history

Niccolò Machiavelli

7/14/2023

Niccolò Machiavelli, an influential figure of the Renaissance, left an indelible mark on political thought with his seminal work, "The Prince." In this controversial treatise, Machiavelli explored the intricacies of power, offering candid and sometimes unsettling advice to rulers.

Machiavelli's writings challenged conventional notions of morality and idealism in politics. He advocated for a pragmatic approach, emphasizing that a ruler must prioritize the preservation of power and the stability of the state above all else. Machiavelli's work has been both praised as a realistic examination of the complexities of governance and condemned as an endorsement of ruthless tactics.

Beyond "The Prince," Machiavelli's political insights extend to works such as "Discourses on Livy" and "The Art of War." These texts delve into broader themes of republicanism, civic virtue, and the dynamics of power within society.

Machiavelli's legacy lies in his contribution to political theory. His analysis of human nature, the role of fortune, and the delicate balance between ethics and pragmatism continue to provoke debate and shape our understanding of political systems.

While Machiavelli remains a controversial figure, his works serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in the pursuit and exercise of power. His writings prompt us to critically examine the nature of governance and the moral dilemmas faced by leaders throughout history. Ultimately, whether one agrees or disagrees with Machiavelli's ideas, his influence on political thought cannot be denied.

Syracuse and Archimedes

6/8/2023

Nestled on the island of Sicily, ancient Syracuse emerged as a vibrant center of Greek civilization. Within its walls resided one of history's greatest minds: Archimedes. Renowned for his remarkable contributions to mathematics, physics, and engineering, Archimedes left an indelible mark on Syracuse and the world.

Archimedes' ingenious inventions and discoveries continue to astound us. From his principle of buoyancy to his work on levers and pulleys, his insights revolutionized the understanding of physics and laid the foundation for future scientific advancements.

Syracuse itself was a hub of innovation, boasting impressive architectural feats such as the ancient Greek theater and the legendary defensive walls. It was during the Roman siege of Syracuse that Archimedes displayed his legendary brilliance, constructing war machines that defended the city with unparalleled effectiveness.

The legacy of ancient Syracuse and Archimedes reminds us of the power of human intellect and ingenuity. Their contributions shaped the course of scientific progress and continue to inspire generations. As we marvel at the remnants of ancient Syracuse and ponder Archimedes' insights, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that arise when knowledge, curiosity, and innovation converge.

Easter Island and the Moai

5/15/2023

The majestic Easter Island heads, also known as moai, stand tall as silent witnesses to a mysterious past. Carved from volcanic rock by the Rapa Nui people, these monolithic statues hold immense significance. Their purpose is believed to be a representation of ancestral spirits, embodying the islanders' reverence for their ancestors and their connection to the divine. The sheer magnitude of these sculptures and the incredible engineering involved in their creation reflect the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Rapa Nui civilization. As enduring symbols of cultural heritage and a reminder of the island's rich history, the Easter Island heads continue to captivate and inspire awe in all who encounter them.

The Rosetta Stone

4/5/2023

Deep within the halls of the British Museum resides an ancient artifact that has captivated the world for centuries: the Rosetta Stone. This remarkable piece of history, inscribed with three different scripts, played a pivotal role in deciphering the enigmatic hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt. However, its ownership by the British Museum has sparked an ongoing controversy and raised important questions about cultural heritage and repatriation.

The Rosetta Stone's Journey: Discovered in 1799 during Napoleon Bonaparte's Egyptian campaign, the Rosetta Stone presented a unique opportunity to unlock the secrets of an ancient civilization. Its inscriptions, written in hieroglyphs, demotic script, and Greek, enabled scholars to decipher the once-mysterious hieroglyphic writing system. The stone's significance cannot be overstated, as it opened a window into the world of ancient Egypt.

The Ownership Debate: The controversy surrounding the British Museum's ownership of the Rosetta Stone centers on concerns of cultural appropriation. Critics argue that removing such a crucial cultural artifact from its place of origin constitutes an act of colonialism. Advocates for repatriation argue that returning the stone to Egypt would be a step towards righting historical wrongs and honoring cultural heritage.

Balancing Preservation and Access: The British Museum, on the other hand, defends its ownership, asserting that it provides a safe and accessible space for the stone, allowing millions of visitors to appreciate its historical significance. They argue that the museum serves as a global platform for sharing knowledge and fostering cultural understanding.

Looking Ahead: The controversy surrounding the Rosetta Stone raises broader questions about the ethics of museum collections and the delicate balance between preservation and accessibility. As societies become more attuned to issues of cultural heritage, it is essential to engage in dialogue and explore solutions that respect the rightful claims of nations while ensuring that historical treasures remain accessible to all.

In conclusion, the Rosetta Stone stands as a testament to the achievements of ancient Egypt and the power of human curiosity. While the controversy surrounding its ownership persists, it serves as a reminder of the need for meaningful discussions on cultural heritage and the responsibility of museums to navigate complex historical legacies. Only through these conversations can we forge a path that respects the past, acknowledges historical injustices, and promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

August 18th and the Ratification of the 19th Amendment

8/18/2021

This day in history is not only important because it is my birthday, but it is also the same day in 1920 that the state of Tennessee decided to pass the 19th amendment. This was significant because it was the last state needed to create a majority in favor among the states, bringing universal rights and suffrage to women across the United States. While it took longer than women and others wanted, it is still a significant move nonetheless bringing the country closer to true equality amongst the masses.

July 4th and the Adoption of the DoI

7/4/2021

One of the biggest holidays in the United States, July 4th celebrates the adoption and commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. This was instrumental in sparking the war against the British and eventually gaining freedom in the 13 colonies. While the American colonies were under the British umbrella of colonies, they were being taxed unfairly and they felt that if they were to be taxed so harshly, they should have representation in the British law making process. This did not pan out, leading to the eventual creation of the greatest break-up letter in American History haha. July 4th is a reminder that while every country has positive and negative aspects of their history, independence is important for any new nation and is the ultimate reason why we have the rights we enjoy today. Hope everyone enjoys the festivities today!

The Normandy Landings

6/1/2021

The Normandy landings took place June 6th, 1944 and took place over the span of multiple beaches across Normandy, France. The goal of these landings were to spearhead an attack on Nazi Germany, as well as a liberation campaign to eliminate the Nazi chokehold on eastern Europe. With the assistance of Canadian and British Soldiers (Who landed at Sword, Gold and Juno Beaches), the United States Military was able to land at Omaha and Utah beaches and breach the Atlantic Wall built by Germany. D-Day was a success thanks to the countless soldiers who sacrificed themselves to storm the beaches, and was a major turning point for the fall of Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Icons in the Later Middle Ages

5/1/2021

An icon is an image, of a prominent religious figure like Christ or Mary, and has a type of “power” to it. Icons worked the same sort of way as the relics did, having the same presence as a relic does. It is even argued that these icons just manifest themselves into existence, not being made by man. Icons could be a wide range of items, such as a painting of Jesus, a statue of Mother Mary, etc. With the influx of Icons spreading across medieval Europe, a counter movement followed. People begin wiping away paintings and icons in churches, sparking the Iconoclasm movement. Icons across the empire were defaced by these iconoclasts, and a number of masterpieces were destroyed in the process.

French Politics and the Rise of Napoleon

4/1/2021

Until the beginning of the French Revolution, Napoleon’s military career was going to be subject to very little alteration due to the inability for lower nobility soldiers to rise up to prominence within the French army. Napoleon and his peers had no chance of rising to ranks of General and Colonel as a result of the oppressive nobility requirements for high ranking officers. Luckily for Napoleon, however, the class system in France was abolished by the Revolution, allowing Napoleon to rise to power based on merit, not familial background. Napoleon’s military career changed drastically during 1789 to 1796 due to the political climate in France at the time, allowing the young soldier to rise rapidly through the ranks. Constant political upheavals and Napoleon's military success gives him the upward mobility he would have never seen otherwise. Although Napoleon is later thrown in jail and his military rank stripped due to his connections to the Jacobins and Robespierre, politics from 1789 to 1796 still positively affected Napoleon’s military career, and propelled him into power.

The United States and the ARVN

3/1/2021

United States intervention in Vietnam began after the French were defeated by the Vietnamese in 1954 under Ho Chi Minh at Dien Bien Phu through the use of guerilla tactics, and the United States began training the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) in 1955. In an effort to prevent direct military conflict between the United States and North Vietnam, the US planned to simply aid the Southern Vietnamese, such as advising them on strategy or training troops; this did not work unfortunately. The soldiers in the ARVN were lazy, cared little about the conflict and found little battlefield success, leading to eventual deployment of US forces to combat the "domino effect" of communism in Vietnam.