Pan Historia, and Other Nonsense

One Giant Leap: The Apollo 11 Mission

“Distance is but a relative expression, and must end by being reduced to zero.” 
― Jules Verne, From the Earth to the Moon

Since the dawn of humanity, people have been interested in the cosmos. Of particular interest was Earth's closest wanderer: the Moon. Following the Second World War, the Americans and Soviets went head to head in a rivalry over ideology, power, influence, and technology. With the brilliant Sergei Koralev at the helm, the Soviets succeeded in launching the first human-made satellite, and even the first human into space. However, the Americans had their own genius named Wernher von Braun. With his expertise, the Americans were able to quickly catch up. Pretty soon, both superpowers eyed what was seen as the big prize. On July 16, 1969, three Americans launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and into the books of history.

The Road to Confederation: Canada Day Special

In 1864, delegates from the Maritime Colonies and the Province of Canada met in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to discuss proposals to create a union to better British North America's economic and defensive strength. By the end, the groundworks for a new country were born. A further two conferences and a Royal Assent later, Canada was born on July 1, 1867. The story behind its creation is not well known, even those living in it. There, Pan Historia is proud to present the story of Confederation.

Happy Canada Day!

Music:

God Save the Queen (Royal Anthem)

O Canada! (National Anthem)

History of LGBT+ Rights in Canada

June is designated Pride Month in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The history of LGBT+ Rights is long, and sadly full of hardship and prejudice. Even today, members find themselves prosecuted around the world. The LGBT+ Rights movement has come a long way in the last century, and while there is still a ways to go, it can't be denied how far the community and its supporters have come in bringing equality and acceptance. In this episode of Pan Historia, Lyndsay and Jonah look into and discuss LGBT+ Rights in Canada, from the First Nations and colonial era, to Post-Confederation, to the Canadian Human Rights Act, and finally to the Civil Marriage Act.

Happy Pride!

Music:

Y.M.C.A by The Village People

The History of Ideologies

We're all familiar with the political spectrum. There are people on the left, people on the right, and people in the centre. Sadly, in modern times, there is a lot of misconceptions and stigmas surrounding the vast number of ideologies in the world today. In this episode of Pan Historia, Lyndsay and Jonah decided to take a closer look at the histories behind and actual philosophies of different ideologies in practice in order to provide a better understanding.

Intro: Thaxed, by Kevin MacLeod

I Know the Devil Exists: The Rwandan Genocide

“I know there is a God because in Rwanda I shook hands with the devil. I have seen him, I have smelled him and I have touched him. I know the devil exists and therefore I know there is a God.”
–Roméo Dallaire

Even today, the countries of Africa are in their youth. Yet, already, the continent has seen more than enough violence in the 50 years since decolonization. The scars from European rule run deep, and continue to cause untold hardship. By far, the most well know scar rests on Rwanda, a small country in Central-East Africa in the great lakes region. Tensions between the Tutsi and Hutu population had grown significantly since its independence, and a civil war began in the late 1980s between the predominant Tutsi Rwandan Patriotic Front and the predominant Hutu government. A peace compromise as eventually negotiated in 1993, and the UN stepped in to observe the ceasefire. However, the peace would be destroyed in a plane crash, and result in the worst genocide the world had seen since the Holocaust.

Immediately after the crash, the radios across Rwanda had one message:

"Cut the tall trees!"

Music:

Ne Me Laisse Pas Seule Ici from Hotel Rwanda

Things Fall Apart by Philanthrope

The History of the United Nations

On October 24, 1945, the countries of France, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, United States, and the Republic of China ratified a charter, officially organizing the United Nations. The purpose of the organization is to bring governments together in order to promote and maintain global peace and security. Since its beginnings, the UN has had both success and failure, praise and criticism. Today, 193 states are members of the organization, with hundreds more non-member observers, intergovernmental organizations, and other organizations. This week, Lyndsay and Jonah discuss both the history and functions of the many bodies and organs of the United Nations.

 

Music:

Hymn of the United Nations

RMS Titanic, the Ship of Dreams

Titanic was a ship who truly lived up to her name. The second of the mighty Olympic-class ocean liners, she was dubbed the ship of dreams, where her builders and crew bragged how not even God could sink her. She and her sister Olympic were the pride of the Belfast shipbuilders of Harland & Wolff, as no ocean liner before them were larger, or more beautiful. Titanic embarked on her maiden voyage from Southampton, UK on April 10, 1912, and after stops in Cherbourg, France and Cork, Ireland, she left towards the open sea towards New York City. The richest passengers were there to experience a luxurious vacation on the open seas, while most of the second and third class passengers were heading towards a new life in the Americas.

 

Fate, however, is unpredictable, and often cruel. On the night of April 14th, only a day away from her destination, a frantic message echoed the telegraph lines of the Atlantic:

 

"CQD CQD THIS IS TITANIC"

 

"MOUNT TEMPLE TO TITANIC
WHAT IS THE MATTER?"

 

"TITANIC TO MOUNT TEMPLE
CANNOT READ YOU OLD MAN BUT HERE MY
POSITION 41.46N 50.24W COME AT ONCE
HAVE STRUCK BERG"

 

Intro: Titanic Distress Signal
Intrepid by Kevin MacLeod
Outro: Nearer, My God, To Thee

Turn On, Tune In and Drop Out: A Brief History of Mind Altering Substances

Drugs have been used for all sorts of purposes, from religious, to cultural ceremonies, to simply recreational. In today's episode of Pan Historia, we dive into the vast history of Mind Altering Substances, to explore what their uses were for, and what affects they have on the mind and body.

Every Man A King: Huey Long, the Kingfish of Louisiana

The rich and powerful of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana filled the air with swinging jazz music, stuffed their faces with food, and drank their weight in champaign. Meanwhile, citizens living on the Bayou, the swamps, and the Northern plains were struggling to survive. These people were ignored by the elite, who they were unable to vote out due to a combination of racial voting laws, and an expensive poll tax. Louisiana was already the poorest state in the union, and they were sinking deeper and deeper with the onset of the Great Depression.

One of their own would rise out of the impoverished Winn Parish, and march into Baton Rouge. This man was not afraid to make enemies, and his booming voice echoed throughout the state. No person was too powerful to scare him into submission, and all who tried deeply regretted crossing him. Huey Long aimed to speak for the common people, to end poverty once and for all. However, its his methods he used to complete his promises which made him known as the dictator of Louisiana.

 

Music:

Every Man a King by the Louisiana Ramblers (written by Huey Long)

Jambalaya (On the Bayou) by Hank Williams

Someone Had Blundered: The Crimean War

1850: the once great Ottoman Empire was now the sick man of Europe. Internal dissent from growing ethnic nationalism within the diverse country was beginning to crack the already fragile hold the Royal Family kept over their territory. Furthermore, a series of devastating wars against its neighbours have shrunk its size further and further out of Europe. Now, the Balkans were looking to host the next large uprising. To the north, the Russian Empire was striving to assert its power in Europe. While its size may have been intimidating, it also had growing instability. Russia had yet to modernize its industry and military. Their eyes gazed menacingly towards the Ottomans for a solution. Should the Russians take advantage of their dwindling rival, perhaps their prestige could be restored.

On the opposite end of the continent, France, still struggling in the aftermath of Napoleon, was looking to repair its image as a Great Power.  Seeing the Catholic Church as a potential ally, they, too, set their eyes on the Ottoman Empire in hopes of becoming protectors of Christians within its borders. Russia would not have this, as they were the chosen protectors of Christians in Ottoman territory. As France and Russia began to throw rhetoric back and forth, the British watched on in terror. The Congress of Europe was at risk of falling apart, and the balance of power in Europe was in jeopardy of going out of whack. All these events would lead to the landscape of the Crimean Peninsula turning to ash, and running red with blood.

 

Music:

The Charge of the Light Brigade by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra