Muslin in literature and history

The muslin dress was the most symbolic item associated with Regency women fashion. The word muslin could be used for both fabric and dress made of it. It is plain-woven light soft cotton fabric without a pattern. It was used as a dress foundation or a dress by itself. Jane Austen exhibited her real interest … Read more

Advances towards modernisation 1854 – 1954 (Russia)

Advances towards modernisation were constant throughout the period of 1854-1954. The overarching aim of modernisation was to catch up to the other great powers (Britain, France, Germany, USA) and to solidify and protect the regimes that existed. The first of which was the Tsarist regime under the reign of Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas … Read more

To what extent do historians disagree about the primary motivations behind Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement?

Introduction Appeasement relates to a political policy, in which a nation makes concessions in the face of a warlike nation or dictatorship in order to preserve peace and avoid conflict. Historians acknowledge that in some circumstances, appeasement is necessary however on the topic of Chamberlain’s government it becomes an issue mainly because different historians had … Read more

Analysis of use of propaganda by Great Britain, USA, Germany & Soviet Russia 1914-1945

Abstract This research essay is an analysis of the use of propaganda by the four major world powers, Great Britain, The United States of America, Germany and Soviet Russia from 1914-1945. I will identify the necessary conditions for effective propaganda acceptance, the evolving technologies that were instrumental in the evolution of propaganda and mass distribution … Read more

Napoleon Bonaparte – Heroic Tyrant

A power hungry, ruthless killer and the saviour of France all in one? The rumoured short ruler with a long legacy, Napoleon Bonaparte, is arguably one of the most uniquely influential historical figures in European history. From his savvy army tactics to his ability to control a country with just words, there is no doubt … Read more

Freedom of Expression during World War I

Soon after the United States formally joined World War I, the government passed the Espionage Act which stated that whoever, in time of war, shall wilfully cause insubordination or disloyalty would be punished by a fine of $10,000, or imprisonment, or both. A year later, the Sedition Act of 1918 specified that it would be … Read more

‘All empires have a civilizing mission.’ Discuss.

Empires have always utilized the notion of civilizing their subjects in order to justify their imperial ventures, and ‘Standards of civilisation’ has always been measured in terms of western empires that structured international society during the colonial era. However, this common conjecture has turned to be quite untrue because the intent to bring about a … Read more

Causes of the rise of japanese militarism in the 1930s

The Factors that Gave Rise To Japanese Militarism Japan’s political journey from its quasi-democratic government in the 1920’s to its radical nationalism of the mid 1930’s, the collapse of democratic institutions, and the eventual military state was not an overnight transformation. There was no coup d’etat, no march on Rome, no storming of the Bastille. … Read more

Fall Of The Roman Empire

There were many reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire. Each one interweaved with the other. Many even blame the initiation of Christianity in 337 AD by Constantine the Great as the definitive cause while others blame it on increases in unemployment, inflation, military expenditure and slave labour while others blame it on the … Read more

The rise of the Berlin Wall

In the early hours of August 13th. 1961, East German construction workers accompanied by soldiers and police began shredding through the streets and constructing barriers throughout the city of Berlin and its surrounding areas. This night in Germany would mark the beginning of one of the most infamous divides of a city and history’s most … Read more

The Marshall plan

The Marshall plan was a US program introduced to recover the Western European countries after WW2. The motives behind the plan come down to three broad strands that are economic, political and humanitarian. Each interpretation focuses on one or more of these aspects. In the Kolko’s argument they outline that the Americans economy and prosperity … Read more