1. Chinese Innovations Project: Gunpowder
Arjun Dundoo and Lindsay Catsavis

2. Description and Explanation
Gunpowder is an explosive material. It burns rapidly to accelerate objects such as bullets. There are many different kinds of gunpowder. The most commonly used is black powder, which is very powerful but it causes corrosion, dirt, and smoke. The components of gunpowder are sulfur, saltpetre, and charcoal. It is used worldwide for many purposes, such as warfare.

3. How did it help and change China?
Gunpowder was discovered in China during the Tang Dynasty. It was first used in ancient warfare. It was used for weapons such as the “fire cannon” and the “rocket.” The invention of gunpowder aided the society of China because it improved their military and allowed them to conquer other territories with force. It also changed China because there was a great demand for gunpowder by the West. This helped the economy of China to improve.
Picture of fire cannon

4. Relevance to the Modern World
The invention of gunpowder revolutionized warfare as we know it. Ever since Chinas use of it in their wars there has been a great demand for gunpowder in warfare. It has been used in countless wars and battles, and our modern society still uses gunpowder today. Some examples of modern uses of gunpowder are hunting rifles, handguns, and military weapons that are used in large scale wars.

5. Bibliography
Ling, Wang. “On the Invention and Use of Gunpowder and Firearms in China. The History of Science Society. Volume 37 (1947): Jstor. McCulloch Library, St. Louis, Missouri. 21 September, ancient%2Bchinese%2Binnovation%2B%2Bgunpowder%26gw%3Djtx%26acc%3Don%26 prq%3Dchinese%2Binnovation%2B%2Bgunpowder%26hp%3D25%26wc%3Don "Song dynasty." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO. McCulloch Library, St. Louis, Missouri. 21 September, clio.com/Search/Display/602497?terms=gunpowder “Four Great Inventions of Ancient China—Gunpowder.” China Culture. 21 September, "Chinese cannon from 14th century.“ Online Image. Instructional Resources Corporation. 21 Sept