Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography: A Journey of Self-Improvement and Civic Duty
Benjamin Franklin’s Virtues and Values
Industry and Self-Improvement
Franklin’s daily schedule, starting at 5:00 AM with eight hours of labor, demonstrates his strong work ethic. He believed that industry was key to self-improvement and success, as evidenced by his rise from a humble printing apprentice to a respected statesman who met with kings. His dedication extended to civic matters, such as founding Philadelphia’s first lending library, and wartime efforts, like supporting the French and Indian
Read MoreOverview of Asian Cultures and Religions
Cultural and Religious Landscape of Asia
East Asia
Tibet
Tibet was historically a theocracy governed by Lamaists.
Mongolia
Mongolia is predominantly Lamaist Buddhist, with the Cyrillic script being used for writing.
Irrawaddy Valley (Myanmar)
The Irrawaddy Valley is home to Burmese people who practice Theravada Buddhism. The region is currently under a military regime.
Chao Phraya River (Thailand)
The Chao Phraya River region is inhabited by Thai people who primarily follow Buddhism. Their language incorporates
Read MoreThe Restoration Period in Spain: From Bipartisanship to Crisis (1874-1931)
The Restoration Period in Spain (1874-1931)
First Stage of the Restoration (1874-1902)
The initial phase of the Restoration period was characterized by a bipartisan system, with power alternating between the Conservatives (led by Cánovas del Castillo) and the Liberals (led by Sagasta) through electoral manipulation. The Constitution of 1876, drafted by Cánovas, established this framework. Outside of this system were the Republicans (divided into various factions) and the Carlists.
Key events during
Read More19th Century European History: Nationalism, Revolutions, and Imperialism
19th Century European History: Key Concepts
Political Ideologies
Nationalism
A sense of unique identity and unity within a nation.
Liberalism
Advocates for individual freedom and limited government intervention.
Conservatism
Values tradition, social order, and established institutions.
Socialism
Promotes collective ownership and control of the means of production.
Feminism
Advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women.
Major Events and Figures
Congress of Vienna (1814-1815)
Restored monarchs to power
Read MoreWorld War I: Causes, Consequences, and the Russian Revolution
World War I: Alliances and Development
The Triple Alliance and Triple Entente
The early 20th century saw Europe divided into two major alliances:
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary
- Triple Entente (1907): Russia, France, and Great Britain (Italy joined later)
The Spark that Ignited the War
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist, triggered a chain of events that led to the outbreak of World War I. Austria-Hungary, backed
Read MoreExploring East Asian Religions and Philosophies: Key Concepts and Figures
Confucianism
Key Concepts
- Five Classics: A collection of five ancient Chinese books used for study in Confucianism, believed to be written or edited by Confucius.
- Four Books: The accepted curriculum during the Ming and Qing Dynasties for those seeking civil office positions.
- Jen: Compassion and care for others, emphasizing the government’s role in supporting the elderly and children without families.
- Li (rites): Rituals and respect within relationships, highlighting the importance of roles and obligations.