Gunpowder was discovered by accident by alchemists in China who were trying to make a potion for immortality by mixing sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. Bats dung reacts to the limestone walls and then combines with water which eventually evaporates to form crystallized nitrate. During the Tang Dynasty, gunpowder was used to treat skin diseases and kill insects. The Chinese originally called it fire powder and fireworks were shot into the sky as it was believed to make the evil spirits disappear. China’s military strategy was to use a fire oxen which would have spears attached to their chests. The Chinese were the first to create rockets with gunpowder. Even though gunpowder originated from China, other civilizations such as the Byzantine and Hungarian Empires helped further develop its capabilities. The Scientific Revolution brought the printing press which allowed new ideas for guns to be spread. It was easier for people to challenge ideas and further improve the quality of guns. Gunpowder allowed the navy to build ships with cannons to easily take down their enemies and field cannons were created so it was easier to destroy the barriers of enemies. Before gunpowder existed soldiers fought against their enemies mostly physically with their hands. Cannons destroyed armies, guns destroyed cavalry, and bombs could wipe out cities. The Chinese tried to stop the Mongols from taking over but eventually they figured out their secret formula for gunpowder and spread gunpowder throughout Europe. Gunpowder in Europe came during a time where there was a connected social and military change. European countries had two advantages over other nations when it came to military warfare: the ability to fight on horseback and their possession of castles. Gunpowder went from being a locally produced commodity to becoming a state owned and operated commodity. Charles VII played an important role when it came to bringing gunpowder to France. The king increased France’s budget so more guns could be imported in and increased taxes for the residents to fulfill the budget (DeVries 132). Even though European countries were raising taxes, it was worth it because in return they would be able to conquer whoever they wanted and make a lot of money. Guns could easily scare people which made it easy for people to surrender. This allowed France’s military leaders to have an advantage when it came to war, eventually defeating the English in the Hundred Years War (DeVries 133). The dukes of Burgundy made sure their guns were as perfect as possible testing whether it was testing different sizes, powders, or metals (DeVries 134). In England during the 15th century, locally owned gunpowder weapons were more or less equal to weapons owned by the government in terms of quality.