Film Science

Questions to Accompany Gunpowder

Background: reaction rate is an important aspect of a chemical process. How fast will a medication reduce the pain of your headache? How long must a furniture maker wait for glue to set? How quickly will paint dry on a car in the autobody shop for repairs? What causes the difference in the behavior of wood burning in a fireplace and a stick of explosives? Reaction rate. Sometimes, world history is suddenly pushed onto a new path and, looking for causes, it is hardly possible to overstate the huge impact of the cannon and the handgun. And, what gives them their uniquely destructive power? The reaction rate of the gunpowder in their barrels.

1. During the 14^th Century, what weapon dominated the battlefields of Europe?

2. By the 15^th Century, what weapons were the deciding elements in battles?

3. On August 26, 1346, at the battle of Crecy, the French outnumbered the English by what margin?

4. How did the longbow affect attitudes about the importance of Infantry?

5. During the battle of Crecy, what was the immediate impact of the English bombards?

6. What technology lead to the successful conquest of Constantinople by Mehmed II in 1453?

7. a) What type of projectile did Urban's cannon launch?

b) Summarize the difficulties of using his cannon.

8. What type and number of cannon were used by Charles VIII, during his invasion of Italy in 1494?

9. At both Constantinople and later in Italy, why were centuries of security gone in just a few weeks?

10. For hundreds of years siege engines pitted manpower, wood, and stone against castles. What was the key element in the construction of the walls during this period?

11. a) Before the cannon, castle security relied on what three design elements?

b) After the advent of the cannon, how did the design of castle walls change?

c) How did these new design changes affect the budgets of many cities?

12. a) Why were early designs of cannon impractical for war on the battlefield?

b) Why did foot soldiers prefer the arquebus instead?

13. a) How were fighting tactics of the Romans adapted to warfare with guns?

b) During a battle in 1631, rapid firing Swedish musketeers took what toll on forces of the Holy

Roman Empire?

14. How did the gun change medicine?

15. a) Describe the "reaction process"for making a Samurai sword. List materials, steps, temperatures.

b) What is the speed of this reaction process?

16. a) Until 1854, what had been the importance of the gun in Japan?

b) What occurred on that date that changed how the Japanese viewed the importance of firearms?

17. During battle, why was the Aztec nation shocked by Cortez's invading Spaniards?

(18. What more than weapons caused the demise of this nation of warriors, artisans and architects?)