The Mysteries of History (January 10 Edition)
Paine, Crudities, League and United Nations
1776 — Thomas Paine Publishes “Common Sense”
On this date in 1776, Thomas Paine published (originally anonymously) his pamphlet “Common Sense: Addressed to the Inhabitants of America,” which set forth arguments on why America should become independent of Britain.
Questions: What other things did Paine write? What is your favorite Paine quote? What was Paine’s position toward the French Revolution? 1901 — Texas Gusher
On this date in 1901, a gigantic gusher of crude oil erupted from an oil derrick near Beaumont, Texas, and coated the surrounding area with enough “Black Gold” or “Texas Tea” (initially 100,000 barrels a day) to usher in an era of oil exploration expansion.
Questions: How did the discovery of such vast deposits of crude oil change the world? What is the current mecca for oil production (in other words, which country or region produces the most crude oil today)? What seems to be the future prospects for oil extraction and usage? Is this mostly a good thing or mostly a bad thing, in your opinion, and why?1920 — League of Nations Established
The League of Nations was instituted on this day in 1920 following “The Great War” (later renamed “World War 1”) with the intent of promoting world peace and preventing another World War. Obviously, it failed.
Questions: Why did the League of Nations fail to maintain world peace? Is it possible to ever have lasting world peace?1946 — United Nations Formed
The United Nations is a reincarnation of the failed League of Nations. At present, and for much of its existence, it seems to be a paper tiger. It can say what it wants, but if member nations disagree, they will often not abide by decisions made by that international body, treating them instead as mere suggestions. The fact that there are wars raging around the world is proof that the U.N. is a failure and not a true leader of world affairs.
Questions: Will the U.N. ever “get its act together” and be able to bring about world peace? What would need to happen for that to be a possibility, or is it simply never going to happen? If there is a World War 3, will the U.N. fade away, as the League of Nations did? If so, what, if anything, will "rise from the ashes" afterward?
