Economic and Social Impact of Cannons

Economic Impact

The development of a different version of cannon only refers to a change in technology and new and better ideas for destruction. Cannons played a huge role in the seizure of land throughout history. When cannons were first developed they were used by many to conquer other lands and territories. Such as in the Reconquista, this lasted a period of 700 years. During the Middle Ages, cannons of larger weights were being transformed for lighter and more maneuverable types. Territory seems to be one of the biggest motives for war. For instance, once an empire captured a territory they would keep their wealth. The direct impact on cities was the destruction that the cannon caused. The damages would increase as the weaponry became more efficient and accurate. If the area of land did not become conquered, then the city would have to repair all damages and regain strength as a civilization. During the war, the city would have to manufacture weapons and would not be able to export as much, if the city even has an opportunity to export. There could also be a major shortage of food and agricultural production would decrease significantly. This decrease would be due to the fact that the bombs or any other weapon of mass destruction would destroy the land and existing crops.  As agriculture decreased, the chances of famine would increase. The people would have to take extreme measure to attempt to reconstruct their destroyed country. War can take two roads, either the one of complete destruction or an amazing economic gain. An economic gain would be an increase in the production of gun materials and other war artillery. A war would trigger factory production of other countries, since a certain territory would need to import large amounts of artillery. After war, there can be a large quantity of civilians injured. Which would require the attention of doctors and other medical services, yet if an area is completely destroyed hospitals would be very hard to find. In this case, it would be a major priority to build hospitals. Also civilians would have a loss of jobs. Each citizen would then have to try to provide for their families in any way they can. This then could lead to looting and other crimes in search for food. When taking in count the amount of money that it would also be necessary to mount a war, it would also be necessary to take in count up the damages and their costs.

Social Impact

Through history, many wars are triggered for many different reasons. Such as the conquering of cities, independence battles, rebellions, civil wars, and many other reasons. Cannons were one of many preferred weapons of many wars. Their efficiency and the destruction caused by these weapons made it an all time favorite. In many cases, cannons were used to create new countries that were willing to give their life for their countries’ independence. War tends to increase violence among soldiers and civilians. The direct psychological impact of war is tremendous. When war impacts a certain area, it tends to affect minds with “bloody images.”Emerging societies need the right weapons to defend or attack. The use of cannons allows for protection of your beliefs by using force. An example of one of these wars would be the battle of American independence. The American Independence was a war against the British. The Americans were looking forth to free themselves from the monarch form of government. They hoped to get out of the taxations that the British government was imposing and they were determined to fight for freedom. As once pronounced by Patrick Henry, one of our founding fathers had said, “give me liberty, or give me death.” The role of cannons helped out this liberty fighters gain independence. Cannons revolutionized the way people settled their differences. We went from fighting with rocks and clubs to fighting with automatic cannons. This also makes fighting easier to start and the destruction harder to clean up.