Ranged Weaponry (1800's)

1800's "Howitzer"

A cannon is a type of artillery, usually large and tubular, that uses gunpowder or other usually explosive-based propellants to launch a projectile over a distance. Cannon vary in caliber, range, mobility, rate of fire, angle of fire, and firepower; different forms of cannon combine and balance these attributes in varying degrees, depending on their intended use on the battlefield. The cannon was developed over time but really made its mark in the 1800's. It was used most effectively in the American civil war. The cannon was crucial to the civil war because it had high mobility, was cost effective, and packed a punch. The cannon was put on a set of wheels which could be moved by a few men or towed by a mule or horse. The cannon was mostly made from iron(barrel) and wood. The metal used for the barrel changed throughout time as people experimented. The cannon was used to fire many projectiles. Cannon balls were most common but other materials were also used. They used two medium sized balls linked by a chain in ship to ship battles take down the masts. They also used grapeshot (tiny iron balls about the size of grapes) to take down infantry in some cases. The ammunition used varied from situation to situation in fact in some cases people used household items such as silverware and nails. Cannon's could be operated by a group of 2-3 men and had a faster reload time than the early catapults. They used explosive reaction between chemicals to fire their projectile forward. They used gunpowder in most cases but other chemical compounds were improvised. As the reaction occurs it creates vapor pressure between the sealed end of the cannon and the projectile. This pressure forces the projectile out of the cannon and towards the target. The cannon was used with much success for both defensive and offensive fighting throughout the years ans is the basis of design for modern day artillery.

The cannon as it was in the 1800's would have been less personal, however, the way it was used was very personal. In fact in the American civil war the cannon was used as close as point blank range to fend off armies overrunning a town. When it was used at a range the solders firing the cannon were focused on reload and not where the cannon ball went or who it killed.