The Abbasid Revolution

In 746, in the marginalized regions of modern day Iran, the region called Khorasan erupted in revolt against the weakened Umayyad Caliphate. A revolt that grew to a revolutions and installed a new dynasty that presided over the most glistening age for Islam – the Abbasid Caliphate.

Who were the Mawali?

Islam promised a community (Umma in Arabic) united and equal regardless of race. But the Umayyad Caliphate granted anything but that. Its desire to unite the Caliphate under Arabic culture led to the creation of a whole new class of Muslims that do not share Arabic blood. They became known as the Mawali.

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

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 10)

The October Manifesto propelled Russia to constitutionalism and parliamentary government. Yet, Tsar Nicholas planned to revive his powers as an autocratic ruler. Explore how Russia's new age of freedom transpired and how Tsar Nicholas perverted the contents of the Manifesto for his benefit.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 9)

With the economy ceased and people rallied in streets against the Tsar and his autocratic powers, the Russian government faced paralysis and tougher challenges. In face of this, the Tsar ultimately conceded to reforms by signing the October Manifesto. Explore what were the contents of the October Manifesto and its effect to the Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 8)

As the Russian Empire plunged into anarchy, officials discussed measures to abate the situation, including the need for reforms. But the Tsar hesitated for any reforms. Explore how the government acted upon the proposed reforms that ultimately resulted to the October Manifesto continuing crisis that shook the government.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 7)

With the events of Bloody Sunday, the people rose up in support of the victims of the massacre. Reformist sentiments roared loudly as a result. Revolutionaries shouted for the ousting of the Tsar. Explore the events on the aftermath of Bloody Revolution that formed the Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 6)

With reforms and freedom constrained for decades, a war mishandled and a door opened for expression, Russians cried for changes Russia’s autocratic rule. They demanded civil rights, freedom, and social justice. But with a massacre in a cold January day, events spiraled out of control resulting to the Revolution of 1905. Explore how the event the 1905 Revolution transpired and brought the Tsardom went near the brink.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 5)

With the assignation of Interior Minister Plehve, a new Interior Minister, Pyotr Sviatopolk-Mirsky, relaxed controls against dissent. The relaxation resuscitated hopes of reforms. The Tsar fueled further calls for reforms when he plunged the country into the terrible Russo-Japanese War. Explore how the reformist movements restarted and the factor of the Russo-Japanese War contributed to the Russian Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 4)

Sentiments towards reforms and nationalism as embodied by parties and nourished by new political ideologies. Various parties then took root and nourish to various institution where Russians meet, talk, and see the wrongs in Russia. But the government continued to be oblivious to change and continued to repress signs of them. Explore how various institutions played a role in spreading the spirit of reforms amongst Russian and how the government acted to subdue them before the Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 3)

The Russian heartland saw the rise of various political parties embodying different ideologies and aspirations of the people. But besides the Russian, non-Russian minorities under the Empire also forged their own political parties. Explore these political parties in the satellite territories of the Russian Empire.

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.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 6): Reforms

Peter shaped his reforms to match his ambitions, but he also made contribution that were less violent. Explore how Peter contributed to Russia’s education, culture, religion and society.