Why was gold used for money?

Check out this fascinating look from NPR's "Planet Money" about why ancient people began using gold as money, and why we still value gold so highly today.

History Memes!

You're so clever! Here are some of the best history memes you put together last week:

Advice for Future Freshmen

Well, it's that time of the year -- time to take the knowledge you've learned as a freshmen and pass it along to future freshmen. And what better way to share this advice than through memes?

The Colonial Experience in Africa: Political Cartoons

After studying the colonial experiences of Africans and Europeans in Ghana, the Congo, Kenya, and Algeria. our class made political cartoons showing the differing perspectives and experiences of Africans and Europeans. Scroll down to view cartoons from both classes, and feel free to leave your comments below! 

Imperialism in Ghana from the European perspective

"Traditional Rulers Take Over" by Dan A, Jack F, and Marcus S 

"Robbing Ghana" by Ariyand A, Sean H, and Shaunak P 

Imperialism in Ghana from the African perspective

"Britain's Newest Addition" by Gabe B, Ethan H, and Kevin S 

"The Suppression of the Ghanians" by Griffin B, Tim I, and Graham P

Imperialism in the Congo from the European perspective

"Happy Workers" by Nick D and Grayson P 

"Congolese Independence" by Aman G, Matt W, and Brendan M

Imperialism in the Congo from the African perspective

The Congo Takes it to Belgium" by Evan D and Isaiah S 

"Congo vs. Belgium" by Kareem H and Stephen O 

Imperialism in Kenya from the European perspective

"Cash Crops" by Kyle B, Pete H, and Cameron W 

"Let's Make A Deal!" by Pat B, Sean K, and David R 

"Beyond His Wildest Dreams" by David R

Imperialism in Kenya from the African perspective

"Kenya's Stand Against Colonization" by Connor C, Ryan K, and Harry W 

"Kenya" by Nick C, Trevor L, and Ben S

Imperialism in Algeria from the European perspective

"French Invasion" by Steven C, Joey L, and Jeff W 

"Algerian-France" by Peter D, Steven L, and Huy T 

Imperialism in Algeria from the African perspective

"The Copycat" by Mike C and Bobby N

"French Assimilation in Algeria" by Addy D, Matt M, and Ryan V

Why Napoleon Hates Rabbits (Probably)

 

You have to see this to believe it ... the time Napoleon was attacked by rabbits!

Read all about Napoleon's embarrassing retreat in the face of a field of bunnies here.

Great Moments in Facial Hair History: Peter the Great

In the picture above we see Peter the Great cutting the beard of a boyar (a Russian noble). Peter the Great, in his continuing efforts to westernize Russia, forced all boyars to cut off their beards so that they resembled the clean-shaven western nobility. Peter levied a tax on those who wished to keep their beards.

To view a short video about the 2013 International Beard and Moustache Championship, click here.

Zheng He’s Expeditions

Above, the Chinese admiral Zheng He.

Today, you will research the voyages of Zheng He, the famous Chinese admiral, to better understand the Chinese naval and commercial activities in the Indian Ocean in the early 15th century.



Using the links below, as well as your notes from class and your textbook, answer the following questions in 3-4 sentences each:

1. What do Zheng He’s experiences tell us about the values of China at this time?
2. What do the Chinese fleets reveal about technology and wealth in China at this time?
3. How did the Chinese use a tribute system as a means of trade?
4. What advantages and disadvantages might a Ming ruler have seen in continuing overseas trade?

Above, a diagram comparing the size of Zheng He’s ships to those of Columbus.

Links:
China’s Great Armada and Admiral Zheng He from National Geographic
Sultan’s Lost Treasure from NOVA Online (Read pages 1 and 2)
Zheng He Maritime Explorations - Overview from ABC-Clio (You will need to log in to view this link.)
Zheng He biography