Interesting article on English dominance due to cannon technology

[MikeWaters]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7899831.stm

Replicas were recreated in a modern foundry, and tests carried out for the Timewatch documentary showed that the Elizabethans were throwing shot at almost the speed of sound.

Elizabeth's "supergun", although relatively small, could hit a target a mile away. At a ship-to-ship fighting distance of about 100 yards, the ball would have sufficient punch to penetrate the oak planks of a galleon, travelling across the deck and out the other side.

Elizabeth's navy worked out that a few big guns were less effective than a lot of small guns, all the same, all firing at once.

Power and freedom through weapon technology. Imagine that.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7899831.stm



Power and freedom through weapon technology. Imagine that.

Might makes right?

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Might makes right?

Victors are usually chosen from among the mighty.

Hence the powerful view might choose to disarm its citizens, while at the same time increasing powers of the state.

Impossible in the USA?

In the anarchy post-Katrina, with roving criminal gangs preying on people, what did law enforcement do? They went house-to-house confiscating guns from law-abiding citizens.