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The Gunpowder Age

China, Military Innovation, and the Rise of the West in World History

Author: Tonio Andrade

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: 9780691178141

Category: History

Page: 448

The Chinese invented gunpowder and began exploring its military uses as early as the 900s, four centuries before the technology passed to the West. But by the early 1800s, China had fallen so far behind the West in gunpowder warfare that it was easily defeated by Britain in the Opium War of 1839-42. What happened? In The Gunpowder Age, Tonio Andrade offers a compelling new answer, opening a fresh perspective on a key question of world history: why did the countries of western Europe surge to global importance starting in the 1500s while China slipped behind? Historians have long argued that gunpowder weapons helped Europeans establish global hegemony. Yet the inhabitants of what is today China not only invented guns and bombs but also, as Andrade shows, continued to innovate in gunpowder technology through the early 1700s--much longer than previously thought. Why, then, did China become so vulnerable? Andrade argues that one significant reason is that it was out of practice fighting wars, having enjoyed nearly a century of relative peace, since 1760. Indeed, he demonstrates that China--like Europe--was a powerful military innovator, particularly during times of great warfare, such as the violent century starting after the Opium War, when the Chinese once again quickly modernized their forces. Today, China is simply returning to its old position as one of the world's great military powers. By showing that China's military dynamism was deeper, longer lasting, and more quickly recovered than previously understood, The Gunpowder Age challenges long-standing explanations of the so-called Great Divergence between the West and Asia.

The Gunpowder Age

China, Military Innovation, and the Rise of the West in World History

Author: Tonio Andrade

Publisher: Princeton University Press

ISBN: 1400874440

Category: History

Page: 448

The Chinese invented gunpowder and began exploring its military uses as early as the 900s, four centuries before the technology passed to the West. But by the early 1800s, China had fallen so far behind the West in gunpowder warfare that it was easily defeated by Britain in the Opium War of 1839–42. What happened? In The Gunpowder Age, Tonio Andrade offers a compelling new answer, opening a fresh perspective on a key question of world history: why did the countries of western Europe surge to global importance starting in the 1500s while China slipped behind? Historians have long argued that gunpowder weapons helped Europeans establish global hegemony. Yet the inhabitants of what is today China not only invented guns and bombs but also, as Andrade shows, continued to innovate in gunpowder technology through the early 1700s—much longer than previously thought. Why, then, did China become so vulnerable? Andrade argues that one significant reason is that it was out of practice fighting wars, having enjoyed nearly a century of relative peace, since 1760. Indeed, he demonstrates that China—like Europe—was a powerful military innovator, particularly during times of great warfare, such as the violent century starting after the Opium War, when the Chinese once again quickly modernized their forces. Today, China is simply returning to its old position as one of the world's great military powers. By showing that China’s military dynamism was deeper, longer lasting, and more quickly recovered than previously understood, The Gunpowder Age challenges long-standing explanations of the so-called Great Divergence between the West and Asia.

The Gunpowder Age

China, Military Innovation, and the Rise of the West in World History

Author: Tonio Andrade

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: 9780691135977

Category: History

Page: 496

The Chinese invented gunpowder and began exploring its military uses as early as the 900s, four centuries before the technology passed to the West. But by the early 1800s, China had fallen so far behind the West in gunpowder warfare that it was easily defeated by Britain in the Opium War of 1839–42. What happened? In The Gunpowder Age, Tonio Andrade offers a compelling new answer, opening a fresh perspective on a key question of world history: why did the countries of western Europe surge to global importance starting in the 1500s while China slipped behind? Historians have long argued that gunpowder weapons helped Europeans establish global hegemony. Yet the inhabitants of what is today China not only invented guns and bombs but also, Andrade shows, continued to innovate in gunpowder technology through the early 1700s—much longer than previously thought. Why, then, did China become so vulnerable? Andrade argues that one significant reason is that it was out of practice fighting wars, having enjoyed nearly a century of relative peace, since 1760. Indeed, he demonstrates that China—like Europe—was a powerful military innovator, particularly during times of great warfare, such as the violent century starting after the Opium War, when the Chinese once again quickly modernized their forces. Today, China is simply returning to its old position as one of the world’s great military powers. By showing that China’s military dynamism was deeper, longer lasting, and more quickly recovered than previously understood, The Gunpowder Age challenges long-standing explanations of the so-called Great Divergence between the West and Asia.

Saltpeter

The Mother of Gunpowder

Author: David Cressy

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISBN: 019969575X

Category: History

Page: 237

The story of the science, the technology, the politics and the military applications of saltpeter - the vital but mysterious substance that governments from the Tudors to the Victorians regarded as an 'inestimable treasure'.

Lost Colony

The Untold Story of China's First Great Victory Over the West

Author: Tonio Andrade

Publisher: Princeton University Press

ISBN: 0691144559

Category: History

Page: 431

During the seventeenth century, Holland created the world's most dynamic colonial empire, outcompeting the British and capturing Spanish and Portuguese colonies. Yet, in the Sino-Dutch War--Europe's first war with China--the Dutch met their match in a colorful Chinese warlord named Koxinga. Part samurai, part pirate, he led his generals to victory over the Dutch and captured one of their largest and richest colonies--Taiwan. How did he do it? Examining the strengths and weaknesses of European and Chinese military techniques during the period, Lost Colony provides a balanced new perspective on long-held assumptions about Western power, Chinese might, and the nature of war. It has traditionally been asserted that Europeans of the era possessed more advanced science, technology, and political structures than their Eastern counterparts, but historians have recently contested this view, arguing that many parts of Asia developed on pace with Europe until 1800. While Lost Colony shows that the Dutch did indeed possess a technological edge thanks to the Renaissance fort and the broadside sailing ship, that edge was neutralized by the formidable Chinese military leadership. Thanks to a rich heritage of ancient war wisdom, Koxinga and his generals outfoxed the Dutch at every turn. Exploring a period when the military balance between Europe and China was closer than at any other point in modern history, Lost Colony reassesses an important chapter in world history and offers valuable and surprising lessons for contemporary times.

Black Powder

Author: Ally Sherrick

Publisher: Chicken House

ISBN: 1910655651

Category: Juvenile Fiction

Page: 368

England, 1605. 12-year-old Tom must save his father from hanging. He falls in with a mysterious stranger - the Falcon - who promises to help him in exchange for his service. But on the long journey to London, Tom discovers the Falcon's true mission - and a plot to blow up Parliament with barrels of black powder. Tom faces a terrible decision: secure his father's release, or stop the assassination of the king ...

Hank

Author: Arch Montgomery

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: 9781890862220

Category: Juvenile Fiction

Page: 171

For ages 12+. Eighth-grader Hank Collins has quit his Little League team because he dislikes the coach, and now his summer promises to be long and boring. His divorced parents are preoccupied -- his mother is happily smoking pot with her new husband and his father is having an affair with his secretary -- and they pay little attention to Hank. Only his stepmother (Perfect-Lady-Karen) seems to notice him, and her attentions lead to preachy Bible sermons and little else. Hank spends much of his time near the Gunpowder River, where he meets two older men who invite him to join their paintball team. He enjoys this diversion, and agrees to join them for a weekend camp-out tournament. On the excursion, Hank finds out that the two men are gay; unfortunately, so do their Christian homosexual-hating campmates, who chase them and kidnap Hank. The boy escapes, and is rescued by his English teacher, who is coincidentally driving home from a summer retreat.

War Made New

Weapons, Warriors, and the Making of the Modern World

Author: Max Boot

Publisher: Penguin

ISBN: 9781592403158

Category: History

Page: 624

Examines how technological innovation shaped the rise and fall of empires during four historical periods, from the Gunpowder Age to the Industrial Revolution, and continues to play a pivotal role in modern warfare.

1606

William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

Author: James Shapiro

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: 9780571235780

Category:

Page: 448

The sequel to James Shapiro's multi-award winning bestseller 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare.

Fawkes

A Novel

Author: Nadine Brandes

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 0785217355

Category: Young Adult Fiction

Page: 448

“Fawkes is the perfect mix of history and magic.” —Cynthia Hand, New York Times bestselling author of My Lady Jane Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England. Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th-century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death. But what if death finds him first? Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in. The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King. The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other. No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back. “I was up late in the night reading, waiting to get to the fifth of November to see how the plot would actually unfold, and it did not disappoint. An imaginative, colorful tale about choosing for yourself between what’s right and what others insist is the truth.” —Cynthia Hand, New York Times bestselling author of My Lady Jane “Hold on to your heart as this slow-burning adventure quickly escalates into an explosion of magic, love, and the truth about loyalty.” —Mary Weber, bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy “Fawkes is a tale full of spiritual depth, tragedy, and hope. A beautifully written allegory for the magic of faith, with an achingly relatable hero who pulls you into his world heart and soul. A must-read for all fantasy fans!” —Lorie Langdon, author of Olivia Twist “A brilliant book that fulfills every expectation. Brandes turns seventeenth century London into a magical place. I was captivated by the allegory of her magic system and how she blended that fantasy with history. I highly recommend this gripping and beautifully crafted book to all. It will leave you both entertained and pondering matters raised in the storyline long after you’ve finished reading.” —Jill Williamson, Christy Award-winning author of By Darkness Hid and Captives “A magical retelling of the seventeenth century’s famous Gunpowder Plot that will sweep you back in time—to a divided England where plagues can turn you to stone and magic has a voice. Deft and clever, Fawkes is a vibrant story about the search for truth and issues relevant to us, still, today.” —Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author

Guns for the Sultan

Military Power and the Weapons Industry in the Ottoman Empire

Author: Gábor Ágoston

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

ISBN: 9780521843133

Category: History

Page: 277

Agoston's book is the first to examine the weapons technology and armaments industries of the Ottoman empire, the only Islamic empire that threatened Europe on its own territory in the Gunpowder Age. By considering topics such as technology transfer, the integration of firearms in the Ottoman army and navy, and saltpetre and gunpowder production, the books explains the success of the Ottoman military machine against its European and Muslim rivals from the fifteenth through seventeenth century. It goes on to suggest why Ottoman military capabilities declined in the eighteenth century.

The Rise of the West

A History of the Human Community

Author: William H. McNeill

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

ISBN: 9780226561615

Category: History

Page: 860

The Rise of the West, winner of the National Book Award for history in 1964, is famous for its ambitious scope and intellectual rigor. In it, McNeill challenges the Spengler-Toynbee view that a number of separate civilizations pursued essentially independent careers, and argues instead that human cultures interacted at every stage of their history. The author suggests that from the Neolithic beginnings of grain agriculture to the present major social changes in all parts of the world were triggered by new or newly important foreign stimuli, and he presents a persuasive narrative of world history to support this claim. In a retrospective essay titled "The Rise of the West after Twenty-five Years," McNeill shows how his book was shaped by the time and place in which it was written (1954-63). He discusses how historiography subsequently developed and suggests how his portrait of the world's past in The Rise of the West should be revised to reflect these changes. "This is not only the most learned and the most intelligent, it is also the most stimulating and fascinating book that has ever set out to recount and explain the whole history of mankind. . . . To read it is a great experience. It leaves echoes to reverberate, and seeds to germinate in the mind."—H. R. Trevor-Roper, New York Times Book Review

God's Secret Agents

Queen Elizabeth's Forbidden Priests and the Hatching of the Gunpowder Plot

Author: Alice Hogge

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: 9780007225682

Category: England

Page: 445

"Using contemporary documents, Alice Hogge's new book pieces together a deadly game of cat-and-mouse between priests and government spies, as Queen Elizabeth and her ministers fought to defend the state, and English Catholics fought to defend their souls. It follows the priests - God's Secret Agents - from their schooling on the Continent, through their perilous return journeys and their lonely lives in hiding, to the scaffold, where a gruesome death awaited them. To their government they were traitors; to their fellow Catholics they were glorious martyrs. It was a distinction that the Gunpowder Plot would put to the test. Ultimately God's Secret Agents is the story of men who would die for their cause undone by men who would kill for it."--BOOK JACKET.

Java ho: The adventures of four boys amid fire, storm and shipwreck

Author: J.W. Fabricius

Publisher: Рипол Классик

ISBN: 5872439113

Category: History

Page: 296

Short Histories: Mr Fawkes, the King and the Gunpowder Plot

Author: Tom and Tony Bradman

Publisher: Wayland

ISBN: 9781526303462

Category: Juvenile Fiction

Page: 32

This exciting story brings the gunpowder plot to life for young readers. Cecil the spymaster and his assistant, Jack, learn of a new plot to kill the king. They are determined to catch the plotters in the act. The trouble is, where do they begin their search? Full of secrets, excitement and danger, this short text is suitable for struggling readers but engaging enough to give confident readers a quick, fun read. Suitable for use in schools as guided reading texts or for reading independently.

Bringers of War

The Portuguese in Africa During the Age of Gunpowder and Sail from Fifteenth to Eighteenth Century

Author: John Laband

Publisher: Frontline

ISBN: 9781848326583

Category: History

Page: 262

Long before coal-fuelled ships and machine-tooled firearms, in the age of sail and black powder, the Portuguese were engaged all around the coasts of Africa in capturing trading towns, seizing slaves and searching for mineral riches. They fought their ancient Muslim foes wherever they encountered them, overthrew African kingdoms and resisted Dutch, Omani and Ottoman rivals. Campaigning over difficult terrain and in notoriously inhospitable climates, these were far from one-sided contests. Often victory was theirs, but so too were crushing, ignominious defeats in the field, debilitating sieges and humiliating capitulations. These were clashes between very contrasting societies with their own methods of warfare, choice of weaponry and concepts of what it took to be a heroic warrior. The enthralling tale of the Portuguese in Africa before the nineteenth century deserves to be every bit as familiar as the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Yet, surprisingly, English-speaking readers know few if any of their ferocious African wars. In this impeccably researched and spellbinding new book, John Leband seeks to redress this imbalance expertly recalling this remarkable saga in full for the first time. REVIEWS ...a valuable contribution to the historiography, and his attention to detail makes for an enjoyable read... brings attention to an important and often underexplored topic in Africa's and Portugal's history International Journal of African Historical Studies

War in the Middle Ages

Author: Philippe Contamine

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

ISBN: 9780631144694

Category: History

Page: 408

A history of medieval warfare in Europe covers the fifth through the fifteenth century and discusses armor, artillery, strategy, and courage

How Taiwan became Chinese

Dutch, Spanish, and Han colonization in the seventeenth century

Author: Tonio Andrade

Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr

ISBN: 9780231128551

Category: History

Page: 300

Columbia University Press and the American Historical Association (AHA) present Gutenberg, a collection of award-winning monographs written for specialized fields of research. Intended to enhance scholarly and educational publications through new media technologies, the titles of Gutenberg are available either in print or electronically through open access at www.gutenberg-e.org, a Web site hosted by Columbia University. The online version contains digital images, maps, artwork, and hyperlinks, and is fully searchable. These titles are made possible by funding through the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Book jacket.