The invention of gunpowder was one of China’s greatest inventions that made a significant contribution to Chinese culture and to the present world. Although, today we mainly use gunpowder for fireworks, for entertainment purposes, the Chinese used it to scare-off enemies in the time of war.
Gunpowder was discovered in the tenth century by Chinese medicine men that were looking for the secret to immortality. Chinese scientists discovered that an explosive mixture could be produced by combining sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate). They thought that gunpowder could be used as a medicine of some sort. The invention of gunpowder gave the Chinese a distinct advantage over their enemies, changing the nature of warfare. Gunpowder in Chinese is called “huo yau”, meaning flaming medicine. The invention of gunpowder gave the Chinese an upper hand when defending from enemies. It also gave them the chance to conquer and control others.
Gunpowder and its weapons were left to the kings, making the rule even stronger over the commons. Also adding to the value of gunpowder was the fact that, in the beginning, the total recipe for gunpowder was not common knowledge, and only a few special weapon-makers knew how to make gunpowder at all.
There are several variants and different uses of the gunpowder. The discovery of the gunpowder drastically changed warfare. It not only led to the use of firearms on the battle field but many more weapons such as poisonous bombs, grenades, fire arrows and even land mines were developed. The Chinese empire tried very hard to keep the discovery of the recipe of the gunpowder a secret. However, it spread. The invention of gunpowder spread due to the Silk Road. Chinese firearms, fireworks and gunpowder were popular items of trade along the Silk Road to Europe. Merchants crossed mountains and deserts to bring gunpowder to the west along the Silk Road, changing the face of warfare.
The Silk Road began as an ancient trade route between China and the Persian Empire. The gunpowder travelled in the caravans of merchants had a great impact on western life. Arab scientists studied and experiment with gunpowder and its applications in warfare. During the 11th century, Europe invaded Arabia and turned their newfound weapon on Christian troops. The secret of gunpowder travelled back to Europe along with stories of it force. European exploration of gunpowder became an aid rather that obstruction. Gunpowder and the creation of guns, and cannons turned death into a gentleman's sport.
Gunpowder became an aid rather that obstruction. Gunpowder and the creation on guns, and cannons turned death into a gentleman's sport.
Gunpowder is one of the great inventions of all time because in the 9th century it changed warfare forever as it allowed for warfare to be carried to a greater distance. Keep in mind that this Chinese explosive invention has become the basis for almost every weapon used in war from that point on. Gunpowder literally put weaponry into the hands of the individual, and giving birth to the modern army. Today gunpowder is still the basis for many modern weapons. To end on a positive note, gunpowder is still at the heart of the fireworks that make the Fourth of July so special.