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The exploding shell is older than the cannon. Among the first uses of gunpowder was to create bombs or grenades- a casing filled with gunpowder and a fuse. This could be thrown, catapulted, slung, etc. Early cannon used shot (solid projectiles) or shell (hollow, gunpowder filled). In the Star Spangled Banner, the term "bombs bursting in air" refers to an exploding shell.

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14y ago

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