Economy of the Achaemenid Empire

The Achaemenid Persian Empire established the largest land Empire the ancient world had ever seen until the rise of Alexander the Great. More than the largest land empire, it could also boast itself as the largest economy in the ancient world with various luxury goods and commodities traded in the market and employment given in many works provided by the imperial government.

Japan, Fabians, and Nehru’s Economic Ideas

Nehru in London, 1911
(From the Selected Works of Nehru)

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru leaned towards socialism in hope to solve India’s dire poverty situation. His premiership saw government taking the commanding heights of the the economy through series of five year plans to promote industrialization. This belief towards state ownership, planning, and socialism traced its roots from his years studying in England.

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

Casa Di San Giorgio: Genoa's Premier Financial Institution

“…the San Giorgio should have possession of the whole city, the republic will become more distinguished than that of Venice."

-Niccolo Machiavelli

Commercial Contracts of Genoa

The Medieval Age had been known as the Dark Ages – a misconception that is being defunct today. In fact, it was during the Medieval Age that the commercial revolution takes place. And in Genoa, the commercial revolution led to the development of investments and contracts.

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.

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.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 2)

Russia’s course in the last 50 years of the 19th century saw changes in policies, society, and economy. The situations created new challenges and aspirations. With infusion of new ideologies, it led to the creation of political movements and parties. Explore what were the ideologies that spread and political parties that emerged, which played key roles in the Russian Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 1)

The 1905 Revolution shook the Russian Empire's foundation bringing change to its autocratic government. But its outcome created a profound change in the course of Russian History. Explore more how the Russian Revolution of 1905 transpired and how it changed Russia.

Who was Ludvig Nobel?

Ludvig Nobel - brother of Alfred Nobel and known as Russia's Rockefeller. Explore his life journey in becoming Baku's major oil baron.

How did the Baku Oil Industry Grew Under Tsarist Russia?

Baku oil fed the Azerbaijan economy today as it did before when it fed the Russian imperial economy. Explore how the oil industry in one of the oil rich cities in the world began and grow under the Russian Empire.

Nicholas I and Russia's First Railroads

Russia is a huge country sometimes resistant of change, even new technologies, like railroad, had numerous skeptics until the Tsar himself approved its construction. Explore how Tsar Nicholas I oversaw the construction of Russia’s first railroads.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 5): Reforms

Following his reforms in the military, Peter needed to change also the state which his new army must defend. Explore how Peter the Great reform Russia beyond its military.