The Bristorian introduces The Past Today, a unique series presenting you with the headlines of today’s past.
The series is made up of short, sharp, yet impactful 500 word pieces, designed to bring some intrigue and entertainment to your day.
‘Basketball was a taboo in this world’ – The Release of Slam Dunk
On this day, 34 years ago, the first volume of Slam Dunk was published. Alfie Stubbs looks at the history of the hugely influential sports manga and its effect on basketball in Japan.
Hitler’s Appointment as Reich Chancellor
On this day, 92 years ago, Adolf Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor of Germany. Sophie Caballero-Pearce analyses the first step in Hitler’s rise to the position of Führer.
Oliver Cromwell’s Disinterment - 30th January 1661
Oliver Cromwell is a name that England is unlikely to ever forget. Cromwell notoriously won the English Civil War, became Lord Protector and acted as the ruler of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. In many people’s eyes, he was a hero of liberty and one of the most significant figures in British history. However, he was simultaneously an enemy of the monarchy. Cromwell successfully upheaved the monarchy and was the main signatory for the execution of King Charles I. This is what sparked the very grisly and very English story of what would happen to Oliver Cromwell’s head years later.
What Will You Make? – How the Lego Brick was Developed
On 28 January 1958, The Lego Group applied for a patent for their iconic eight-stud Lego brick in Denmark, nine years after it first went on sale. Ben Bryant looks at the history of one of the world’s most iconic toys.
‘Here’s to the fools who dream.’: The Anniversary of La La Land’s Release in the UK
On 13 January 2017, La La Land was first released in the UK, delivering a story of art, dreams, and love. Ben Bryant explores the origin and impact of the award-winning film, which questions whether following your passion is worth the potential sacrifices.
The Death of the Great Survivor – 8th January 1976
On this day in 1976, the hugely influential Zhou Enlai passed away. William Budd commemorates his life and achievements 49 years after his death.
The Dissolution of the Soviet Union
On this day, 33 years ago, the Soviet Union was officially dissolved as a sovereign state, drawing 69 years of dictatorship to an end. Alfie Stubbs reflects on the Soviet Union’s decline and its place in modern memory.
Samurai Itō Hirobumi becomes the first Prime Minister of Japan after the Meiji Restoration
On the 2nd of December 1885, Samurai Itō Hirobumi becomes the first Prime Minister of Japan after the Meiji Restoration.
‘The greatest gay victory’: the American Psychiatric Association declares homosexuality is not a mental illness
On this day in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association shifted their attitude on homosexuality as a mental illness. Editor-in-Chief AJ Birt explores this landmark change in attitudes towards homosexuality in the USA.
‘They slew Llywelyn, never will we forget’: 742 years after the death of the Prince of Wales
On this day, in 1282, the last native and independent Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, was killed at the Battle of Orewin Bridge by English forces. Erin Davies-Thomas explores the life and death of this Welsh hero and reflects on his place within Welsh memory today.
‘This day will never come again, so let me have this moment.’: The 30th Anniversary of PlayStation
On this day in 1994, the PlayStation was released for the first time, catapulting the home video game market into the commercial stratosphere. Alfie Stubbs writes about this momentous event.
‘I do this for you.’ - Akira Toriyama and the 40th Anniversary of Dragon Ball
On 20 November 1984, Dragon Ball first appeared in the manga publication Weekly Shōnen Jump. Ben Bryant delves into its creation, the global impact of the franchise, and, above all, honours the recent passing of Dragon Ball’s creator, Akira Toriyama.
The Last Man – Tokugawa Yoshinobu
On this day in 1867, the reign of the last shogun drew to a close, ending over two and a half centuries of the Tokugawa shogunate. William Budd explores the rule of Tokugawa Yoshinobu and his attempts to modernise and reform Japan.
Looking Back at the Release of The Nightmare Before Christmas
Amaya Lewis-Patel reflects on the creation and release of the cult classic film The Nightmare Before Christmas 21 years after it was first shown in theatres.
The Beginning of Prohibition
On this day in 1919, the Volstead Act was passed, beginning Prohibition in the United States. Daniel Rose reflects on its attempt to solve the ‘social ills of alcoholism’ - its successes, its failures and the effects that still permeate today’s society.
The First University in the ‘New World’ - Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino
Elizabeth Abbott explores the history of the first university established in the Americas, Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino.
Dumbo: ‘Wrong then, wrong now’?
On this day in 1941, Dumbo was first released. Lucy Ward critically reviews its greatly problematic history and questions how we can ethically consume such films.
Sixty-Two Years on from the Cuban Missile Crisis: An ever-more relevant ode to the power of diplomacy
Today - 16th October- marks sixty-two years since President Kennedy hurriedly assembled a group of security experts, special advisers, and American diplomats, known collectively as Ex-Comm, to wrestle with the most critical matter of global security known yet to mankind.
Leif Erikson Day
On this day in 1964, Leif Erikson Day was formally established in the US, celebrating American ties to Scandinavia and Iceland. Ben Bryant looks at the first European to set foot on continental North America.
One Year On: The Unhealed Wounds of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Political Editor Isaac Smith explores the legacy and current state of events in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, one year on from its commencing.