pre 1800's - cannon research

~Pre 1800 cannons~

1. The Breech Loading Swivel Gun

It is a type of cannon that is equipped with a swivel in order to turn it in different directions. It must first be loaded with gunpowder and projectiles. This cannon has a somewhat rapid fire property. It was used by Africa, Europe, and Asia for many centuries. They were first invented in the 14^th century in Burgundy and used in the 16^th century and onwards by several countries. They were used in the siege of Moji, a Japanese castle, and the battle of Takajo. They were also used during the Ming Dynasty in the Imjin War. The cannons could fire cannonballs or grapeshot (loosely packed metal balls in a bag).

Manufacture :

• North America
• Africa
• Europe
• Asia

Design:

• had a swivel to turn in different directions
• had a somewhat rapid fire property
• mug chaped chamber

Battles:

• siege of Moji
• battle of takajo
• imjin War

Ammunition types:

• grapeshot
• roundshot
• cannonballs

Economic Impacts:

They were initially used as an alternate to the expensive bronze cannons. They were developed in the 14th century and were produced more because of the high effectiveness.

It was used mainly as a anti-personnel gun such as a modern machine gun and they were also used on warships at the bow and stern.

"Breech-loading Swivel Gun." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breech-loading_swivel_gun#Characteristics>.

Breech Loadig Swivel Cannon Munich 1632. Digital image. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Breech_loading_swivel_cannon_Munich_1632.jpg>.

Oda Nobunaga Breech Loading Swivel Gun. Digital image. Wikipedia. Web. 12 Feb. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oda_Nobunaga_swivel_breech_loading_gun.jpg>.

Oozutsu Japanese Breech Loadaing Swivel Cannon. Digital image. Wikipedia. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oozutsu_cannon_Japan_16th_century.jpg.

~Pre 1800 cannons~

2. Culverin Cannon

This was originally a French cannon which was introduced to Europe in 1534. It was a medieval cannon which worked well at attacking from a distance. It fired solid round cannon balls, had a light barrel, and was very light and portable. It is known as the “ancestor of the musket”. This cannon was closed at the back except for the hole in which the gunpowder was ignited. You would insert a small match inside the small hole and then the lead bullets or other ammunition would be fired.

Manufacture:

• France
• England

Design:

• had a smoothbore tube
• light and portable
• the ignition begins at the bottom of the tube

Battles:

• the siege of Cahir Castle

Ammunition Types:

• lead bullets
• iron balls

Economic Impacts:

Due to its light weight and portability, it was favored and was produced more. After the French developed it, the English also picked it up and it continued on. It was used to attack enemies from a safe distance and they were often used on ships.



Culverin Cannon." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culverin>.

Early Culverin Cannons Pic. Digital image. Wikipedia. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EarlyCoulevrines.jpg.

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