History Schmistory, March 26: What do you think of our government, baby?

1871 – Paris Commune, often said to be the first example of working people taking power, is founded.The commune ended after just two months. Great veggie meals and ultimate frisbee, but, unfortunately, no one wanted to do the dishes or clean the bathrooms.

History Schmistory, March 25: A lotta good that King’s Ransom did us.

1199 – Richard I (Lionheart) is wounded by a crossbow bolt while fighting France which leads to his death on April 6. Richard was kidnapped in Austria on his way back from the Crusades, held in Castle Durnstein, and was exchanged for a “King’s Ransom” raised by his resourceful and intrepid mother, Eleanor of Acquitaine.

History Schmistory, March 23: B & F become BFFs!

1657 – Britain & France form alliance against Spain.

History Schmistory: March 22. Hey! This doesn’t work on my Kindle!

1457. The Gutenberg Bible became the 1st printed book.

History Schmistory, March 21. Francophile joins the Cabinet

1790. Thomas Jefferson reports to President Washington in New York as Secretary of State. Jefferson would later live in Paris where he would become a movie star.

History Schmistory, March 20: You’re Fired

1890. German emperor Wilhelm II fires republic chancellor Otto Von Bismarck.

History Schmistory, March 18: Start Your Engines!

1858. Rudolf Diesel, German engineer and Diesel motor inventor, is born. He wears cool clothes, but, turns down a part in “Fast and Furious.”

History Schmistory: St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 AD.

 

History Schmistory, March 16: Who’s Yer Daddy, Chris?

Ferdinand Magellan, the "Weekend at Bernies" of Explorers

1521 Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reaches Philippines. Magellan had survived eighteen months at sea, but he was killed in battle in the Philippines. A local warrior persuaded Magellan to defeat his rival in battle. Most of Magellan’s men considered the battle both pointless and dangerous, so they refused to participate. Magellan was hit with a poison arrow in the battle and died. One of Magellan’s five ships did make it back to Spain, only twelve days less than three years after their journey started. Only one ship and eighteen sailors remained of the 265 men accompanied Magellan.

History Schmistory: Yo Ferdman & Izzy–I’m back!

1493. Christopher Columbus returns to Spain after 1st new world voyage. He brings potatoes, stories of Indians, and “Dancing with the Stars.”

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries