Archive for the ‘History’ Category

Why Are There 13 Stripes on the American Flag?

Why Are There 13 Stripes on the American Flag?
Called by the names ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, ‘Old Glory’ and ‘Stars and Stripes’, the flag of the United States is full of meaning, pride and patriotism. The colors, the number of stars as well as the number of stripes are symbols of something very important, especially in relation to the country’s eventful history, culture and tradition. Here is a quick take on what this national symbol stands for including why there are 13 stripes on the American flag. The Reason Behind the 13 Stripes of the U.S. Flag Why are there 13 stripes on the American flag? There are 13 stripes of the U.S. flag because they symbolize the 13 original colonies that revolted against British rule. Later on, these places went on to become the Union’s first states. They are represented by...

Why Was the Emancipation Proclamation Written?

Why Was the Emancipation Proclamation Written?
As the years passed, questions as to why the Emancipation Proclamation was written continue to be asked. Looking back, historians point to several reasons why it was penned and issued by Lincoln in 1862. To Cripple the South’s War Effort The first reason was to reduce the South’s edge in the war. They were outnumbered but their leaders were more skilled. However, the slaves played an important role. They were the ones who readied the uniforms and other necessities of the soldiers. The slaves were also responsible for rebuilding the railways and factories damaged during the conflict. The blacks also worked in the hospitals and constituted the bulk of the labor force. They were also involved in making fortifications. Lincoln knew this, which was one reason why the Emancipation Proclamation...

Why Did the Holocaust Happen?

Why Did the Holocaust Happen?
The reason why the Holocaust happened had to do with Hitler’s belief that the Jews were responsible for the misery in Germany at the time. Anti Semitism was not new, but the Nazis brought the terrorizing to another level. Hitler’s Idea of the Superior Race Although he was Austrian, Hitler became more of a German than most nationalists at the time. He fervently believed that the Germans were descended of the superior Aryan race. He saw most of humanity as inferior to the Aryan class. Above all, he considered the Jews as subhuman. Hitler didn’t just think that they should be enslaved; he wanted them exterminated. In looking for an explanation as to why the Holocaust happened, this theory of the superior is one of them. The Jews in Germany The Jews were a minority in Germany at the time....

Why is Tecumseh Famous?

Why is Tecumseh Famous?
One of the most esteemed heroes in Canada, the life of Tecumseh has become the stuff of legend and folklore. Even though myths and stories have grown around him, a lot of facts have been established. Birth and Early Life He was born on March 9 1768 in what is now Ohio. He lived amidst constant warfare as the Americans were attempting to expand their territory. In 1774 his father was killed in battle. In the midst of the Revolutionary War, he lost two more siblings. It was hardly a surprise when he decided to take up arms. Part of the reason was that the Americans were moving in on Ohio. The Americans offered the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. The life of Tecumseh and Native Americans would be forever changed. He refused to sign the pact, arguing that the land belonged to the Indians. This...

Why Was Mikhail Gorbachev Important?

Why Was Mikhail Gorbachev Important?
It’s important for people to realize why Mikhail Gorbachev was important. He came at a time when the USSR and the US were in the midst of a Cold War. Had it not been for his policies, thawing of the countries’ relations may not have taken place. Glasnost and Perestroika Perhaps two of his most well known reforms were glasnost and perestroika. Glasnost enabled the people to express themselves openly. It was a radical step that no other Soviet leader had taken. It was the first step towards democratizing the country. The second reform was perestroika. It consisted of a series of economic reforms and policy changes. The sweeping reforms were aimed mainly at decentralizing planning. This was one reason why Mikhail Gorbachev was important. Another one of the measures passed under his watch...