July 4th in America, New Year's Eve around the world, and November 5th in England are just a few of the times we see countless fireworks detonated in celebratory fashion.  These all make use of the wonderous fire drug of Chinese invention known as gunpowder. This amazing compound has shaped history from three simple, humble, and occasionally repulsive components. Listen in to learn how gunpowder, the DuPont family, and Guy Fawkes all helped shape the course of history by the use of a nitrate-based compound.