Dickens and the classic Victorian image of Christmas are inextricably linked, mostly because of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Published in 1843, the book sold 6000 copies in five days, and became massively popular. First editions today sell for ten to fifteen thousand pounds. Dickens is often credited with creating Christmas, but it is more accurate toContinue reading “Dickens and the classic Victorian Christmas”
Tag Archives: History
What was the significance of policing inter-racial sexual liaisons in late eighteenth century India?
The significance of the policing of interracial sexual liaisons in the 1790s cannot be realised without understanding Britain’s previous activities in India. Since its conception in the seventeenth century, the East India Trading Company’s primary function was the building and maintaining of trade links with India as a whole.[1] This holistic focus began to narrowContinue reading “What was the significance of policing inter-racial sexual liaisons in late eighteenth century India?”
Why is Princess Diana still remembered today?
Diana, Princess of Wales is a figure that seems to be ever-present. She comes back into the public imagination on the advent of any royal ceremony, be that the wedding of her former husband or both of her children. It is difficult to think of a royal that has had a similar impact, one thatContinue reading “Why is Princess Diana still remembered today?”
To what extent did women exercise political power within the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Dynasties?
Within the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires, it is a common belief that women were subject to ‘widespread oppression and subordination.’[1] However, this view can be deemed reductive It is within the dynastic setting that women were able to exercise a degree of political power even if they did not always have full autonomy. ByContinue reading “To what extent did women exercise political power within the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Dynasties?”
Why is Guy Fawkes day celebrated?
Everybody knows of Guy Fawkes because of his involvement in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Guy Fawkes was caught while guarding a cache of explosives under the House of Lords, with the intention of blowing up the Protestant king James I and replacing him with a Catholic head of state. Fawkes had become involvedContinue reading “Why is Guy Fawkes day celebrated?”
Close Analysis: The Chequers Ring
This ring is one of the last surviving pieces of Elizabeth I’s jewellery collection, and dates back to the mid 1570s. It has a mother-of-pearl hoop, which is rare and expensive. The ring is also encrusted with cut rubies. White diamonds on the bezel form ‘E’ for Elizabeth, and ‘R’ for Regina can also beContinue reading “Close Analysis: The Chequers Ring”
Was World War One a key turning point in the changing geography of Civil Rights issues in the USA?
Throughout the civil rights movements several events caused black people to migrate around America, and civil rights issues moved with them. This change began after the end of the Civil War in 1865, following the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This allowed black people to move freely across the USA. They began toContinue reading “Was World War One a key turning point in the changing geography of Civil Rights issues in the USA?”
How did Britain gain control of India?
The complicated relationship between Britain and India began with the formation of the East India Company in 1600, by the command of Elizabeth I. the intention of the company was to explore and to compete with other powers in the East Indies. Britain was not successful here, so turned her attention to India. In 1640,Continue reading “How did Britain gain control of India?”
Was there political instability in Elizabeth I’s government?
Elizabeth encountered several problems throughout her long reign which included faction, developing from Cecil and Essex, war and the issue of succession. But did these issues cause significant political instability? The development of faction with Elizabeth’s government only led to moderate political instability within England. John Guy notes that Essex and Cecil ‘rivalled’ each otherContinue reading “Was there political instability in Elizabeth I’s government?”
Did Martin Luther’s 95 Theses represent a serious challenge to the Roman Catholic Church?
During the years 1517 to 1520, Luther’s 95 Theses spread rapidly across Germany. The These were originally written as an attack against Johann Tetzel’s selling of Indulgences, which were ‘permits’ that could be purchased from the Church to gain salvation. Obviously you cannot ‘buy’ salvation from God, so Luther clocked on that the Church wasContinue reading “Did Martin Luther’s 95 Theses represent a serious challenge to the Roman Catholic Church?”
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