Topography

In Ancient Greece, topographers were charged with writing detailed descriptions of places, works that are now called “local histories.” By the 20th c, the practice of topography had evolved into the study and representation of the features and configuration of land surfaces. Topographic maps use symbols and coloring to represent elevations, depressions, and depths of water and depict the contours of both natural and man-made features. In what other scientific fields has topography been applied? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Maiden Voyage of RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004)

The RMS Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is a Cunard Line ocean liner named after the earlier Cunard liner Queen Mary, which was, in turn, named after Mary of Teck, the Queen Consort of George V. With 15 restaurants and bars, 5 pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theater, and a planetarium, the QM2 was the largest ocean liner in the world at the time of its construction, as well as the longest, widest, and tallest passenger ship. What ship challenged that distinction in 2006? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Zanzibar Revolution Day

In December 1963, the African island of Zanzibar won independence from England. On January 12, 1964, a revolution led by John Okello of the Afro-Shirazi Party overthrew the sultan who ruled Zanzibar. Abeid Karume was named president and the country’s name changed to the People’s Republic of Zanzibar (now a semiautonomous part of Tanzania since merging with neighboring Tanganyika). Zanzibar Revolution Day commemorates the revolt that installed Karume as president. Celebrations are held at the Amaan Stadium, and a wreath is officially placed at the gravesite of Abeid Karume. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Hermann Göring (1893)

Göring was one of Hitler’s most loyal supporters and held numerous Nazi posts, including interior minister of Prussia, where he established the Gestapo, and head of the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force. When the Luftwaffe failed to win the Battle of Britain, Göring semiretired to his country estate, where he displayed the vast art collection he had confiscated from Jews in occupied countries. In 1946, he was condemned to death by hanging at the Nuremberg trials but was never executed. Why? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Hotham the Hatter

Sir Richard Hotham was an 18th century politician and property developer who rose to a position of prominence from his humble beginnings as a hatter. During the 1760s, Hotham gained control of a number of ships belonging to the British East India Company and used the money from this venture to enter into property development. A short time later, he began his political career, eventually becoming a Member of Parliament. What led him to develop the village of Bognor into a seaside resort? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Lawrence Textile Strike Begins in Massachusetts (1912)

The Lawrence Textile Strike was a strike of immigrant workers led by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a revolutionary industrial union aimed at uniting all workers in an effort to promote socialism and overthrow capitalism. Of the 150 strikes conducted by the IWW, the Lawrence strike was one of the most notable, growing to more than 20,000 workers in one week and lasting more than two months. Were the strikers’ demands met, or did the companies proceed with planned wage reductions? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary