Poudre B replaced its inventor-linked name with a designation that distinguished the new white powder from black powder. French authorities also hoped the name would confuse foreign intelligence. Their concern focused particularly on British espionage, which France regarded as unusually successful from the Napoleonic era onward. The naming decision places a chemical and gunnery innovation inside the wider problem of protecting military technology from a rival that was also a frequent diplomatic partner.
Notable Point · 36:39-37:29
Poudre B's name reflects French anxiety over British espionage
The designation Poudre B was meant to describe white powder while also obscuring a sensitive French military technology from foreign intelligence.