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

How to Survive When the Ship Runs Out of Provisions

Adapted from “Worst Case Scenario Almanac: History”



Sail to land.
Finding land is the best option when provisions become dangerously low. Virtually any land animal is safe to eat if the flesh if thoroughly cooked or salted. Provided that they can be spotted and shot, wild goats, pigs, cattle, penguins, and monkeys will be popular options among the crew. Avoid eating unidentifiable mushrooms or plants, as they may be poisonous.

Ration.
Place the crew on half rations, particularly when the likelihood of sighting land is low or unknown. Move to quarter rations if necessary. Be prepared for poor morale among the crew and added stress as they adjust to the new measures, including less rum to drink.

Collect rainwater.
Put buckets on deck to collect water during storms. Hang sails tarpaulins, or mats from the rigging during the rain and wring them out into buckets.

Catch fish.
Assign members of the crew to catch fish congregating under the ship or in its shadow.

Eat in the dark.
If any remaining grains on the ship are infested with worms or weevils, wait until nightfall to eat so as not to see the bugs in the food. Eating insect-ridden food is better than not eating at all.

Eat crumb dough.
Instruct the cook to sweep up break crumbs from the bread room, mix them with water, and either bake this “dough” or serve it to the crew uncooked. (Peas and oats may be recovered in similar fashion from the hold.)

Hunt for rats.
Rats will be prevalent aboard the ship due to lax sanitary conditions. Catch them, gut and skin them, and roast them in the galley. Rats may also be traded among the crew for money or other provisions.

Be Aware:

• The typical crewmember was allotted a ration totaling about 3,500 calories each day, with a diet of dried or salted beef or pork, salted fish, hard ship’s biscuits, rice, dried peas, cheese, onions, garlic, oil, vinegar, water, and beer, wine or other liquor.

• Ships’ captains often chose to take less direct, island-hopping routes that would allow them to replace or restock rotting, insect- and rodent-infested provisions on board.