Artillery Through the Ages

This eBook has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Looking at an old-time cannon most people are sure of just one thing: the shot came out of the front end. For that reason these pages are written; people are curious about the fascinating weapon that so prodigiously and powerfully lengthened the warriors arm. And theirs is a justifiable curiosity because the gunner and his art played a significant role in American history.Contents:The Era of ArtilleryThe Ancient Engines of WarGunpowder Comes to EuropeThe BombardsSixteenth Century CannonThe Seventeenth Century and Gustavus AdolphusThe Eighteenth CenturyUnited States Guns of the Early 1800sRiflingThe War Between the StatesThe Change Into Modern ArtilleryGunpowderPrimersModern Use of Black PowderThe Characteristics of CannonThe Early Smoothbore CannonSmoothbores of the Later PeriodGarrison and Ship GunsSiege CannonField CannonHowitzersMortarsPetardsProjectilesSolid ShotExplosive ShellsFuzesScatter ProjectilesIncendiaries and Chemical ProjectilesFixed AmmunitionRocketsToolsThe Practice of Gunnery