked the start of the advancement of artillery based on gunpowder. Although the weaponry developed by the Chinese at the time were very primal, it was a significant step forward from simply lighting the gunpowder on fire. Specifically, Whipps states that the gunpowder was used to propel a projectile, the arrow in this case, forward which is much closer to modern guns than it is to simply use gunpowder as an explosive. Thus in some sense, it is the Mongols who induced the started the evolution of weaponry.
Evidence: “Weapons involving gunpowder were extensively used by both the Chinese and the Mongol forces in the 13th century. Song efforts to continually improve their weapons were one reason they were able to hold off the Mongols for several decades.” (Dyson)
Analysis: Dyson demonstrates that the primary reason in which firearms started to be developed was due to the fact that the Song dynasty was actively fighting off the Mongolian invasion. Dyson also adds to the significance of gunpowder as a primary method of warfare as he states that it was the sole reason “they were able to hold off the Mongols for several decades” (Dyson). Similar to the document by Whipps, more than the existence of gunpowder, it was the advancements in firearms which benefited the Chinese. Gunpowder can thus be seen as the savior of the Chinese as, without it, they would not have been able to counter the Mongolians effectively and may have changed the course of history.
The spread of gunpowder accelerated once it made its way into Europe the Islamic states through battles, namely the Hundred Years War.
Evidence: “Gunpowder somehow remained a monopoly of the Chinese until the 13th century, … passed along the ancient silk trade route to Europe and the Islamic world, where it became a deciding factor in many Middle Age skirmishes.” (Whipps)
Analysis: Portrayed by the excerpt, gunpowder was originally controlled and used primarily by the Chinese as it was considered to be a “Monopoly” to Whipps. Despite this, Whipps discusses how gunpowder eventually became a significant factor in various Middle Age fights which not only shows its importance but also the movement of gunpowder. In the timeline of the evolution of gunpowder, the transport from China to Europe and the Middle East were thus the next big step for the development of warfare. From the Chinese to the Europeans and Islamic states, gunpowder has always been a key factor in war as it “became a deciding factor in many Middle Age skirmishes” further demonstrating its significance in warfare.
Evidence: “Rudimentary gunpowder cannons were commonplace in the English and French militaries, which used the technology against each other during the Hundred Years’ War.” (Guilmartin)
Analysis: The transport and use of gunpowder in the Hundred Years’ War resulted in the further development of firearms which portrays the positive correlation between the development of the usage of gunpowder and warfare with its transport. For example, the use of gunpowder in the Hundred Years’ War further developed cannons which in turn spread gunpowder further in the world to the parties involved in the war. Furthermore the article claims “rudimentary gunpowder cannons were commonplace” which signifies the large amount of improvement regarding its relevance as before only the Chinese had access to gunpowder. Only more wars took place after the Chinese thus making warfare the primary reason of the spread of gunpowder and firearms.
While gunpowder started becoming a commodity of any strong army, a large advancement era of gunpowder artillery began with the invention of the handgun leading into modern day firearms.
Evidence: “The next important step for gunpowder came when it was inserted into the barrel of a handgun … Guns literally put weapons into the hands of the individual, creating a new class of soldier…” (Whipps)
Analysis: These advancements in firearms is notably one of the most important in terms of portability as stated by Whipps, “Guns literally put weapons into the hands of the individual”. Although the Chinese started the most meaningful uses of gunpowder in war, the conversion from cannons to handguns is significant due to the benefits of portable weapons. Guns in the modern age are handheld and are the most popular weapon used by individual army personnel. It allows of more mobility and allows for more army personnel to have effective weapons. Thus the progression of firearms based upon gunpowder demonstrates how gunpowder drove the evolution starting from its invention in ancient China, all the way through modern day warfare.
Body Paragraph #2: The resulting weaponry is the first to come to mind when thinking of the applications of gunpowder which is for the very good reason that it produced various branches and classes of weapons.
After the original discovery and usage of gunpowder by the Chinese, the next major breakthrough in the development of weaponry is the invention of the cast-cannon, a cannon with a metallic supporting structure.
Evidence: “Cast-iron cannons gave the English, who alone mastered the process until well into the 17th century, a significant commercial advantage by enabling them to arm large numbers of ships.” (Guilmartin)
Analysis: The creation of cannons with metal casts, specifically those made bronze; iron; and gold, are given importance by Guilmartin as they were useful for both commercial and naval purposes.
This marked a substantial improvement in the development of firearms as the applications of gunpowder expanded. Namely for commerce as it enabled the use of firearms on a much larger scale ie. ships. The casts improved the quality and overall structure of cannons as they supported the cannon from the outside exerting a force inwards. This not only evolved cannons but was one of the first and long-lasting artillery in which gunpowder was the propellant of projectiles of great mass.
2. Evidence: “A first-class bronze cannon of 1750 differed hardly at all … The modern gun would have been mounted on a more efficient carriage, but it would have fired its ball no farther and no more accurately.” (Guilmartin)
Analysis: A further evolution of metallic casted cannons demonstrates how significant of an improvement it was when compared to the original arrow projectiles due to Guilmartin stating that the “first-class bronze cannon” has many similarities to modern guns. In a broader sense this specific advancement portrays how much of a role that gunpowder played in the progression of weapons in general because these cannons are solely based upon gunpowder and the revolutionary metal casts. The improvement is thus a revolutionary one as the boast in performance was considerably large as it is said to be essentially modern weapons in a different form factor. Generalizing, it can be seen how a small advancement, not significantly altering the use of gunpowder, makes a great change in the larger scheme of technology.
The next major breakthrough was the development of locks in small handguns, namely the match lock, the wheel lock, and the flintlock.
Evidence: “Small arms did not exist as a distinct class of gunpowder weapon until the middle of the 15th century. Until then, hand cannon differed from their larger relatives only in size.”(Jones)
Analysis: Locks on guns marked yet another turning point in the evolution of weaponry powered by gunpowder. This stage is far more significant than that of the casted cannons as it converts the primitive firearms to a very close copy of modern firearms due to its portability and distinct locks. Although the cast-iron cannon was used for a large period of time and consisted of significant improvements, the addition of locks served as a more significant change as it completely altered the design of the handgun. Whereas the addition of metallic casts on cannons simply changed a small part of the external appearance of the firearm. Jones discusses how the various locks greatly altered the firearms as before the hand cannon only differed in size. Therefore, the redesign due to mechanical locks was what really made gunpowder weapons portable.
Evidence: “The development of mechanical locks was accompanied by the evolution of gunstocks. The result was the matchlock harquebus, the dominant military small arm…” (Jones)
Analysis: Although overlooked, gunpowder is very dangerous when not used properly, which resulted in this progression of locks. This advancement due to the properties of gunpowder is what truly transformed firearms into the modern day artillery of handguns. The locks allowed for the handguns to be distributed to everyone in an army and improved both safety and agility in regards to a military weapon. Therefore, the dangerous nature of gunpowder led to the invention and development of mechanical locks which ultimately created a new class of artillery, the handgun. Looking back, the series of inventions allowed for gunpowder to be used most effectively in the smallest area possible which portrays how the need for gunpowder greatly advanced technology.
Body Paragraph #3: More significant than the actual development of weapons is the impact it had on the outcome of wars and battles. As seen through many wars starting from the 13th century, through the Middle Ages, into modern day, gunpowder is the single most important means of fighting.
Evidence: The Spanish where a large power user of gunpowder and this led to their success as an extremely powerful army followed.
“On the battlefield, commanders sought ways of deploying firearms and cannons to good effect alongside more traditional resources. The Spanish tercios, the most effective infantry of the 16th century combined gunpowder with disciplined men.” (Grant)
Analysis: As gunpowder is used as an explosive in weaponry, the importance given to firearms by commanders signifies its importance in wars as it was the main fighting force. As explained by Grant, the Spanish became the most “effective infantry” in the 16th century due to the combination of able men and gunpowder. Therefore, gunpowder is a necessary component of an effective military and is what determines the final outcome of wars along with who the superpower is in a region. Although the Spanish are just a single example, in the time period they were much larger in terms of power than in modern-day Spain. They controlled a large amount of land and was successful in applying military force. Thus as accurately emphasized by Grant, gunpowder not only allowed but is what resulted in the Spanish being powerful due to its sheer benefits in war.
Another prominent conflict involving gunpowder was the series of wars the Ottoman Empire fought which supplements to the fact that they were considered on the first “Gunpowder Empires”.
Evidence: “The most successful and long-lasting of the gunpowder empires was the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans were the rulers of a vast area of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions for centuries and the founders of an empire…” (Stockdale)
Analysis: The strength of an empire is determined by its control of large regions of land and their military power. The Ottomans exercised both of these as Nancy Stockdale states they ruled over the Mediterranean and the Middle East. However, the credit of the Ottomans success is due to their abundance of gunpowder and firearms which is the primary reason because they are considered to be one of the largest “gunpowder empires”. This abundance of gunpowder greatly aided in warfare and is what set them ahead of other smaller empires as they could not fight back against the large amount of cannons, explosives, hand cannons and guns. The true potential of this equipment was exercised when in war which is why the series of wars helped the Ottoman Empire gain its respect as a “Gunpowder Empire” and forced other to consider attaining more gunpowder.
Body Paragraph #4: The use of gunpowder in political acts and to build empires, shows its significance in history as not only a weapon but a method of displaying one’s beliefs.
The Gunpowder Treason Plot was a failed attempt to assassinate King James I of England by using gunpowder as the form of attack.
Evidence: “… with Gunpowder, as it were with one Blast, suddenly, traitorously and barbarously to blow up and tear in pieces our said Sovereign Lord the King, the excellent, virtuous and gracious Queen Anne, his dearest Wife, the most noble Prince …” (Gunpowder Plot: Trials (1605))
Analysis: During the event which resulted in this trial, a group of English Catholics who were led by Robert Catesby attempted to blow up the Upper House of the English Parliament with people of great importance inside due to a conflict of political views. The violent political act was given much attention as many important sovereignty were inside the building at the time such as the King, Queen, and related family. Although a failure, the historical act of violence was to be carried out through the use of gunpowder thus demonstrating its significance as barrels of gunpowder were the single weapon used in the large attack. Throughout the duration of the trial for the incident, the defendants were continually asked if gunpowder was used and they forcefully agreed to it. Although when analyzing such an event the weapon is not always considered important, in the Gunpowder Plot, it carries great significance due to the very fact that the event was named after gunpowder.
Moreover, how the gunpowder was stored and planned to use was reiterated throughout the trial document.
Along with the Gunpowder Plot, an act of rebellion in France during the cusp of a great revolution, the Storming of the Bastille was primarily for attaining firearms.
Evidence: “When the prison was attacked it actually held only seven prisoners, but the mob had not gathered for them: it had come to demand the huge firearm stores held within the prison walls.” (Gillion)
Analysis: In the article regarding the Storming of the Bastille, the first deliberate act of violence in the French Revolution, Gillion discusses the motives of the rebel group. The Bastille was a prison with only 7 political prisoners but had an abundance of weapons which was the main target of the rebelling group. Noting that this was the begging of the revolution, it can be seen that firearms are extremely important as it was one of the first things acquired by the people of France. Furthermore, this political event demonstrates that even the common people, as the lower class was rebelling, valued firearms and their fighting capabilities. Generalizing, gunpowder and firearms are thus very important to any revolution as strong tools are required to apply force to overthrow a corrupt government from power.
Body Paragraph #5: Not only did gunpowder drastically alter land warfare, it also greatly impacted naval warfare in similar aspects.
Primarily, the use of gunpowder in cannons greatly strengthened many fleets of various nations.
Evidence: “The most significant development, however, was the ocean-going fleets of Spain… sailing ships built for war, where equipped with a profusion of cast-iron guns and cannons- in 17th century warship, for instance, might have as many cannons as a whole land army.” (Grant)
Analysis: Clearly as stated by Grant, strong fleets consisted of ships with a large number of cast-iron guns and cannons. As discussed before these cannons were very efficient and the best of its kind in the time period. In the 17th century, the Spanish were very powerful and had a great amount of control over lands overseas thus a strong fleet was of their interest. Grant puts emphasis on the amount of firearms the Spanish had as he states “… might have as many cannons as a whole land army.” The sheer number of cannons demonstrates the power and importance of them to the fleet and thus shows that an abundance of firearms results in strong and capable fleets.
Gunpowder played a critical role in the naval aspect of the Battle of Shubra Khit, the conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Napoleon.
Evidence: “The Ottoman navy would still be operating at a disadvantage had they not improved other aspects, such as gunpowder and cannons. Without proper cannons, … operating at a serious disadvantage because of their shorter range.” (Andrade)
Andrade demonstrates the negatives of not having firearms in his elaborate book regarding gunpowder wars. Specifically looking at the naval combat between the Ottomans and the French, The Battle of Aboukir, despite the Ottomans abundance of gunpowder, they were lacking the correct firearms. This is not only a problem due to the lack in force of the fleet but is also a “disadvantage because of their shorter range”(Andrade). The outcome described in Andrade was poor for the Ottoman navy as they eventually lost control and Napoleon took power over Egypt for France. Therefore this war demonstrates how critical it is to have more than enough firearms on board ships in a navy as it can make the difference between gaining or losing vasts amount of land and power.
Conclusion
Restate thesis: The evolution of the applications of gunpowder was the sole and most prominent factor in the development of warfare and trade between empires which is demonstrated through the outcomes of various battles, naval warfare, the development of advanced artillery, and its long-lasting effects on the modern age.
Summarize Arguments: Primarily, the progression of the development of firearms from the Chinese’s projectile arrows, to cannons, and finally to handguns was made possible due to the constant necessity of advancing due to warfare. Thus, gunpowder drove warfare and vice versa advancing the level of both every war. Although fighting with guns is the most simplistic and original thought to come to mind, gunpowder has had much deeper impacts than just in the development of guns, it aided political acts of violence to unfold, trade to be further established between empires, and allowed fleets to be successful.
Broader Importance: The untold truth of gunpowder is not that of fighting, trading, or provoking political acts but is the story of an invention. Though by accident, “black powder” has embarked upon many technological advancements and has shown how a single invention can lead to much more. Branching off a mere powder are now militaries and classes of weapons. Similarly, the next accidental invention may lead into so much more.
Works Cited:
- Andrade, Tonio. “The Naval Component of the Battle of Shubra Khit.” Age of Gunpowder: an
Era of Technological, Tactical, Strategic, and Leadership Innovations, by Nicole Goetz,
vol. 5, Benjamin Sinvany, 2013, pp. 149–163. - Dyson, James. “The Most Explosive Secrets in History.” A History of Great Inventions, by James
Dyson and Robert Uhlig, Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2001, pp. 42–43. - Gillion, Steven M. “French Revolutionaries Storm Bastille.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 24 Nov. 2009,
- Grant, R. G. “Firearms and Fleets.” Battle: a Visual Journey through 5,000 Years of Combat, by
R. G. Grant, Dorling Kindersley, 2005, pp. 126–127. - Guilmartin “Military technology.” Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 16 Aug. 2018.
Accessed 19 Nov. 2018. - Jones, Dan. “Firearms.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 28 Feb. 2018, www.history.com/topics/inventions/firearms.
- Whipps, Heather. “How Gunpowder Changed the World.” LiveScience, Purch, 6 Apr. 2008,