what is the difference between a napoleon, and howitzer cannon?
I would like to know the difference between a Napoleon, and Howitzer cannon. I think the Howitzers were used like in WWI & WWII, and the Napoleons, in the Civil War, War of 1812, and other wars in the 1800s.
The term Howitzer refers to any sort of cannon that is fired at a steep angle. Since the projectile is fired at a steep angle, it also descends at a steep angle, producing what is called a ‘plunging’ attack. You’re right, several armies used some form of Howitzer during WWI and WWII, but the history of the weapon goes back much further to the 1400′s. If you compare the Napoleon (a.k.a. M1857) to the Howitzers used during that same period, you will find that the Howitzers generally had a shorter barrel than the M1857 and, most notably, had a much shorter range. Most of the Civil War Howitzers were also considerably lighter than the Napoleon, which made them more mobile. This allowed 19th century armies to use the Howitzers as both a defensive and offensive weapon, whereas the Napoleon was typically a stationary weapon used for defense.
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11×14 Civil War Photo: Captured Howitzer at Hanover CH $8.99 |
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1896 Antique CIVIL WAR Print SAILORS on BEACH Practice w HOWITZER Boat Gun $12.71 |
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8×10 Civil War Photo: Captured Howitzer at Hanover CH $1.99 |
