Forever and a day, politicians under monarchs have had to concern themselves about the issue, what happens if the monarch is not producing issue? “What do we do to ensure a smooth line of succession?” Like much of life’s mysteries, this involves sex, religion and territory. At the beginning of the 18th century, the English… Continue reading 27 June
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2 September
On 2 September 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt opened the Minnesota State Fair. That evening, the local paper reported his “eloquent oration” in full, including: A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb: ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick – you will go far.’ Twelve days later, Roosevelt was sworn… Continue reading 2 September
1 September
After World War II, Australia and New Zealand shared two fears, a resurgent Japan and the spread of communism, and one reality, that the UK was no longer a power in their region. Enter the US, which needed a resurgent Japan but which also feared the spread of communism. Thus it was, in San Francisco… Continue reading 1 September
14 July
Sometimes we humans tend to order, sometimes to disorder. Our confusion throws up mighty questions; “How does the ruler rule freedom?” and “How does science stand with religion?” Joseph Priestley embodies these confusions. The discoverer of carbonated water and the founder of British Unitarianism, his celebration of Bastille Day two years after the event on… Continue reading 14 July