After the East Indian Company was established, it gradually gained full control over large parts of the Indian subcontinent. Revolts against the imperialist rule reached its peak in 1857, when the Indian sepoys posed a considerable threat to the British rule, however, ultimately failed to attain its goals. Consequently, from 1858 until 1947, the territory […]
Geishas, whilst iconic for their beauty, elegance, and performance skills, also carry with them the stigmatisation of being prostitutes. Popular views on geishas are informed by stereotypes. Without knowledge of the culture, viewing geishas as artists over prostitutes has proved problematic. Their unique way of life and long traininghas seen them act as skilled entertainers, […]
In 2008, after years of service as Minister of Defence, Raul Castro succeeded his ailing brother Fidel as the President of the Republic of Cuba. This change in leadership was due to the deteriorating health of the elder brother and was heralded by many analysts worldwide as a new political and economic epoch for the […]
The Pankhurst family were crucial to the Suffragette movement in the early 20th Century. The Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was founded in Manchester, Pankhurst’s hometown, prior to World War 1. There were six founders of the WSPU, including both Sylvia and Emmeline Pankhurst. The WSPU displayed a more militant strand of the suffrage […]
Desmond Doss, an American World War II conscientious objector, was thrust back into popular consciousness after his portrayal by Andrew Garfield in the recent film Hacksaw Ridge. The film tells the story of Doss, a Seventh Day Adventist who refused to take up arms or kill the enemy on account of his belief in the […]
In the middle ages, pilgrimages were the ‘holiday’ du jour. Many of the journeys, mainly taken on foot, are unimaginable for us today. Tom Oliver records the most noted pilgrimages alongside some of the more unusual routes. While we think of travel as a leisure activity, some take it to extremes. Lloyd Hammett looks at […]
At the turn of the nineteenth century when the Industrial Revolution was transforming Britain’s economy, manufacturing and commercial enterprises needed credit and investment; hence the proliferation of financial institutions across the country. Lloyds and Barclays were but a few of the banking giants that began in the nineteenth century and still exist to this day. […]
The oppression and mass killing of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) in 1965 – 1966 occurred due to the threat they posed to both western, and Suharto’s, intentions in the region. The suppression of the PKI occurred between 1965-1966, and saw communists executed by both the military and the general public. This public purging […]
Ireland has often been described as England’s blueprint for colonialism. Since the 12th century, the kings of England have claimed dominion over Ireland and the Irish have been resisting British dominion ever since. If Ireland was England’s blueprint for colonialism, then Ireland has also served as a blueprint for anti-colonial resistance. If you were to […]
A review of Dr Parthasarathi’s lecture on the European-Asian economic divergence. Mid-February, the University of Manchester was graced with the special appearance of the president of the American Historical Association: Kenneth Pomeranz. A leading China expert, Professor Pomeranz delivered a guest lecture to students and faculty evaluating the weaknesses, and addressing criticism, of his famous […]
If I were to say the Kraken, The Flying Dutchman, the Sirens or mermaids you would be forgiven for mistaking this for a Pirates of the Caribbean article! However, history is full of various sea myths and monsters many of which are still popular today. This article sets out to explore exactly what these stories […]
For most people who go see ‘The Iron Lady’, there are a couple of questions that they probably wanted to ask before hand: how will Thatcher be portrayed in this? And why couldn’t they wait until she had died to make a movie about her? People have said they believe she will not be portrayed […]
Soon the summer holidays will kick off the new swarm of British backpackers heading to South East Asia, looking for beautiful beaches, cheap beer, and the serenity in which one can ‘find herself’ against a backdrop of instagram-worthy scenery. Cambodia has become a staple section of the South East Asian route which sees thousands make […]
In the west today, charity has become as much about the giver as the recipient. James Green looks at the history of philanthropy and its selfish connotations. The Didsbury Beer Festival was a three-day event, celebrating the beers, ales, perries and ciders from independent breweries throughout Britain. Returning for its fifth year the Festival has […]