Why Gunpowder Matters
Gunpowder has drastically shaped the course of history, as it has monumentally shaped modern warfare. Just imagine, a world without guns where Constantinople may not have fallen, the World Wars would have been avoided, and John F. Kennedy could still be alive. Killing was no longer about skill or strength, as guns made killing impersonal. Wars would become bloodier, crimes more prevalent, and people would become more desensitized to it all. Guns have been quietly and loudly affecting modern history and culture for centuries.
Effect on HistoryGunpowder has completely changed modern warfare and how people perceive violence. Guns make killing seem more impersonal as pulling a trigger is not the same as thrusting a blade into someone. The way warfare was waged completely changed from fighting with melee weapons, to ranged projectile throwers. Gunpowder has also deeply affected modern culture. Festivities and celebrations all around the world, such as the Fourth of July and Chinese New Year, consistently have fireworks as one of the main spectacles. Gunpowder has also affected the media, as many special effects require pyrotechnics. The effect it had on science was also quite important, as gunpowder would help develop the early understandings of chemistry and physics.
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Uses of GunpowderGunpowder is very unique as it is inherently destructive. It is used for weapons, warfare, demolition, and other devastating practices. Yet, it does not need to be used for violence. The original use of gunpowder is pyrotechnics. Pyrotechnics is the science of using chemical reactions to produce heat, light, gas, smoke, and sound. Gunpowder was discovered in Ancient China and was used in festivities. It is strange how something so violent and explosive could be used for any type of good. They are now a major part celebrations and holidays all around the globe, as well as being an instrumental part of theatrical special effects. However, pyrotechnics can still prove to be destructive. The original Globe Theatre burned down due to an unfortunate incident during a performance of Henry VIII.
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