Foundations of America  QU201 Prof. Scott Leone    • Increase
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cherry bomb  Cherry Bomb   The cherry bomb, also known as a
Globe salute, is a small explosive or firework used for
entertainment purposes. A typical cherry bomb was of spherical
shape, and contained a small explosive composed of several
different materials ranging from flash powder to black powder.
The explosive was enclosed in a small paper cup surrounded by
sawdust fused with a mild adhesive. A small hole was drilled
allowing for the insertion of a fuse. When ignited, the fuse
would travel down into the explosive powder, initiating the
explosion. Due to its ability to inflict bodily harm, the cherry
bomb was deemed illegal by the United States government in 1996.
In Ragtime, a large profit of Father’s company came from the
production and distribution of fireworks. In Father’s absence,
mother’s younger brother engulfed himself in work, and agonized
over the creation of a more powerful