Why are the trials and tribulations of Galileo often considered both predicative of the future of Western Civilization as well as a perfect encapsulation of the context of his own time?
Galileo was a brilliant scientist who lived in early 17th century papal Europe. He is sometimes even referred to as the father of modern science because of his discoveries in mathematics, physics and astronomy. Galileo was persecuted by the church for his beliefs on a heliocentric universe. This was the idea that the Earth moved around the Sun instead of the common belief of a Earth centered universe. Galileo’s persecution by the church for his controversial support of heliocentric ideas was the catalyst for the scientific revolution and the birth of the scientific method.
In 17th century Europe to go against openly the ideas of scripture and the Catholic Church could be dangerous, even deadly. Galileo was one such man. When he learned of Copernicus’ theory that the Earth and planets orbited the sun rather than the sun and the planets orbiting Earth he became a supporter of the idea. Galileo went on to adopt an unorthodox approach to scripture. He believed that scripture should not be taken literally when one was looking at poetry creative works in scripture as they may not necessarily be true. This was a very uncommon way to look at the bible during his time because most scholars took scripture literally word for word. In 1616 even though the Pope specifically asked Galileo to publish a book with voiced the arguments for Geocentricism and Heliocentricism equally so as not to seem to advocate Heliocentricism Galileo published an argument for heliocentric ideas. The Catholic Church tried Galileo for heresy and he was forced to denounce his beliefs and put to house arrest for the rest of his life.
17th century Europe was not the time to be questioning the ideas of men who studied and took each and every word of scripture literally. The story of Galileo is of a man who was forced to renounce his beliefs and writings because of the time he lived in. Galileo’s ideas, which stemmed from Copernicus’ theories, contradicted scripture. In summary, Scriptures basically said that the Earth did not move and that the universe revolved around it. Because of this Galileo’s writings and ideas about a heliocentric universe were taken by many as heretical nonsense. Also during this time most of the educated men were men of the church, this meant that most of Galileo’s peers followed the biblical view of the universe so Galileo had very little support. Galileo was a man whose ideas were ahead of his time. Later scholars took the ideas and methods that Galileo and other intellectuals at the time were developing, this became known as the scientific revolution and the scientific method.
Although Galileo was confined to house arrest for the rest of his life his trials and tribulations can be predicative of the future of Western civilization. The Catholic Church was actually considering his ideas but because of how brashly he published them after the Pope specifically told him to make his book objective he was tried for heresy. This can be indicative of what the future held for Europe in terms of new scientific discoveries that contradicted scripture. The Church was willing to revise its ideas as long as there was concrete proof that the writings of scripture were incorrect. Although Galileo was indeed tried for heresy after pressure by his enemies the way the Church interpreted the ideas of scripture was more flexible than it had ever been before. Catholic Europe would still be completely under the thrall of the Popes for some time but ways were opening for new scientific discovery.
Galileo and his life are an example of science coming at odds with the church and his example would not be the last. His persecution stemmed from publishing ideas that contradicted scripture, his story began the scientific revolution and was the first case of the controversial “battle” between science and religion for many centuries to come.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Dutch Republic Free Response Essay
Discuss the ways that the 17th century Dutch Republic differed from it’s neighbors, telling how these differences contributed to the country’s success.
Coming out of the horrible religious wars in the 16th century was the Dutch Republic. Unlike most of Europe the Dutch republic had no autocrat or dictator, it was one of the few republics in Europe at its time and for the most part it was controlled by the wealthy and educated middle class of its 7 different provinces. It became the most successful trade nation of its time, with an unrivalled trading fleet and many monopolies on popular wares. The frugality in which the Dutch conducted themselves dictated their lifestyle and allowed them to focus on success rather than personal pleasures. Differing from its neighboring countries in many aspects, the Dutch rose from a newly created republic to the most influential and successful nation in 17th century because of their powerhouse economy, their unique system of Government and a mentality which allowed them to get the job done and done the best.
In the 17th century the Dutch economy and was booming in trade and agriculture. They had around 10000 trade ships trading in goods from all around the World and they were exploring the limits of the known World. At home the Dutch had created a centralized Bank whose currency, the florin, became the World standard of value much like the Dollar is today. Moreover they had developed their agriculture to specialize in dairy and tulips which they exported regularly. Amsterdam was the trade center of the known World; this made the Dutch economically exceptional in success among the rest of its European neighbors.
The Dutch system of Government itself was unique and different for its time. Republics were few and far between in Europe, most nations being controlled by autocratic ruling families. The Dutch however had a system nothing like this. The original republic consisted of 7 provinces each controlled mainly by elected middle class leaders. These leaders were usually successful merchants or bankers and they represented their province at the assembly in the un-official capital of the republic Hague. This system of Government allowed for a nation that did not focus so much on political intrigue with foreign countries and War but prioritized the accumulation of wealth and power for the Dutch republic. The countries government also allowed general religious freedom among its inhabitants so Jews and other minority groups congregated in the Dutch provinces. Because of this the republic became culturally enriched and new ideas flowed through its people. The Dutch government was the most successful of it’s time because it focused on accumulating wealth and it did not prosecute peoples for their religion which made the country diverse.
The frugality and work ethic of the Dutch people was something to marvel at during the 17th century. The people tried not to live in excess as they considered that only worthy of their French counterparts who they disliked and the Calvinist religion which became followed by the majority of the population forbid living in excess. One British ambassador by the name of William Temple wrote, “The merchants and tradesmen are of mighty industry. Never any country traded so much and consumed so little. They buy infinitely, but 'tis to sell again.” The Dutch work ethic was very strong as well. The typical Dutchman was ambitious and hardworking and strived for success. This mentality gave rise to a dominant middle class of smart and wealthy men. The Dutch people’s mentality allowed them to have the most successful middle class in Europe.
The Dutch influence and success peaked in the 17th century and later declined because they did not have sufficient military forces to consolidate their holdings worldwide. However, in the 17th century the Dutch were the most successful. Not because they had a huge military or because they could intimidate other countries into doing their will like other powerful nations at the time but because of the average Dutch middle class man who was the foundation of Dutch success.
Works Cited:
Doenecke, Justus D. "The Dutch Republic in the 17th Century." Website Moved. Web. 13 Dec. 2010..
Coming out of the horrible religious wars in the 16th century was the Dutch Republic. Unlike most of Europe the Dutch republic had no autocrat or dictator, it was one of the few republics in Europe at its time and for the most part it was controlled by the wealthy and educated middle class of its 7 different provinces. It became the most successful trade nation of its time, with an unrivalled trading fleet and many monopolies on popular wares. The frugality in which the Dutch conducted themselves dictated their lifestyle and allowed them to focus on success rather than personal pleasures. Differing from its neighboring countries in many aspects, the Dutch rose from a newly created republic to the most influential and successful nation in 17th century because of their powerhouse economy, their unique system of Government and a mentality which allowed them to get the job done and done the best.
In the 17th century the Dutch economy and was booming in trade and agriculture. They had around 10000 trade ships trading in goods from all around the World and they were exploring the limits of the known World. At home the Dutch had created a centralized Bank whose currency, the florin, became the World standard of value much like the Dollar is today. Moreover they had developed their agriculture to specialize in dairy and tulips which they exported regularly. Amsterdam was the trade center of the known World; this made the Dutch economically exceptional in success among the rest of its European neighbors.
The Dutch system of Government itself was unique and different for its time. Republics were few and far between in Europe, most nations being controlled by autocratic ruling families. The Dutch however had a system nothing like this. The original republic consisted of 7 provinces each controlled mainly by elected middle class leaders. These leaders were usually successful merchants or bankers and they represented their province at the assembly in the un-official capital of the republic Hague. This system of Government allowed for a nation that did not focus so much on political intrigue with foreign countries and War but prioritized the accumulation of wealth and power for the Dutch republic. The countries government also allowed general religious freedom among its inhabitants so Jews and other minority groups congregated in the Dutch provinces. Because of this the republic became culturally enriched and new ideas flowed through its people. The Dutch government was the most successful of it’s time because it focused on accumulating wealth and it did not prosecute peoples for their religion which made the country diverse.
The frugality and work ethic of the Dutch people was something to marvel at during the 17th century. The people tried not to live in excess as they considered that only worthy of their French counterparts who they disliked and the Calvinist religion which became followed by the majority of the population forbid living in excess. One British ambassador by the name of William Temple wrote, “The merchants and tradesmen are of mighty industry. Never any country traded so much and consumed so little. They buy infinitely, but 'tis to sell again.” The Dutch work ethic was very strong as well. The typical Dutchman was ambitious and hardworking and strived for success. This mentality gave rise to a dominant middle class of smart and wealthy men. The Dutch people’s mentality allowed them to have the most successful middle class in Europe.
The Dutch influence and success peaked in the 17th century and later declined because they did not have sufficient military forces to consolidate their holdings worldwide. However, in the 17th century the Dutch were the most successful. Not because they had a huge military or because they could intimidate other countries into doing their will like other powerful nations at the time but because of the average Dutch middle class man who was the foundation of Dutch success.
Works Cited:
Doenecke, Justus D. "The Dutch Republic in the 17th Century." Website Moved. Web. 13 Dec. 2010.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Great fire of London links
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=113041917894041223574.00049646761c55b129cec&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=us&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102698758919003605813.0004964676770de983be4
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=us&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102698758919003605813.0004964676770de983be4
Monday, December 6, 2010
Galileo Free Response #1
Why are the trials and tribulations of Galileo often considered both predicative of the future of Western Civilization as well as a perfect encapsulation of the context of his own time?
Galileo was a brilliant scientist who lived in early 17th century papal Europe. He is sometimes even referred to as the father of modern science because of his discoveries in mathematics, physics and astronomy. He was an apt supporter of the ideas of the astronomer Copernicus which contradicted the scriptural theory of geocentricism. This was the idea that the Sun moved around the Earth instead of the reality which is a heliocentric universe. Galileo’s trials and tribulations both point to the future of Europe and show the harsh realities of the time he lived in.
In 17th century Europe to go against openly the ideas of scripture and the Catholic church could be dangerous, even deadly. Galileo was one such man. When he learned of Copernicus’ theory that the Earth and planets orbited the sun rather than the sun and the planets orbiting Earth he became a supporter of the idea. Galileo went on to adopt an unorthodox approach to scripture. He believed that scripture should not be taken literally when one was looking at poetry creative works in scripture as they may not necessarily be true. This was a very uncommon way to look at the bible during his time because most scholars took scripture literally word for word. In 1616 even though the Pope specifically asked Galileo to publish a book with voiced the arguments for Geocentricism and Heliocentricism equally so as not to seem to advocate Heliocentricism Galileo published an argument for heliocentric ideas. The Catholic Church tried Galileo for heresy and he was forced to denounce his beliefs and put to house arrest for the rest of his life.
17th century Europe was not the time to be questioning the ideas of men who studied and took each and every word of scripture literally. The story of Galileo is of a man who was forced to renounce his beliefs and writings because of the time he lived in. Galileo’s ideas, which stemmed from Copernicus’ theories, contradicted scripture. In summary, Scriptures basically said that the Earth did not move and that the universe revolved around it. Because of this Galileo’s writings and ideas about a heliocentric universe were taken by many as heretical nonsense. Also during this time most of the educated men were men of the church, this meant that most of Galileo’s peers followed the biblical view of the universe so Galileo had very little support. Galileo was a man whose ideas were ahead of his time.
Although Galileo was confined to house arrest for the rest of his life his trials and tribulations can be considered predicative of the future of Western civilization. The Catholic Church was actually considering his ideas but because of how brashly he published them after the Pope specifically told him to make his book objective he was tried for heresy. This can be indicative of what the future held for Europe in terms of new scientific discoveries that contradicted scripture. The Church was willing to revise its ideas as long as there was concrete proof that the writings of scripture were incorrect. Although Galileo was indeed tried for heresy after pressure by his enemies the way the Church interpreted the ideas of scripture was more flexible than it had ever been before. Catholic Europe would still be completely under the thrall of the Popes for some time but ways were opening for new scientific discovery.
Galileo and his life are an example of science coming at odds with the church and his example would not be the last. His persecution stemmed from publishing ideas that contradicted scripture, his story showed that the future of Europe would still be under heavy papal influence for some time and he lived much too ahead of his time.
Galileo was a brilliant scientist who lived in early 17th century papal Europe. He is sometimes even referred to as the father of modern science because of his discoveries in mathematics, physics and astronomy. He was an apt supporter of the ideas of the astronomer Copernicus which contradicted the scriptural theory of geocentricism. This was the idea that the Sun moved around the Earth instead of the reality which is a heliocentric universe. Galileo’s trials and tribulations both point to the future of Europe and show the harsh realities of the time he lived in.
In 17th century Europe to go against openly the ideas of scripture and the Catholic church could be dangerous, even deadly. Galileo was one such man. When he learned of Copernicus’ theory that the Earth and planets orbited the sun rather than the sun and the planets orbiting Earth he became a supporter of the idea. Galileo went on to adopt an unorthodox approach to scripture. He believed that scripture should not be taken literally when one was looking at poetry creative works in scripture as they may not necessarily be true. This was a very uncommon way to look at the bible during his time because most scholars took scripture literally word for word. In 1616 even though the Pope specifically asked Galileo to publish a book with voiced the arguments for Geocentricism and Heliocentricism equally so as not to seem to advocate Heliocentricism Galileo published an argument for heliocentric ideas. The Catholic Church tried Galileo for heresy and he was forced to denounce his beliefs and put to house arrest for the rest of his life.
17th century Europe was not the time to be questioning the ideas of men who studied and took each and every word of scripture literally. The story of Galileo is of a man who was forced to renounce his beliefs and writings because of the time he lived in. Galileo’s ideas, which stemmed from Copernicus’ theories, contradicted scripture. In summary, Scriptures basically said that the Earth did not move and that the universe revolved around it. Because of this Galileo’s writings and ideas about a heliocentric universe were taken by many as heretical nonsense. Also during this time most of the educated men were men of the church, this meant that most of Galileo’s peers followed the biblical view of the universe so Galileo had very little support. Galileo was a man whose ideas were ahead of his time.
Although Galileo was confined to house arrest for the rest of his life his trials and tribulations can be considered predicative of the future of Western civilization. The Catholic Church was actually considering his ideas but because of how brashly he published them after the Pope specifically told him to make his book objective he was tried for heresy. This can be indicative of what the future held for Europe in terms of new scientific discoveries that contradicted scripture. The Church was willing to revise its ideas as long as there was concrete proof that the writings of scripture were incorrect. Although Galileo was indeed tried for heresy after pressure by his enemies the way the Church interpreted the ideas of scripture was more flexible than it had ever been before. Catholic Europe would still be completely under the thrall of the Popes for some time but ways were opening for new scientific discovery.
Galileo and his life are an example of science coming at odds with the church and his example would not be the last. His persecution stemmed from publishing ideas that contradicted scripture, his story showed that the future of Europe would still be under heavy papal influence for some time and he lived much too ahead of his time.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Test 11/23/10
48. Prince Henry the Navigator
49. Christopher Columbus
50. Columbian Exchange
51. Horses
52. Mercantilism
53. Joint Stock Company
54. Lutheranism
55. false
56. Amsterdam
57. Dutch East India Trading company
58. No
59. Friedrick
60. The middle class
61. The house of commons
62. The Church of England
63. Stuarts
64. Presbyterian
65. 22
66. Divine Right of Kings
67. Puritans
68. Rights of Man
69. Thomas Laud
70. Scotland
71. Cavaliers
72. Round heads
73. Oliver Cromwell
74. Constitutional republic
75. Lord Protector
76. Egalitarians
77. Charles II
78. The Baroque period
79. Hobbes
49. Christopher Columbus
50. Columbian Exchange
51. Horses
52. Mercantilism
53. Joint Stock Company
54. Lutheranism
55. false
56. Amsterdam
57. Dutch East India Trading company
58. No
59. Friedrick
60. The middle class
61. The house of commons
62. The Church of England
63. Stuarts
64. Presbyterian
65. 22
66. Divine Right of Kings
67. Puritans
68. Rights of Man
69. Thomas Laud
70. Scotland
71. Cavaliers
72. Round heads
73. Oliver Cromwell
74. Constitutional republic
75. Lord Protector
76. Egalitarians
77. Charles II
78. The Baroque period
79. Hobbes
Monday, November 22, 2010
Test 11/22/10
1. Martin Luther
2. 95 thesis
3. Himmelburg
4. The Sistine chapel
5. (freebie)
6. faith
7. The Bible
8. The hierarchy of the catholic church
9. Martin Luther
10. false
11. The German peasantry
12. Catholicism
13. Lutheranism
14. The Peace of Augsburg
15. Luther was a religious revolutionary in the sense that he directly questioned the actions of the catholic church and founded his own branch of Christianity.
16. Luther was a political conservative because he did not believe in the people paying the church and their hierarchy.
17. John Calvin
18. Birmingham
19. (freebie)
20. Huegenots
21. Henry the 8th
22. Elizabeth I
23. Puritans
24. Pope John II
25. Council of Trent
26. false
27. The Erasmus Bible
28. Loyola
29. To spread the Catholic religion
30. 17th century
31. Bernini
32. Ferdinand
33. The Spanish Armada
34. The St. Bartholomew's day massacre
35. The Edict of Navare
36. 300 principalities
37. The Peace of Augsburg
38. Protestants
39. Catholics
40. Catholic
41. Protestantism
42. Catholic leader- Ferdinand Protestant leader-
43. King Karl Gustav
44. The treaty of Westphalia
45. Bordeaux
46. Netherlands
47. France
48.
2. 95 thesis
3. Himmelburg
4. The Sistine chapel
5. (freebie)
6. faith
7. The Bible
8. The hierarchy of the catholic church
9. Martin Luther
10. false
11. The German peasantry
12. Catholicism
13. Lutheranism
14. The Peace of Augsburg
15. Luther was a religious revolutionary in the sense that he directly questioned the actions of the catholic church and founded his own branch of Christianity.
16. Luther was a political conservative because he did not believe in the people paying the church and their hierarchy.
17. John Calvin
18. Birmingham
19. (freebie)
20. Huegenots
21. Henry the 8th
22. Elizabeth I
23. Puritans
24. Pope John II
25. Council of Trent
26. false
27. The Erasmus Bible
28. Loyola
29. To spread the Catholic religion
30. 17th century
31. Bernini
32. Ferdinand
33. The Spanish Armada
34. The St. Bartholomew's day massacre
35. The Edict of Navare
36. 300 principalities
37. The Peace of Augsburg
38. Protestants
39. Catholics
40. Catholic
41. Protestantism
42. Catholic leader- Ferdinand Protestant leader-
43. King Karl Gustav
44. The treaty of Westphalia
45. Bordeaux
46. Netherlands
47. France
48.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
DBQ Format Quiz
1. The range of scores you can get on a DBQ is between 1-9.
2. If a DBQ answer does not have a thesis statement the highest score you
can get is a 4.
3. The minimum number of documents you must cite is 8.
4. Bias is when a person is predisposed to report on findings in favor of 1 party or the other.
5. Groupings is when
6. Document 5 AP Euro Exam
2. If a DBQ answer does not have a thesis statement the highest score you
can get is a 4.
3. The minimum number of documents you must cite is 8.
4. Bias is when a person is predisposed to report on findings in favor of 1 party or the other.
5. Groupings is when
6. Document 5 AP Euro Exam
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Chapter 3 Terms
Roman Catholic Church- The Christian Church opposite to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Has about 1/6 of the population of the world. Largest religion today. The pope is their spiritual leader. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_catholic_church
Eastern Orthodox Church- Separated from the Roman Catholic Church as a result of the great Schism. The pope excommunicated the bishop of Constantinople, but the bishop retaliated by excommunicating the pope, and the surrounding area separated from the Church. Also known as the Greek Orthodox Church. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church
Crusades- attempts by France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire to retake the Holy Land. There were 9 Crusades, however they were unsuccessful. If there was any success, it was short lived. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades
Black Plague- One of the worst pandemics in European history, peaking around 1350. Wiped out about half of Europe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death
Gunpowder- Invented by the Chinese, but only used in festivities until they were conquered, and the conquerors found a way to harness its power. The canon was first recorded in Europe in 1248. 1267 describes the first firecrackers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder
Medici- Powerful Renaissance family in Florence. Family of great leaders such as Giovanni de Medici, Cosimo de Medici, and Lorenzo the Magnificent. The Medici family collapsed with the formation of the United Kingdom of Italy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medici
Oligarchies-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchies- A form of power structure in which a select group of people/families have all the power due to wealth, family ties, military strength ect. Often controlled by a few families who pass their influence onto their children.
Condottieri- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condottieri- The mercenary soldiers contracted by the papacy from the late middle ages to the Rennaisance.
New Monarchies-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Monarchy- A term used by 20th century historians in order to describe how some 15th century monarchs were unifying their people and recruiting professorial armies.
Humanism- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism- Liberal arts, in terms of education that meant the study of the classics which meant Greek and Roman literature, rhetoric and history.
Renaissance Man- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath-A person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas.
Virtu-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtu-Virtù is a concept theorized by Niccolò Machiavelli centered on the martial spirit of a population or leader, but also encompasses a broader collection of traits necessary for maintenance of the state.
Perspective
Leonardo Da Vinci-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci- A perfect example of a Rennaisance man. Leonardo was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer.
Michelangelo - an Italian renaissance artist who was a rival of da Vinci. He is best known for his sculptures of the Pietà and David and also for painting the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo
Fresecos – a form of mural painting that can be done on walls. Paint is applied to fresh plaster and then let harden. The word comes from a Latin root meaning fresh. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresco
Madonna – images like the Madonna and child that represent Mary and Jesus. They are icons of Roman Catholicism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(art)
Raphael – a high renaissance painter and architect and is one of the great renaissance artists. He ran a large workshop and died young. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael
Pietà – a sculpture by Michelangelo made during the renaissance. It is an image of Jesus being held by Mary after his death. This is one of his best and most famous works. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet%C3%A0_(Michelangelo)
Filippo Brunelleschi – one of the greatest architectsand engineers of the Italian renaissance. He is most famous for completing the dome of the Florence cathedral. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Brunelleschi
Dante Alighieri – a famous Italian poet during the Middle Ages. He is best known for writing the divine comedy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_Alighieri
Francesco Petrarch-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Petrarch-July 20, 1304 – July 19, 1374), known in English as Petrarch, was an Italian scholar, poet and one of the earliest Renaissance humanists. Petrarch is often called the "Father of Humanism".[1] In the 16th century
Giovanni Boccaccio-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Boccaccio-(1313–21 December 1375)An Italian author and poet, a friend, student, and correspondent of Petrarch, an important Renaissance humanist and the author of a number of notable works including the Decameron, On Famous Women, and his poetry in the Italian vernacular.
Frescoes
Balthazar Castiglioni-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balthasar_Castiglione-(December 6, 1478 – Toledo, Spain, February 2, 1529) an Italian courtier, diplomat, soldier and a prominent Renaissance author. His most notable work was the Book of the Courtier which described in great detail how a nobleman was to act and speak in court.
Niccolo Machiavelli- Author of the Renaissance. Famous for writing the Prince. He wrote it saying that morality should not be the basis of a rulers reign. He had hoped that the book would be a reference for Italian rulers, so that they would return to the ways of Lorenzo the Magnificent http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niccol%C3%B2_Machiavelli
Christian Humanists- The belief that the Renaissance way of life is able to live collectively with the Catholic faith. Christian Humanists believed in both ways of life, uncommon at the time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_humanist
New Universities- Universities renamed, or founded in the UK. Since 1928, they have been referred to as red brick universities. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_universities
Fugger - The Fugger family was the German equivalent of the Medicis in Florence, who at first were merchants and became bankers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugger
Thomas More - Thomas More was an English scholar in the 16th century, and a saint in the Catholic Church. More wrote a book called Utopia, which created an perfect society wherein people where not focused on diamonds, jewels, and such, but rather necessities instead.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More
Desiderius Erasmus
Brothers And Sisters of the Common Life
Flemish Masters
New Monarchies (Tudors, Valois, Habsburgh)
Star Chamber - This was the royal court that was created to persecute those who could not normally be placed into a court. This was done behind doors, without citizen involvement, strictly for those prominent in Renaissance time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Chamber
Inquisition - The Inquisition was the Church Court used in late 15th century Italy to enforce religious uniformity to Christianity. This was used to unite Spain along with the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inquisition
Holy Roman Empire - This is a united area, mainly consisting of German states, in Europe which was loosely allied together under the Catholic Church.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Empire
Eastern Orthodox Church- Separated from the Roman Catholic Church as a result of the great Schism. The pope excommunicated the bishop of Constantinople, but the bishop retaliated by excommunicating the pope, and the surrounding area separated from the Church. Also known as the Greek Orthodox Church. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church
Crusades- attempts by France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire to retake the Holy Land. There were 9 Crusades, however they were unsuccessful. If there was any success, it was short lived. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades
Black Plague- One of the worst pandemics in European history, peaking around 1350. Wiped out about half of Europe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death
Gunpowder- Invented by the Chinese, but only used in festivities until they were conquered, and the conquerors found a way to harness its power. The canon was first recorded in Europe in 1248. 1267 describes the first firecrackers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder
Medici- Powerful Renaissance family in Florence. Family of great leaders such as Giovanni de Medici, Cosimo de Medici, and Lorenzo the Magnificent. The Medici family collapsed with the formation of the United Kingdom of Italy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medici
Oligarchies-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchies- A form of power structure in which a select group of people/families have all the power due to wealth, family ties, military strength ect. Often controlled by a few families who pass their influence onto their children.
Condottieri- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condottieri- The mercenary soldiers contracted by the papacy from the late middle ages to the Rennaisance.
New Monarchies-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Monarchy- A term used by 20th century historians in order to describe how some 15th century monarchs were unifying their people and recruiting professorial armies.
Humanism- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism- Liberal arts, in terms of education that meant the study of the classics which meant Greek and Roman literature, rhetoric and history.
Renaissance Man- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath-A person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas.
Virtu-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtu-Virtù is a concept theorized by Niccolò Machiavelli centered on the martial spirit of a population or leader, but also encompasses a broader collection of traits necessary for maintenance of the state.
Perspective
Leonardo Da Vinci-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci- A perfect example of a Rennaisance man. Leonardo was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer.
Michelangelo - an Italian renaissance artist who was a rival of da Vinci. He is best known for his sculptures of the Pietà and David and also for painting the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo
Fresecos – a form of mural painting that can be done on walls. Paint is applied to fresh plaster and then let harden. The word comes from a Latin root meaning fresh. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresco
Madonna – images like the Madonna and child that represent Mary and Jesus. They are icons of Roman Catholicism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(art)
Raphael – a high renaissance painter and architect and is one of the great renaissance artists. He ran a large workshop and died young. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael
Pietà – a sculpture by Michelangelo made during the renaissance. It is an image of Jesus being held by Mary after his death. This is one of his best and most famous works. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet%C3%A0_(Michelangelo)
Filippo Brunelleschi – one of the greatest architectsand engineers of the Italian renaissance. He is most famous for completing the dome of the Florence cathedral. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Brunelleschi
Dante Alighieri – a famous Italian poet during the Middle Ages. He is best known for writing the divine comedy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_Alighieri
Francesco Petrarch-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Petrarch-July 20, 1304 – July 19, 1374), known in English as Petrarch, was an Italian scholar, poet and one of the earliest Renaissance humanists. Petrarch is often called the "Father of Humanism".[1] In the 16th century
Giovanni Boccaccio-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Boccaccio-(1313–21 December 1375)An Italian author and poet, a friend, student, and correspondent of Petrarch, an important Renaissance humanist and the author of a number of notable works including the Decameron, On Famous Women, and his poetry in the Italian vernacular.
Frescoes
Balthazar Castiglioni-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balthasar_Castiglione-(December 6, 1478 – Toledo, Spain, February 2, 1529) an Italian courtier, diplomat, soldier and a prominent Renaissance author. His most notable work was the Book of the Courtier which described in great detail how a nobleman was to act and speak in court.
Niccolo Machiavelli- Author of the Renaissance. Famous for writing the Prince. He wrote it saying that morality should not be the basis of a rulers reign. He had hoped that the book would be a reference for Italian rulers, so that they would return to the ways of Lorenzo the Magnificent http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niccol%C3%B2_Machiavelli
Christian Humanists- The belief that the Renaissance way of life is able to live collectively with the Catholic faith. Christian Humanists believed in both ways of life, uncommon at the time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_humanist
New Universities- Universities renamed, or founded in the UK. Since 1928, they have been referred to as red brick universities. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_universities
Fugger - The Fugger family was the German equivalent of the Medicis in Florence, who at first were merchants and became bankers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugger
Thomas More - Thomas More was an English scholar in the 16th century, and a saint in the Catholic Church. More wrote a book called Utopia, which created an perfect society wherein people where not focused on diamonds, jewels, and such, but rather necessities instead.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More
Desiderius Erasmus
Brothers And Sisters of the Common Life
Flemish Masters
New Monarchies (Tudors, Valois, Habsburgh)
Star Chamber - This was the royal court that was created to persecute those who could not normally be placed into a court. This was done behind doors, without citizen involvement, strictly for those prominent in Renaissance time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Chamber
Inquisition - The Inquisition was the Church Court used in late 15th century Italy to enforce religious uniformity to Christianity. This was used to unite Spain along with the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inquisition
Holy Roman Empire - This is a united area, mainly consisting of German states, in Europe which was loosely allied together under the Catholic Church.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Empire
Friday, October 29, 2010
Prince Question 5: Use Machiavelli to argue against the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes are verses in the bible preaching the better qualities of man and how these will lead to the ultimate paradise heaven after death. However the ideas of Machiavelli do not agree with many of the concepts we see in the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes state that,” Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (The Beatitudes).However, Machiavelli’s arguments would certainly disagree with this. For example,” Those who by valorous ways become princes, like these men, acquire a principality with difficulty, but they keep it with ease.”(Machiavelli Chapter VI) In Machiavelli’s opinion one who works hard to acquire his principality or any success in general will have an easier maintaining it under his control. A meek person on the other hand could only have come to power through fortune or deceit and therefore will have a difficult time holding onto this power. If we take Machiavelli’s ideas as fact meek people will never inherit the earth.
The Beatitudes also state that, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”(The beatitudes) This also completely disagrees with the ideas of Machiavelli. Machiavelli’s ideas say that a proper prince use unjust methods cruelty to keep his position. ”We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.”(Machiavelli XVI) According to Machiavelli if a prince is always righteous and inherently good that Prince will inevitably fail.
The Beatitudes state that,” Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (The Beatitudes).However, Machiavelli’s arguments would certainly disagree with this. For example,” Those who by valorous ways become princes, like these men, acquire a principality with difficulty, but they keep it with ease.”(Machiavelli Chapter VI) In Machiavelli’s opinion one who works hard to acquire his principality or any success in general will have an easier maintaining it under his control. A meek person on the other hand could only have come to power through fortune or deceit and therefore will have a difficult time holding onto this power. If we take Machiavelli’s ideas as fact meek people will never inherit the earth.
The Beatitudes also state that, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”(The beatitudes) This also completely disagrees with the ideas of Machiavelli. Machiavelli’s ideas say that a proper prince use unjust methods cruelty to keep his position. ”We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.”(Machiavelli XVI) According to Machiavelli if a prince is always righteous and inherently good that Prince will inevitably fail.
Prince Question 4: Use the Beatitudes to argue against Machiavelli
Machiavelli’s ideas were revolutionary renaissance literature, and the foundation of modern political science, but many of his ideas are not supported by the bible. The beatitudes can be used to argue against Machiavelli from a biblical point of view.
Machiavelli praises cruelty as more than acceptable but a necessary method of ruling your principality however in the Beatitudes wants us to believe, ”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (The Beatitudes Mathew 5:3-12). This directly contradicts Machiavelli’s ideas on cruelty, and using deceit and murder for your own gain. Machiavelli himself says, “We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.” (Chapter XVI Machiavelli) According to the Beatitudes a prince, one who supposedly has “the divine right of kings” will not be going to heaven if they follow Machiavelli’s ideas fanatically.
T
he Beatitudes also say,” Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (The Beatitudes). Machiavelli is not a very optimistic man and it reflects in his writing, he believes one can rise to become a successful person either through inheritance or through the help of citizens and nobles. Machiavelli fails to grasp the idea of chance and simple luck as a valid way to gain power and influence. Take the most popular renaissance artists of that time. Michelangelo, Leonardo, Brunalleschi; All were discovered by rich patrons and all started out as middle class Italian citizens. They became wealthy and powerful through their art but who’s to say there were not smarter or more talented artists waiting to be discovered?
Machiavelli praises cruelty as more than acceptable but a necessary method of ruling your principality however in the Beatitudes wants us to believe, ”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (The Beatitudes Mathew 5:3-12). This directly contradicts Machiavelli’s ideas on cruelty, and using deceit and murder for your own gain. Machiavelli himself says, “We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.” (Chapter XVI Machiavelli) According to the Beatitudes a prince, one who supposedly has “the divine right of kings” will not be going to heaven if they follow Machiavelli’s ideas fanatically.
T
he Beatitudes also say,” Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (The Beatitudes). Machiavelli is not a very optimistic man and it reflects in his writing, he believes one can rise to become a successful person either through inheritance or through the help of citizens and nobles. Machiavelli fails to grasp the idea of chance and simple luck as a valid way to gain power and influence. Take the most popular renaissance artists of that time. Michelangelo, Leonardo, Brunalleschi; All were discovered by rich patrons and all started out as middle class Italian citizens. They became wealthy and powerful through their art but who’s to say there were not smarter or more talented artists waiting to be discovered?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Prince Question 3: Concerning genorosity
Machiavelli in general believes generosity is a trait that a prince should not exercise honestly unless something can be gained from it, “liberality exercised in a way which does not bring you the reputation for it, injures you”(Chapter 16). Machiavelli then goes on to argue that a prince who is very generous in improving the lives of the people overall will eventually need to increase taxes to afford these amenities. This will cause the people to begin to hate you says Machiavelli as they generally ignore what is being done for them.
However, according to Machiavelli there are some situations in which being generous can be advantageous,” seeing that with his economy his revenues are enough, that he can defend himself against all attacks, and is able to engage in enterprises without burdening his people; thus it comes to pass that he exercises liberality towards all from whom he does not take…” (Machiavelli ch.16) In this he is saying that a prince should bide his time and accumulate wealth and once there is a healthy surplus of wealth the Prince can then use this to appear generous to his subjects however the Prince should be wary not to overspend.
In a nutshell Machiavelli is saying that Generosity can be very useful as long as when a Prince is generous he makes sure to spread the word and to create an advantage out of it and the Prince should only be generous when he can afford it and when it is plausible to do so.
However, according to Machiavelli there are some situations in which being generous can be advantageous,” seeing that with his economy his revenues are enough, that he can defend himself against all attacks, and is able to engage in enterprises without burdening his people; thus it comes to pass that he exercises liberality towards all from whom he does not take…” (Machiavelli ch.16) In this he is saying that a prince should bide his time and accumulate wealth and once there is a healthy surplus of wealth the Prince can then use this to appear generous to his subjects however the Prince should be wary not to overspend.
In a nutshell Machiavelli is saying that Generosity can be very useful as long as when a Prince is generous he makes sure to spread the word and to create an advantage out of it and the Prince should only be generous when he can afford it and when it is plausible to do so.
Prince Question 2: A prince's greatest ally
According to Machiavelli a Prince’s greatest ally should be his own people because if one is loved by his people he will not need to dear them. Machiavelli says as long as a ruler is liked by the people that ruler will be hard to depose or kill and “he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided it is well known that he is an excellent man and revered by his people, he can only be attacked with difficulty.” (Machiavelli ch.19) he also mentions that when a Prince becomes the lord of a new principality to disarm the people can be disastrous as the people believe you do not trust them. However if they are unarmed arming them can gain you allies in them as they believe you trust them and will keep the ones who are faithful to you already faithful. The point Machiavelli stresses most is to keep the people happy and even if one is not a benevolent ruler to appear to the majority as one in order to keep the people loyal.
Without the people the Prince is only a Prince of himself which is why it is important for a prince to have his people as allies and not as potential backstabbers, Machiavelli says you build forts when you fear your people and you don’t need forts when your people love you, because they will protect you.
Without the people the Prince is only a Prince of himself which is why it is important for a prince to have his people as allies and not as potential backstabbers, Machiavelli says you build forts when you fear your people and you don’t need forts when your people love you, because they will protect you.
Prince Question 1: Cesare Borgia
Of the 3 men mentioned I believe Cesare Borgia would be the most successful in our modern world. Borgia was decisive, cruel, smart and ambitious which nowadays would not arguably be the most pleasant traits to live in society but they can get you places in the social order.
The choice of Borgia over Oliveratto and D’Orca comes from the fact that both of these men were somewhat successful in their own ways, however, in my opinion Cessare one ups them in many aspects. Oliveratto was a military commander and he only managed to hold his principality for 1 year until he lost it while D’Orca only commanded a principality in another’s name until his employer had him killed as a scapegoat.
The cruelty of Borgia is mentioned in the Prince,” cruel; notwithstanding, his cruelty reconciled the Romagna, unified it, and restored it to peace and loyalty” (Machiavelli) and although cruelty to us may seem unjust Machiavelli believed that the ability to be cruel was a key trait of a ruler. He uses Borgia as an example of how cruelty can be used to create success. His other traits are what most would consider necessities of a prince in order to control and secure his principalities from others.
As to what kind of profession Borgia would pursue nowadays I’d probably put him in some kind of organized crime as his cruelty would be commonplace among criminals and his political skills and decisiveness would eventually get him close to the top.
The choice of Borgia over Oliveratto and D’Orca comes from the fact that both of these men were somewhat successful in their own ways, however, in my opinion Cessare one ups them in many aspects. Oliveratto was a military commander and he only managed to hold his principality for 1 year until he lost it while D’Orca only commanded a principality in another’s name until his employer had him killed as a scapegoat.
The cruelty of Borgia is mentioned in the Prince,” cruel; notwithstanding, his cruelty reconciled the Romagna, unified it, and restored it to peace and loyalty” (Machiavelli) and although cruelty to us may seem unjust Machiavelli believed that the ability to be cruel was a key trait of a ruler. He uses Borgia as an example of how cruelty can be used to create success. His other traits are what most would consider necessities of a prince in order to control and secure his principalities from others.
As to what kind of profession Borgia would pursue nowadays I’d probably put him in some kind of organized crime as his cruelty would be commonplace among criminals and his political skills and decisiveness would eventually get him close to the top.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Was Henry VIII justified in divorcing Catherine and making himself head of the Church of England?
Was Henry VIII justified in divorcing Catherine and making himself head of the Church of England?
Henry the 8th all powerful King of tudor England was used to getting what he wanted even if he had to be controversial. His wife Catherine was unable to produce him a male heir and Henry wanted a divorce. To achieve this Henry tore down the catholic roots of the English church and under the Act of Supremacy placed himself as head of the newly formed Anglican Church which changed the course of history for England and Europe. The question: was he justified in these acts?
When his wife Catherine of Aragon was unable to produce him a male heir Henry wanted to divorce her in favor of his prospective new wife Anne Boleyn who was already pregnant. However, England was a catholic country and divorce was against the catholic religion. On the other hand, what Henry could do was procure and annulment from the pope which basically made his original marriage to Catherine illegitimate. Unfortunately for Henry during this time the Pope was under house arrest by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V who happened to be the nephew of Catherine of Aragon. Under pressure by Charles V the pope refused to grant Henry his desired annulment. This meant that the only way for Henry to get what he wanted he had to break away for the Catholic Church.
Henry was a very religious and suspicious man and according to the bible verse Leviticus 20:21,” If a man marries his brother's wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.” This caused Henry to believe that as long as he was married to his brother’s old wife he would never father a male heir. Leviticus 20:21 was probably a major catalyst in Henry the 8th's decision to break away from the Church in order to divorce his “barren” wife no matter the consequences.
Through the Act of Supremacy and the Act in Restraint in Appeals Henry the 8th successfully broke his country away from the Pope and Catholicism. The Act of Restraint and Appeals not only helped transfer power to Henry but due to political maneuvering by his advisor Thomas Cromwell the act went through parliament which supposedly was the voice of the people. This made it seem that not only a few people wanted to break away from the church but it was of popular opinion.
Henry the 8th was the King of a superpower of the medieval world and one of the greatest goals of any medieval monarch was to achieve a lineage and to have heirs in place to continue your bloodline. In Henry’s opinion having an heir was more important than having his wife Catherine of Aragon especially because of his religious superstitions and Leviticus 20:21. Moreover, this is why even though he cast his old wife aside I believe Henry the 8th was justified in his decision to divorce his wife Catherine because of the time period and circumstances Henry believed he had no choice. However, I believe Henry was unjustified in breaking his entire country from the Catholic Church for his own personal ends. Through clever political maneuvering him and his advisors were able to make it seem that it was what England wanted but as we will see in the future his decision will be costly in blood for the people of England.
Brian Cadden
Works Cited
The Act of Supremacy http://tudorhistory.org/primary/supremacy.html
The Act in Restraint in Appeals http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/act_restraint_appeals.htm
Letter of Thomas Cramner http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/cramner-hen8.html
Hapsburg Geneology http://www.monarchgenealogy.com/habsburghistory.htm
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The War of the Roses, Richard III, and the Rise of the Tudors: Assignment
Henry V(5th): A Member of the House of Lancaster 1387-1413-1422
He spend most of his Kingship campaigning in France his most notable victory being the battle of Agincourt where he beat the French during the 100 years war.
Henry VI(6th): 1422-1461 and 1470-1471 The son of Henry the 5th who was crowned King of France and England at a young age, the 100 years war was lost during his reign and due to his mental illness the House of York had a claim at the throne. This started the War of the Roses.
Edward IV(4th): 1461-1470 and 1471-1483
Edward obtained the throne in 1461 finally placing a member of the York family on the throne, in 1470 he was forced to flee to Holland but in 1471 he returned and defeated the Lancastrian army. He had Henry the 6th executed that same year.
Edward V(5th): He was 12 years old when his father Edward the 4th died and he was next in line for the throne. However en route to his coronation he was detained by Richard the 3rd and confined to the tower of London. His coronation was cancelled and he was murdered soon after.
Richard III(3rd) 1483-1485
The brother of Edward IV, when his brother died he takes control of his heirs and supposedly imprisons them and crowns himself King, the heirs are killed soon after and Lancastrians will say that Richard had them murdered.
Henry VII(7th): 1485-1509
The first tudor King, after his father Henry the 6th was killed Henry became the head of the Lancastrian family and in 1485 he marched North and defeated Richard the 3rd at the battle of Bosworth. This is the start of the tudor dynasty. He defeated several other Yorkist attempts and married Elizabeth of York to try and unite the rival families.
Shakespeare portrayed Richard as deformed and villainous because after Henry VII took the throne people were likely encouraged to slander Richard and anyone who spoke too highly of him might have been singled out. Also Shakespeare lived under descendants of the tudors which probably meant that if he portrayed their version of events as false it would be noted.
Ricardians and Lancastrians: The Ricardians support the version of Richard's life which favors Richard and impicates the Tudors. Lancastrians as the murderers of Edward V while the Lancastrians support the theory that Richard murdered his nephews and took the crown for his own. No one knows what really happened to the young King.
Traditionalist sources use the histories of the tudors which some argue can be biased In the way of Richard 3. For example they portrayed Richard the 3rd as a hunchback and villain of few morals. Revisionist sources are sources that believe the traditional sources are not fully true and that they may be biased in a Lancastrian view point.
The source from Vergyl Polydore in the Anglica Historia is a Lancastrian source. I believe this because of the way Richard and his plot are referred too. The text wants us to believe that Richard took the young Prince Edward captive and that he even acknowledged it himself as a wicked deed. It implicates him to having thoughts of taking over the throne. "Richerd, whose mynde partly was enflamyd with desire of usurping the kyngdom."(Vergil Polydore). It also mentions him as drawing up plots, cloaking and being suspicious in general which makes me believe that the Author is Lancastrian as Richard is portrayed as a stereotypical villain.
The 2nd source from Horace Wallpoole is a Ricardian source. I believe this because Wallpoole defends the apparent slander of Richard's appearance by Lancastrian sources. He brings up the Countess of Desmond and her opinion of Richard. "The old countess of Desmond, who had danced with Richard, declared he was the handsomest man in the room except his brother Edward"(Horace Wallpoole) Although he admits that he believes Richard had shoulder problems he blames Lancastrian historians for allowing the idea that Richard was a deformed man to take hold of popular opinion.
Richard Poem
I now lay dead, upon the field, blood all around
My loyal soldiers routed by wicked Henry and his men,
Even my crown is nowhere to be found.
My kingship and my very head lay on the ground.
This is the story of what happened to my Crown.
When my brother Edward perished his young son was to become King,
I stopped his coronation and confined him to the tower.
From here I convinced the realm that his child was illegitimate and a bastard in disguise
And I was the rightful King of England and its court.
So now the throne was mine and I held it for some time.
The power of the realm was in the palm of my hand.
But the rumors of the Lancastrians were weakening my hold.
My court was not iron loyal, the looked out for themselves.
This would come back to bite me, as you will see for yourselves.
It was at Bosworth Field where I was smote down.
I charged at Henry, noble Knights in tow
Risking it all in a glorious charge to cut off the head
Of the snake called Henry
Surrounded I fell in a circle of dead, my gallant fight over at last.
My crown, my body and my army lay dead
In a pool of blood.
And so ended my heritage, the Plantagenet dynasty of the throne
I had failed and now my story will be known.
Henry Poem
I am the victor I am the King
I have smote evil Richard upon my double edged blade.
The throne is finally mine after so many long years.
Here is my story and how this came to pass.
As a child I lived in Exile and fear of Yorkist power
I was the last heir to Lancastrian claims.
My relatives lay dead on distant battlefields afar.
And so my family fled.
From Wales to France I was forced to flee,
My family and its supporters with me,
14 years in Wales and 14 in France,
Learning how to rule and how to command,
Waiting until the time was right to seize my crown again
As I grew older I contemplated kingship
My desire was to become King and visit my vengeance,
Upon whose fault it is that I was exiled,
The Yorkists, their hands stained in my family’s blood.
So I waited, until the Yorkists were weak
Seizing the moment I brought my army back to the homeland.
I met Richard the 3rd at Bosworth Field and against all odds he was slain.
Foolishly he allowed himself to be surrounded and destroyed by my gallant knights
I skillfully recruited the Lord Stanley to my side and his troops attacked Richard from behind.
Richard was killed fleeing from the battle like the coward he is and his crown was now mine.
Now I am the king and so began my dynasty, the dynasty of the tudors.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The effects of the black plague on European society
The effect of the black plague on European Society
The Black or Bubonic plague was a terrible pestilence that swept across Europe from the east. Carried by fleas lodged onto black rats the plague spread by boat across no less than the entire European continent. The plague went on to kill some 25 million Europeans, a perfect killing machine the plague changed medieval society as they knew it. Religion, the iron standard by which many set their faith was suddenly looking rusty; people lost their faith in divine protection. No one was safe from the plague. From serf to nobleman, the population cowered from fear of catching it themselves. The social order was changing, laborers realizing that their labor was now more valuable than ever demanded wages and the Jews were now being persecuted across Europe; the plague blamed on them. The black plague changed much of European society during the 1300s.
The people of Europe faith in their church and even their god was weakened by the plague. We can see evidence of this all over according to the Jewish history sourcebook the pope himself confined himself to his rooms and always had a fire burning as some sort of “disinfectant”. The Church itself was unable to state the reason for such a plague other than it was the will of God and even high ranking clergymen were being taken by the sickness. The Church itself started to seem very artificial to some people.
One reason people could come up with for the plague was the Jews. The Jews were persecuted all across Europe on claims that they had poisoned the water of major cities and towns thereby spreading the plague. In the Jewish history sourcebook we see accounts that Jews were taken and tortured until they confessed to the crimes they were accused of. The Jews were used as a scapegoat for the plague by many and they were burnt and exiled all across Europe due to this injustice.
The sheer number of people who died during the plague caused many laborers to realize that their labor was now in short supply. They began to demand wages and payment for their labor. For many, including the King of England and his court this was punishable by imprisonment. In the ordinance of laborers we see evidence of an attempt by the King to prevent laborers from taking their share of the profits. However, this was in vain. If a worker demanded pay and was denied there were plenty of other men who were happy to pay them in order to get the harvest in. The plague created and idea in the common people’s mind that they could in fact be paid for their work rather than live in poverty for their entire lives under their lord.
The effects the black plague had on society changed the social order and the people’s faith in their religion. Europe would never be the same after the terrible pestilence.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Scotland: William Wallace and Robert the Bruce
The Declaration of Arbroath was a document that declared the independence of the Scottish nation to the pope and urged him to acknowledge Scotland as a nation and to convince Edward the 2nd to cease hostilities with Scotland. The Flores Historiarum was an English account of history written my monks at Westminster. Both these sources can help us understand what the English thought of the Scots during the 14th century and what the Scots thought of themselves.
The English monks wrote in the Flores Historarium that Scottish heroes like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were cowardly and murderous. For Wallace they portrayed him as a nightmare figure.
“ William Wallace, an outcast from pity, a robber, a sacrilegious man, an incendiary and a homicide, a man more cruel than the cruelty of Herod, and more insane than the fury of Nero. . . a man who burnt alive boys in schools and churches, in great numbers”(Flores Historarium)
Robert the Bruce is shown to be a traitorous murderer who kills John Comyn because Comyn did not agree to his plan to overthrow the English oppression of Scottish lands. Now this may be true however the text remembering the event seems to be very biased in the favor of John Comyn, it also makes out Bruce to be an ungodly man as John Comyn is written to be “pious” and Robert “wicked”. This source show us that the English did not believe the Scots to have any claim at independence as their heroes who lead the revolutions are shown to be horrible, ungodly men unfit to rule Scotland.
From the Declaration of Arbroath source we can learn the Scottish opinion of their English rulers and of their own nation. In the declaration the Scots make a number of debatable points. They say that the Scots have been masters of their own land for centuries fighting off invaders from overseas like Vikings. They also make a point that their nation had been independent under previous Popes and that Edward the 1st schemed and made unjust claims to the Scottish lands. They believe that they themselves are the true and rightful rulers of Scotland and that they are pious enough that the pope should grant them this grace.
“Therefore it is, Reverend Father and Lord..., you will look with the eyes of a father on the troubles and privation brought by the English upon us and upon the Church of God. May it please you to admonish and exhort the King of the English, who ought to be satisfied with what belongs to him since England used once to be enough for seven kings or more, to leave us Scots in peace”(The Declaration of Arbroath)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Notes 9/8/10 Plantaganet Family
- Henry 2
- Richard the lionheart
- John(signs magna carta)
- Henry 3(King John's son)
- Edward 1 Hammer of the Scots(1300 son of Henry the 3rd conquered Wales and was most successful against the scots) (Scottish heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce)
- Edward 2
- Edward 3
- Richard 2
- Henry 4
- Henry 5(defeats french ultimately)
- Henry 6
- Edward 4
- Edward 5
- Ricahrd 3
AP Euro History H/W 9/8/10
1. The reign of Henry the 2nd suggests that future english foreign relations will not be successful due to Henry's aggressive and submissive foreign policy during his reign. By forcing foreign kings to submit to english rule he is setting the standard that future english foreign politics will continue for generations. There will be much conflict due to this methad because foreign kings may be reluctant to submit.
2. I believe the common conception of Richard as "good" and John as "bad" to be true. Although John had many unlucky misfortunes this does not change the fact that he conspired not once but twice in order to backstab his own family.
3. The magna carta actually bouund the King to a set of laws which was the 1st time this happened in Britis history. The king now had to treat his subjects better and listen to their complaints. The barons now had more power and the king less.
2. I believe the common conception of Richard as "good" and John as "bad" to be true. Although John had many unlucky misfortunes this does not change the fact that he conspired not once but twice in order to backstab his own family.
3. The magna carta actually bouund the King to a set of laws which was the 1st time this happened in Britis history. The king now had to treat his subjects better and listen to their complaints. The barons now had more power and the king less.
Monday, September 6, 2010
My Histories:Thucydides Style
Brian Cadden
AP Euro History
9/6/10
According to his birth certificate Brian Liu Cadden was born on October 4th 1994 at 03:63 PM to parents named Stephen Patrick Cadden and Wen Min Cadden. He was born in Baltimore Maryland in the GBMC hospital. The document is certified by the Maryland department of health and mental hygiene. He weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces. This is his life.
Brian and his parents lived in Maryland until barely a month after he was born when his father received a job off for a job in New Jersey. The Cadden family moved to New Jersey in the winter of 1994. 2 years later Brian’s sister was born. She was named Erin Min Cadden. The Cadden family lived in New Jersey until 1999. In 1999 Brian’s father received a job offer to work in London U.K. The Cadden family moved to the United Kingdom in August of 1999. A visa in Brian’s passport signed by British custom officials proves this. In London Brian went 1 year to St. James public school and 2 years to the American Community School. They lived in Surrey in a house called Venabu. While living in England the family visited many places in Europe and England.
(Brian and his Sister Erin in Bath, U.K)
(Brian at the Vatican)
In 2002 Brian’s father received a job offer to work in Oslo Norway. So, the Cadden family moved to Oslo. In Oslo they lived at Furutoppen 2A. Brian and his sister attended Oslo International School. In Norway they learned to Ski and met many people although the family never did learn to speak proper Norwegian. They left the country after 3 years after Brian’s father took a job in South Korea.
According to a visa in an old passport Brian first entered South Korea in June of 2006. The family lived in the capital city Seoul in a neighborhood called U.N village. The neighborhood consisted of many expatriates living in Korea and a few rich Koreans. In Korea Brian and his sister attended Seoul Foreign School. They kept up with their skiing and from Korea visited various countries in Asia.
(Brian and his Dad at the great wall)
.JPG)
(Brian and his mother skiing in YongPyong Korea)
Brian and his family lived in Korea for 2 years. After his Father’s contract was finished he chose to take a job back in Oslo. And so the family moved back to Oslo yet again. They lived in a new house, Furulundsvein 1C and they went to the same school. Brian met many of his old friends from before and made new ones.
(Brian and his Sister in top of a mountain in Norway)
(Brian fishing in a mountain Fjord)
When his father’s contract was finished in Norway the family was sad to leave. They moved back to Baltimore M.D where they were from and now live in Perry Hall. Brian goes to John Carroll High school and Erin to St. Josephs. They are in their second week of school.
AP Euro History
9/6/10
My History: Thucydides Style
According to his birth certificate Brian Liu Cadden was born on October 4th 1994 at 03:63 PM to parents named Stephen Patrick Cadden and Wen Min Cadden. He was born in Baltimore Maryland in the GBMC hospital. The document is certified by the Maryland department of health and mental hygiene. He weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces. This is his life.
Brian and his parents lived in Maryland until barely a month after he was born when his father received a job off for a job in New Jersey. The Cadden family moved to New Jersey in the winter of 1994. 2 years later Brian’s sister was born. She was named Erin Min Cadden. The Cadden family lived in New Jersey until 1999. In 1999 Brian’s father received a job offer to work in London U.K. The Cadden family moved to the United Kingdom in August of 1999. A visa in Brian’s passport signed by British custom officials proves this. In London Brian went 1 year to St. James public school and 2 years to the American Community School. They lived in Surrey in a house called Venabu. While living in England the family visited many places in Europe and England.
(Brian at the Vatican)In 2002 Brian’s father received a job offer to work in Oslo Norway. So, the Cadden family moved to Oslo. In Oslo they lived at Furutoppen 2A. Brian and his sister attended Oslo International School. In Norway they learned to Ski and met many people although the family never did learn to speak proper Norwegian. They left the country after 3 years after Brian’s father took a job in South Korea.
According to a visa in an old passport Brian first entered South Korea in June of 2006. The family lived in the capital city Seoul in a neighborhood called U.N village. The neighborhood consisted of many expatriates living in Korea and a few rich Koreans. In Korea Brian and his sister attended Seoul Foreign School. They kept up with their skiing and from Korea visited various countries in Asia.
.JPG)
Brian and his family lived in Korea for 2 years. After his Father’s contract was finished he chose to take a job back in Oslo. And so the family moved back to Oslo yet again. They lived in a new house, Furulundsvein 1C and they went to the same school. Brian met many of his old friends from before and made new ones.
When his father’s contract was finished in Norway the family was sad to leave. They moved back to Baltimore M.D where they were from and now live in Perry Hall. Brian goes to John Carroll High school and Erin to St. Josephs. They are in their second week of school.
My History:Herodotus Style
Brian Cadden
AP Euro History
9/6/10
The life of Brian Cadden began on the 4th of October 1994 say his parents Wen and Steve Cadden. I heard them say that he was born in the GBMC hospital in Baltimore M.D. They then proceeded to tell me the story of his life in a nutshell.
After Brian was born they had lived in Bel Air for 1 month however this period would be short lived due to the fact that his Father got a job in New Jersey. They then told me they had moved to New Jersey and bought a house in which Brian lived for 4 years. Brian’s grandmother Judy recalled to me he always loved to play with cars and watch t.v. When Brian was 2 his sister was born. She was named Erin. When Brian was 4 years old his father tells me they moved to England due to his job in shipping. They lived in a small town near London called Surrey. Brian attended 1 year of a British public school and 2 years of an American school there says his mother. When interviewed his old teacher Mr.Haughler said he seemed to be a pretty bright kid who liked to read and play outside. Brian’s parents had a hard time adjusting to the different country. His father called it “culture shock” but he said in the end it was a great experience to have.
When Brian was 7 years of age his father got a job in Oslo, Norway. Him and his family moved to Norway and lived in the capital city Oslo. In Norway he attended Oslo International School. One thing Brian loved to do in Norway was ski said his Father. Brian took regular skiing lessons along with his sister at a ski resort in Oslo. Also during their time in Europe Brian and his family visited many different countries and made many friends. “We’ve practically seen all of Europe”, his father said to me. Brian and his family lived in Norway for 3 years and were unhappy to leave. I asked a couple of his friends, they said he liked to play basketball and videogames.
When Brian was 10 him and his family moved to South Korea and lived in the capital city of Seoul. They lived in a neighborhood filled with non-Koreans and Koreans called U.N village. Brian and his sister went to a school called Seoul Foreign School. In Korea he and his family had many hard times and many good times his father told me. The Korean culture is so different from how any inexperienced “westerner” could perceive it. His father had a hard time working with them due to these differences. One of Brian’s friends Axel Hagman told me that In Korea if you have blonde hair you will be the target of staring eyes and hands wanting to touch your hair. This is just one of the things that they do. On the other hand they made a lot of close friends that they are still in touch with today. Brian’s family stayed there for 2 years.
When his father’s contract was finished in Korea he received an offer to return to Norway. Happy to go back Brian and his family returned to Norway for the 2nd time. His mother said that it was a lot easier this time because they knew how to get around. Back in Norway Brian met some of his old friends and made a lot of new ones when he went to the same school: Oslo International School. The school had improved a lot in the 2 years since they had been there and Brian and his sister had a great 3 years said both his parents. His homeroom teacher Mr. Alleume told me Brian managed pretty good grades and did quite well in school in general. By the end of 3 years Brian and his sister were very unhappy at the prospect that they were leaving Norway and heading back to the United States.
This past summer they have been settling in and getting themselves on their feet after the move. They are living in a condo they own in Perry Hall until they buy a house. Erin is attending St. Joseph’s and Brian is attending John Carroll High School. He is now heading into his second week of his new high school.
AP Euro History
9/6/10
My Histories: Herodotus Style
The life of Brian Cadden began on the 4th of October 1994 say his parents Wen and Steve Cadden. I heard them say that he was born in the GBMC hospital in Baltimore M.D. They then proceeded to tell me the story of his life in a nutshell.
After Brian was born they had lived in Bel Air for 1 month however this period would be short lived due to the fact that his Father got a job in New Jersey. They then told me they had moved to New Jersey and bought a house in which Brian lived for 4 years. Brian’s grandmother Judy recalled to me he always loved to play with cars and watch t.v. When Brian was 2 his sister was born. She was named Erin. When Brian was 4 years old his father tells me they moved to England due to his job in shipping. They lived in a small town near London called Surrey. Brian attended 1 year of a British public school and 2 years of an American school there says his mother. When interviewed his old teacher Mr.Haughler said he seemed to be a pretty bright kid who liked to read and play outside. Brian’s parents had a hard time adjusting to the different country. His father called it “culture shock” but he said in the end it was a great experience to have.
When Brian was 7 years of age his father got a job in Oslo, Norway. Him and his family moved to Norway and lived in the capital city Oslo. In Norway he attended Oslo International School. One thing Brian loved to do in Norway was ski said his Father. Brian took regular skiing lessons along with his sister at a ski resort in Oslo. Also during their time in Europe Brian and his family visited many different countries and made many friends. “We’ve practically seen all of Europe”, his father said to me. Brian and his family lived in Norway for 3 years and were unhappy to leave. I asked a couple of his friends, they said he liked to play basketball and videogames.
When Brian was 10 him and his family moved to South Korea and lived in the capital city of Seoul. They lived in a neighborhood filled with non-Koreans and Koreans called U.N village. Brian and his sister went to a school called Seoul Foreign School. In Korea he and his family had many hard times and many good times his father told me. The Korean culture is so different from how any inexperienced “westerner” could perceive it. His father had a hard time working with them due to these differences. One of Brian’s friends Axel Hagman told me that In Korea if you have blonde hair you will be the target of staring eyes and hands wanting to touch your hair. This is just one of the things that they do. On the other hand they made a lot of close friends that they are still in touch with today. Brian’s family stayed there for 2 years.
When his father’s contract was finished in Korea he received an offer to return to Norway. Happy to go back Brian and his family returned to Norway for the 2nd time. His mother said that it was a lot easier this time because they knew how to get around. Back in Norway Brian met some of his old friends and made a lot of new ones when he went to the same school: Oslo International School. The school had improved a lot in the 2 years since they had been there and Brian and his sister had a great 3 years said both his parents. His homeroom teacher Mr. Alleume told me Brian managed pretty good grades and did quite well in school in general. By the end of 3 years Brian and his sister were very unhappy at the prospect that they were leaving Norway and heading back to the United States.
This past summer they have been settling in and getting themselves on their feet after the move. They are living in a condo they own in Perry Hall until they buy a house. Erin is attending St. Joseph’s and Brian is attending John Carroll High School. He is now heading into his second week of his new high school.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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