History of Gun Powder

Provides gun powder information and its history including its creation and uses.

Gunpowder is formed from the chemical mixture of saltpeter (potassium nitrate) at 75%, sulphur 10 % and charcoal 15%. When it is ignited it burns rapidly and makes an explosion.

It was first developed by Chinese for use in fireworks but did not reach western civilisations for hundreds of years. When they did acquire it they applied it as a weapon. This then replaced all archers in armies, and by 1500s most armies used firearms in their armies instead.

In modern times gunpowder is mainly used in fireworks for igniting rockets.