Archive for the ‘History’ Category

Why is It Called the French Quarter?

Why is It Called the French Quarter?
The history of the French Quarter is a remarkable example of how an area was able to transform itself through centuries of turbulence and change. It is so called because it was founded by the French. However, it has become the home of various cultures. Founding The city was founded in 1718 by Jean Bienville, a French naval official. Even at this early stage it would be recognized as a melting pot of cultures. The influence of the French would be apparent in the construction of churches and schools bearing French names. The Ursuline Convent, Royal and Bourbon Street were established. It was also noted for its Creole culture and its feasts, notably Mardi Gras. The history of the French Quarter is also noteworthy for its mix of blacks and whites. Under Spanish Rule 1762 saw the Louisiana territory...

Why Did Gorbachev Implement Glasnost?

Why Did Gorbachev Implement Glasnost?
The Glasnost was a highly influential government policy in the Soviet Union during the latter half of the 1980s. As the head of state of the Soviet Union during that time, Mikhail Gorbachev introduced it to improve the leadership of the Soviet government as well as the Communist Party. This period was marked by greater freedom of information and less censorship. For those who wish to find out the real reason why Gorbachev implemented Glasnost, here is a quick take on Soviet history and the different events that led to such important decision. The Significance of the Implementation of Glasnost to the Soviet Union Why did Gorbachev implement Glasnost? The main idea behind this move was to make the Soviet government as transparent as possible. It called for freedom of information and openness...

Why Did FARC Start?

Why Did FARC Start?
The reason why the FARC was formed is directly tied with Communism in Colombia. Although it started as a military wing of the Communist Party, it has since been branded as a terrorist organization by the US and the Colombian government. Beginnings The period in the late 1940s is known as La Violencia in Colombia. Over 200,000 people were killed. As the Colombian Liberal Party lost control, the military under General Gustavo Rojas seized power in 1953. Rojas offered amnesty to the warring factions if they lay down their arms. However some groups resisted, including the communists. The Colombian Communist Party set up guerrilla units in the country. They were led by Jacobo Arenas. So the main reason why the FARC was formed was to fight off Gen. Rojas and also the other factions that were fighting...

Why Was the Gettysburg Address Written?

Why Was the Gettysburg Address Written?
Written by former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address is one of the most symbolic and significant speeches in the history of the United States. It was a well-written speech with a noble aim and a very clear purpose. It greatly inspired numerous people during a time when the independence of the country was marked by instability. Here is a quick take on U.S. history, particularly the major reason for writing the Gettysburg Address. The Importance of the Gettysburg Address Why was the Gettysburg Address written? Lincoln wrote this highly popular speech in an effort to redefine the Union’s purpose for fighting in the Civil War. He delivered it on November 19, 1863, the day when the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania was dedicated. It was a time when...

Why Was the White House Painted White?

Why Was the White House Painted White?
The building itself is well known throughout the world, but there are some facts about the White House that people may not be aware of. In fact there are some conflicting stories about it, especially why it is white. Why is it White? Tradition states that the edifice was originally grey in color. However the building was burned down in 1814 by the British. This was in retaliation for the burning done by the Americans during the 1812 conflict. To cover the burn marks, the entire building was repainted white all over. But some contend that the building was already white years before the burning incident (in 1798 to be exact). According to the story, it was painted white to preserve the sandstone used to build it. If this is indeed the fact about the White House, then it was already white years...