The Hartford Convention

1814: Anti-war Federalists hold convention proposed amendments to the US Constitution but squelched move to secede from the United States. When Convention’s committee met with President Madison, the peace treaty had arrived.

Pictured is the State House in Hartford, Conn. where Convention was held.

The series on the Hartford Convention ended yesterday.

My Class Session on 1826-1835

Cold weather cancelled today’s class. One of my topics would have been the world’s creators (visual arts, performing arts, and literature) that were active during this decade. I have my idea of noteworthy writers and artists to include but since I have a “free day”, I wonder who the community thinks ought to be included. Who do you think are noteworthy people working during this period?

Career of Mary, Queen of Scots

1561-1587: Queen of France by marriage, then Queen of Scotland in her own right. She next married a lordling; then his murderer. She escaped to England and eventually beheaded by Elizabeth I.

From the series: “One single slip she made in the whole course of her defense, but none could have been more unluckily characteristic and significant.”

Series on Career of Mary, Queen of Scots ended yesterday.

Japan Reopens Relations With Outside World

1854: Commodore Peary’s Successful Diplomatic Mission. This is the dramatic story how centuries long isolation ended. This began the process of a new global power emerging. At the time, the decision balanced on the edge of the knife. example,

"The proposition to have consular agents residing in Japan evidently gave great anxiety to the commissioners."

From Japan Reopens Relations With Outside World.

USS Kearsarge Defeats CSS Alabama

1864: The US Navy had hunted the notorious Confederate raider the CSS Alabama for months. Finally, of the coast of Normandy the USS Kearsarge caught up to it. The destruction of the Alabama became one of the most memorable naval battles of the Civil War.

“On Sunday, in the morning, being June 19th, the Alabama steamed out of Cherbourg harbor and steered straight to meet the Kearsarge.” - From The Destruction of the Alabama.

China's Awakening

1905: Print industry and education revolutionized Chinese society. Series told from the Chinese point of view by contemporary Chinese authors. Series ended yesterday.

Sun Yat-sen Pictured. More Oriental History