#14 - Revolutions are Super Fun!

Compare and contrast two of the first revolutions.

by Sam Green

While the French and American Revolutions were similar generally in the way the were laid out, i.e. their foundation, they were different mostly in the way they were executed.

One similarity between the French and American Revolutions was the cause for it. Both revolutions resulted from financial troubles that resulted from a King's orders. The reason for these financial troubles were wars and poor economic choices that left the commoners heavily taxed.

One difference between the French and American Revolutions was the legislative document passed as a part of it. The Americans produced the Declaration of Independence; the French produced the Declaration of Rights of Man and the Citizen. The reason they were different is because while the DoI only gained independence, the DoRoMatC laid out plans for a real government and such.

Another similarity is that they sparked other revolutions. The U.S. Revolution led to the French Revolution, and that led to the Haitian Revolution. The reason for this is because the success of others sparked inspiration and more revolutionary ideas in other countries filled with political and economical unrest and dismay.

Another difference is the use of naval power. While the American Revolution involved the Royal Navy and colonial ships, the French Revolution was entirely fought on land. This is because the American Revolution was fought between two different bodies while the French Revolution was a domestic problem.

One last similarity is historical figured involved. Both revolutions involved Thomas Jefferson. The reason that both involved Thomas Jefferson is because he was a member of the Enlightenment that both revolutions valued in regards to his ideas and beliefs.

One last difference is the number of revolutions that involved violence. While the Americans had the one that everyone knows about, i.e. the one that didn't create the constitution, the French had multiple revolutions. The reason for this is because of what each revolution produced, i.e. the one American revolution with violence produced the independence they wanted while it took multiple French revolutions to get liberty, equality, and more.

#13 - Ottoman Art

How did the art of the Ottomans compare to others nearby?

by Sam Green

Many Ottoman architectural buildings were inspired by many other cultures and traditions, including the Byzantine, Persian, and the Islamic Mamluk traditions. The Ottoman buildings (many being mosques) contain unique architectural styles that can be seen in Byzantine styles, such as vast inner spaces covered by weightless domes. The buildings included square dome planes, large circular domes, vaults, corner minarets, small and numerous windows, and high columns. The Ottoman mosques were beautiful sanctuaries and gave perfect harmony and balance between inner and outer spaces. They all give a beautiful mixture of lightness and darkness on a perfect balance. Throughout the empire, the buildings remained uniform and unchanging with the styles of architecture. The style later fused with European style buildings in the 19th Century as rebuilding programs begin to flourish.

Many of the Mughal buildings in architectural history have Persian origin and can be found in the Indian subcontinent. Its style easily found its way in to local Indian architecture and influenced many builders around its area. The buildings are symmetrical and most tombs and other buildings are, in the majority, made of marble. They include many archways (usually found at the entrance) and have large domes, relating to the Ottoman Empire. The shapes of the domes are sometimes given the name “onion domes” due to its shape. The buildings include many columns and roofs that allow light to leak in from the top. The spires on the buildings are extremely decorative, and give an emphasis on how tall the domes are. The domes are usually gilded, which mixes Hindustani and Persian traditional decorative elements to the architecture. One of the Mughal architecture’s most prevalent characteristics is the symmetry.   

#12 - The Magna Carta

Happy 800th Birthday, Magna Carta!

by Sam Green

On June 15th, 1215, the Magna Carta was formed by King John in order to find peace. Religious conflict was prevalent during this time; King John and pope Innocent III were practically at each others necks. John alienated the barons as well, capturing a runaway's wife and son as hostages and killing them by leaving them in castle Corfe. England was in turmoil, dissidents were prosecuted or fled, and the civilians and clergy were not allowed to go to mass. King John was afraid of possible invasion by the barons and further turmoil, so he went through humiliation by kneeling for the pope in front of the clergy and barons of England. They were not pleased however, so King John's need for peace between the barons and himself was the creation of the Magna Carta, his terms for peace. It ended up failing, due to past occurrences of monarchs making promises that they didn't keep. As time went on though, future monarchs used it to weaken English rebellion. It "went out of fashion" in the 18th and 19th centuries, but instead became quite famous in the West, America.

Q1. OMG what was the king's hostage doing to her son??!!??!

Q2. At the time, what was England's relationship with its neighbors?

Q3. Why did King John agree to the Magna Carta?

Q4. What was the impact of the Magna Carta at the time?

Q5. How did later kings use the charter to their advantage?

Q6. How did Edward Coke revive the importance of the charter?

Q7. How did American colonial leaders use the Magna Carta?

Q8. Why is the Magna Carta more important to modern Americans than to the British?

A1. They were found to be chewing on his cheek. Weirdo.

A2. England was being their normal oppressive self, so the surrounding lands, i.e. Wales, France, Scotland, and Rome, chose to attempt to overthrow it.

A3. The rebels of London had gained an upper hand. As to ensure he were to receive the best results in regards to himself, he chose to submit to their demands and sign the Magna Carta.

A4. There was basically little to no impact. Though, King John did walk away as a laughing stock.

A5. Later kings decided to galvanize it, using it to impose taxes, force domestic peace, and more.

A6. He used it as a revolutionary to make sure it appeared that he was nothing to be afraid of, instead being someone that should be supported.

A7. The used it the same way the 17th Century revolutionaries did and quoted it against the British government.

A8. Lawyers and such today use it in court cases. The American Constitution, that is still used today, has roots in it.