3 Leaders Who Brought Development and Misery to Their Country

They brought both economic development and repression to their country that they stood as controversial and polarizing leaders in history. 

President Diaz and His Controversial Economic Development - Part 2

With President Porfirio Diaz committed in financial reforms while attracting foreign investment, development in Mexico’s infrastructure and industries began. However, its development went unfelt by majority of Mexicans.

Viaduct of Metlac

President Diaz and His Controversial Economic Development - Part 1

Porfirio Diaz’s presidency has been criticized as an authoritarian president who brought the common Mexican people to its knees while his close associates enrich themselves with the wealth of the country sold to foreigner. This overshadowed the fact Mexico grew from the dark chaotic shadows of 18th century.

President Porfirio Diaz (top hat with white mustache) with his wife

Cecil Rhodes as a Businessman

Cecil Rhodes left a controversial legacy because of his contribution to British imperialism and apartheid. But behind his racist and imperialist beliefs, he proved himself to be a shrewd talented businessman.

Who was Lord Dalhousie?

One of the great expansionist of the British influence and control of India, James Andrew Broun Ramsay, Earl of Dalhouse, served as Governor-General of India from 1847 to 1856 whose reforms dragged the whole British India to chaos.

What was the British East India Company? - Part 2

It was one of the most powerful and influential company in the world. An agent of commerce and imperialism of the British Empire, explore the history of the British East India Company.

In 2,000 Words: The Indian Mutiny of 1857

The Indian Mutiny or Rebellion errupted from British westernization policies that threated India's way of life. In 2,000 words explore the Mutiny that almost ended British rule in the subcontinent.

Who were the Gurkhas?

Ayo Gorkhali! (Gurkhas are coming!) 
- Cry of Gurkhas

Establishment of the People's Republic of China: An End of an Era

“The Chinese have always been a great, courageous and industrious nation; it is only in modern times that they have fallen behind. And that was due entirely to oppression and exploitation by foreign imperialism and domestic reactionary governments.” 

– Mao Zedong

Documents in History: 1864 Geneva Convention

In 1864, representatives of several European countries, including the major continental powers France and Prussia, met in Geneva to sign a convention that laid down the framework to which the Red Cross started to operate. Explore its contents bellow.

Remembering: The Foundation of the Red Cross

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”

- Francis of Assisi

Documents in History: 1862 London Protocol

With rising unpopularity of foreigners in Japan, causing violence, the Tokugawa Shogunate and the British government agreed in 1862 to postpone of the opening of the designated ports of the 1858 Anglo-Japanese Commercial Treaty. Explore the contents of the agreement bellow.

Document in History: 1858 Regulations under which American Trade is to be conducted in Japan

In 1858, the Harris Treaty opened Japan further to Americans. Alongside the treaty came regulations for the expanding Japan-US trade. Explore the attached regulations to the Harris Treaty bellow.

Documents in History: 1858 Harris Treaty

In 1858, First American Consul to Japan, Townsend Harris negotiated a treaty of amity and commerce with the Japanese Bakufu. Months of intense negotiations resulted to what became known as the Harris Treaty signed on July 29, 1858. Explore its contents bellow.

Documents in History: Supplementary Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Russia and Japan

The Treaty of Shimoda opened Japan for Russia, but in 1857, the Russians expanded their relations with the Japanese with a supplementary treaty.

Documents in History: 1857 Additional Articles to the Treaty of Commerce between the Netherlands and Japan

The Dutch, after Perry's departure, negotiated and signed a treaty in 1856 with the Japanese expanding its activities beyond Dejima and into the whole of Nagasaki. In 1857, Donker Curtius, head of the Dutch enclave negotiated additional articles that expanded further Dutch influence, including the addition of the status of most favored state. Explore the contents of this 1857 treaty bellow.

The Bakumatsu (Part 13): Summing Up

With the end of the Boshin War and the Shogunate, Japan moved forward with the Emperor as the sole symbol of the new nation of Japan. Explore the effects of the Bakumatsu and the Boshin War to the history of the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Bakumatsu (Part 12): End of Boshin War

With the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and the fall of Osaka, the Boshin War was on its climax. Explore the following battles and events in this short but momentous segment in Japanese modern history.

The Bakumatsu (Part 11): Early Boshin War

The Boshin War was a short dramatic chapter in Japanese history where the ancient old Tokugawa Shogunate, or at least, its clan and allies, fought for its dignity against imperial restoration and abolition of their privileges and wealth. Explore this conflict that decided Japan’s destiny.

The Bakumatsu (Part 10): Shogunate of Yoshinobu

Hitotsubashi Keiki or Yoshinobu ascended as the 15th Tokugawa Shogun in 1867 in the midst of declining power and prestige of the Bakufu after centuries of domination. Explore Yoshinobu’s Shogunate before it ended with a civil war that changed Japan’s history.