Gunpowder originated in China and had many useful purposes.
This explosive powder was made by grinding three ingredients: Sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate). Peasants were the one's who more than likely made the gunpowder. A skill the pezants who made this powder had to be extrmely careful and have a lot of diligence. One false move all the gunpowder would explode in their face. One use for this was for fire arrows.
The Chinese would strap a cartage filled with gunpowder onto a thin piece of bamboo and launch it from a bow. Soon they figured out it could take off on it's own by its gases. Thus the rocket was born. It would sometimes be use for skin treatments and for insect killer and repellent. The military used its explosive content for war. It became a big advantage and advancement in defeating its enemies. This influence has not changed much in culture. It is still used for the same purposes as they have been for hundreds of years. The most interesting part of this project in my opinion was how the chinese figured out the explosive mixure.
