History of the Aztecs

The Nahuatl-speaking people of Aztecs, also called Tenochca or Mexica, overcame challenges that let them built one of the greatest Empire in Mesoamerica. 

Conquest of Tenochtitlan

The Rashidun Caliphate

From 632 to 661, in a spanned of just 30 years, an empire emerged on the back of a rising religion – Islam. This spectacular expansion of territory and religion came under the leadership of the deputies of Islam’s founder Mohammed – the Rashidun Caliphs.

Perry's Gunboat Diplomacy in Japan

In 1853, the Japanese were surprised by news of foreign “black ships” anchoring in Uraga Bay. What they witnessed was the beginning of a classic gunboat diplomacy.

Great Leaders: King Kamehameha I (Part 5): Ruling a United Kingdom of Hawaii

Kamehameha in Civilization V

With Kamehameha setting up a new government of a united peaceful Hawaii, the people finally focused from war to livelihood. In this aspect of life, Hawaiians and Kamehameha faced a transforming dynamics with the arrival foreigners.

Great Leaders: King Kamehameha I (Part 4): Ruling a United Kingdom of Hawaii

King Kamehameha I

After centuries of infighting, the islands of Hawaii (or at least majority of it) united under the rule of King Kamehameha. Through technology, divine intervention, and deception, he led his warrior to victory and finally ending generations of conflict. Uniting Hawaii was one part of Kamehameha’s story, the other part was about ruling a kingdom in peace. So how did Kamehameha made the transition from a war lord to a peaceful governing ruler? How Hawaii transformed from islands divided into several chiefdoms and into a united kingdom under one king?

Great Leaders: King Kamehameha I (Part 3): Unifying the Hawaiian Islands

Kamehameha as depicted in Civilization V

After the fall of Kiwala’o in 1782, Hawaii’s geopolitical situation dramatically changed. The once united island kingdom of Hawaii had been divided into three kingdoms ruled by Kamehameha, Keoua, and Keawema’uhili. Beyond the island of Hawaii, conditions also changed significantly. After centuries of brutal fighting between numerous higher chiefs, a single leader emerged as the most prominent. Kahekili – King of Maui Island – took control over Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, and indirectly ruled Kauai, through his brother’s assistance. Kamehameha’s destiny as prophesied during his birth seemed slipping away and taken by Kahekili. How Kamehameha turned things around and became the unifier of Hawaiian Archipelago?

Great Leaders: King Kamehameha I (Part 2): Unifying the Home Islands

Kamehameha as depicted in Civilization V

Kamehameha faced tremendous challenges as he assumed his position as one of the high chiefs or ali’i in the big island of Hawaii. After a bloody civil war, the island had been split into three ruled by him, Keoua, and Keawema’uhili. Outside the island of Hawaii, King Kahekili of Maui had advance his domains to the islands of Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu. He even controlled indirectly through his brother the islands of Kauai and Nahuii. Kamehameha faced a though threat outside Hawaii and faced division within his home island. How could he unite all Hawaiian island if his home island itself suffered division? How Kamehameha did united his home island of Hawaii?