In 1338, the first recorded use of gunpowder in European warfare occurred during the Battle of Crécy, France. This marked a pivotal moment in military technology, as gunpowder began to change the nature of warfare, leading to the decline of traditional knightly combat. The implications of this technological advancement would resonate throughout literature, as poets began to explore themes of conflict and change in their works.

The use of gunpowder in warfare influenced poets like John Milton, who later wrote about the complexities of war and its moral implications in 'Paradise Lost.' The shift from chivalric ideals to the brutal realities of gunpowder warfare inspired a new wave of poetry that questioned honor and valor in battle, reflecting the changing attitudes of society.