Written by Jared Leto (Right click, open in new tab)
Into the night
Desperate and broken
The sound of a fight
Father has spoken
We were the kings and queens of promise
We were the victims of ourselves
Maybe the children of a lesser God
Between Heaven and Hell
Heaven and Hell
Into your eyes
Hopeless and taken
We stole our new lives
Through blood and pain
In defense of our dreams
In defense of our dreams
We were the kings and queens of promise
We were the victims of ourselves
Maybe the children of a lesser God
Between Heaven and Hell
Heaven and Hell
The age of man is over
A darkness comes at dawn
These lessons that we've learned here
Have only just begun
We were the kings and queens of promise
We were the victims of ourselves
Maybe the children of a lesser God
Between Heaven and Hell
We are the kings
We are the queens
We are the kings
We are the queens
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Works Cited for Essay 3
This is an in-class exercise to evaluate sources for the third essay that we wrote. (I haven't posted it up yet, and I missed posting up the second essay, but those will be coming shortly. I've been horribly lax with keeping up my blog, I'm ashamed to admit.) For quick reference purpose, this was a cause-effect essay focusing on the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 B.C.E.
Works Cited.
Source 1:
Source 2:
Source 3:
Works Cited.
Source 1:
"Alexander Defeats The Persians, 331 BC." Eyewitness To History. Ibis Communications, Inc., 2000. Web. 16 Oct 2010. <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/alexander.htm>
- No author is listed, so the credibility of the author cannot be evaluated.
- The sponsor of the website is a group called "Ibis Communications, Inc." -- but the website doesn't seem to have an "About Us" page, despite a search for it through the index and the site's
- There are no links that takes a reader outside of that particular page, but it does list two print sources at the end of the page.
- The info seems to be free of basic errors, but there does not seem to be an editor.
- The article is not dated itself, but the pre-formed citation at the bottom lists its date as 2000.
Source 2:
Knox, Ellis. "Alexander the Great." Boise State University. Boise State University, n.d. Web. 16 Oct 2010. <http://www.boisestate.edu/courses/westciv/alexander/09.shtml>
- The author of this information is Professor Ellis Knox of Boise State University.
- There is no date.
- Some of the information of this site was confirmed by another source, but as I'm looking back on it now, it seems that other facts were contradicted by other sources, meaning that it was only partially trustworthy as a source.
- There does not appear to be a bias.
Source 3:
Porter, Barry. "Battle of Gaugamela: Alexander Versus Darius." Great Battles: Battles of Antiquity 1-7. Web. 16 Oct 2010. <http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-gaugamela-alexander-versus-darius.htm>.
- The author of this source is Barry Porter. A search turned up a paucity of information concerning who he is.
- This article was apparently featured in a special issue of the Military History magazine, and has since been digitised and posted on the web.
- It does not link a reader elsewhere.
- A bias does not seem to be present.
- There is no date.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Compare & Contrast: Islam & Judaism
Topic: Islam and Judaism
Purpose: To discuss the similarities between the belief systems of Islam and Judaism.
Two Areas to Compare: Belief set and society
Three Ways to Compare: Religious text, treatment of women, dietary and societal boundaries
I'd really like to get into the variances between Islam and Judaism. I personally am neither a Muslim nor a Jew, as I lean more toward agnosticism. (Dictionary.com defines an agnostic as a person who believes that a god or gods are unknown.) Since I have no bias, I think I would be able to present three specific similarities or differences between their belief systems while maintaining an objective point of view. There are three target areas I'd like to explore with this paper: the religious texts that both religions use, the treatment of women in both religions, and then their dietary and societal boundaries. I already know that Muslims, for example, are not permitted to drink and Jews are not permitted to eat pork. Women in Islamic nations must wear a garment that covers everything, called a burqa. Jewish women do not have the same clothing restrictions. I know that the Qur’an is the religious text of the Islamic religion, while Judaism relies on a tome called the Torah. This is all information that I've learned since coming into contact with either news stories that explained certain points, people who practise these religions, and a book I once read in junior high school. (Unfortunately, I no longer remember the title of this book as I read it several years ago, but it was a story that discussed the treatment of women in an Islamic nation.)
Purpose: To discuss the similarities between the belief systems of Islam and Judaism.
Two Areas to Compare: Belief set and society
Three Ways to Compare: Religious text, treatment of women, dietary and societal boundaries
I'd really like to get into the variances between Islam and Judaism. I personally am neither a Muslim nor a Jew, as I lean more toward agnosticism. (Dictionary.com defines an agnostic as a person who believes that a god or gods are unknown.) Since I have no bias, I think I would be able to present three specific similarities or differences between their belief systems while maintaining an objective point of view. There are three target areas I'd like to explore with this paper: the religious texts that both religions use, the treatment of women in both religions, and then their dietary and societal boundaries. I already know that Muslims, for example, are not permitted to drink and Jews are not permitted to eat pork. Women in Islamic nations must wear a garment that covers everything, called a burqa. Jewish women do not have the same clothing restrictions. I know that the Qur’an is the religious text of the Islamic religion, while Judaism relies on a tome called the Torah. This is all information that I've learned since coming into contact with either news stories that explained certain points, people who practise these religions, and a book I once read in junior high school. (Unfortunately, I no longer remember the title of this book as I read it several years ago, but it was a story that discussed the treatment of women in an Islamic nation.)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
William the Conqueror and the Norman Conquest
Here is a new, revised draft of that first essay... sources have been fixed, title's been revised, and a few grammar errors have been taken out. It'll probably have one more revision before it's formally sent in, but here's the first revision since its return on 22 September 2010.
Few military campaigns can claim such an important place in the history of a nation as the Norman Conquest of 1066. With its one largest confrontation in Hastings, the Norman Conquest was a turning point in British history. The conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, began the tradition of the British monarchy and national unification for England, as well as a long-lasting period of national independence that continues on today.
For centuries, the British Isles had been little more than untamed country or the property of another empire. The Romans invaded in roughly 43 A.D., and left many signs of their presence behind (Britain Before 1066). However, the Roman Empire was not eternal. Their forces were withdraw in the early Fifth Century, around the year 410 A.D. (Britain Before 1066). From roughly the Fifth Century to the Tenth Century, centralised national rule was a concept that was largely impossible in Britain at that time (Britain Before 1066). European forces such as the Angles, Sazons, and Vikings had invaded when the Romans left, forcing the native Celts to submit or move farther from their homes in hopes of evading their new conquerors (Britain Before 1066). These cultural clashes went on for several centuries until the nation’s affairs finally came to a head in 1016 (Ibeji). The King of Denmark invaded and subjugated the English people, establishing a Danish monarch and those loyal to him as the ruling class (Ibeji).. The Danish monarchy ended in 1042, and was succeeded by a man who later came to be known as Edward the Confessor (Ibeji).
It was on the fifth of January, 1066, that King Edward of England died (“Invasion of England”). He left behind him a legacy of well over twenty years as a ruler, but had been unable to produce a suitable heir (“Invasion of England”). With the future of the crown so uncertain, the inevitable power struggles began. At the heart of these struggles were William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson (“Invasion of England”). Both had claims to the throne, and both had the resources to fight for what they believed was theirs. After assembling his forces together on the twenty-seventh of September, William sailed for England (“Invasion of England”). On the fourteenth of October, the Norman forces under William engaged in conflict with the army of Harold Godwinson at a site in England called Hastings (“Invasion of England”). By the end of that day, Harold Godwinson had been killed and William was declared the victor (“Invasion of England”). From October to December, William and his forces moved toward London (Mahoney). Finally, he was crowned the King of England on Christmas Day of that same year (“Invasion of England”). Since this battle, no foreign invasion of England has been successful, making William’s conquest a significant moment in history (“Introduction”). Following his accession to the throne on Christmas Day, William established himself as not only the king, but the founder of the Norman Dynasty (“William the Conqueror”; Mahoney). The Norman Dynasty lasted well into the mid-Twelfth Century (“William the Conqueror”; Mahoney), setting a ground-work for government that made it possible for the English people to control their nation once more (“The House of Normandy”; Mahoney). An English monarch has been in place in England for well over nine hundred years, a tradition that carries on even today with Queen Elizabeth II (“Introduction”).
When William the Conqueror was crowned king, the nation had been divided for many years by politics and the history of its people (“Britain Before 1066”). Competing national identities had been fighting for centuries, among them the Celts and Anglo-Saxons (“Britain Before 1066”). Though complete unification did not happen during William’s rule, it did begin a tradition of a central ruler who passed his title on to his children. These children then passed it on to their children, creating long family dynasties that made England a more stable nation. Because no foreign power has been able to invade successfully since William’s rule, it was the Norman Conquest that began an uninterrupted period in which England was independent (“Introduction”). In fact, this strengthened England so much that later, they went on to conquer its neighbours and colonise several other countries (“The British Empire”). What had begun as a land of conquered natives was eventually able to turn itself into the British Empire, which was in turn a very successful and powerful period in the nation’s history (“The British Empire”).
A single year of conflict may not have seemed to be a significant turning point in the history books at the time, but this one day of confrontation led to much greater things for British people. It brought about a more stable monarchy and government, beginning in 1066 with the Norman Dynasty and continuing on today in the largely symbolic House of Windsor. The Norman Conquest was a relatively brief confrontation that brought about a stable monarchy, a strong national identity, and a long-lasting tradition of independence. It was a stepping stone that took the nation out from under the influence of Anglo-Saxon and Viking rulers and sent them on their way to becoming one of the major players in the current events of the world today.
Few military campaigns can claim such an important place in the history of a nation as the Norman Conquest of 1066. With its one largest confrontation in Hastings, the Norman Conquest was a turning point in British history. The conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, began the tradition of the British monarchy and national unification for England, as well as a long-lasting period of national independence that continues on today.
For centuries, the British Isles had been little more than untamed country or the property of another empire. The Romans invaded in roughly 43 A.D., and left many signs of their presence behind (Britain Before 1066). However, the Roman Empire was not eternal. Their forces were withdraw in the early Fifth Century, around the year 410 A.D. (Britain Before 1066). From roughly the Fifth Century to the Tenth Century, centralised national rule was a concept that was largely impossible in Britain at that time (Britain Before 1066). European forces such as the Angles, Sazons, and Vikings had invaded when the Romans left, forcing the native Celts to submit or move farther from their homes in hopes of evading their new conquerors (Britain Before 1066). These cultural clashes went on for several centuries until the nation’s affairs finally came to a head in 1016 (Ibeji). The King of Denmark invaded and subjugated the English people, establishing a Danish monarch and those loyal to him as the ruling class (Ibeji).. The Danish monarchy ended in 1042, and was succeeded by a man who later came to be known as Edward the Confessor (Ibeji).
It was on the fifth of January, 1066, that King Edward of England died (“Invasion of England”). He left behind him a legacy of well over twenty years as a ruler, but had been unable to produce a suitable heir (“Invasion of England”). With the future of the crown so uncertain, the inevitable power struggles began. At the heart of these struggles were William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson (“Invasion of England”). Both had claims to the throne, and both had the resources to fight for what they believed was theirs. After assembling his forces together on the twenty-seventh of September, William sailed for England (“Invasion of England”). On the fourteenth of October, the Norman forces under William engaged in conflict with the army of Harold Godwinson at a site in England called Hastings (“Invasion of England”). By the end of that day, Harold Godwinson had been killed and William was declared the victor (“Invasion of England”). From October to December, William and his forces moved toward London (Mahoney). Finally, he was crowned the King of England on Christmas Day of that same year (“Invasion of England”). Since this battle, no foreign invasion of England has been successful, making William’s conquest a significant moment in history (“Introduction”). Following his accession to the throne on Christmas Day, William established himself as not only the king, but the founder of the Norman Dynasty (“William the Conqueror”; Mahoney). The Norman Dynasty lasted well into the mid-Twelfth Century (“William the Conqueror”; Mahoney), setting a ground-work for government that made it possible for the English people to control their nation once more (“The House of Normandy”; Mahoney). An English monarch has been in place in England for well over nine hundred years, a tradition that carries on even today with Queen Elizabeth II (“Introduction”).
When William the Conqueror was crowned king, the nation had been divided for many years by politics and the history of its people (“Britain Before 1066”). Competing national identities had been fighting for centuries, among them the Celts and Anglo-Saxons (“Britain Before 1066”). Though complete unification did not happen during William’s rule, it did begin a tradition of a central ruler who passed his title on to his children. These children then passed it on to their children, creating long family dynasties that made England a more stable nation. Because no foreign power has been able to invade successfully since William’s rule, it was the Norman Conquest that began an uninterrupted period in which England was independent (“Introduction”). In fact, this strengthened England so much that later, they went on to conquer its neighbours and colonise several other countries (“The British Empire”). What had begun as a land of conquered natives was eventually able to turn itself into the British Empire, which was in turn a very successful and powerful period in the nation’s history (“The British Empire”).
A single year of conflict may not have seemed to be a significant turning point in the history books at the time, but this one day of confrontation led to much greater things for British people. It brought about a more stable monarchy and government, beginning in 1066 with the Norman Dynasty and continuing on today in the largely symbolic House of Windsor. The Norman Conquest was a relatively brief confrontation that brought about a stable monarchy, a strong national identity, and a long-lasting tradition of independence. It was a stepping stone that took the nation out from under the influence of Anglo-Saxon and Viking rulers and sent them on their way to becoming one of the major players in the current events of the world today.
Works Cited.
"Britain Before 1066." Great Britain, UK Tourist Information Guide. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.great-britain.co.uk/history/pre1066.htm>.
"The British Empire." The British Empire. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.britishempire.co.uk>.
Ibeji, Mike. "BBC - History - British History in Depth: Background to the Conquest." BBC - History. BBC,
5 Nov. 1159. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml>.
5 Nov. 1159. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml>.
"Introduction." Essential Norman Conquest - An Interactive Day-by-day Retelling of the Events of
066. Osprey Publishing, 1156. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.essentialnormanconquest.com/story/introduction.htm>
"Invasion of England, 1066." EyeWitness to History - History through the Eyes of Those Who Lived It.
Ibis Communications, Inc. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bayeux.htm>
066. Osprey Publishing, 1156. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.essentialnormanconquest.com/story/introduction.htm>
"Invasion of England, 1066." EyeWitness to History - History through the Eyes of Those Who Lived It.
Ibis Communications, Inc. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bayeux.htm>
Mahoney, Mike. “The House of Normandy.” English Monarchs - A Complete History of the Kings and
Queens of England. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. <http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/normans_5.htm>
Queens of England. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. <http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/normans_5.htm>
Mahoney, Mike. "William the Conqueror." English Monarchs - A Complete History of the Kings and
Queens of England. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/normans.htm>.
Queens of England. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/normans.htm>.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Lasting Outcomes Of The Norman Conquest — Final Draft
Few military campaigns can claim such long-lasting effects on any one culture through history as the Norman Conquest of 1066. With its one largest confrontation in Hastings, the Norman Conquest was a turning point in British history. The conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, was significant because of its lasting effect on history, government, and England’s independence as a nation.
For centuries, the British Isles had been little more than untamed country or the property of another empire. The Romans had invaded in roughly 43 A.D., and left many a sign of their presence behind them. However, the Roman Empire was not eternal. Their forces were withdrawn in the early fifth century, around the year 410 A.D. From roughly the fifth century to the tenth century, centralised national rule was a concept that was largely impossible in Britain at that time. European forces such as the Angles, Saxons, and Vikings had invaded when the Romans left, forcing the native Celts to submit or move farther from their homes in hopes of evading their new conquerors. These cultural clashes went on for several centuries until the nation's affairs finally came to a head in 1016. The King of Denmark invaded and subjugated the English people, establishing a Danish monarch and those loyal to him as the ruling class. The Danish monarch ended in 1042, and was succeeded by a man who later came to be known as Edward the Confessor.
It was on the fifth of January, 1066, that King Edward of England died. He left behind him a legacy of well over twenty years as a ruler, but had been unable to produce a suitable heir. With the future of the crown so uncertain, the inevitable power struggles began. At the heart of these struggles were William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson. Both had claims to the throne, and both had the resources to fight for what they believed was theirs. After assembling his forces together on the twenty-seventh of September, William sailed for England. On the fourteenth of October, the Norman forces under William engaged in conflict with the army of Harold Godwinson at a site in England called Hastings. By the end of that day, Harold Godwinson had been killed and William was declared the victor. From October to December, William and the English nobility were in a state of conflict until he agreed to guarantee their status after his coronation. Ultimately, he was crowned the King of England on Christmas Day of that same year. Since this battle, no foreign invasion of England has been successful, making William’s conquest a significant moment in history. Following his accession to the throne on Christmas Day, William established himself as not only the King, but the founder of the Norman Dynasty. The Norman Dynasty lasted well into the mid-twelfth century, setting a groundwork for government that made it possible for the English people to control their own nation once more. An English monarch has been in place in England for well over nine hundred years, a tradition that carries on even today with Queen Elizabeth II.
When William the Conqueror was crowned king, the nation had been divided for many years by politics and the history of its people. Competing national identities had been fighting for centuries, among them the Celts and Anglo-Saxons. Though complete unification did not happen during William’s reign, it did begin a tradition of a central ruler who passed his title on to his children. These children then passed it on to their children, creating long family dynasties that made England a more stable nation. Because no foreign power has been able to invade successfully since William’s rule, it was the Norman Conquest that began an uninterrupted period in which England was independent. In fact, this strengthened England so much that later, they went on to conquer its neighbours and colonise several other countries. What had begun as a land of conquered natives was eventually able to turn itself into the British Empire, which was in turn a very successful and powerful period in the nation’s history.
A single year of conflict may not have seemed to be a significant turning point in the history books at the time, but this one day of confrontation led to much greater things for the British people. It brought about a more stable monarchy and government, beginning in 1066 with the Norman Dynasty and continuing on today in the largely symbolic House of Windsor. The Norman Conquest was a relatively brief confrontation that had enduring, resounding effects on the British people, their history, and their independence. It was a stepping stone that took them out from under the influence of Anglo-Saxon and Viking rulers and sent them on their way to becoming one of the major players in the current events of the world today.
For centuries, the British Isles had been little more than untamed country or the property of another empire. The Romans had invaded in roughly 43 A.D., and left many a sign of their presence behind them. However, the Roman Empire was not eternal. Their forces were withdrawn in the early fifth century, around the year 410 A.D. From roughly the fifth century to the tenth century, centralised national rule was a concept that was largely impossible in Britain at that time. European forces such as the Angles, Saxons, and Vikings had invaded when the Romans left, forcing the native Celts to submit or move farther from their homes in hopes of evading their new conquerors. These cultural clashes went on for several centuries until the nation's affairs finally came to a head in 1016. The King of Denmark invaded and subjugated the English people, establishing a Danish monarch and those loyal to him as the ruling class. The Danish monarch ended in 1042, and was succeeded by a man who later came to be known as Edward the Confessor.
It was on the fifth of January, 1066, that King Edward of England died. He left behind him a legacy of well over twenty years as a ruler, but had been unable to produce a suitable heir. With the future of the crown so uncertain, the inevitable power struggles began. At the heart of these struggles were William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson. Both had claims to the throne, and both had the resources to fight for what they believed was theirs. After assembling his forces together on the twenty-seventh of September, William sailed for England. On the fourteenth of October, the Norman forces under William engaged in conflict with the army of Harold Godwinson at a site in England called Hastings. By the end of that day, Harold Godwinson had been killed and William was declared the victor. From October to December, William and the English nobility were in a state of conflict until he agreed to guarantee their status after his coronation. Ultimately, he was crowned the King of England on Christmas Day of that same year. Since this battle, no foreign invasion of England has been successful, making William’s conquest a significant moment in history. Following his accession to the throne on Christmas Day, William established himself as not only the King, but the founder of the Norman Dynasty. The Norman Dynasty lasted well into the mid-twelfth century, setting a groundwork for government that made it possible for the English people to control their own nation once more. An English monarch has been in place in England for well over nine hundred years, a tradition that carries on even today with Queen Elizabeth II.
When William the Conqueror was crowned king, the nation had been divided for many years by politics and the history of its people. Competing national identities had been fighting for centuries, among them the Celts and Anglo-Saxons. Though complete unification did not happen during William’s reign, it did begin a tradition of a central ruler who passed his title on to his children. These children then passed it on to their children, creating long family dynasties that made England a more stable nation. Because no foreign power has been able to invade successfully since William’s rule, it was the Norman Conquest that began an uninterrupted period in which England was independent. In fact, this strengthened England so much that later, they went on to conquer its neighbours and colonise several other countries. What had begun as a land of conquered natives was eventually able to turn itself into the British Empire, which was in turn a very successful and powerful period in the nation’s history.
A single year of conflict may not have seemed to be a significant turning point in the history books at the time, but this one day of confrontation led to much greater things for the British people. It brought about a more stable monarchy and government, beginning in 1066 with the Norman Dynasty and continuing on today in the largely symbolic House of Windsor. The Norman Conquest was a relatively brief confrontation that had enduring, resounding effects on the British people, their history, and their independence. It was a stepping stone that took them out from under the influence of Anglo-Saxon and Viking rulers and sent them on their way to becoming one of the major players in the current events of the world today.
Works Cited
"Before 1066." Great Britain, UK Tourist Information Guide. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.great-britain.co.uk/history/pre1066.htm>.
Ibeji, Mike. "BBC - History - British History in Depth: Background to the Conquest." BBC - History. BBC, 5 Nov. 2009. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml>.
"Introduction." Essential Norman Conquest - An Interactive Day-by-day Retelling of the Events of 1066. Osprey Publishing, 2006. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.essentialnormanconquest.com/story/introduction.htm>.
"Invasion of England, 1066." EyeWitness to History - History through the Eyes of Those Who Lived It. Ibis Communications, Inc. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bayeux.htm>.
Mahoney, Mike. "William the Conqueror." English Monarchs - A Complete History of the Kings and Queens of England. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/normans.htm>.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Lasting Outcomes Of The Battle Of Hastings — Draft
Few military campaigns have produced such lasting results as the Norman Conquest of 1066. Brought nearly to the end on October 14 with the decisive Battle of Hastings, the Norman Conquest was a turning point in British history. The conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, was significant because of its lasting effect on history, government, and England’s independence as a nation.
For centuries, the British Isles had been little more than untamed country or the property of another empire. The Romans had invaded in roughly 43 A.D., and left many a sign of their presence behind them. Hadrian’s Wall and roads that were to eventually become useful for the British people attempting to build up their nation are still visible today. Even the Roman Empire, however, was not eternal, and their forces were withdrawn in the early fifth century. From that time onward, central rule was a concept that seemed infeasible to the general population. European forces such as the Angles, Saxons, and Vikings invaded, forcing the native Celts to submit or move farther from their homes in hopes of evading their new conquerors. All of this cultural struggling went on for several centuries until things finally came to a head in 1016. The King of Denmark invaded and took over rule of England, establishing a Danish monarch and those loyal to him as the ruling class. Following the King of Denmark was Edward the Confessor, as he later came to be known, who came to power in 1042.
It was on the fifth of January, 1066, that King Edward of England died. He left behind him a legacy of well over twenty years as a ruler, but had been unable to produce a suitable heir. With the future of the crown so uncertain, the inevitable power struggles began. At the heart of these struggles were William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson. Both had claims to the throne, and both had the resources to fight for what they believed was theirs. After assembling his forces together on the twenty-seventh of September, William sailed for England. On the fourteenth of October, the Norman forces under William came head to head with the army of Harold Godwinson at a site in England called Hastings. By the end of that day, Harold Godwinson had been killed and William was declared the victor. From October to December, William and the English nobility were in a state of conflict until he agreed to guarantee their status after his coronation. Ultimately, he was crowned the King of England on Christmas Day of that same year. Since this battle, no foreign invasion of England has been successful, making William’s conquest a significant moment in history. Following his accession to the throne on Christmas Day, William established himself as not only the King, but the founder of the Norman Dynasty. A house that lasted well into the mid-twelfth century, the Normans set a groundwork that made it possible for the English people to take over their own kingdom once more. An English monarch has been in place in England for well over nine hundred years, a tradition that carries on even today with Queen Elizabeth II.
When William the Conqueror was crowned king, the nation had been divided for many years by politics and the history of its people. Competing national identities had been fighting for centuries, among them the Celts and Anglo-Saxons. Though complete unification did not happen during William’s reign, it did begin a tradition of a central ruler who passed his title on to his children. These children then passed it on to their children, creating long family dynasties that made England a more stable nation. Because no foreign power has been able to invade successfully since William’s rule, it was the Battle of Hastings that began an uninterrupted period in which England was independent. In fact, England later went on to conquer its neighbours, Scotland and Ireland. It also colonised many different countries and turned itself briefly into the British Empire, which was in turn a very successful and powerful period in England’s history.
A single battle fought on English soil in the year 1066 may not have seemed to be a significant turning point in the history books at the time, but this one day of confrontation led to much greater things for the British people. It brought about a more stable monarchy and government, beginning in 1066 with the Norman Dynasty and continuing on today in the largely symbolic House of Windsor. The Battle of Hastings was a brief battle that had enduring, resounding effects on the British people, their history, and their independence. It was a stepping stone that took them out from under the influence of Anglo-Saxon and Viking rulers and sent them on their way to becoming one of the major players in the current events of the world today.
Works Cited
Works Cited
"Before 1066." Great Britain, UK Tourist Information Guide. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.great-britain.co.uk/history/pre1066.htm>.
Ibeji, Mike. "BBC - History - British History in Depth: Background to the Conquest." BBC - History. BBC, 5 Nov. 2009. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml>.
"Introduction." Essential Norman Conquest - An Interactive Day-by-day Retelling of the Events of 1066. Osprey Publishing, 2006. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. <http://www.essentialnormanconquest.com/story/introduction.htm>.
"Invasion of England, 1066." EyeWitness to History - History through the Eyes of Those Who Lived It. Ibis Communications, Inc. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bayeux.htm>.
Mahoney, Mike. "William the Conqueror." English Monarchs - A Complete History of the Kings and Queens of England. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/normans.htm>.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Norman Conquest of 1066
I have to admit, I've been a bit behind when it comes to posting research! But here's a brief snippet of info I uncovered...
On the fifth of January 1066, King Edward ("The Confessor") of England died. Historically speaking, this is a very significant piece of information. Not only was Edward a king (and therefore a significant person to begin with), but he had no heirs with a concrete claim to the throne. There were two men who could have become the new king. These two contenders to the throne were William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson. Both had relations to Edward, and both had popular support.
But to understand why the Norman Conquest is significant, we have to go back in history a bit. For almost its entire early history, England and its neighbours on the British Isles were being invaded by others. There were many changes in who was in power, but it is important to realise that the Norman Conquest changed this. After William of Normandy challenged Harold Godwinson and became the King of England, no other foreign powers have successfully invaded England.
It is therefore safe to assume that William the Conqueror's invasion positively influenced the security of England after this point. Since 1066, England has been ruled entirely by its own countrymen. So my thesis, essentially, focuses around the historical and cultural impact of William the Conqueror's invasion. As it stands right now, my thesis reads, "The conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, was historically significant because of its lasting effect on government, society, and England's independence as a nation."
sources.
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bayeux.htm
http://www.essentialnormanconquest.com/story/introduction.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml [Dr. Mike Ibeji]
On the fifth of January 1066, King Edward ("The Confessor") of England died. Historically speaking, this is a very significant piece of information. Not only was Edward a king (and therefore a significant person to begin with), but he had no heirs with a concrete claim to the throne. There were two men who could have become the new king. These two contenders to the throne were William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson. Both had relations to Edward, and both had popular support.
But to understand why the Norman Conquest is significant, we have to go back in history a bit. For almost its entire early history, England and its neighbours on the British Isles were being invaded by others. There were many changes in who was in power, but it is important to realise that the Norman Conquest changed this. After William of Normandy challenged Harold Godwinson and became the King of England, no other foreign powers have successfully invaded England.
It is therefore safe to assume that William the Conqueror's invasion positively influenced the security of England after this point. Since 1066, England has been ruled entirely by its own countrymen. So my thesis, essentially, focuses around the historical and cultural impact of William the Conqueror's invasion. As it stands right now, my thesis reads, "The conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, was historically significant because of its lasting effect on government, society, and England's independence as a nation."
sources.
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bayeux.htm
http://www.essentialnormanconquest.com/story/introduction.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml [Dr. Mike Ibeji]
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