Hells Angels

The Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle club was formed in Fontana, CA, in 1948; the local chapter remains active, but the club’s popularity and membership has since expanded worldwide. The name, taken from the movie Hell’s Angels, has come to represent the epitome of 1960s biker counterculture. Members have been known to engage in illegal activities, but the club rejects any criminal responsibility. What unlikely company was recently sued by the club for copyright infringement? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The First Defenestration of Prague (1419)

In 1419, a mob of Czech Hussites stormed the town hall of Prague and killed several members of the town council by throwing them out of a window—an act known as “defenestration.” Spurred by discontent at the inequality between the peasants and the Church and nobility, the First Defenestration of Prague led to the prolonged Hussite Wars, which broke out shortly afterward and continued until 1436. What was the Second Defenestration of Prague? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Vanuatu Independence Day

The most important national holiday in Vanuatu, Independence Day is celebrated throughout the country. It marks the end of colonial rule by the French and British. The largest Independence Day celebrations take place in the capital city of Port Vila. A number of sporting events are held, as well as canoe and yacht races in the harbor. A military parade takes place in Independence Park. Dancing takes place and aerobics groups from throughout Vanuatu perform, and a string band competition is held. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Fatima Jinnah (1893)

Commonly known in Pakistan as Khatoon-e-Pakistan and Madar-e-Millat—Urdu for “Lady of Pakistan” and “Mother of the Nation,” respectively—Jinnah was the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and an active figure in the movement for independence from the British Raj. She remained politically active after her brother’s death and even ran for president in 1965, though she lost by a narrow margin. What was Jinnah’s occupation before she became involved in politics? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Edo Period

Edo, now named Tokyo, was the seat of power during the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867). This period brought much needed stability to Japan. The shogun’s national authority, combined with the daimyo’s regional authority, permitted the administration of both centralized and decentralized authorities. Literacy spread, farming techniques improved, and interregional trade expanded during this period; nevertheless, the last Tokugawa shogun resigned in 1867 because of what pressures? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Young Irelander Rebellion (1848)

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

Source: The Free Dictionary

St. Olav’s Day

St. Olav is the patron saint of Norway, and the anniversary of his death is still marked by religious services, fireworks, and public merry-making. Every year the battle in which he died is reenacted during the St. Olav Festival in Trondheim. In the Faroe Islands, this is known as Olavsoka, or “St. Olav’s Wake,” a national holiday. Parliament opens on the 29th, but the festivities—which include dancing, sports events, speeches, drinking, and a parade of members of Logting (parliament)—begin the night before and continue into the early hours of the 30th. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary