Great Schism

Great Schism Priest 1054

Q: What was the Great Schism?
A: The Great Schism was the divide between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Roman Catholic Church.

Q: What were some of the causes of this division?
A: The East and West were always disagreeing about this or that. For example, using leavened or unleavened bread in Eucharist, or the Pope's idea of universal jurisdiction. One of the things that really made tensions rise were indulgences. Political and theological disputes like this were very common.

Q: What effect do you think this will have on the Church?
A: I cannot tell if it will strengthen Christianity as a whole and expand it, or bring it crashing down. The two sides will disagree but now that they are seperate they may fight less.

Crusades

Crusades Pope Urban II 1095

Q: You have recently sent knights out to recapture Jerusalem, what is your thinking behind this?

A: The Muslims have control of Jerusalem, a very holy site for us Christians. We wish to get it back. We have an abundance of unemployed knights and this is the perfect job for them.

1100 Christian Knight

Q: You accomplished your mission, you successfully took Jerusalem. How?

A: The journey here was long and arduous. We lacked supplies and many men died. Once we arrived, our attacks were unsuccessful. We gathered materials to build siege engines. When they were built we got over the walls of Jerusalem and took over. We opened the gates and killed anyone we came across.

Q: How do you feel being in control of the Holy Land?

A: Good, I am glad that we were able to complete our mission. I am also glad that Christians are able to make pilgrimages now. We have also learned things here that will help in Europe. Through trade we have gotten new ideas and culture.

Battle of Tours

Battle of Tours Charles "The Hammer" Martel 732

Q: Being heavily outnumbered, how did you feel going into this battle?

A: Being the King of the Franks, it was my duty to lead my troops into battle regardless of the opposing force. I knew that I was the last stand against the Umayyad before they were fully into Europe.

Q: What was the significance of winning this battle to you?

A: This was a holy fight. My army was the only thing standing in the way of Christian Europe being turned Muslim by these invaders. We simply had to win. If we had lost, they would continue through Europe killing, pillaging, and converting people to Islam.

·          " Battle of Tours (732 A.D.) ." The Latin Library . N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2010. <http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/imperialism/notes/tours.html>.

William the Conqueror

William the Conqueror 1086

Q: What position did you hold that made you wish to be the king of England?

A: When my father died, I inherited the position of Duke of Normandy.

Q: You did not gain this position as easily as it sounds, did you?

A: No, the Barons did not accept me because I was not the "legitimate" son of the duke. There was a lot of chaos involving this situation including the deaths of many of my Guardians.

Q: When you were prepared to invade England, you were forced to wait by foul winds, how did this end up helping you?

A: Yes, my ships could not launch as planned. While I was stuck though, the king of Norway attacked England and the English forces were needed there. They defeated the Norwegians but their forces were weakened. By the time I arrived the English army was weak and my forces defeated them.

Q: How did your victory at the Battle of Hastings effect the situation in England?

A: For one, it killed Harold who was the king. Two, it made me king. And three, it destroyed Anglo-Saxon England.

Q: What is different about your reign then the Anglo-Saxon?
A: The Norman Feudal system is used. Also I have created the Doomsday book to have a census and accurately tax the people.

  "William the Conqueror.." English Monarchs - A complete history of the Kings and Queens of England.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2010. <http://www.englishmonarchs.co

Columbus leaves Spain

Columbus leaves Spain 1492

Q: You have just left Spain on an exploration trip, what are you hoping to find?

A: I will find a fast trade route to the Indies.

Q: Who is financing your trip?

A: King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.

Q: Were they the first you presented your plans to?

A: No, previously I presented my plans to the king of Portugal, King Henry VII of England, King Charles VIII of France, and even the Spanish court three times before they agreed to finance the voyage.

Q: How did you finally get King Ferdinand to agree?

A: A priest helped me convince the Spanish rulers that if I found the route, Christianity could be spread.

Q: When he agreed, what did King Ferdinand give you?

A: He gave me three ships and all the necessary provisions and supplies to make the voyage.

Q: What effect do you think finding this trade route will have?

A: If I find the route, trade will be much faster and more practical. There will be a chance for us to enjoy some of the foreign goods here in Europe. Our culture and religious practices will be spread through trade. We will also get tastes of other cultures. European greatness will have the opportunity to spread throughout the world.

·         "Christopher Columbus." ELIZABETHAN ERA. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. <http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/christopher-columbus.htm>.

Magna Carta

Magna Carta 1217 Baron of King John

Q: Being a Baron, you were one of the men who got this document into place, what were your motives?

A: King John was taxing the Barons without our consent. We did not want to be taxed that heavily. We put the Magna Carta into place because we didn’t want the king to be above the law.

Q: The fighting that put this document into place sent the country into chaos, was it worth it?

A: Yes, it was very worth it. It may have sent the country into chaos for a short time but it will help the people of England greatly in the future.

Q: What is the Magna Carta?

A: Essentially the Magna Carta is a document that states that the king is not above the law, the rights of nobles, due process of law, tax control with Grand Council of Lords, the king can’t interfere with the church, and Parliament has control of the Purse.

Q: How did you get King John to sign this?

A: Originally we presented our ideas to him in the customary way. When he rejected the ideas, we had to take more drastic measures. The other barons and I, with the Church’s support, gathered our forces and defeated the King’s men. With his men defeated he was forced to sign the document.

Q: What is so important about the Magna Carta?

A: It keeps our rulers just. No longer can the king do whatever he pleases. I believe this is the first step to take our society away from kings and queens to a better system of rule.

Charlamagne

801 Charlemagne

Q: You are the grandson of Charles Martel, correct?

A: Yes.

Q: In 768 you inherited half of your father’s kingdom because it was split between you and your brother correct?

A: Yes.

Q: In 771 your brother died and you controlled all the land of your kingdom correct?

A: Yes.

Q: When you took control of the kingdom, how did you see it?

A: It was a time of chaos. The Franks were falling back into barbarian ways and moving away from their faith. The Saxons in the north were still pagans.

Q: Why were you so determined to change this?

A: The Kingdom was once great. I wished to restore it to the greatness of our past rulers.

Q: How did you go about changing this?

A: In 772 I launched a military campaign to bring unity to Europe and strengthen my kingdom.

Q: Was this military campaign successful?

A: Yes, by 800 I was the undisputed ruler of Europe.

Q: What specific event verified this undisputed rule for you?

A: When the pope decided to coronateme as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Q: What was the major importance of this move?

A: Being the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, I unified the Christian Empire.

"Charlemagne | King of the Franks | Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire." Lucidcafé Interactive Café and Information Resource. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. <http://www.lucidcafe.com/library

Rome Sacked

Alleric 411

Q: Had you had previous attacks prior to the destruction in 410?

A: Yes, we had attacked before looking for food but because there was little available we mostly left the city alone and moved on to another.

Q: Rome was a pretty secure city, how did your Visigoth army attack it?

A: My troops surrounded the city and laid siege. We cut off all supply lines and starved them out. There was no way we could win a head on attack so we allowed it to crumble from the inside.

Q: Seeing as they were starving, the Romans probably provided little opposition once you were inside the city, how did you deal with this?

A: That is correct, many of the citizens were dead from starvation and the soldiers were weak. Many did not even put up a fight. My men physically destroyed the city taking all the food and riches we could. Many citizens died during the attack but we took a powerful enemy off the map.

Q: How does the destruction of Rome affect your future conquests?

A: Now that the main power of the area is destroyed, it will be much easier for me to conquer other cities that may have relied on the Romans for protection. There will be chaos that I can take advantage of.

Constantine the Great

Constantine The Great 336

Q: Who did you take over rule after?

A: Diocletian

Q: Diocletian divided the Roman Empire into East and West, which half did you take over rule in?

A: I took control in the East half, the Byzantine Empire.

Q: Why did you move the capital?

A: I moved the capital from Rome to another city and named it Constantinople. I did this partly because of the corruption and the barbarian attacks in Rome, we needed change.

Q: One of the most important things you have done as emperor is legalizing Christianity in 313. Not only that but you converted to Christianity yourself. Can you tell me about this?

A: Yes, I had seen Christians persecuted in Rome for a long time, even in the time of my father. I had a vision the night before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. I looked to the sky and saw a Christian sign that said in this sign, you will conquer. I had my soldiers paint the sign on their shields and we won the battle. After that I felt as if the Christian god was important to me. I converted to Christianity and legalized it for all citizens.

Q: Following this battle you also advanced in the political scheme of things correct?

A: Yes, I became the sole emperor of the Roman Empire.

Q: Legalizing Christianity really changed the Roman Empire, how do you think it will affect the future?

A: I think it will affect both the religion and the empire. The religion will most certainly grow and become more popular. I think the empire will become more predominantly Christian rather than Pagan and I think that will change the way it is run.

Hickman, Kennedy. "Battle of the Milvian Bridge - Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge ." Military History - Warfare through the Ages - Battles and Conflicts - Weapons of War - Military Leaders in History. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2010. <http://militaryhistory.about.com

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar 44 BC

Q:When you were 15 your father died, did this help your political career?

A: Yes. My father expected me to hold a lowlyadministration position. When he died, that expectation died with him.

Q: How did you start your campaign to hold a high government position?

A: I joined the army. I advanced through the ranks and became a general. At this point I had political influence and loyal legions behind me.

Q: In 49 BC you crossed the Rubicon with your army, what was your thinking behind this?

A: I wished to hold a higher position in the Roman Empire. The Senate supported Pompey. It was a simple decision; either I had to defeat the Senate or Pompey.

Q: Eventually you did defeat Pompey for control of Rome didn’t you?

A: Yes, in 48 BC I defeated Pompey at the Battle of Pharsalus15 and won control of Rome.

Q: You recently became the first Roman dictator for life, how did you manage this?

A: This is what I have always wanted, a high position in Roman government. I had defeated Pompey and won control of Rome, it was only fitting that I should be the leader of this great empire. I “persuaded” the Senate to make me dictator for life.

Q: What does this mean for Rome?

A: Rome will now have a new system of ruling.

Axis Age/Golden Age in Greece

Axis Age/Golden Age in Greece Pericles 430

Q: The period of your rule has been called the golden age of Greece, would you agree with this?

A: Greece is a great country and has had many great times. I don’t know if this is the greatest but it is definitely one of the best periods in our history.

Q: What was Greece like in this period that was different from other periods?

A: Athens in particular is thriving. Art, learning, and culture are very important. We have incredible thinkers such as Socrates. Socrates is always questioning the most inner workings of humanity and the universe. He has developed a way of teaching that I believe will be used far into the future because of its effectiveness. This method consists of asking questions to teach others. Our economy is booming. When the economy is great, our people can appreciate the arts and express themselves which only makes our society better.

Q: It has been said that you have different political views from many leaders around you, is this true?

A: Yes, I am a firm believer of democracy. All the people are being ruled so why shouldn’t all people get a choice in how they are ruled? I do not like oligarchy. I prefer a true democracy where everyone votes on everything.

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great 325 BC

Q: Alexander, I’ve heard that your mother told you that you were a descendant of Achilles and Hercules when growing up is this true?

A: Yes, when I was growing up my mother told me I was related to them and that I was destined to be a great conqueror.

Q: Why was this important to you?

A: It made me feel like I had a destiny to fill. It motivated me to always do well and to achieve as much as them. It helped me become what I am today, the ruler of a great empire.

Q: Speaking of the empire, what motivated you to build this empire besides your mother telling you that you are a descendant of Achilles and Hercules?

A: I have modeled my empire after the old Roman Empire. I told myself that I wanted to restore the Roman Empire to its previous glory.

Q: It seems that you have used a style of Hellenistic culture when conquering these cities and adding them to your empire, how are you doing this?

A: Yes, when my armies conquer a city, I take the best parts of their culture and merge them with our own Roman culture. I find that this not only creates a great new culture but it makes the people of the conquered city like me and be less likely to rebel. We even take some of the young men to Rome to show them what they can achieve with our help.

Q: You were a pupil of Aristotle correct?

A: Yes.

Q: How did his teachings benefit you the most?

A: His teachings gave me an interest in reading and learning. The areas I was most interested in were philosophy, medicine, and science. His teachings improved my thinking and decision making. It is always a good idea to have an educated leader.

Q: Each aspiring leader must prove themselves to the people, how did you do this?

A: When I was 16, my father was away. There was an uprising in Macedonia; I was called to put down the rebellion. I established myself immediately by crushing the uprising and storming the rebels’ stronghold. I named it Alexandropoulos, after myself.

Q: Why was conquering so important to Rome?

A: Rome has been on a decline, I intend to get it back to its glorious leading position. If I can restore it, it will lead the world for many years to come.

Zheng He

It is 1434 and I am an advisor to the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Zheng He is an exceptional explorer from China. China built him around 300 ships to create the biggest and most powerful fleet ever. He made voyages to places like India, Africa, and the Middle East. He got exposure to culture from all over the world. With his fleet China controlled the seas and could have dominated the entire world. Then the emperor insisted he be brought back to China and his fleet destroyed. I personally disagreed but I could not argue with the emperor. I saw it as such a waste of potential. The fleet was destroyed and China looked inward rather than out. Rigid loyalty and tradition set in and forever will weaken China. The door of opportunity was open for Chinese dominance and it was slammed shut when the fleet was destroyed.

 "Admiral Zheng He." University of Oregon | . N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2010. <http://pages.uoregon.edu/inaasim/Hist%20487/Spring%2006/Biography%20of%20Admiral%20Zheng%20He.htm>.

Carleton, Robert. "Ancient China." World History A. Seaholm. Room A207, Birmingham. 10 Oct. 2010. Class lecture.

Mongols take China

The Mongols are a nomadic people. They are excellent horsemen. They are led by Ghengis Khan, universal ruler. He is a ruthless soldier and leader. In 1214, he united the Mongol tribes and led his horseback archers into Northern China and controlled it. It is 1225 and I am living in Southern China. In order to keep the Mongols from dissolving into Chinese society only Mongols are allowed to hold government positions. Even with the Great Wall Northern China was taken over by the Mongols. The people of Southern China hope to reclaim Northern China but the Mongols are too strong.

Invictus. "The Mongol Empire - All Empires." All Empires: Online History Community. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2010. <http://www.allempires.com/article/index.php?q=The_Mongol_Empire>.

Carleton, Robert. "Ancient China." World History A. Seaholm. Room A207, Birmingham. 10 Oct. 2010. Class lecture.

Sung Dynasty

It’s 978 in China. I am a rice farmer. The Sung Dynasty has reunited China again. A new form of rice has been brought back to China from the Silk Road. I am now able to produce two crops a year instead of one. I am able to sell one of the crops and I make much more money than I did before. I am now able to buy more and help the economy. This rice has led to a surplus that leads to commerce and arts being brought to China. Because of the distance of trade paper money is now being used because it is much easier to transport. There are two different social classes in society during this time. There are the Gentry, who are the scholars, and the Peasantry who are everyone else. China has a very rich culture and has invented many things such as porcelain, gunpowder, block printing, and the mechanical clock.

Carleton, Robert. "Ancient China." World History A. Seaholm. Room A207, Birmingham. 10 Oct. 2010. Class lecture.

Tang Dynasty

I’m a common person living in China in the year 625. The Tang Dynasty is currently in control. Li Yuan is the emperor. Prior to the Tang, the Sui Dynasty was in power. The Sui built the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is a major trade route. The Grand Canal extends 1200 miles from Hangzhou in the South to Beijing in the North. This strengthened China and allowed us to trade and be more unified with the rest of China. Now that the Tang Dynasty is in power Li Yuan is expanding Chinese lands through conquest. The Tang rulers have returned the Han style of government based on Confucianism. They have enlarged civil service so the best minds in society will end up in the government positions. There are mixed emotions about these systems throughout China. Poetry and the arts are very popular around China. There are many poets and artisans. By far the most popular of these are the poets Li Po and Du Fu. They are very famous.

Carleton, Robert. "Ancient China." World History A. Seaholm. Room A207, Birmingham. 10 Oct. 2010. Class lecture.

Buddhism comes to China

I am a Buddhist in China in the year 619AD. The Tang Dynasty is currently in power. Buddhism has been spreading from India for many years. The trade routes spread not only goods but also religious ideas.  Trade is the way that Buddhism makes its breakthrough in China and spreads throughout the world. After many years Buddhism is gradually becoming more influential in our culture. The Tang Dynasty is making an effort to make Buddhism a legitimately popular religion in China. This is a big movement and many people are converting. I think this is an important thing for our culture. A Buddhist Monk named Xuan Zang went to seek the Buddhist Sutra in India. After enduring a long and difficult journey, he brought back a total of 657 sutras for which the Big Wild Goose Pagoda was especially built to preserve. In the process of translating the classical sutras, Buddhist monks gradually formed a mature system of ideology. This is a big movement and will affect many people in China.

"China Tang Dynasty Culture, Religion, Poem, Novel, Architecture." China Travel Agency, China Tours, Beijing Tour Packages,24/7 Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2010. <http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/tang/culture-religion.htm>.

Han Dynasty

I am a Buddhist in China in the year 619AD. The Tang Dynasty is currently in power. Buddhism has been spreading from India for many years. The trade routes spread not only goods but also religious ideas.  Trade is the way that Buddhism makes its breakthrough in China and spreads throughout the world. After many years Buddhism is gradually becoming more influential in our culture. The Tang Dynasty is making an effort to make Buddhism a legitimately popular religion in China. This is a big movement and many people are converting. I think this is an important thing for our culture. A Buddhist Monk named Xuan Zang went to seek the Buddhist Sutra in India. After enduring a long and difficult journey, he brought back a total of 657 sutras for which the Big Wild Goose Pagoda was especially built to preserve. In the process of translating the classical sutras, Buddhist monks gradually formed a mature system of ideology. This is a big movement and will affect many people in China.

"China Tang Dynasty Culture, Religion, Poem, Novel, Architecture." China Travel Agency, China Tours, Beijing Tour Packages,24/7 Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2010. <http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/tang/culture-religion.htm>.

Great Wall

I am a common person in China. The year is 222 BC. The emperor Shi Huangdi recently started the incredible construction project. He has ordered a Great Wall to be built across our northern border to protect against invaders. The people of China appreciate the extra protection but wonder if it’s worthwhile. The project comes at great cost to the people. People all around me are being taken from their homes to work on the wall. Those who go never return. So many people die from overexertion, starvation, and dehydration. Many who die are just buried in the wall. If they complain they are beaten or killed. These cruel actions are making tensions rise and the people hate the government. All around people despise the emperor. Tensions are rising and I feel that a revolution is imminent.

Carleton, Robert. "Ancient China." World History A. Seaholm. Room A207, Birmingham. 10 Oct. 2010. Class lecture.

Lao Zi and Taoism

I’m living in China in 550 BC. I am a follower of Taoism. Taoism is a new concept and many people think I am wrong for following this new practice. The goal of Taoism is to take away anything that may distract someone from understanding the Tao. As I understand it the Tao is an unmeasured inconceivable concept for everything that exists. The sage of this new practice is Lao Zi. He dedicated his life to balancing his inner spirits. He is a great model for the Taoist community. Taoism is a fast growing religion and I think it will have a great influence on the future of China.

"XIAMEN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, P.R.China." XIAMEN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, P.R.China. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://english.xm.gov.cn/study

Confucius

It is 496 BC. I am a follower of Confucius. Confucius was a government official but he was forced to resign because his ideas contradicted those of the governments. He now wanders throughout China teaching his ideas. Confucius promotes being good. He especially says rulers need to be good so the people will have an example to follow. He is not always accepted where he travels because not everyone agrees with his ideas. He also teaches that as long as the rulers are just, the people need to respect their authority. Family is a huge concept of Confucius’ teachings. Confucius focuses on 5 relationships, Li, Jen, Te, Wen, and Chung Su. I believe Confucius’ teachings will one day be recognized for how important they are.

Carleton, Robert. "Ancient China." World History A. Seaholm. Room A207, Birmingham. 10 Oct. 2010. Class lecture.

Smith, Huston. The World's Religions (Plus). New York: Harperone, 2008. Print.

Unification of China

It is 225 BC. I am a common person living in China. The Qin Dynasty has recently come to power here in China. The Qin Dynasty came to power out of the time of the warring states. At the time the Chu were in power. After conquering the other states a legalist form of government was put in place and the leader declared himself Shi Huangdi, the first emperor.  Emperors are the ruling system of the future. Our dynasty is the first to unify all of China. Shi Huangdi is a ruthless ruler. He tolerates nothing. The people despise him. He is sure to lose the mandate of heaven and I am sure a revolution will follow.

Carleton, Robert. "Ancient China." World History A. Seaholm. Room A207, Birmingham. 10 Oct. 2010. Class lecture.