From her unexpected ascent to the throne to her seven-decade rule, Queen Elizabeth II left an indelible mark on the world. Explore the life of Britain's longest-reigning monarch and her journey through triumph and sorrow, conflict and change.

The concept of utopia and dystopia has been explored throughout history in literature and art. While utopias envision a perfect world, dystopias imagine a world where certain trends in contemporary society are taken to extremes, exposing their underlying flaws. Dystopian fiction is a cautionary tale that warns us about the idea that humanity can be molded into an ideal shape. By exploring dystopian literature, we can gain a better understanding of the world we live in and the challenges we face. It encourages us to question our assumptions about the future and to think critically about the society we want to build. By engaging with dystopian ideas, we can become more informed and active citizens, ready to shape a better future for ourselves and our communities.

Discover the hidden history of Britain's post-war immigration laws and their imperial roots. Learn how citizenship and immigration policies shaped the Windrush scandal and continue to impact the UK today. Explore the connections between immigration laws and Britain's relationship with the rest of the world.

Why have so many Native Americans fought for a country that has colonized and broken promises to them for centuries? The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is exploring this question in a new book and exhibition, "Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces". The book highlights the unique traditions and motivations that Indigenous people bring to their military service, challenging stereotypes and shedding light on a long history of devotion to the U.S. military.

In this video clip, we learn about the birthplace of democracy, ancient Athens, and how they practiced direct democracy through never-ending referendums. We also hear from Plato, one of the most famous thinkers in history, who believed that the best form of government is aristocracy, ruled by the best-educated individuals who make wise decisions for society. While his views were classist, Plato's key message is to make just, prudent, and wise decisions based on virtue, rather than letting passion guide our decisions. Learning about these academic concepts can benefit students intellectually by expanding their knowledge of history and philosophy, and practically by helping them develop critical thinking skills and the ability to make informed decisions. So, let's explore these ideas and strive to make wise decisions based on virtue, just like Plato's selfless aristocrats.

Did you know that the treadmill was originally created in the 1800s as a punishment for English prisoners? However, social movements led by religious groups, philanthropies, and celebrities like Charles Dickens sought to change these dire conditions and help reform the prisoners. The treadmill was seen as a fantastic way of whipping prisoners into shape, and that added benefit of powering mills helped to rebuild a British economy decimated by the Napoleonic Wars. Although the original treadmill was banned for being excessively cruel, it returned with a vengeance in the 1970s as a way to improve aerobic fitness and lose unwanted pounds. Learning about the history of the treadmill can help you understand how social movements can bring about positive change and how ideas can evolve over time.

California's Reparations Task Force is investigating the harms African Americans have faced since 1850 and recommending how to repair the damage for all descendants of enslaved people now residing in the state. Task force member Jovan Scott Lewis, a University of California, Berkeley, associate professor of geography and chair of the geography department, shares his academic focus on reparations, detailed in numerous articles and two recent books. Learn about his books, the work of the task force, and why reparations are due to the descendants of the enslaved.

Aristotle's Treatise on Rhetoric, written over 2,000 years ago, explores the art of persuasion through communication, which is still relevant today. The three types of persuasive speech Aristotle describes are: forensic rhetoric, which establishes facts and judgments about the past; epideictic rhetoric, which makes a proclamation about the present situation; and deliberative rhetoric, which focuses on the future. The latter is the most effective in achieving change and involves three persuasive appeals: ethos, logos, and pathos. Ethos is how you convince an audience of your credibility, logos is the use of logic and reason, and pathos appeals to emotions. Knowing how to use these rhetorical appeals is essential in persuading others, but also in recognizing when they are being used on you. Understanding and mastering the art of rhetoric can help you communicate more effectively and achieve your goals.

In 1941, the US Marine Corps refused to allow African Americans to join. But a year later, the first Black recruits arrived at Montford Point, North Carolina, and helped clear the land and construct the barracks. With only 20,000 names verified, the National Montford Point Marine Association is racing against time to identify and acknowledge the service of more men like Carroll William Braxton, who faced scorching abuse and racial slurs during his training. Discover the history of these unsung heroes, whose service is lauded in the same vein as the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the Buffalo Soldiers, or the Tuskeegee Airmen.

Board games can be a fun pastime, but what happens when they reinforce prejudices and glorify colonial domination? Researchers at MIT and Dartmouth delve into the history of board games in their new book, "Playing Oppression," and analyze the assumptions baked into many of them. From the problematic elements of "Puerto Rico" to the glorification of empire-building in games like "Empires: Age of Discovery," this book sheds light on the legacy of conquest and empire in colonialist board games.

"Have you ever wondered what drives someone to commit a crime? What goes through the mind of a murderer? And what kind of society breeds such people?" These are the questions that Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky explores in his classic novel, "Crime and Punishment." Through the story of a young law student who commits a heinous act, Dostoyevsky delves into complex themes of morality, social critique, and the human psyche. As you read, you will be transported to the underbelly of 19th-century Saint Petersburg and introduced to a cast of characters whose moral innocence stands in stark contrast to the depravity of those around them. But beyond the thrilling plot, "Crime and Punishment" offers a deeper understanding of the human condition and the consequences of our actions. By exploring these themes, you will gain valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and the world around us.

In 1833, Lydia Maria Child shocked readers with her book "An Appeal in Favor of that Class of Americans Called Africans," denouncing slavery and exposing its power in US politics. Child, together with a small group of activists, were not just antislavery, but abolitionists, convinced that slavery should end immediately and without compensation to enslavers. Despite facing backlash and sexism, Child's activism inspired the formation of the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society and the first national political gathering of Black and white women, leading to legal protection for Black Americans in Massachusetts.

Discover how Spain is addressing the human rights violations committed during Franco's dictatorship, and the search for justice for the thousands of victims who disappeared. The new Law of Democratic Memory will legally require the Spanish government to recover the bodies of those who were killed or disappeared. Through a national DNA bank and a State Prosecutors' Office for Human Rights and Democratic Memory, the law seeks to investigate cases of human rights violations and investigate the thousands of mass graves scattered throughout Spain. This poignant reminder of political violence and historical trauma provides hope for families still searching for closure.

In a world of chaos and violence, how can we prevent ourselves from descending into anarchy? Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan explores this timeless question, arguing for a powerful sovereign to enforce security and the rule of law. Shocking his contemporaries, Hobbes' work of political philosophy opened up questions about statecraft and society that still influence governments worldwide. This fully revised edition includes a new introduction, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the nature of power and governance. Recommended for political science students, policymakers, and anyone interested in the nature of power and governance, Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan offers a thought-provoking analysis of the role of the state in preventing anarchy. Its insights into the nature of society and the need for a powerful sovereign to enforce security and the rule of law have influenced governments worldwide. This book also has relevance to those interested in philosophy, history, and law, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of statecraft.

Are you interested in exploring the dark history of witchcraft in France? The High Middle Ages (1300-1500) were a time of political turmoil, with localized politics and constant struggles with feudal lords. This scarcity of primary sources makes researching witchcraft in France frustrating, but it can help to start with regional sources. Witch hunts and trials were regional in nature, affected by larger historical events, such as the Protestant Reformation. The Library of Congress holds many editions and translations of important texts on the topic, including The Witch Hammer, which became a handbook for conducting torture. Read more to uncover the fascinating history of witchcraft in France.

The ancient Romans were known for their brutal and violent approach to punishment, and one of the most notorious forms of execution was the practice of damnatio ad bestias. This involved throwing condemned criminals into an arena with wild animals, where they would be torn apart and devoured in front of a bloodthirsty audience. But what was the purpose of this gruesome spectacle? Some scholars argue that it served as a deterrent to would-be criminals, while others suggest that it was a form of entertainment for the masses. Still, others contend that it was a way for the ruling class to assert their dominance over the lower classes. Regardless of its purpose, damnatio ad bestias was a harrowing and terrifying experience for those who were forced to endure it. In some cases, criminals were even forced to fight against each other, adding a gladiator-like element to the proceedings. So who were the people who witnessed these horrific events? According to historian Keith Hopkins, the vast majority of spectators were not members of the upper class, but rather the urban poor who were attracted to the spectacle of violence and bloodshed. In fact, Hopkins suggests that these public executions were a way for the ruling class to distract the lower classes from their own poverty and suffering. But damnatio ad bestias was not just confined to the arena. The practice was also used as a form of punishment for political dissidents and enemies of the state. For example, the early Christian martyr Saint Ignatius of Antioch was sentenced to damnatio ad bestias in the second century AD, and was eventually devoured by lions in the Colosseum. In modern times, the practice of damnatio ad bestias is rightly seen as a barbaric and cruel form of punishment. But for the ancient Romans, it was just another way to assert their power and maintain order in a society that was often violent and chaotic.

Colonial history is a complex and often painful subject, involving the histories and legacies of colonization, empire, and slavery. In recent years, the concept of colonial history revisionism has been in the spotlight, as scholars, activists, and communities have challenged traditional narratives and sought to center the experiences of those who have been marginalized or silenced. In this write-up, we will explore the key concepts and debates around colonial history revisionism, as well as the contributions of leading academics in the field. Colonial history revisionism involves questioning and re-examining traditional narratives of colonization, empire, and slavery. This can include challenging dominant perspectives that have centered white, European perspectives, and silencing or marginalizing the voices of colonized peoples and enslaved Africans. Revisionism also involves looking at the ways in which colonial legacies continue to shape our world today, from economic inequality to systemic racism. One of the key debates within colonial history revisionism is around the concept of "decolonization." This term refers to the process of undoing the effects of colonization and centering the voices and experiences of colonized peoples. However, there is debate around what decolonization looks like in practice, and whether it is possible within existing structures of power. There are many academics who have contributed to the field of colonial history revisionism. One of the most influential is Edward Said, who wrote extensively on the concept of Orientalism and the ways in which Western perspectives have shaped the study of the "Orient." Another important figure is Frantz Fanon, who wrote about the psychological effects of colonization on the colonized, and the need for a "decolonization of the mind." More recent scholars include Saidiya Hartman, who explores the experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants, and Jemima Pierre, who looks at the connections between colonialism and the global economy. In conclusion, colonial history revisionism is a vital field of study that challenges traditional narratives and center the voices and experiences of those who have been marginalized or silenced. By exploring this area further, students can deepen their understanding of colonial history and its legacies, and contribute to ongoing efforts to decolonize our world.

Utopianism is the belief in a perfect world, or at least a world designed to be perfect. It may seem like an impossible concept, but it has been around for centuries. Many cultures and religions have myths of a perfect society in the past, and there have been all sorts of ideas about a perfect society. Being a utopianist essentially means being a dreamer, and striving for a better world. While utopianism's main flaw is its obsession with perfection, it is important to at least strive for a better world. Learning about utopianism can help you to understand how people have tried to create perfect societies in the past, and the potential pitfalls of such thinking. It can also inspire you to dream big and work towards a better future. So, don't be afraid to be a dreamer and imagine a better world. Who knows, you might just be the one to make it a reality.

Skyjack by Geoffrey Gray is a gripping true crime tale that follows the infamous D.B. Cooper's hijacking of a Northwest Orient flight in 1971. Gray uncovers new leads in the decades-old mystery, conducting interviews and obtaining a first-ever look at Cooper's FBI file. With explosive new information and exclusive access to forensic evidence, Skyjack reopens one of the great cold cases of the 20th century. This page-turner will leave you on the edge of your seat, wondering who D.B. Cooper really was and what happened to him after he parachuted into oblivion. Recommended for true crime enthusiasts, aviation history buffs, and anyone interested in unsolved mysteries, Skyjack offers a thrilling account of one of the most astonishing whodunits in American history. This book might also be relevant to students of criminal justice, journalism, and forensic science, as it provides a detailed look at the investigative techniques used by law enforcement and journalists to solve complex cases. Additionally, Skyjack sheds light on the cultural impact of Cooper's crime and how it transformed him into a counter-culture folk hero.

Canadian singer, Jully Black, made headlines when she sang her country's national anthem at an NBA all-star game and altered the lyrics from "our home and native land" to "our home on native land" in solidarity with indigenous communities. This small change has sparked a larger conversation about Canada's history of oppression and assimilation of indigenous people, and the need for reconciliation. While some have criticized the change, many have praised it as a model for all Canadians. This issue raises important questions about identity, power, and representation, and highlights the role of music and art in social and political activism.