The 1989 protests in Tiananmen Square were arguably the greatest challenge to the Chinese Communist state since 1949. During April and May 1989, Beijing witnessed an extraordinary series of demonstrations known as ‘the Beijing Spring’. Protesters demanded freedom, democracy and the end of corruption. An estimated 3,000 civilians were wounded and over 200 killedalthough there Continue Reading
Dim Sum- the Original Brunch, by Zoey Strzelecki
Hargau (steamed shrimp dumplings), lo baakgou (turnip cake), paigwut (steamed ribs); these are a few examples of the much loved dim sum that has become recognised, and eaten across the globe. Eaten now as a meal at any time of the day, the origins of this style of eating have much deeper, historical roots. Dim Continue Reading
Ancient African Civilisations
Besides the Pharaonicera (more popularly known as the era of the Ancient Egyptians) many other Kingdoms also existed. However, very little is known about them. This article aims to provide a quick run through some of the many Kingdoms that rose and fell in Africa up till the end of the European Dark ages (anera Continue Reading
The Importance of the Railway
Leading transport journalist Christian Wolmar has claimed that the railway was the most important invention of the second Millennium. This statement is surrounded in as much as controversy as the bedroom tax, and one would be hard pressed to suggest what the definitive invention of the second millennium was, what with there being so much Continue Reading
Lincoln and the 13th Amendment – The Difficulties He Faced:
The 13th Amendment needs little, if any, introduction. Abraham Lincoln, often voted the most popular or inspirational President, has been preserved as the freer of slaves. Most recently immortalised in Stephen Spielberg’s film. However, popular accounts tend to smooth the nuances of Lincoln’s achievements. They continually ignore his overt racism and the limitations Continue Reading