World History Encyclopedia

Alexander the Great is considered one of Greek's greatest leaders because of his contribution to the expansion of the Greek Empire during his reign as the king of Macedon. Read on to know more about the deeds of Alexander the Great.

Alexander the Great as the conqueror

During his reign, Alexander the Great lead his army to conquer several empires and nations, including the Persian Empire, Syria, Egypt, Assyria, and Babylonia. His quests were fueled by his dream to expand the Greek empire and make a name for himself. Through force and by diplomatic means, Alexander the Great was able to spread Greek civilization into the East. He is also known for this tactical skills, which made him a renowned army leader. The siege of Tyre was probably one of Alexander's greatest achievements as he conquered Persia. Because of Tyre's unique geographical location, Alexander used his brilliant tactical skills and created a causeway to gain entrance to Tyre.

The defeats of Alexander the Great

However, his quests were defeated by plots and schemes against his life. Because of his achievements, several members of his own army tried to kill him. In the end, Alexander the Great died at the young age of 32.

Despite his short life, Alexander the Great had contributed greatly to the proliferation of Greek civilization. Because of this, he has been the subject of many movies. One of the most recent films that depicted the life of Alexander the Great was Alexander, which was directed by Oliver Stone and starred Colin Farrel as Alexander and Angelina Jolie as Alexander's mother, Queen Olympias.

Known as the leader of the Nazi Party during the Second World War, Adolf Hitler served as the chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and as the country's head of state from 1934 to 1945. Throughout his political career, he promoted anti-capitalism, anti-semitism, anti-communism, and German nationalism.

Adolf Hitler bio

Adolf Hitler was born to Alois Hitler and Klara Polzl in Braunau am Inn, Austria on April 20, 1889. At age three, Hitler's family relocated to Kapuzinerstrasse 5, Germany. The family then moved again to Leonding in 1894. Adolf Hitler was primarily a happy-go-lucky child until the death of Edmund, his younger brother, due to measles. As an effect on Hitler's behavior, he became morose, contradictory, and detached. In 1905, Adolf Hitler moved to Vienna and spent his early adulthood there as a bohemian supported by his mother and an orphan's pension. In 1913, he moved to Munich and served at the Bavarian Army during WWI. During his stint in the army, he received certain awards such as the Iron Cross (2nd class) and another Iron Cross (1st class). It was this time when some of Hitler's beliefs that influenced his actions as the Nazi leader were formed. After WWI, he remained with the army, although he was discharged in 1920. Before he was discharged, he was asked to spy and infiltrate a political party, the German Workers' Party. Hitler was impressed with how this party promoted their ideas and beliefs. After his discharge from the army, his ardent German patriotism inspired him to actively join the party's activities, which was later renamed as the Nazi party.

Hitler as the Nazi leader

As the Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler committed atrocious acts against his opponents, most especially against Jews during the Holocaust, a genocide that killed about 6 million Jews in Europe. His determination to create a unified Germany consisting purely of the Aryan race was Hitler's reason for such acts.

Adolf Hitler is probably one of human history's most memorable character because of his actions as the Nazi leader. Today, many museums and establishments commemorate the victims of Adolf Hitler's government-planned genocide or Holocaust.

The Vietnam War was a difficult time for both the Americans and the Vietnamese. It occurred from 1959 to 1975, fought between the communist North Vietnam and South Vietnam’s government, which was supported by the United States.

Why the US had difficulty winning the Vietnam War

Vietnam has struggled for its independence for years, making them prepared for the fight against the Americans. A US ally, South Vietnam, was not an organized single command. The American military lacked the proper strategies to have an advantage. They also did not have a clear idea of the war’s end and goals, and surged into war without understanding Vietnam’s situation. They opted for the traditional form of fighting instead of using counterinsurgency strategies.

How the Vietnam War ended

President Nixon has stopped sending troops in 1973, suspending offensive action against North Vietnam. In 1973, direct US involvement ceased according to the Paris Peace Accords. South Vietnam’s Saigon fell under communist rule on April 29, 1975. The defeat of South Vietnam was the inevitable fall of America in the war as well.

Communist Vietnam’s victory wrapped up 116 years of the country’s fight with foreign occupation. Unfortunately, the win was at the cost of a million Vietnamese lives.

Back in 2800 BC, there were recorded soap-like materials that existed in Ancient Babylon. The soap was made of water, cassia oil, and alkali. The soap formula was written on a clay tablet of the early Babylon dating back to around 2200 BC.

How the first soap was used

It is said that the early Egyptians used animal and vegetable oils and combined them with alkaline salts to create a soap-y like substance. Early records also suggest that they bathed regularly, perhaps using the same substance. Aside from bathing, the soap-y substance was also important in getting the wool ready for weaving.

The evolution

From animal fats, the 16th century in Europe introduced a new ingredient for making soaps, through the use of vegetable oils. With the growth of the civilization, which brought about more emphasis on hygiene, bearing, and beauty, soaps became a staple for households. Among the popular ingredients are lye and fats (from vegetable or animal oil). Today, soaps come in different scents and formula for cleansing and skincare.

Born on January 27, 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the youngest of the seven children. He was also one of the only two who survived, as the rest of his siblings died during early childhood. People consider him to be a musical genius even at an early age. At age 3, he already learned to play the clavichord. He wrote musical compositions as early as four years old and his public performance was set at age 5. Mozart then became one of the most influential classical musicians of his time and even beyond his death on December 5, 1791.

Mozart's music

Mozart's musical compositions are known for their natural flow and charm. They express different emotions--humor, sorrow, or joy. He was also known for his operas, piano concertos, and symphonies, which exemplify musical mastery. As a versatile composer of his time, Mozart was also involved in chamber music and also wrote religious music. Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Ludwig van Beethoven were among the popular musicians who were deeply inspired by Mozart.

The final days of Mozart

Mozart was in Prague for the La clemenza di Tito opera premiere when he started to become ill. Though he still conducted for the The Magic Flute premiere, as days passed, his illness became more severe until he was bedridden. He suffered from pain, vomiting, and swelling. Mozart's death remains unknown, though some records claim that he suffered from "severe miliary fever." Others said it was trichinosis, influenza, a kidney ailment, or even mercury poisoning. But many believe that he died of acute rheumatic fever since he had attacks when he was a child.

Mozart is described thin and pale, which is a stark contrast to his powerful music and influential compositions. Though he died at a very young age of 35, he was able to contribute much to musical history, experimenting with different musical genre and evoking varied emotions every time.

The Japanese Attacks the US Naval Base

December 7, 1941 marked the attack on the Pearl Harbor by the Japanese forces. Unprepared by the sudden strike on the US Naval Base, the attack resulted in the sinking of four battleships of the US Navy and four damaged navy ships. The casualty was greater on the US Naval Base with three damaged cruisers and destroyers and one minelayer. The surprise attack ravished a total of 188 aircraft and led to the death of more than 2,000 people. More than 1,000 were wounded.

US response to the attacks

The attack automatically engaged the US in the World War II. This happened prior to the
formal declaration of war by the US. Considering the nature of the attack and the number
of casualties, the then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941 to be
a "date which will live in infamy."

Reflection on this world history event

The rest of the world was stunned with the Pearl Harbor attack that led to massive damages
on the US Naval Base. It was so carefully planned and executed that the US didn't see it
coming. Although a force to reckon with, there's no doubt that the US was weakened badly.
The purpose of the Japanese forces is to destroy the naval battleships to make way for
further south expansion, supporting Japan's advancement into the Dutch East Indies and Malaya for rubber, oil, and other natural resources.

It all started when the Western powers refused to trade with Japan. From then on, the growing tension could no longer be ignored. The Pacific war was said to be on its way with Japan wanting to seize the mineral-rich Southeast Asia.

When I was in highschool, I used to join quiz bees sponsored by our school. Every year the school conducts science, math, english, and history quiz bees for each level. I always participate in the History quiz bee since that's my forte. I never won any award or medal for joining this competition for four years. I remember I came close to winning the first place during my sophomore year. I lost because I did not know the answer for the tie-breaker question. If my memory is right, the question asked who the father of India is. I didn't know what to write since I'm very poor when it comes to Asian History.

My opponent won the contest since he knows the answer to the question. Ever since that fatal day, the name Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India, is forever engraved in my memory. I also remember that my mom prepared a delicious scallop dish just for me since she thought I won. I didn't eat anything that day since I'm busy researching information about Gandhi in the internet. Based from my research, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a spiritual and political leader of India. People referred to him as their father. He believes in non-violence when pursuing freedom.

Mahatma Gandhi was a lawyer and freedom fighter. He used to study in Europe and help the Africans with their problems before he came back to India. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948. Gandhi was in a prayer meeting when he was shot. A lot of people said that Gandhi was murdered because there are extremists who didn't like his peaceful ideas. Even though Gandhi had done great achievements, he never won any Nobel Peace Prize.

I love the show America's Next Top Model by the former model Tyra Banks. I watched all cycles from one to six. I love the countries and sites they visited. I remember, one time, they visited the cell of Nelson Mandela when America's Next Top Model cycle four went to Cape Town, South Africa. I wondered, "Who is Nelson Mandela?" Please excuse my ignorance over the subject, but I don't have any clue who he is. My friend who is good in history told me that Nelson Mandela was the first ever president of South Africa.

I don't really know a lot of stuff about African History since I like Asian History more. My friend, who is good at African History, is the one who keeps me informed about the dark continent's past. She told me that Nelson was born on July 18, 1918. He was a freedom fighter who believed in non-violence to meet his goals. He was imprisoned for twenty-seven years due to his activist acts as an anti apartheid before he became the president. He was South Africa's president for five years from 1994-1999.

My friend told me that a lot of South Africans were disappointed in what Mandela did during his office term. Mandela, according to the people, did not focus his attention toward the threatening problem of AIDS. During his office years, the issue of HIV is the main issue or concern of his people. The number of AIDS victim was becoming rampant. However, my friend told me that he was very proud of Mandela because the African leader was able to unite the black and white South Africans via the 1995 Rugby World Cup that South Africa hosted.

When I was a volunteer teacher for young kids in our community, I taught my students the famous sites of France. As I asked them to give examples, they all said in unison, "Eiffel Tower." When I asked them if they know who designed the Eiffel tower, none of them could answer me. I am not surprised when they couldn't answer my question because only a few people know who designed it. I know that the answer is Eiffel since usually towers are named after its creators but I have no background as to who designed it. When I did my research, I found out that Gustave Eiffel is the man behind the famous Eiffel Tower and The Statue of Liberty.

Gustave Eiffel, the man who created The Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty was a famous architect for metallic buildings. His name Eiffel is taken from the place where his German ancestors lived. He was born in Dijon, Côte-d'Or, France on December 15, 1832. He studied Chemistry at the famous Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufactures in Paris. Aside from the two famous structures he built, he was also known for building state of the art bridges all over the world. Truly, Gustave Eiffel is one of the greatest architects and engineers of all time. People like me won't remember him but his works will never fade in the hearts of the people.

Before I didn't know the reason why the French built the Eiffel Tower. But through the article I've read and printed from my new hp printer, I discovered that it was for the International Inquisition in 1889. A lot of people especially French artists were against Eiffel's design. They all said that the Eiffel Tower will destroy the beauty and grace of Paris. They all requested Gustave to change the design but Gustave Eiffel didn't listen to them. After the Eiffel Tower was finished, a lot of people admired Gustave's creation. In fact, after the Inquisition they planned to dismantle the tower but they decided to retain it. Today, Eiffel Tower is the symbol of French culture and pride.

One fatal mistake can lead to a devastating crisis and inflict endless pain. This is what I observed as I read the news in my dsl broadband internet about the Middleast crisis. I felt pity to the innocent civilians, who were killed in the Israeli airstrike in Qana. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert earlier apologized to the Lebanese for what happened in Qana. He was sorry for the pain he had caused Lebanese but quickly said that they are fighting terrorists, in reference to Hezbollah. Last Sunday, Israeli aircraft bombed Qana, Lebanon which killed at least fifty-four innocent civilians. Although, I know Israel is fighting for what they believe in. If they want to annihilate Hezbollah, they shouldn't harm any civilians. The adage, the end justifies the means is not applicable in this situation.

The word cease fire may be the last word you can ever hear Israel utters. According to the news, Israel has fifteen thousand reserve troops, which will go inside the territory of Lebanon in just a few days. Israel is very firm when they said no to cease fire, in spite of the warnings of other nations. In fact, yesterday, the cabinet has approved their offensive campaign against Lebanon. Even, United States, which is not involve in this crisis is declaring no to cease fire. How dare US butt-in, in this crisis as though, it is not part of the conflict. Instead of mediating to solve the issue between two nations, US stares and creates stand while they watch the two nations killed each other.

It seems like there's no hope that Israel would change their mind about attacking and pulverizing Hezbollah in Lebanon. In fact, Israeli troops have entered Aita Al-Shaab, a Lebanese town in the south. This conclude that Israel won't back down against their word to end Hezbollah. I remembered, this conflict began when Hezbollah killed two Israelis. Even though, this feud can still be patch, it seems that Israel has close its doors for reconciliation and peace talks. Israel should remember that everything in this world is relative and subjective. For the Lebanese, hezbollah is not a terrorist group because they are only fighting for their beliefs, which is also the same with Israel. They're killing and fighting because of their beliefs. If fighting for what you believe in means you're a terrorist then I can say that Israel is a terrorist as well.

The last horrific massacre that could be remembered by the entire mankind as a perpetual stigma is The Holocaust. That was before 1994. If there were millions of Orthodox Jews, Polish, and Russians slaughtered back then, it was the result of extreme bigotry and racism. The trouble with a single continent such as Europe is that there are far too many different cultures to tolerate. In Africa, there is little difference from one culture to the next. Yet, racism existed and resulted in another grand butchering back in 1994, called the Rwandan Genocide.

The Rwandan Genocide was a mass killing of about 1,071,000 Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda. The Hutu militant groups organized a killing spree of such gargantuan scale that even their moderate tribespeople had been murdered. The Hutus were considered the "lesser" Rwandans who were less favored in the country, called the Bantu, while the Tutsis belonged to the more noble race called Hamites. Of course, if you were a Hutu, you would think otherwise and drive out the foreign invaders. Ethnic rivalry is a single powerful cause of this belated African massacre.

Some argue that if the United Nations had intervened far earlier, this mass murder wouldn't have happened. There were cries of possible amassing of weapons and Hutu militant preparations, but the UN had dismissed this. In fact, the US, then governed by Pres Bill Clinton had been a member of the First World countries who did not actively engage in the necessary peacekeeping process. It was only when the Tutsi-ruled Rwandan Patriotic Front, headed by Paul Kagame, took over the reigning Hutus did the Rwandan Genocide of '94 ended.

Does the name Che Guevarra ring a bell? Do you honestly know who Che Guevarra is? Probably most people would answer me that he's the guy in the picture of merchandises like clothes, hats, handkerchiefs and bags. A lot of people wear these stuff not because they love Che Guevarra and honor the things he did but because these apparels are trendy and hip. In fact, I was one of those who like to wear Che Guevarra stuff even though I don't know him exactly. One day, I decided to do my research and found out that he was an Argentinian revolutionary leader who desired to free his country from the dictatorship of Juan Peron. He was a patriotic man and one of the heroes in the history of Argentina. He is not simply a face in T-shirts. He is a freedom fighter.

When Ernesto "Che" Guevarra was twenty-three years old he decided to go on a trip with his friend, Alberto Granado to travel the vast region of Latin America. They lodged in only when there were people who would give them shelter and food. At that time, there were no convenient hotel reservations yet like today. Their trip led them to discover the poverties of each nation and Che became aware of the conditions of his fellowmen. This awakened his patriotism and a deep desire to help free his people. What began as a simple journey to visit and enjoy the country became a journey towards self-realization and awareness of the present social conditions. This rarely happens to rich kids like Che. Most heroes, as we know, came from the grassroots and the injustices experienced spurred them into action. The accounts and narration of the adventures of Che and his friend in their motorcycle, La Poderosa, was recorded in the book titled, "Motorcycle Diaries."

During the travels of Che Guevarra and his friend Alberto Granado, they came across a leper colony and helped their for awhile since they have medical expertise. I haven't actually read the novel but I've seen the movie which starred Gael Garcia Bernal. In the movie, there was a part there when Che swam all the way at the far end of the island towards the leprosy patients even though he had asthma. For him, crossing the river that separates the healthy doctors from the ill patients had conquered the division and marginalization that existed because of this setup. All throughout his stay in the leper colony, he wondered why these people had to be isolated from them. He had an awakening: the division exists not only in the leper colony but in Latin America as well. I hope rich people today are like Che.

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous building ever built in the world. It was built to protect China from the Mongol, Turkic, and other nomadic tribes trying to invade China. The wall measures 6,352 kilometers starting from Shanhai Pass on the Bohai Sea in the east, at the limit between "China proper" and Manchuria, to Lop Nur in the southeastern portion of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The wall roughly delineates the border between North China and Inner Mongolia. It was built during the reign of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi between 220 BC and 200 BC.

During the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the initial wall of the amazing Great Wall of China was built. It was mostly a product of several regional walls built by warring states and not by single endeavors. It was the government who ordered its citizens to build the wall. While building the wall, there were many workers who died because of enemy's attack. It was referred to as the “longest cemetery on Earth” or “the long graveyard.” It was also said that there are almost one million workers who died building the wall. The succeeding walls were built by succeeding dynasties namely the Han, the Sui, and the Ten Kingdoms.

Some portions of the Great Wall of China were opened as tourist spots for foreigners. There are also parts that were reconstructed and alloted for preservation. However, most of its locations are in poor condition right now. There are parts that became playground for children and source of stones for building houses and roads. It is estimated that only 20% of the Great Wall of China is still in good condition. Still, there are a lot of people who wants to see this amazing structure in China.