William Shakespeare: In Praise of England

Besides Patriotism, what other motives may Shakespeare have had in writing this tribute to England? What are the elements in this excerpt from Richard II that makes it one of the most famous evocations of England ever written? (p. 439)

Louis XIV, The Sun King

Quotes attributed to Louis XIV

• "L'etat, c'est moi."
• "Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer."
• "I order you not to sign anything, not even a passport...without my command." (Declaration on acceding to full power at age 23)
• "I loved war too much. Do not follow me in that or in overspending." (Deathbead advice to his successor)

In this post, I want you to respond to these quotes by our friend Louis. How did each reflect his personality, his experiences, his aspirations as monarch? How does each reflect the different stages of his life and rule?

“The Atlantic Slave Trade” (Required Post)

Given the horrific realities of the slave trade, why were European governments and public opinion so slow to respond to its inhuman practices? What role did religion, economics, race and sheer ignorance play in ignoring the plight of the African slaves? How could any human being justify or rationalize taking part in the slave trade?

(Above: Diagram of a Slave Ship -- Click to enlarge)