In the 1840s, a group of young Irish idealists began to promote Irish cultural nationalism. Known as Young Irelanders, they eventually sought revolution and, in 1848, organized a disastrous rebellion in Tipperary led by William Smith O’Brien and Thomas Meagher. Sometimes called the Famine Rebellion of 1848—since it took place during the Great Irish Famine—the Young Irelander Rebellion led to the ultimate failure of the movement. What events likely inspired the Young Irelanders to revolt? Discuss
Month: July 2023
grasp in the dark
To seek out a solution, meaning, or sense of purpose in a blind, aimless, or uncertain manner. Often used in the progressive tense. Watch the video
Giuseppe Mazzini
Mazzini was an Italian patriot, revolutionist, and an outstanding figure of the Risorgimento, the era of nationalism and activism that led to Italy’s unification. In his youth, he devoted himself to literary and philosophical studies and later joined the Carbonari, a secret society with political purposes. He was imprisoned, went into exile, and founded Giovine Italia, a secret society that pushed for a united Italian republic. How did Mazzini’s contributions factor into the formation of the EU? Discuss
gourmand
Definition: (noun) A lover of good food.
Synonyms: trencherman, glutton.
Usage: Because he had a great appreciation for fine cuisine, the gourmand was asked to serve as a judge in the televised cooking contest.
Discuss
US Bomber Crashes into New York's Empire State Building (1945)
On a foggy Saturday morning in July 1945, a B-25 Mitchell bomber accidentally crashed into the north side of the Empire State Building between the 79th and 80th floors. One of the plane’s engines shot through the building and out the other side, and the other plummeted down an elevator shaft. Though 14 people died in the incident, the building was largely open for business on the following Monday. What Guinness World Record was set by elevator operator Betty Lou Oliver during the accident? Discuss
grand poobah
The most important or powerful person in a group, organization, business, or movement (e.g., the boss, leader, etc.). Watch the video
Thomas Cook
Cook was an English travel agent who, in 1841, founded the travel agency that bears his name. After his idea of the guided tour met with success, he established his Circular Tour of Europe and, later, tours of the US. The company was nationalized in 1948, but it went into decline when it failed to offer the “package holiday” that had recently gained popularity. The agency has been owned by private companies since 1972. Cook’s agency began arranging travel to what exotic destination in the 1880s? Discuss
dyspepsia
Definition: (noun) Disturbed digestion.
Synonyms: indigestion, upset stomach.
Usage: Certain foods trigger his dyspepsia, so he makes sure to avoid them at all costs.
Discuss
The Battle of Killiecrankie (1689)
Fought between Scottish highland clans supporting James II and VII and the government troops of William of Orange, the Battle of Killiecrankie occurred in Scotland during the first Jacobite uprising in 1689. Outnumbered, barefoot, and armed mostly with claymores—large, double-edged broadswords—the highlanders, led by John Graham of Claverhouse, used their position on the steep Pass of Killiecrankie to force a retreat. Despite the victory, Claverhouse was killed. What became of the revolt? Discuss
Charlotte Corday (1768)
Although of aristocratic background, Corday sympathized with the moderate Girondists during the French Revolution. Horrified at the excesses of the Reign of Terror, she gained an audience with one of its leaders, Jean-Paul Marat, by promising to betray the Girondists and stabbed him through the heart while he was in his bath. Arrested on the spot, she was convicted by the Revolutionary Tribunal and guillotined four days later. Why was Marat in the bath at the time of their meeting? Discuss