Tag: European History
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Dominium Maris Baltici: Baltic trade and diplomacy in Sweden’s Great Power Era
In the 17th century, Sweden shifted its foreign policy towards monopolising Baltic trade after colonial failures. George Purdy explains this in detail through strategic alliances and diplomacy with powers like the Dutch and the English, enhancing Sweden’s economic standing and regional influence, setting the stage for its emergence as a significant European power.
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National Communism and Personal Power: Ceauşescu’s Dictatorship and Romania’s Eastern Bloc Exception, 1965-1989
Seanryan Lai discusses the regime of Nicolae Ceauşescu (1965–1989) one of Eastern Europe’s most eccentric dictators. Unique among Eastern Bloc states, Romania pursued independent policies away from Soviet control. This created “national communism,” fusing Marxist-Leninism with Romanian nationalism and a strong cult of personality
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Dance until you Drop; The Dancing Plague of 1518
Abbie Teal narrates how, in 1518 Strasbourg, a bizarre contagion known as the Dancing Plague caused frenzied dancing and death.
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A Machiavellian Law
The Ummayyad Caliphate successfully expanded into Spain, changing the culture of the peninsula. Emilio Luppino discusses how the interactions between Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures in Spain.
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‘A Worthy Son’? King Philip V of France
The issue of succession in medieval France was highly contentious. Harry Child evaluates the legacy of King Philip V of France, exploring his efforts towards domestic stability and successful foreign policy.
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How the UK Failed to Destroy Supranationalism in Europe
The United Kingdom’s involvement with both mainland Europe and the European Union has always been complicated. Connie Greatrix analyses the UK’s hostility towards supranationalism and bureaucratic systems, and how this has affected foreign policy and international relations.
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Beyond Devotion: The Multifaceted Functions of Early Netherlandish Altarpieces
At first glance, early Netherlandish Altarpieces seem to have primarily devotional and religious functions. However, they also have more subtle societal purposes, representing a community’s collective identity. Emily Jones explores the fascinatingly intricate and diverse meanings behind these cultural artefacts.
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The Fight For Memory: The Mass Graves That Haunt Spain
Arianna North Castell shows how mass graves in Spain reveal long-hidden victims of Franco’s regime.
Retrospect Journal 