Dangerous Dictators: Jean-Bedel Bokassa

Jean-Bedel Bokassa during his coronation

Known for brutality and outrageous extravagance, Jean-Bedel Bokassa showed an example of how authoritarian military rulers turning into despotic megalomania. From a soldier in the French Army to his country’s Emperor, Bokassa brought terror and poverty to his people.

The Industrial Revolution of Germany

BASF Factory (1881)

She emerged as the most industrialized country by the end of the 19th century. Germany surpassed the home of the industrial revolution – Great Britain. From a once divided nation, its strength and potential became full and unleashed.

The Sailendra Dynasty: Builders of Borobodur, Agents of Buddhism

Borobudur (depicted in Civilization V), the greatest monument of Sailendra Dynasty

They gave the world the largest stupa in the world – Borobudur. Their civilization shrouded in mystery. They ruled Central Java and became agents of Buddhism from a once Hindu Kingdom. For over the century they ruled the region until their rivals reentered the scene and grab the control of the Kingdom. This is the Sailendra Dynasty of Central Java.

Monuments of Southeast Asia: Borobudur

Borobodur (depicted in Civilization V)

It serves as the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. It stands as a reminder of a once great kingdom in Central Java. It is one of the greatest monuments in Southeast Asia. It is the temple of Borobudur in Java, Indonesia.

Shotoku: Sinification and Buddhism

Prince Shotoku (Middle)

From the troubles of succession and division about religion, Prince Shotoku emerged as one of the famous regent during the time of ancient Japan. He contributed a lot in changing the religious and administrative landscape of country.

4 Revolutionaries in Latin America

The first decade of the 19th century thundered with the sounds of revolution in Latin America. Men who had Spanish ancestry but born in the colonies learned of the ideas of the Enlightenment or became aware of their distinct identity from those in Spain. And here are four who became distinguish during the period:

Ludvig Nobel and the Baku Oil Industry

The 18th century saw a boom in the oil industry. The United States dominated the industry with its leading company, Standard Oil. But it faced competition from the other side of the world – Russia. The oil city of Baku challenged American domination of world’s oil supply. In this city, it saw the rise of another member of the Swedish family Nobel – Ludvig or Ludwig Nobel.

Minh Mang: The Rise of Confucianism in Nguyen Vietnam

Minh Mang

The Nguyen Dynasty had ruled a unified Vietnam for two decades by 1820. Its founder, Gia Long passed away. His son then ascended to the throne as Emperor Minh Mang. Under his rule, Vietnam plunged into orthodox Confucianism and towards centralization and conquest.

Colbertisme and the French Economy

Abenomics, Bidenomics, Thatcherism - it seems to be a fad among politicians to label their economic policies. Apparently it also applies to economic managers from distant past, like the case of the 17th century financial and economic manager of King Louis XIV (1643 - 1715) of France. So who is Jean-Baptiste Colbert? What are the pillars of his so-called Colbertisme? Was he successful?

Jean Baptiste Colbert