HST 150 Module #5
A History of Mudslinging and Backstabbing
Ancient and medieval politics helped form the world as we experience it today. During these historical times, mighty empires rose and fell, new political structures emerged, and various political ideologies still impacted modern politics. This module will delve into the contradictions of ancient and medieval politics, showcasing its strengths and weaknesses, and explore why we must continue to study this subject in the present moment.
Ancient politics: what a curious and unpredictable creature it was! But, amidst all its quirks and peculiarities, one shining moment stands out like a beacon of hope: the birth of democracy in Athens, Greece. It was the 5th century BCE, and Athens, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, adopted a democratic system of government - a first for any city-state! This newfound system gave all male citizens a voice in the political arena. And, lo and behold, this was a significant step forward for the development of political systems! The democratic system in Athens paved the way for future democracies to flourish and grow.
Medieval politics was a wild ride. Empires were springin' up left and right, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and, don't even get me started on, the Mongol Empire. These powerhouses left a lasting impact on their neck of the woods and across the world. In the Roman Empire, she stood tall for over a millennia, shaping Western civilization like a boss.
Yet in the murky depths of yore, the political game was not all sunshine and roses, my friend. Nefarious deeds were all too common, with a good dose of the old ultraviolence often doled out to keep the masses in line. Take the Romans, for instance - they were infamous for their iron fist tactics, wielding the power of the death squad, the rack, and enslavement like a damn blunt instrument. And don't even get me started on the Mongol Empire - they ruled with an iron grip, drenching the earth with blood to keep their empire intact. Oh, I could tell you the tales of those days, but I'll leave that to the historians.
Amidst the halls of power, the howls of woe echoed forth as the oppressed and downtrodden bear the burden of medieval politics. Women, minorities, and the lowly poor all suffer at the hands of the ruling elite, whose grip on their subjects' lives is absolute in feudal societies. A bleak chapter in history where the strong prey upon the weak, and justice is a fleeting dream.
Despite its flaws and limitations, the study of ancient and medieval politics is crucial to our present-day understanding of the world and its political systems. It sheds light on the ideologies, events, and systems that have molded human history, shaping the political landscape as we know it today. By exploring the triumphs and shortcomings of ancient and medieval politics, we can delve deeper into the political mechanisms that have impacted our world and draw meaningful lessons to inform contemporary politics.
The olden days of politics, ancient and medieval, had their ups and their downs. From the grand old days of democracy in Athens to the ugly times of violence and cruelty, these eras saw the birth and growth of political systems, beliefs, and happenings that still impact our world today. Understanding these ancient and medieval politics is of utmost importance, for it holds valuable lessons for us to apply in our modern-day politics.
THE RUNDOWN
QUESTIONS
Ancient and medieval politics helped form the world as we experience it today. During these historical times, mighty empires rose and fell, new political structures emerged, and various political ideologies still impacted modern politics. This module will delve into the contradictions of ancient and medieval politics, showcasing its strengths and weaknesses, and explore why we must continue to study this subject in the present moment.
Ancient politics: what a curious and unpredictable creature it was! But, amidst all its quirks and peculiarities, one shining moment stands out like a beacon of hope: the birth of democracy in Athens, Greece. It was the 5th century BCE, and Athens, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, adopted a democratic system of government - a first for any city-state! This newfound system gave all male citizens a voice in the political arena. And, lo and behold, this was a significant step forward for the development of political systems! The democratic system in Athens paved the way for future democracies to flourish and grow.
Medieval politics was a wild ride. Empires were springin' up left and right, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and, don't even get me started on, the Mongol Empire. These powerhouses left a lasting impact on their neck of the woods and across the world. In the Roman Empire, she stood tall for over a millennia, shaping Western civilization like a boss.
Yet in the murky depths of yore, the political game was not all sunshine and roses, my friend. Nefarious deeds were all too common, with a good dose of the old ultraviolence often doled out to keep the masses in line. Take the Romans, for instance - they were infamous for their iron fist tactics, wielding the power of the death squad, the rack, and enslavement like a damn blunt instrument. And don't even get me started on the Mongol Empire - they ruled with an iron grip, drenching the earth with blood to keep their empire intact. Oh, I could tell you the tales of those days, but I'll leave that to the historians.
Amidst the halls of power, the howls of woe echoed forth as the oppressed and downtrodden bear the burden of medieval politics. Women, minorities, and the lowly poor all suffer at the hands of the ruling elite, whose grip on their subjects' lives is absolute in feudal societies. A bleak chapter in history where the strong prey upon the weak, and justice is a fleeting dream.
Despite its flaws and limitations, the study of ancient and medieval politics is crucial to our present-day understanding of the world and its political systems. It sheds light on the ideologies, events, and systems that have molded human history, shaping the political landscape as we know it today. By exploring the triumphs and shortcomings of ancient and medieval politics, we can delve deeper into the political mechanisms that have impacted our world and draw meaningful lessons to inform contemporary politics.
The olden days of politics, ancient and medieval, had their ups and their downs. From the grand old days of democracy in Athens to the ugly times of violence and cruelty, these eras saw the birth and growth of political systems, beliefs, and happenings that still impact our world today. Understanding these ancient and medieval politics is of utmost importance, for it holds valuable lessons for us to apply in our modern-day politics.
THE RUNDOWN
- Ancient politics saw the birth of democracy in Athens in the 5th century BCE
- Medieval politics saw the rise and fall of various empires such as the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Mongol Empire
- The study of ancient and medieval politics highlights the strengths and weaknesses of political systems, ideologies, and events
- Medieval politics was marked by widespread violence and oppression, with the ruling elite oppressing women, minorities, and the poor
- Despite its flaws, the study of ancient and medieval politics is crucial in understanding the world and its political systems
- By exploring the triumphs and shortcomings of ancient and medieval politics, valuable lessons can be drawn to inform contemporary politics.
QUESTIONS
- How did feudal societies impact medieval politics, and what was the relationship between lords and their subjects?
- What was the role of women and minorities in ancient and medieval politics, and how were they oppressed by the ruling class?
- How did political systems and ideologies in ancient and medieval times influence contemporary politics, and what lessons can be learned from them?
- What was the impact of war and conflict on ancient and medieval politics, and how did it shape the political landscape?
- How did ancient and medieval politics shape the development of international relations, and what was the role of diplomacy and alliances during these times?
#5 History in Not Monolithic
Pay attention: this next part is crucial for you to understand the nuances of history. This is most likely my most important rule. Ultimately, I tell my students at the beginning of every semester. Rule Number Five of History is History is not monolithic. It is told through countless eyes and countless lenses. Unfortunately, this is the first thing to go when organizing historical thoughts. When building a timeline of events, the historian must separate the vital from the trivial and mundane. However, this becomes challenging to do objectively. Like it or not, our worldview decides what is important to us. And our worldview is formed from our backgrounds and our values. Knowing this, we tend to have our history spoon-fed from a specific demographic, generally upper-class white Christian men. Before you cancel me, I must stress that this is not an attack but merely an observation. Those stories are important. That history must be preserved and retold. But what about other demographics? When drudging through American history, we spend much of our time dissecting the slave economy of the 19th century, the butchering and abuses against the native Americans, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Again, all pivotal moments in time and critical for understanding our past. But there is so much more out there that needs to be addressed.
Asian American history and Latino history are, for the most part, nonexistent. Gay and Trans accounts are forgotten. Who was the first Muslim in the new world? The first Asians? Heck, what about the sports and games people played in the 17th century? All these concepts and stories beg to be addressed. I knew that publishers are limited to what they can include, especially at the hands of special interest groups and federal mandates in a textbook format. I am not tethered to that. This class can be whatever we shaped it into. It can grow and breathe as needed. And it will speak for the voiceless.
You see, history is not like a straight line. It's more like a big ol' plate of spaghetti. All tangled up, and different folks see different things in it. Take the whole colonization thing in America, the settlers saw it as a time of progress and expansion, but for the Native Americans, it was more like a big ol' heap of oppression. The same thing happened with the Civil Rights Movement. It was progress for some folks and a lot of violence and resistance for others. And it isn't just the past; it's the present, too. We keep reinterpreting and reevaluating things as new information comes to light. Like, the history of the women's suffrage movement, we used to see it from one angle, but now we're seeing it from all different perspectives, including the ones that were left out before—the same thing with the history of the transatlantic slave trade. We're seeing it from the point of view of the enslaved people, not just the slave traders.
So, history is not monolithic, it's a big ol' plate of spaghetti, and if we want to understand it, we got to look at it from all different angles. If we do, we'll get all the important stuff.
THE RUNDOWN
Pay attention: this next part is crucial for you to understand the nuances of history. This is most likely my most important rule. Ultimately, I tell my students at the beginning of every semester. Rule Number Five of History is History is not monolithic. It is told through countless eyes and countless lenses. Unfortunately, this is the first thing to go when organizing historical thoughts. When building a timeline of events, the historian must separate the vital from the trivial and mundane. However, this becomes challenging to do objectively. Like it or not, our worldview decides what is important to us. And our worldview is formed from our backgrounds and our values. Knowing this, we tend to have our history spoon-fed from a specific demographic, generally upper-class white Christian men. Before you cancel me, I must stress that this is not an attack but merely an observation. Those stories are important. That history must be preserved and retold. But what about other demographics? When drudging through American history, we spend much of our time dissecting the slave economy of the 19th century, the butchering and abuses against the native Americans, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Again, all pivotal moments in time and critical for understanding our past. But there is so much more out there that needs to be addressed.
Asian American history and Latino history are, for the most part, nonexistent. Gay and Trans accounts are forgotten. Who was the first Muslim in the new world? The first Asians? Heck, what about the sports and games people played in the 17th century? All these concepts and stories beg to be addressed. I knew that publishers are limited to what they can include, especially at the hands of special interest groups and federal mandates in a textbook format. I am not tethered to that. This class can be whatever we shaped it into. It can grow and breathe as needed. And it will speak for the voiceless.
You see, history is not like a straight line. It's more like a big ol' plate of spaghetti. All tangled up, and different folks see different things in it. Take the whole colonization thing in America, the settlers saw it as a time of progress and expansion, but for the Native Americans, it was more like a big ol' heap of oppression. The same thing happened with the Civil Rights Movement. It was progress for some folks and a lot of violence and resistance for others. And it isn't just the past; it's the present, too. We keep reinterpreting and reevaluating things as new information comes to light. Like, the history of the women's suffrage movement, we used to see it from one angle, but now we're seeing it from all different perspectives, including the ones that were left out before—the same thing with the history of the transatlantic slave trade. We're seeing it from the point of view of the enslaved people, not just the slave traders.
So, history is not monolithic, it's a big ol' plate of spaghetti, and if we want to understand it, we got to look at it from all different angles. If we do, we'll get all the important stuff.
THE RUNDOWN
- History isn't just one version told by one group of people. It's said in different ways, depending on who is telling it.
- What we care about in history is shaped by our experiences and origins.
- Usually, history is taught by wealthy white Christian men, but it's essential to learn about the experiences of other groups too.
- We need to learn about the history of different groups like Asian Americans, Latinos, Gay/Trans people, sports, games, and others.
- Think of history like a plate of spaghetti, with many interpretations and viewpoints that change as we learn more.
- To understand history, we must look at it from many different perspectives.
STATE OF THE WORLD
HIGHLIGHTS
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We've got some fine classroom lectures coming your way, all courtesy of the RPTM podcast. These lectures will take you on a wild ride through history, exploring everything from ancient civilizations and epic battles to scientific breakthroughs and artistic revolutions. The podcast will guide you through each lecture with its no-nonsense, straight-talking style, using various sources to give you the lowdown on each topic. You won't find any fancy-pants jargon or convoluted theories here, just plain and straightforward explanations anyone can understand. So sit back and prepare to soak up some knowledge.
LECTURES
LECTURES
- COMING SOON
READING
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Bentley, Jerry. Traditions & Encounter Volume 1 from Beginning to 1500, 7th ed.: McGraw Hill, 2021 .
Jerry H. Bentley was a historian and academic who specialized in world history, with a focus on cultural and economic exchange, comparative history, and the study of empires. He was a professor at the University of Hawaii and served as the President of the American Historical Association. Bentley wrote several books on world history and globalization, including "Old World Encounters" and he made significant contributions to the field. He passed away in 2014.
- Bentley, Chapter 9: State, Society, and the Quest for Salvation in South Asia
- Bentley, Chapter 10: Civilizations of the Mediterranean: The Greeks
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Bentley, Jerry. Traditions & Encounter Volume 1 from Beginning to 1500, 7th ed.: McGraw Hill, 2021 .
Jerry H. Bentley was a historian and academic who specialized in world history, with a focus on cultural and economic exchange, comparative history, and the study of empires. He was a professor at the University of Hawaii and served as the President of the American Historical Association. Bentley wrote several books on world history and globalization, including "Old World Encounters" and he made significant contributions to the field. He passed away in 2014.
Howard Zinn was a historian, writer, and political activist known for his critical analysis of American history. He is particularly well-known for his counter-narrative to traditional American history accounts and highlights marginalized groups' experiences and perspectives. Zinn's work is often associated with social history and is known for his Marxist and socialist views. Larry Schweikart is also a historian, but his work and perspective are often considered more conservative. Schweikart's work is often associated with military history, and he is known for his support of free-market economics and limited government. Overall, Zinn and Schweikart have different perspectives on various historical issues and events and may interpret historical events and phenomena differently. Occasionally, we will also look at Thaddeus Russell, a historian, author, and academic. Russell has written extensively on the history of social and cultural change, and his work focuses on how marginalized and oppressed groups have challenged and transformed mainstream culture. Russell is known for his unconventional and controversial ideas, and his work has been praised for its originality and provocative nature.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
Zinn, A People's History of the United States
"... Still, understanding the complexities, this book will be skeptical of governments and their attempts, through politics and culture, to ensnare ordinary people in a giant web of nationhood pretending to a common interest. I will try not to overlook the cruelties that victims inflict on one another as they are jammed together in the boxcars of the system. I don't want to romanticize them. But I do remember (in rough paraphrase) a statement I once read: "The cry of the poor is not always just, but if you don't listen to it, you will never know what justice is...
...We have here a forecast of the long history of American politics, the mobilization of lower-class energy by upper-class politicians, for their own purposes. This was not purely deception; it involved, in part, a genuine recognition of lower-class grievances, which helps to account for its effectiveness as a tactic over the centuries...
...The laws .. . have deprived nine tenths of the members of the body politics, who are not wealthy, of the equal means to enjoy "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." ... The lien law in favor of the landlords against tenants ... is one illustration among innumerable others."
"... Still, understanding the complexities, this book will be skeptical of governments and their attempts, through politics and culture, to ensnare ordinary people in a giant web of nationhood pretending to a common interest. I will try not to overlook the cruelties that victims inflict on one another as they are jammed together in the boxcars of the system. I don't want to romanticize them. But I do remember (in rough paraphrase) a statement I once read: "The cry of the poor is not always just, but if you don't listen to it, you will never know what justice is...
...We have here a forecast of the long history of American politics, the mobilization of lower-class energy by upper-class politicians, for their own purposes. This was not purely deception; it involved, in part, a genuine recognition of lower-class grievances, which helps to account for its effectiveness as a tactic over the centuries...
...The laws .. . have deprived nine tenths of the members of the body politics, who are not wealthy, of the equal means to enjoy "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." ... The lien law in favor of the landlords against tenants ... is one illustration among innumerable others."
Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"...As colonies became independent and as the nation grew, these ideas permeated the fabric of the founding documents. Despite pits of corruption that have pockmarked federal and state politics— some of them quite deep—and despite abuses of civil rights that were shocking, to say the least, the concept was deeply imbedded that only a virtuous nation could achieve the lofty goals set by the Founders. Over the long haul, the Republic required virtuous leaders to prosper...
..Far more than today, though, politics—and not the family—absorbed the attention of colonial men. Virtually anyone who either paid taxes or owned a minimum of property could vote for representation in both the upper and lower houses of the legislature, although in some colonies (Pennsylvania and New York) there was a higher property qualification required for the upper house than for the lower house. When it came to holding office, most districts required a candidate to have at least one hundred pounds in wealth or one hundred acres, but several colonies had no requirements for holding office. Put another way, American colonials took politics seriously and believed that virtually everyone could participate. Two colonies stand out as examples of the trends in North American politics by the late 1700s—Virginia and Maryland...
...Politicians had also started to become permanent Washington fixtures. Far from the Jeffersonian ideal of citizen legislators, many of the people who ran the nation had never lived or worked outside of Washington; most of the members of Congress were lawyers who had gone straight from
law school to government work. Few had ever run a business or had had to show a profit or meet a payroll. In contrast, as legislators, when government ran short of money, they either ran a deficit or hiked taxes. There was never any talk of actually cutting back, or belt tightening. Gradually, popular resentment built up against 'politics as usual.'"
"...As colonies became independent and as the nation grew, these ideas permeated the fabric of the founding documents. Despite pits of corruption that have pockmarked federal and state politics— some of them quite deep—and despite abuses of civil rights that were shocking, to say the least, the concept was deeply imbedded that only a virtuous nation could achieve the lofty goals set by the Founders. Over the long haul, the Republic required virtuous leaders to prosper...
..Far more than today, though, politics—and not the family—absorbed the attention of colonial men. Virtually anyone who either paid taxes or owned a minimum of property could vote for representation in both the upper and lower houses of the legislature, although in some colonies (Pennsylvania and New York) there was a higher property qualification required for the upper house than for the lower house. When it came to holding office, most districts required a candidate to have at least one hundred pounds in wealth or one hundred acres, but several colonies had no requirements for holding office. Put another way, American colonials took politics seriously and believed that virtually everyone could participate. Two colonies stand out as examples of the trends in North American politics by the late 1700s—Virginia and Maryland...
...Politicians had also started to become permanent Washington fixtures. Far from the Jeffersonian ideal of citizen legislators, many of the people who ran the nation had never lived or worked outside of Washington; most of the members of Congress were lawyers who had gone straight from
law school to government work. Few had ever run a business or had had to show a profit or meet a payroll. In contrast, as legislators, when government ran short of money, they either ran a deficit or hiked taxes. There was never any talk of actually cutting back, or belt tightening. Gradually, popular resentment built up against 'politics as usual.'"
Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of the United States
"...On nearly every block in every eighteenth-century American city, there was a public place where one could drink, sing, dance, have sex, argue politics, gamble, play games, or generally carouse with men, women, children, whites, blacks, Indians, the rich, the poor, and the middling. The Founding Fathers were keenly, painfully aware of this..."
"...On nearly every block in every eighteenth-century American city, there was a public place where one could drink, sing, dance, have sex, argue politics, gamble, play games, or generally carouse with men, women, children, whites, blacks, Indians, the rich, the poor, and the middling. The Founding Fathers were keenly, painfully aware of this..."
What Does Professor Lancaster Think?
Listen, the founding of this great nation was supposed to be about virtue, about the people having a say. But let's be honest, as time passed; those lofty ideals were pushed aside for personal gain and power. Corruption and civil rights abuses ran rampant. The Republic was built on the backs of virtuous leaders, but instead, we got a bunch of suits in D.C. who couldn't give two shits about the struggles of Joe Schmoe on Main Street. But as the years passed and the elite took control, the lien law became a prime example of our twisted world. The landlords, the fat cats, and the wealthy elite all had the power, and they used it to screw over the little guy. The tenants, the working class, and the poor were getting shafted. It was a damn travesty, a sickening display of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
Back in the days of yore, the streets were alive with the sound of revolution. Every corner was a hotbed of political discourse, where the common person could vent his frustrations and rage against the machine. But as the years went by, the fire of rebellion flickered and died, smothered by the suffocating grip of the elite. The Founding Fathers may have had noble intentions, but they didn't do much to stop the rot. And so we find ourselves in a world where the lien law is just one more way for the wealthy to screw over the rest of us. A world where the powerful prey on the weak and the rules are rigged in their favor. It's a cruel and twisted reality, but it's the only one we've got. So we'll keep fighting, pushing, and trying to make a better world for ourselves and future generations. Because even in the darkest of times, there's always hope.
It is important to remember that the cries of the oppressed may not always be, but we will never truly understand justice if we do not listen to them. The Founding Fathers were aware of this, which played a significant role in their understanding and approach to politics. However, as time passed and politicians became more disconnected from the struggles of everyday citizens, the government struggled with financial issues, and legislators would either run a deficit or increase taxes instead of cutting back or tightening their belts. This led to a growing resentment towards "politics as usual" among the lower classes. It's a damn shame, but those in power often ignore the cries of the oppressed. And if we don't start paying attention, we'll never know what true justice is. Now, the Founding Fathers understood this. They knew the government had to listen to the people, not just the wealthy elite. But as time went on, things started to go downhill. Politicians became increasingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of the average Joe. And when the government got into financial trouble, it just ran a deficit or raised taxes instead of tightening its belts. No wonder the lower classes started to get fed up with "politics as usual."
As the United States was founded upon the principles of virtue and participatory democracy, the reality of the nation's development has been a far cry from these ideals. Instead of virtuous leaders, the Republic has seen the rise of politicians who have become entrenched in the halls of power in Washington, disconnected from the struggles and concerns of the people they were elected to serve. It is crucial that we understand how the laws and government can perpetuate inequality, for true justice can only be achieved by listening to the cries of the oppressed. The founding principles of the United States must be remembered. We must strive towards a society where virtue and participation are the foundation upon which our government is built. Only by recognizing and addressing how our current system falls short can we hope to create a nation that lives up to its founding ideals.
THE RUNDOWN
QUESTIONS
Listen, the founding of this great nation was supposed to be about virtue, about the people having a say. But let's be honest, as time passed; those lofty ideals were pushed aside for personal gain and power. Corruption and civil rights abuses ran rampant. The Republic was built on the backs of virtuous leaders, but instead, we got a bunch of suits in D.C. who couldn't give two shits about the struggles of Joe Schmoe on Main Street. But as the years passed and the elite took control, the lien law became a prime example of our twisted world. The landlords, the fat cats, and the wealthy elite all had the power, and they used it to screw over the little guy. The tenants, the working class, and the poor were getting shafted. It was a damn travesty, a sickening display of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
Back in the days of yore, the streets were alive with the sound of revolution. Every corner was a hotbed of political discourse, where the common person could vent his frustrations and rage against the machine. But as the years went by, the fire of rebellion flickered and died, smothered by the suffocating grip of the elite. The Founding Fathers may have had noble intentions, but they didn't do much to stop the rot. And so we find ourselves in a world where the lien law is just one more way for the wealthy to screw over the rest of us. A world where the powerful prey on the weak and the rules are rigged in their favor. It's a cruel and twisted reality, but it's the only one we've got. So we'll keep fighting, pushing, and trying to make a better world for ourselves and future generations. Because even in the darkest of times, there's always hope.
It is important to remember that the cries of the oppressed may not always be, but we will never truly understand justice if we do not listen to them. The Founding Fathers were aware of this, which played a significant role in their understanding and approach to politics. However, as time passed and politicians became more disconnected from the struggles of everyday citizens, the government struggled with financial issues, and legislators would either run a deficit or increase taxes instead of cutting back or tightening their belts. This led to a growing resentment towards "politics as usual" among the lower classes. It's a damn shame, but those in power often ignore the cries of the oppressed. And if we don't start paying attention, we'll never know what true justice is. Now, the Founding Fathers understood this. They knew the government had to listen to the people, not just the wealthy elite. But as time went on, things started to go downhill. Politicians became increasingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of the average Joe. And when the government got into financial trouble, it just ran a deficit or raised taxes instead of tightening its belts. No wonder the lower classes started to get fed up with "politics as usual."
As the United States was founded upon the principles of virtue and participatory democracy, the reality of the nation's development has been a far cry from these ideals. Instead of virtuous leaders, the Republic has seen the rise of politicians who have become entrenched in the halls of power in Washington, disconnected from the struggles and concerns of the people they were elected to serve. It is crucial that we understand how the laws and government can perpetuate inequality, for true justice can only be achieved by listening to the cries of the oppressed. The founding principles of the United States must be remembered. We must strive towards a society where virtue and participation are the foundation upon which our government is built. Only by recognizing and addressing how our current system falls short can we hope to create a nation that lives up to its founding ideals.
THE RUNDOWN
- The United States was founded on principles of virtue and participatory democracy, but as time passed, these ideals were disregarded in favor of personal gain and power.
- Corruption and civil rights abuses were rampant, and the lien law became an example of the rich exploiting the poor.
- The fire of political revolution faded, and politicians became disconnected from the struggles of everyday citizens.
- The government struggled with financial issues and instead of cutting back, ran a deficit or raised taxes, leading to growing resentment towards "politics as usual."
- The Founding Fathers understood the importance of listening to the cries of the oppressed, but this principle has been lost over time.
- It is crucial to remember and strive towards a society where virtue and participation are the foundation of government, in order to achieve true justice and live up to the founding ideals.
QUESTIONS
- Why is it important to listen to the cries of the oppressed in order to understand true justice?
- How can we ensure that the government is held accountable to the people and not just the wealthy elite?
- What kind of world would you like to see for future generations, and how can we work towards creating that reality?
Pope Leo III crowning Charlemagne emperor, December 25, 800.
THE RUNDOWN
In the days of yore, when the city of Athens was ruled by the mythical king Theseus, a new form of governance began to take shape. From the ashes of the monarchy rose the Archons, a group of influential leaders who sought to bring unity to the land. But tensions simmered beneath the surface as factions clashed and the ambitious Cylon sought to claim the throne for himself. Enter Solon, one of the Seven Sages of Greece, tasked with solving the debt crisis and balancing the scales of wealth. With his wisdom, he crafted laws that treated both the low-born and the well-born with equal justice, establishing the heliaia court where all citizens could seek redress. He also opened the path to political power, dividing the population into four classes and granting the right to hold the post of Archon to those of the top two classes.
But despite Solon's reforms, the noble families continued to feud, and the farmers were mired in debt. Thus, three factions rose to prominence, leading to the eventual tyranny of Peisistratus. Yet Solon's name endures, for his deeds laid the foundation for democracy in Athens. Though its path was rocky and its limitations many, the people of Athens look back on Solon as the father of their most cherished traditions.
In the days of yore, when the city of Athens was ruled by the mythical king Theseus, a new form of governance began to take shape. From the ashes of the monarchy rose the Archons, a group of influential leaders who sought to bring unity to the land. But tensions simmered beneath the surface as factions clashed and the ambitious Cylon sought to claim the throne for himself. Enter Solon, one of the Seven Sages of Greece, tasked with solving the debt crisis and balancing the scales of wealth. With his wisdom, he crafted laws that treated both the low-born and the well-born with equal justice, establishing the heliaia court where all citizens could seek redress. He also opened the path to political power, dividing the population into four classes and granting the right to hold the post of Archon to those of the top two classes.
But despite Solon's reforms, the noble families continued to feud, and the farmers were mired in debt. Thus, three factions rose to prominence, leading to the eventual tyranny of Peisistratus. Yet Solon's name endures, for his deeds laid the foundation for democracy in Athens. Though its path was rocky and its limitations many, the people of Athens look back on Solon as the father of their most cherished traditions.
KEY TERMS
- Legal codes of ancient Egyptians (3000 BCE - 332 BCE)
- Caste system in ancient India (2000 BCE - 600 CE)
- Mayan legal system (2000 BCE - 900 CE)
- Legal system of ancient Greeks (800 BCE - 600 BCE)
- Persian legal system (550 BCE - 330 BCE)
- Code of Hammurabi in Mesopotamia (18th century BCE)
- Mandate of Heaven in ancient China (1046 BCE - 256 BCE)
- The Edicts of Ashoka (3rd century BCE)
- Divine Right of Kings (dates vary)
- Guilds (dates vary)
- Sumptuary Laws (dates vary)
- The Law of the Twelve Tables in ancient Rome (5th century BCE)
- Roman Republic's system of checks and balances (509 BCE - 27 BCE)
- Athenian democracy (508 BCE - 322 BCE)
- The Inquisition (dates vary)
- Divine Right of Popes (dates vary)
- Canon law (dates vary)
- Magna Carta (1215 CE)
- Feudalism (dates vary)
- Legal system of ancient Aztecs (1325 CE - 1521 CE)
- The Code of Justinian (6th century CE)
- Divine Right of Emperors (dates vary)
DISCLAIMER: Welcome scholars to the wild and wacky world of history class. This isn't your granddaddy's boring ol' lecture, baby. We will take a trip through time, which will be one wild ride. I know some of you are in a brick-and-mortar setting, while others are in the vast digital wasteland. But fear not; we're all in this together. Online students might miss out on some in-person interaction, but you can still join in on the fun. This little shindig aims to get you all engaged with the course material and understand how past societies have shaped the world we know today. We'll talk about revolutions, wars, and other crazy stuff. So get ready, kids, because it's going to be one heck of a trip. And for all, you online students out there, don't be shy. Please share your thoughts and ideas with the rest of us. The Professor will do his best to give everyone an equal opportunity to learn, so don't hold back. So, let's do this thing!
Activity: Ancient Political Systems Debate
Instructions:
Activity: Medieval Political Simulation
Instructions:
SUMMARY
Activity: Ancient Political Systems Debate
Instructions:
- Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students each.
- Assign each group to research and analyze one of the following ancient political systems.
- Give students time to research and take notes on the political system they have been assigned.
- Have each group write a short summary of their political system.
- Have the class gather together for a debate on the strengths and weaknesses of each political system.
- Start by having each group present their summary of their political system and explain why they believe it was successful (or not).
- Encourage open and respectful discussion between the groups as they debate the strengths and weaknesses of each political system.
- Use the whiteboard to summarize the key points of each system and their pros and cons.
- Wrap up the debate by having the class reflect on what they learned and how they can apply this knowledge to modern politics.
Activity: Medieval Political Simulation
Instructions:
- Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students each, and assign each group a medieval European kingdom.
- Each group should then assign roles to each member: king, queen, lord, bishop, and peasant.
- The king or queen will represent the ruler of the kingdom, the lord will represent a wealthy landowner, the bishop will represent the religious authority, and the peasant will represent the common people.
- Have each group present their kingdom and its political structure to the class.
- The class will then participate in a medieval political simulation. The instructor will present various challenges that the kingdoms may face, such as crop failures, invasions, or revolts, and the groups must come up with a solution and present it to the class.
- The class will then vote on the best solution, and the winning group will be awarded a coin or small object to represent money.
- Repeat the simulation for a few rounds, and discuss the challenges and decisions made by each group.
SUMMARY
- Ancient and medieval politics played a crucial role in shaping the world as we know it today.
- Ancient politics saw the birth of democracy in Athens in the 5th century BCE, which gave all male citizens a voice in the political arena and paved the way for future democracies.
- Medieval politics was characterized by the rise and fall of powerful empires, such as the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Mongol Empire.
- However, medieval politics was also marked by violence, cruelty, and oppression of women, minorities, and the poor by the ruling elite in feudal societies.
- The study of ancient and medieval politics is important to understand the political ideologies, events, and systems that have molded human history.
- History is not monolithic and is often told through the lens of upper-class white Christian men, but there are other demographics and stories that need to be addressed.
- History is like a big plate of spaghetti, all tangled up, and different people see different things in it.
- The past and present are constantly reinterpreted and reevaluated as new information comes to light.
ASSIGNMENTS
Remember all assignments, tests and quizzes must be submitted official via BLACKBOARD
Forum Discussion #6
Professor Louise D'Arcens is a historian and academic who specializes in the Middle Ages. She is a respected expert in the field, known for her scholarship and research in medieval literature, culture, and history. Watch this video and answer the following question:
- Forum Discussion #6
Remember all assignments, tests and quizzes must be submitted official via BLACKBOARD
Forum Discussion #6
Professor Louise D'Arcens is a historian and academic who specializes in the Middle Ages. She is a respected expert in the field, known for her scholarship and research in medieval literature, culture, and history. Watch this video and answer the following question:
What do you think is the significance of the use of the term 'medieval' in contemporary politics and media? How does the historical Middle Ages influence our perceptions of the modern world? Do you think the comparison between medieval and modern politics is accurate or does it perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions?
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
THE RUNDOWN
Listen, kids, I've got a story to tell you about the leaders of the world and their strange fascination with a little TV show called Game of Thrones. Yeah, that's right, President Obama, Prime Minister Cameron, and even Prime Minister Gillard - they all love it. But why? Why would these mighty leaders, who rule over nations, be so enamored with a show about dragons and medieval politics? Well, it's because the show mirrors the modern world with its complex scripts and captivating performances. It's got everything - corrupt regimes, religious fanatics, and endless violence and turmoil. It's like a political Rorschach test, folks, revealing people's deepest hopes and fears about the present and future.
But it's not just Game of Thrones that's got everyone talking about the Middle Ages. After the 9/11 attacks, the word "medieval" started appearing increasingly in political discourse. It was used to describe the Islamist terror group Al-Qaeda and the acts they committed, and it soon became a label for any groups seen as backward and primitive. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, folks. The rise of global politics and the emergence of transnational organizations are also being described as "medieval" by some.
You might think, "Lancaster, what's so interesting about all this?" Well, I'll tell you. The way we talk about the Middle Ages and medieval-like developments says much about the Western political imagination. It's a shorthand for everything we believe is not modern, and for many, it's a way to distance themselves from the present and place their enemies in an oppressively religious past. The next time someone tells you the Middle Ages are just a thing of the past, you can tell them it's not so simple. Our ideas about that era are indispensable to how we think about the modern world, revealing our deepest hopes and fears.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
THE RUNDOWN
Listen, kids, I've got a story to tell you about the leaders of the world and their strange fascination with a little TV show called Game of Thrones. Yeah, that's right, President Obama, Prime Minister Cameron, and even Prime Minister Gillard - they all love it. But why? Why would these mighty leaders, who rule over nations, be so enamored with a show about dragons and medieval politics? Well, it's because the show mirrors the modern world with its complex scripts and captivating performances. It's got everything - corrupt regimes, religious fanatics, and endless violence and turmoil. It's like a political Rorschach test, folks, revealing people's deepest hopes and fears about the present and future.
But it's not just Game of Thrones that's got everyone talking about the Middle Ages. After the 9/11 attacks, the word "medieval" started appearing increasingly in political discourse. It was used to describe the Islamist terror group Al-Qaeda and the acts they committed, and it soon became a label for any groups seen as backward and primitive. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, folks. The rise of global politics and the emergence of transnational organizations are also being described as "medieval" by some.
You might think, "Lancaster, what's so interesting about all this?" Well, I'll tell you. The way we talk about the Middle Ages and medieval-like developments says much about the Western political imagination. It's a shorthand for everything we believe is not modern, and for many, it's a way to distance themselves from the present and place their enemies in an oppressively religious past. The next time someone tells you the Middle Ages are just a thing of the past, you can tell them it's not so simple. Our ideas about that era are indispensable to how we think about the modern world, revealing our deepest hopes and fears.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
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