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.
The Women’s March on Versailles
235 years ago, on the 5th of October, the women of Paris marched to Versailles, demanding bread and change. Emma Collins reflects upon this grand display of solidarity, a turning point in the French Revolution.
The Nuremberg Trials
On this day in 1946, the judges of the Nuremberg Trials passed their judgment on the crimes of the Nazis. Sophie Caballero-Pearce reflects on this hugely significant geopolitical event.
The Little Rock Nine
On this day, American President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered U.S. troops to escort nine Black students into Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, but why was this so important? The Bristorian looks at the Little Rock Nine.
Henry Kissinger: Prince of Peace or a narcissistic war monger?
Following the death of Henry Kissinger, Milan considers the divided opinions surrounding the foreign policy figure.
The Death of St. Thomas Aquinas
On this day, perhaps one of the greatest thinkers of the Medieval period, Thomas Aquinas, died in 1274. Milan Perera looks at his life and the significance of his works within Medieval religion and society.
The Spanish Flu: A Mirror Through Time
In this month in 1918, the second deadliest pandemic in human history had its first recorded case. By 1920, this pandemic had caused an estimated 50-100 million deaths globally. Though it’s origin has never been truly confirmed, its first recorded case was in a military training facility in the United States. With droves of American soldiers travelling overseas to participate in World War I, the disease quickly spread and decimated Europe.
Napoleon Escapes from Elba
On the 26th February 1815, the French Emperor Napoleon escaped from exile on the island of Elba. This action kickstarted what is known as the Hundred Days, culminating in his eventual final defeat and second exile after the momentous Battle of Waterloo.
Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Sarcophagus
Today on February 16, 1923, renowned British archaeologist Howard Carter discovers the Sarcophagus of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt. The tomb's discovery influenced art movements, cinematography, and literature in the coming years.
The Execution of Mary Queen of Scots
On February 8, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed under the orders of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. The execution in itself was an unusual one, but to dive into the reasons for her execution, we have to look much further back throughout Mary’s life to gain the full context for the event.
Stalingrad: The Cruel Epitome of Urban Warfare
On this day, 80 years ago, The Battle of Stalingrad ended. Arguably one of the most bloody, brutal, and harrowing battles of the Second World War. The battle also marked a significant turning point and potentially the beginning of the end of the War itself.
The Liberation of Auschwitz and its Legacy: The Failure of the Allies to Act
78 years ago today, Auschwitz, the most notorious of all of the Nazi death camps, was liberated. The symbolic nature of this moment meant that today was chosen to serve as the International Holocaust Memorial Day.
Inauguration of Indira Gandhi, 1966
On this day 57 years ago, Indira Gandhi was inaugurated as the first female Prime Minister of India. Bristorian Contributor, Milan, looks at her life and time in office.
The Coronation of Elizabeth I
With King Charles III’s coronation having been set for later this year, and interest in the phenomenon therefore likely to grow, Silva looks at the historical significance of the coronation of Elizabeth I, 464 years ago today.
The Treaty of Versailles: ‘A Carthaginian peace’?
On this day in 1920, the infamous Treaty of Versailles came into effect. After four years of brutal warfare that shaped Europe, the Treaty has had a contested historiography. Bristorian Contributor, Mish Al-Roubaie, discusses whether or not the Treaty is rightly described as ‘Carthaginian Peace.’
The Council of Trent, 1545
On this day, 477 years ago, The Council of Trent convened and would be one of the most critical events in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. Bristorian contributor, Milan, looks into the significance of the event.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
On this day in 1941, Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbour, a US military base in Hawaii. While it is commonly seen as a military blunder, the consequences of this attack would have significant short-term and long-term effects on Japan in the future.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy: An Industrial Catastrophe as a Result of Corporate Negligence and Governmental Apathy
The Bristorian contributor, Sayoni Ghosh, reflects on the devastating industrial disaster that happened on this day in 1984, and its effects are still with us today through chronic illnesses and contaminated land.
The Battle of Austerlitz, 1805
For ‘The Past Today’, Natty looks at Napoleon’s involvement and tactics at the 2nd of December 1805 Battle of Austerlitz - a decisive battle that displayed the emperor’s tactical aptitude and led to the effective end of the War of the Third Coalition.
The Execution of the ‘Great Pretender’ Perkin Warbeck
Perkin Warbeck may not be the first person that comes to mind when one thinks of the Tudors, but he had a significant influence upon Henry Tudor’s domestic and foreign policy, existing as a figure that deserves to be brought into a more public sphere.