Navy Vs. Army

This article is something for all of you football fans (which is something that I do not do often).

On this day in 1890, the first Army Vs. Navy football game occurred at West Point Army Academy. The conclusion resulted in a win for the Navy team; 24-0.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DAY IN HISTORY, PROGRESS TO THIS WEBSITE, which provides numerous more events.

For current Army team statistics, progress to this website.

For current Navy statistics, progress to this website.

Both provide up-to-date statistics and good information.

The Shooter Has Been Shot!

On November 24, 1963, Jack Ruby, a Kennedy admirer from Texas, shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, President John F. Kennedy's assassin while being transferred from the city jail to the county jail.

Who: Jack Ruby, a Texas citizen

Where: The Basement of the Municipal Building

What: The eradication of the Kennedy assailant.

How: A .38 caliber snub-nosed revolver.

When: Obviously, November 24, 1963

For more information on this particular occurrence, visit this website, which provides details and different angles for the story.

November 23, 2009

On this day in 1765, the citizens of Frederick County, Maryland, decided not to pay the King George the Third's famed Stamp Tax.

This tax included:

1. Legal Documents


2. Diplomas


3. Almanacs and Newspapers


4. Broadcasters


5. Playing Cards


6. Letters


7. Other Paper Items

For information about the stamp tax, progress to this website.

MAYFLOWER!

On this very fateful day in 1620, the famed ship the Mayflower arrived in what is now Provincetown Harbor, Massachusettes. While they were anchored there, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, a document that included regulations as to when the group would progress to land.

The Mayflower Compact

In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign, King James, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of Faith, etc.

Having undertaken for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith and honour of our king and country, a Voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnity and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November, in the year of reign of our sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.

Interesting Fact:

• The Mayflower Compact was signed on November 11 using OLD STYLE dates, which used the Julian Calendar. When England altered to the Gregorian Calender, which was more accurate than the Julian Calender, they converted the dates of previous occurrences.

To research more about the Mayflower Compact, click this link, which provides excellent background information, as well as other facts.

To learn more about Old Style and New Style dates click this link. This is exceedingly interesting, actually.

This Day In History: Births and Deaths

Today, we shall progress through births and deaths of historical figures.

Births:

• Vespasian, a Roman Emperor; 9 A.D.


• King Louis the XVIII; 1755 A.D.


• Christopher Paolini, Author of the Eragon series; 1983 A.D.

Deaths:

• Valentinian, a Roman Emperor; 375 A.D.


• Jack (Calico Jack) Rackham, an English Pirate; 1720 A.D.

For more births and deaths on 17 November 2009, progress to this link.

Veteran's Day

Although last week was Veteran's Day, I was going to post on the indicated date, however became too preoccupied with other tasks, and forgot. I would now like to thank all of the Veterans and soldiers who are fighting currently or who have fought for the United States of America.



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Brief History of Veteran's Day

Although World War 1 officially concluded with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, the actual hostilities between the Allies and their opponents concluded with an armistice, or a temporary conclusion in hostilities approximately seven months prior, on November 11, 1918.

• In November of 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day.



• This was legalized as an official government holiday in 1938.



• Although Armistice Day was originally intended to honor World War 1 veterans, it was later altered to also honor World War 2 veterans.



• Armistice Day was altered to Veteran's Day on June 1, 1954 in order to commemorate veterans of all wars.



• To this day, Veteran's Day is celebrated in the United States on November 11, regardless of the day of the week in which it is placed.

For more information on the History of Veteran's Day, progress to this link.

The Berlin Wall

• There are two news story that inspired me to write a piece on the Berlin Wall, which can be located here, which provides information on the differences in Germany, and here, which celebrates the anniversary of the falling of the wall. Both provide excellent quality information.
  
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  The Berlin Wall was a concrete barrier, of which construction began in 1961, intended to divide West Germany from East Germany as a result of their differing political status.
  
  East Germany's sector (red) was originally controlled by the Soviets and their allies, and West Germany's sector (blue) was originally controlled by The Allies, which consisted of the United States, Britain, and France.
  
  East Germany

Was established on 7 October 1949.

Was originally controlled and influenced by the Soviets.

Was also labeled the GDR, or the German Democratic Republic.

The leading political party was the Socialist Unity Party of Germany.

West Germany
Was also labeled the FRG, or Federal Republic of Germany.

West Germany's sectors were originally controlled by the United States, Great Britain, and France.

Was organized on May 23, 1949.

The government system was the Federal Parlimentary Republic.

The FALL of the WALL

The date that is considered as the falling of the wall is November 9, 1989, when West German borders opened to East Germany.

On June 13, 1990, the official dismantling of the Berlin Wall by the East German Military commenced.

A treaty between the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germay was created in mid 1990, causing the GDR to dissolve and join the FRG.

German Unity Day, which identified the conclusion of the unification process on October 3, 1990, is celebrated annually on the 3rd of October.

Interesting Facts:

On November 9, 1989, people commenced removing portions of the wall as souveniers. These people were referred to as Mauerspechte, or wall woodpeckers.

Middle East Madness

Currently, there is an immense controversy as to if we (being the United States) should send more troops and increase government funding for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I personally am torn on this issue as no one has really succeeded in a war in the Middle East- at least not for several hundred years! For more information on government funding for the war, progress to this site, which provides current information and monetary figures for new government funding of the war.

The Region and Geography
The Middle East's location is between Europe and Asia, and is above Africa. Technically, the Middle East consists of sixteen alternate countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank/ Gaza Strip, and Yemen. (Those links provide more information about these countries and locations.)

Brief History
Over the numerous years, the Middle East has probably been the most battle-experienced area in the world, and there are reasons for this:
1. The Cradle of All Civilization
2. The Holy Land
3. Oil

The Beginning
The Middle East's history begins with the mention of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the Bible, which indicate the approximate location of the beginning of civilization. From there, we progress to approximately the fifth to third millennia prior to the birth of Christ, to a civilization referred to as Sumer. (These links provide more information and locations.)

Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria
Sumer was one of the first great recognizable civilizations, and is famous for its numerous dynasties. The Sumerian civilization influenced numerous others, including the Babylonians. The Babylonian civilization was one of the first to develop public social regulations, which were inscribed onto immense pillars in city centers. Babylon was also mentioned in the Bible, for they conquered the Israelite people in the Babylonian Exile. Another ancient Mesopotamian civilization from around this time period is Assyria. Assyria was a particularly war-oriented civilization, and is credited with the invention of iron weapons. From Assyria, we move to a more renowned culture, the ancient Egyptians.

Egypt and the Israelites
The Egyptian civilization thrived for numerous years and dynasties, and is credited with the invention of papyrus paper, which was created from the papyrus tree. Egypt is also mentioned throughout the Bible, but is most notable for the stories of Joseph and Moses. We must also recognize that the ancient Hebrews, or Israelites were descended from the Semites, a group of Middle Eastern nomadic people. Throughout history, numerous civilizations have conquered the Israelites in the Middle East, several of which include the Romans, the Greeks/Alexander the Great, Babylon, Assyria, and the Persians. Finally, we arrive at the Birth of Christ, during which much of the Middle East was conquered by the Romans.

After Christ
Into more modern times, the history of the Middle East seems to contain nothing except war and government instability. Conquerors of this period include the Byzantines, the Arabs, the English during the Crusades, and the Ottomans. As we all are aware, the current situation of the Middle East is terrible, with wars and corrupt government. (More Informational links.)

Interesting Fact:

The Ancient Mesopotamians are credited for developing the wheel, and one of the first written alphabets.

For a list of Middle Eastern conflicts, click this link. Its astounding!