Month: September 2022

The Aswan High Dam

Located near Aswan, Egypt, the Aswan High Dam regulates the Nile River’s annual flooding and produces a great deal of hydroelectric power. Constructed from 1960 to 1970, it was financed largely by the Soviet Union after the US and Britain withdrew their financial support in 1956 due to differences with Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. The dam’s creation of Lake Nasser required the relocation of some 90,000 people. What else had to be relocated? Discuss

Treaty of Fredrikshamn Signed (1809)

In the 17th century, Sweden was a major European power and controlled most of the Baltic coast. However, its expansion in the Baltic Sea coastlands antagonized Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony-Poland, which formed an anti-Swedish coalition. The resultant Great Northern War cost Sweden much of its territory and marked the emergence of Russia as a major power. After Russia and Sweden clashed again in the 19th century, the 1809 Treaty of Fredrikshamn forced Sweden to cede all of what country? Discuss

Angola National Heroes Day

National Heroes Day in Angola is celebrated on the birthday of the man considered to be the nation’s founder, Antonio Agostinho Neto. National Heroes Day honors Neto, his ideals for his country, and his accomplishments, as well as those who lost their lives in the struggle for Angolan independence. In addition to ceremonies and speeches, special sports events are often held on this day, including competitions in basketball, cycling, football, chess, swimming, volleyball, and other athletics. Discuss

John Willard Marriott (1900)

A Mormon farm boy from Utah, Marriott left behind the life he knew to open a root beer stand far from home in Washington, DC, in 1927. His gamble quickly paid off. He soon had a chain of family-style drive-ins up and down the US East Coast. In 1957, he opened his first hotel. This too was a great success, and today Marriott International, Inc., is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. Why did he choose Washington, DC, as the site of his first root beer stand? Discuss

Carnaby Street

Once a fashionable quarter, London’s Soho district became popular among writers and artists in the 19th century and then became associated with the “Swinging London” of the 1960s. The epicenter of the scene was Carnaby Street, which housed many fashion boutiques and designers and drew “Mods” who embraced new trends like bell-bottoms and miniskirts. Bands such as The Who and the Rolling Stones were also frequent visitors. What major change came to Carnaby Street in the 1970s? Discuss

Federation of Malaysia Created (1963)

The Japanese occupation of the Malayan region during World War II weakened British influence there and unleashed anti-colonial, Malayan nationalism. With the help of the Chinese, the Malayan Communist Party grew stronger, fought the Japanese occupation, and threatened British interests. In response, the British established the multi-ethnic Federation of Malaya in 1948 as a part of a wider anti-communist plan. In 1963, “Malaya” became “Malaysia” with the acquisition of what territories? Discuss