Category Archives: History

Book Review: George MacDonald Fraser ~ Flashman at the Charge

Posted on February 27, 2018 by odeboyz

The Flashman series is twelve books long. They were very popular in the 1970s but have faded with time. This review is therefore a review of a re-read. How does it stand up to the expectations of a former devotee? … Continue reading →

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The Evian Conference and Kristallnacht, 1938

Posted on February 23, 2018 by odeboyz

The world was faced by the involuntary migration of hundreds of thousands of destitute German Jews from the Reich in 1938. Roosevelt called an international conference to try to resolve the situation. Roosevelt hoped international outrage at Nazi anti-Semitism would … Continue reading →

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It costs an arm and leg

Posted on February 20, 2018 by odeboyz

Men of the 18th century are often painted with one hand inside their vests to save money. This is because the artist would set the price based on how many hands, arms, or legs were in the painting. From this … Continue reading →

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Irish Famine Memorial

Posted on February 13, 2018 by odeboyz

The Irish famine of 1845-9 caused a million deaths out of a population of about 8.3M. There were a further million refugees from Ireland who went mainly to mainland Britain and the USA.

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Book Review: Boris Akunin ~ The Coronation (Translated by Andrew Bromfield)

Posted on February 13, 2018 by odeboyz

Boris Akunin is Russia’s top-selling thriller writer. He writes historical mystery novels which are securely placed within a factual context. This one in his in Erast Fandorin series and is loosely in the Sherlock Holmes genre. It has wit, intelligence, … Continue reading →

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Neville Chamberlain: the unsung hero of the battle of Britain

Posted on February 9, 2018 by odeboyz

Chamberlain was the towering political figure in Britain in the 1930s. From late 1931 to May 1940 Chamberlain shaped Britain’s domestic and foreign policy. He was tough-minded, adroit and successful. Without Chamberlain’s political courage the battle of Britain would have … Continue reading →

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The right to bear arms in the USA 1791-2017

Posted on January 12, 2018 by odeboyz

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The second amendment 15th December 1791 Americans have a constitutional right to bear … Continue reading →

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Fidel Castro at the Lincoln Memorial

Posted on December 15, 2017 by odeboyz
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How the first Black Community was formed in London after 1772

Posted on November 24, 2017 by odeboyz

The first British Empire included many slave-owning regions, which were ruled by British appointed Governors. The West Indies and America*, were the most important. Most slave-owners had direct connexions with Britain and there was a constant flow of returnees for … Continue reading →

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Capital Punishment as Entertainment in England, 1649-1868

Posted on October 13, 2017 by odeboyz

The King’s head was held up to the crowd. The spectators, some who had watched in approval and some in dismay, were quickly dispersed by officials, but a few sought grisly souvenirs of the event rushing forward to dip their … Continue reading →

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