Scientific Revolution

The readings this week made me stop and appreciate the comfort we have been given through science by these amazing people. If it had not been for the discoveries of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo or Newton I wonder where we would be. These men had to endure many questions about their integrity, knowledge and intellect. Many did not believe them because it was something new and never considered before. I believe that it is human nature to question that which is new and often people fear what they do not understand. I Think Galileo was a strong man to stand by his work although there were those that did not believe him and would later imprison him. My favorite statement form the readings was from Sir Issac Newton to Robert Hook. He said "If I have seen further it is because I have stood on ye shoulders of giants." What a great man to acknowledge the fact that others paved the way for him.

Renaissance

It is often easier to look back at a time in history and place a name on it rather than naming it at the time. I'm sure there will be differing names for our time in history given the happenings of late. Maybe those in the future will agree on exactly what to call it or maybe not. The Renaissance seems to be a bit of a re-birth at least when looking at the readings about art and humanism. What an amazing time to live through for those that wanted freedom to express and study what they believed to be important. The new techniques, especially perspective, created a new world for artists to journey. By looking to the past the artists were able to bring back the arts and then they moved forward by making improvements and creating new forms of art. It seems this re-birth was just a stepping stone towards an amazing and exciting time in the creation of art.

Wikipedia Article Analysis

Richard Cromwell
This article tells the history of Richard Cromwell. It is not a life history as it does not have much information about his early life. It does tell about his parents, wife and children. For the most part the article discuss his rise through politics and role as Lord Protector. It focuses on the trouble he had gaining the role and the job he did while he was Lord Protector. It briefly discusses hie life after his role as Lord Protector. In his later years he moved to France, went by various alias’ and never saw his wife again.

Word count: 1,394
Search term: Richard Cromwell
Disambiguation: None
Page discussion: There are a few disagreements with the validity of the knowledge pertaining to whether he resigned as Lord Protector, the inclusion of the Cromwell line in the succession of the throne of England as well as a few other.
Page History: There have been 34 changes to this article. The first on July 18, 2004 and the last on September 26, 2006
External links: Three
References: Two
Further readings: None

This article would be best if used as a starting point for those interested in learning about Richard Cromwell's’ time as Lord Protector. It does go into quite some detail about his life as a politician. I would not recommend it if the goal of reading this article is biographical.

English Civil War

The actions of Oliver Cromwell were that of a religious extremist. He used the wants of those in search of religious freedoms to help in his effort to rid those opposed to his views. Justifying killing because of differing religious views, regardless of the view is incomprehensible to me. I am not a highly religious person but killing people because they are not the same religion as you seems to be a bit of an oxy-moron. Cromwell was successful in ousting the King, but he created a dictatorship. The people of England are fortunate that his son was not a great leader. This seems to be a problem that has long plagued many monarchies. This seems to be a legitimate reason alone for the end of privilege based on birth.

Levellers

The Levellers were a voice for the minority. I wondered as I was reading though how many of the majority might have agreed more if they had had the education to understand what they were really talking about. It is very easy for those in charge to put forth an effort to make the voice seem like they were evil simply because of their views. What they wanted seemed logical considering the wars being fought in the name of religion. If what they wanted came true then the power of those in charge (religion or government) would dissolve so it was very important that the message they were preaching be portrayed as evil and against all things good. This happens even in our time where communication is faster and better. There are those that read something and believe because it was published it must be true. The only way this battle can be won is through education. In education we are taught to ask questions about what we read and research the validity of the argument. Wouldn’t it be an amazing world if we could make an argument to those that don’t agree with us and know they were making an informed argument against us and not just following the leader?

Hundred Years War

As I was reading about the Hundred years War. I couldn't help but wonder what that might be like. How devastating it was for those involved. It all comes down to power. Those who have it want to keep it and those who don't strive to get it. The time span is a couple of generations. The times of reprieve from war could not have felt like much. Living in a time with such strife makes me feel fortunate that we are not going through what they had to. And to think it all started because the heir to the throne of France was held in question. I would have to say that if I were a Frenchman I would definitely be worried if the king of England announced he had rights to rule my country as well as his. Nationalism definately played a roll in this one, but for a hundred or so years, yikes.

Black Death

The Black Plague not only took peoples lives, it also destroyed villages, cities, economies, and had drastic affects on the population. It had an adverse affect on certain professions as well. It makes sense to me that those in the professions of caring for the inflicted would see a decline in numbers. This disease invaded whatever was in its path. The ability of this horrific disease to attack was intensified simply through trade routes. Sanitation during this time was not anywhere what we are able to experience now. I feel very fortunate that we live in an era that is able to better control the breakouts of disease such as this. We have access to clean water and proper sanitation. That added to the fact we have made medical breakthroughs to ensure better care keep us safer than those that endured this horrible tragedy. It does concern me that it still threatens us, especially here in the West. I am convinced that those recommendations by the CDC, such as environmental controls, and public education can keep us safe.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/info.htm