Why did China not develop gunpowder into the same destructive weapon it became in Europe?
Because they didn’t need them. Whatever they were doing at the time, worked well enough. On the other hand, Europe, due to social, climate, and geological reasons, was a cauldron of war for centuries.
What was the impact of artillery and machine guns?
Artillery was the most destructive weapon on the Western Front. Guns could rain down high explosive shells, shrapnel and poison gas on the enemy and heavy fire could destroy troop concentrations, wire, and fortified positions. Artillery was often the key to successful operations.
What weapons did the French use in the 100 year war?
A number of new weapons were introduced during the Hundred Years’ War as well. Gunpowder, firearms and cannons played significant roles as early as 1375. The last battle of the war, the Battle of Castillon, was the first battle in European history in which artillery was the deciding factor.
Did the French use cannons?
The 14th century saw considerable development of the new weapons in France and in Western Europe in general, especially with the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453). Cannons were soon used at sea, with ships being used as a firing platform.
Why were gunpowder and guns important for European explorers?
In the 13th Century knowledge of gunpowder spread to Europe. By the time of the voyages of discovery in the 15th Century, Europeans had developed canons and firearms using gunpowder, which they put on ships. They then used these weapons to attack and conquer the people that they met on their voyages.
How did gunpowder impact Europe?
Gunpowder permanently revolutionized European life. It hastened the decline of feudalism by changing the emphasis of battle from the cavalry to that of siege and field artillery. Gunpowder threatened the rule of the church with a competing secular power and feelings of nationalism.
How did guns change warfare?
The discovery of gunpowder led to the development of cannons in the 1300s. Cannons could demolish castle walls and blast through wooden ships. Machine guns allowed for rapid, continuous fire, thereby eliminating frequent reloading. The first was the Gatling gun, used in the American Civil War.
How did machine guns lead to trench warfare?
The machine gun came to represent the use of technology applied to weaponry. The power it gave to a single man made the offensive doctrine of the European powers obsolete, forcing the armies on the Western Front into trenches. All of the combatants were left with the option to dig in or be annihilated.
How did the Hundred Years War affect Europe?
The loss of all English-held territory in France except Calais. A high number of casualties amongst the nobility, particularly in France. A decline in trade, especially English wool and Gascon wine. A great wave of taxes to pay for the war which contributed to social unrest in both countries.
When were cannons used in Europe?
The earliest depiction of gunpowder artillery is a 1326 CE English manuscript, which shows a cannon on a wooden stand ready to fire a metal bolt. The first recorded European battle where cannons were used was the Battle of Crécy in 1346 CE, where they helped the English defeat a larger French and Genovese army.
When did cannons come to Europe?
Cannon seem to have been introduced to the Kingdom of England in the 14th century, and is mentioned as being in use against the Scots in 1327.
Was gunpowder used in the 100 years war?
The Hundred Years War (1337-1453) saw the first appearances of gunpowder artillery in English and French warfare. These fearsome weapons, which had been largely unused in the conflicts of Western Europe, were deployed in sieges and on battlefields by both sides.
Why was the ribauldequin called an organ gun?
One of the early attempts to build rapid-fire artillery was the ribauldequin. It was a cart-mounted firing battery used in the 14th and 15th centuries. Because their many barrels resembled a pipe organ, ribauldequins became known as organ guns, and sometimes death organs.
Why was the organ gun called an organ gun?
Because their many barrels resembled a pipe organ, ribauldequins became known as organ guns, and sometimes death organs. Far smaller caliber than cannons but larger than average guns, they played a supporting role in artillery bombardments.
How effective were ribauldequins in the 14th century?
In the 14th century, a rapid-fire weapon would have proved quite an advantage during combat. Ribauldequins, however, suffered from a serious disadvantage as well. While the weapon itself could fire—in theory—dozens of consecutive rounds, the ribauldequin still had to be muzzle-loaded.
How many guns does a ribauldequin have?
Ribauldequins were designed to be fired in quick succession with a match connecting the touch hole of all the barrels. Perhaps the largest were horse-drawn wagons with three sets of guns on each side, which would have made for a total of 144 guns that could be used against both infantry and armored cavalry.