Impacts of Cannons

Economic Impacts:

Hand Cannon

Hand Cannon had an impact to the economy because it was one of the early cannons to be created. This cannon was developed in China, and it was used in the Battle of Ain Jalut. The Battle of Ain Jalut was a battle between the Mongols and the Mamluks. The cannon, although originated in China, were used by the Mamluks (Egypt) because they already had the same technology as the Chinese did. The Mamluks had used the weapon to their advantage by shooting it to frighten the horses. The Mongols fought on horseback (cavalry), so this was an effective way to make the opponent vulnerable.  (from American Legion's Burnpit)

Falconet

The Falconet was used by both sides (Great Britain and the colonies) during the American Revolution. It was one of the most commonly used weapons at the time. Both had the same technology, so neither of them had a great advantage over the other. These were all decorated with engravings of reptiles, birds, or beasts.

(Wikipedia)

Smooth bore 12-pounder Napoleon Gun

This cannon was used during the Civil War by both sides, Union and the Confederacy and was one of the most common weapons involved in the war. However, the North and the South created it from different materials since they had access to different things. The Union made it with iron, what cannons are typically made from. The confederacy, however, made the entire cannon out of bronze. The quality of the Smooth bore 12-pounder Napoleon Gun of the South was so much higher and advanced than that of the Union because the bronze withstood more damage. (from CivilWarTalk.com)

"Dora" (Heavy Gustav) Railroad Cannon

This cannon was ordered to be made by Hitler during the World War II. Hitler demanded the heaviest and the most powerful gun that'll be able to withstand and demolish everything. This cannon was destructive, its 800mm shells destroyed almost everyhing in its path. However, it proved to not be as good of a weapon as they had originally hoped. The problem was that it was difficult to maintain. A weapon as large as this was very expensive, and it was easily targeted in battlefields because nothing could conceal this massive machine. The barrel only held a hundred rounds, and it required almost a thousand troops for it to operate which was too many to spare. (everything2.com)

British Howitzer

The British Howitzer was mainly used during World War I by the British(obviously). These were very destructive, but also worked as a shield. The massive body could cover many people behind it, allowing them to dodge the bullets during a war.

(Wikipedia)

81mm M1 Mortar

This weapon was mainly used in the marines. It was the largest weapon used overseas. It was favored for its flexible fire capability. The angle could be changed, and it shot with high trajectory. They were used during World War I by the U.S. It was the first man-portable mortar, and it also caused great effect. It was useful because it could change its aim quickly and it could stop attacks even in the worst possible situation. (ww2gyrene.org)



Social Impacts:

The cannons have developed in its physical power and its usage over several centuries. At first, the cannons were used more psychologically than physically, because it didn't impose as much damage. (Wikipedia) However, now cannons are used to HARM and to harm them badly. The cannons have always both created and destroyed. At the Battle of Ain Jalut, the Mongols and the Mamluks were fighting over territory. The cannon worked in the Mamluk's favor and it defeated the Mongols. This event helped expand the Mamluk territory, and with that, came more creations. However, it destroyed the Mongol region. Many cannons were used in the World War II. The Germans upgraded their tanks at an amazing rate and that helped the Germans defeat some nations, but overall it resulted in their defeat. The materials have went to waste, their country was left in turmoil. However, the cannons and weaponry used by the allies did cause damage, but it also created more, like liberty and equal rights for the Jews. The Falcon was used during the American Revolution and it contributed to theachievement of American's liberty.

These weapons could harm many, but also create many new things. It basically matters on your ethics. What you stand up for, and doing what is right, may help you create more things with weapons that destroy.