One of the largest and greatest engineering projects ever undertaken; the building of the Panama Canal is marred with controversy, death and diplomatic wrangling to secure the crucial economic artery which would make navigating the tricky waters of the Straits of Magellan a thing of the past. The idea of a canal cutting through Panama […]
Bram Stoker’s Dracula has become a staple of Gothic horror literature since its publication in 1897, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who has not heard of it. The novel and its eponymous character are arguably responsible for many of the modern depictions of vampires seen today, thanks to the staggering 217 […]
Josip Broz Tito’s efforts to unify Yugoslavia were instrumental in prolonging the life of the state. After his death, Yugoslavia changed dramatically. His personality and policies were vital in creating uniting and generating a sense of community between the nations that made up the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In public, the leader was celebrated […]
The Aba Women’s Rebellion in 1929, also known as the Women’s War, marked a significant development in anti-colonial resistance achieved by women in Nigeria. Following a period of restriction upon women’s participation in the political sphere, as well as newly imposed taxes, this nonviolent protest was the first major organisation of peasant women in West […]
We all know the beloved croissant; the fat curl of flaky pastry, often stuffed with almond paste, raisins or thick, oozing chocolate. But from where did this pastry come to take a place in every British coffee shop, supermarket and hotel breakfast? And is it because of the croissant that Paris is the centre of […]
Market bubbles have existed for as long as there have been markets. Examples of major bubbles can be seen throughout history. Holland in the 1630s experienced a bubble centred on the tulip market. Following their adoption by the European ruling classes as objects of desirability and good taste, tulips began to be seen as targets […]
Whenever anyone imagines the “Wild West” certain images are always conjured up. A heroic gun-toting cowboy (probably John Wayne), a grand stallion, free in the desert plains, delivering justice, saving the girl. These Hollywood visions are increasingly resisted. Historians of the American West are recovering the stories of marginalised groups and individuals, helping us understand […]
When a controversial bill is passed through Parliament in England, the streets surrounding Westminster may suddenly turn red or blue, either in support or opposition. Sometimes the streets turn into a rainbow. Yet in Argentina, the streets near the Palace of the Argentine National Congress have turned green for over two decades. Many people will […]
The 1960s were a period of cultural radicalism. During the civil rights era, counterculture became prevalent. From the hippie movement to London’s Notting Hill Carnival, cultural expression emerged not simply as a means of voicing oneself but also as a form of protest. Civil rights and music culture in America were notably intertwined and expressed […]
The entirety of humanity’s relationship with nature is not a topic which lends itself to a 450 word article, with a huge diversity in attitudes to topics like sustainability throughout human history. However, in looking back at how we have perceived nature throughout the years, we can gain insight into how we have treated nature […]
1928 in 10 Pictures The Kellogg-Briand Pact was signed in Paris by 60 countries including France, Germany and the United States. The signatories agreed not to use war to resolve disputes. Countries began to wage war without declaring it instead. (Wikimedia Commons) Emelia Earhart greeting the Mayor of Southampton after […]
Since the advent of the 18th century, tea had been frequently imported to the American colonies. By 1773, it was estimated that American colonists drank approximately 1.2 million pounds of tea annually. In May 1773, the British Parliament, having realised the potential of this lucrative trade, passed the Tea Act granting the British East India […]
Name: Lewis Namier Lived: 1888 – 1960 Born in Poland in 1888 into a conflicted childhood; constantly disagreed with his Father’s views through his abhorrence of the dual-monarchy. Namier was a long time Zionist & campaigned for a Jewish state. Namier fought briefly for Britain during First World War, but was excused due to poor […]
The University of Manchester is recruiting students to provide guided historical tours around campus. The tours cover our major buildings, landmarks and sites of discovery as well as notable individuals from the University’s past. The tours run on a regular basis and last approximately an hour. Our University Heritage Guidesrepresent the University and convey […]