How Did One Optimistic Report From the Stasi Foreshadow the Collapse of Communism?
During the early 80âs, increased tensions marked the new phase of the Cold War. Besides external, the Eastern Bloc countries faced many internal problems as well. The governments of these countries, especially the USSR, tried to spread optimism. But they didnât see (or didnât want to see) that everything would collapse soon. Therefore, itâs interesting to see how the secret reports full of optimism actually revealed the real state of affairs.
Read More
Forty-Five Years Undercover: An Ottoman Spy in 17th Century Paris
During the 17th century, the Franco-Ottoman relations were quite stable. The alliance, established in 1536, continued during the majority of this period. There were no large conflicts. Despite that, intelligence activity during this period was very lively. The example of Mahmut, an Ottoman spy undercover, gives us valuable information on the Ottoman international politics.
Read More
âPublic functionaries alone are exceptedâ: Napoleonâs Passport System in Europe
One of the many ways Napoleon Bonaparte attempted to control populations was the mandating of passports. Passports in various forms have been around for centuries but not in the manner most people associate with them today.
Read More
The Fall of the Iron Curtain in One Photo
A symbolic depiction of the end of the Cold War.
Read More
âNever really subdued nor reconciled to our ruleâ: The 1842 Retreat from Kabul
The massacre of Major General Sir William Elphinstoneâs army and its auxiliaries in early 1842 while attempting to retreat from Kabul, Afghanistan, was a shock to British statesmen and the public. The expeditionary force, many of whom were sent there in 1839 to assert British control, was made up of roughly 700 British soldiers, 3,800 Indian troops, and 14,000 civilians and workers attached to lend it support. Lord Auckland, the Governor General of India, was so shocked upon learning of the disaster that he had a stroke.
Read More