NYSED Global History and Geography Online Resource Guide
 

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Rise & Fall of West African Empires

Rise & Fall of West African Empires
In the early 11th century, Chinese alchemists discovered a new black powder substance made from saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. It was initially used for fireworks. This knowledge was subsequently applied to the development of weapons that propelled clusters of flaming arrows into on coming cavalry with the intent to dismember men and horses. By the 13th century the Chinese developed cannon. The Chinese also used gunpowder for excavation purposes in canal and irrigation engineering projects. Europeans learned about this innovation from the Arabs. The Europeans refined this technology to be used in the form of cannon that were used as siege weapons.

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Cultural Diffusion (Ideas/
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Unit:
Unit 2B

Standards:
World History
Geography
Hangzhou Chang'an Kaifeng Development of Gunpowder Cities of Interest
 
Related Turning Points:  Related Topics:

  • European Development of Cannons and Guns

 

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