Month: May 2022

Rhode Island Independence Day

Rhode Island was the first and only state to declare its independence from England entirely on its own. On May 4, 1776, both houses of the General Assembly renounced the colony’s allegiance to Great Britain—a full two months before the rest of the colonies followed suit on July 4. Rhode Islanders celebrate this event during May, which is Rhode Island Heritage Month, with flag-raising ceremonies, cannon salutes, and parades of local patriotic, veterans’, and scouting organizations. Discuss

Hosni Mubarak (1928)

After ascending the ranks of the Egyptian Air Force, Mubarak was appointed vice president of the Arab Republic of Egypt and became president after Anwar Sadat was assassinated in 1981. As president, Mubarak sought to combat economic problems, but his rule suppressed legitimate dissent, tolerated widespread corruption, and faced continued opposition from militant Muslim fundamentalists. Protests in early 2011 led the military to force him to resign. How many days had these protests lasted? Discuss

The Ancient Art of Juggling

Juggling is the art of repeatedly throwing objects—called “props”—into the air and catching them. The most popular props are balls, beanbags, rings, and clubs. Some jugglers use more dramatic objects such as knives and fire torches. Many ancient civilizations are believed to have practiced juggling, and it is depicted in ancient Egyptian wall paintings. In the Middle Ages, clerics frowned upon juggling as immoral, but today, it has had a resurgence in popularity. What is “gentleman juggling”? Discuss

Post-War Japanese Constitution Goes into Effect (1947)

The Constitution of Japan was drawn up under the Allied occupation that followed World War II. It replaced Japan’s previous imperial system with a form of liberal democracy, which provides for a parliamentary system of government and guarantees human rights. Under its terms, Japan renounces the right to wage war, and the emperor exercises a purely ceremonial role, with the prime minister acting as the head of government. What amendments have been made to the constitution since its adoption? Discuss

Hakata Dontaku

The largest festival in Japan, Hakata Dontaku is held in Fukuoka City during Golden Week, the first week in May. The festival originated in the Muromachi Period (1333-1568) as a procession of the merchants of Hakata, an old section of Fukuoka City, paying their new year visit to the daimyo, or feudal lord. The festival highlight is a three-hour parade with legendary gods on horseback, floats, and musicians playing samisens (a three-stringed instrument similar to a guitar), flutes, and drums. Discuss

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469)

Machiavelli was a prominent Florentine author and statesman. He entered political service in 1498 and became acquainted with power politics through diplomatic missions, but he eventually fell out of favor and died embittered. His best-known work, The Prince, describes the means by which a leader may gain and maintain power. The adjective “Machiavellian” has since come to describe amoral cunning and justification by power. Did Machiavelli write the work as serious advice or as satire? Discuss