The year 15 marked the anniversary of several huge milestones in history. Here are just a few of them which it would do to remember.
1215 – Signing of the Magna Carta
There are four remaining copies of this impressive document, two of which are held at the British Library. Also known as Magna Carta Libertatum, it was the first official document of its kind, essentiality giving a degree of autonomy to every member of society and removing a degree of control from the King – John I of England. For a short time, peace reigned; until war resumed between John and various Barons of England. Although today many rules of Magna Carta no longer apply, most of it does.
This document has been discarded and reissued throughout history, but remains influential as a legal foundation in Western cultures toady, but not in every corner of our world.
1415 – Battle of Agincourt
Part of the Hundred Years War, the Battle of Agincourt was fought between English and French forces led by Henry V of England and the Constable of France, Charles d’Albret. Although outnumbered, Henry’s army which consisted of knights, archers and men at arms, fought bravely and secured a significant victory, with a mere 112 death toll compared to the French death toll standing at around 10,000. This was a battle about land, ownership and power. We can ask ourselves, has this changed, or are today’s battles still fought for the same reasons?
1515 – Thomas Wolsey
Although from humble beginnings Thomas Wolsey would see himself rise beyond that of his counterparts and received his appointment as a Cardinal and Lord Chancellor of England in 1515. Three years later, in response to the rising power of the Ottoman Empire, Wolsey was instrumental in producing The Treaty of London, a neutrality pact between major European nations. Although the intention was for a lasting peace, sadly wars began to break out and peace came to an end. Wolsey could be seen as an early entrepreneur who sought peace. Do such models of character exist today? Perhaps, someone like Wolsey would be an ideal candidate for seeking peace in the Middle East today?
1815 – Battle of Waterloo
Outnumbered, Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by two armies of the Seventh Coalition. This was more than just a battle for power, it was a battle for a philosophical and cultural way of life. Napoleon had risen through the ranks of the post-revolutionary military to the position of general, after staging a coup d’état, Napoleon became head of his new government, holding title of First Consul, he then went about setting up a Senate, a Tribunat and a Conseil d’état. This new government was built on the founding principles of the revolution of 1789: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, but more importantly it was a system of meritocracy, unlike its Aristocratic European counterparts. However, despite the genius of Napoleon’s military mind, the French forces were overwhelmed by the Anglo allied army under the Duke of Wellington. In this situation the results of war had a significant impact on the development of European politics and culture. The modern British legal system is based upon his civic codes. Thus, Napoleon is still influencing today.
Having begun our journey through 2016, it is important to consider the past and how history can show us the mistakes and and successes of others. The global community is presently under threat on many fronts, and we would do well to reflect on our history.
“Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe”.
– H.G wells
By Sean Harris
