Political

The First of the Hundred Days

Franklin Delano Roosevelt – widely regarded as one of the greatest of all American presidents –  began his first term in office on 4 March, 1933.

Pages of History: Daumier’s Political Eye

Peter J. Beck describes the work of Honoré Daumier, born 200 years ago this month, which provided an early visual documentary newsreel and commentary on the key political and social movements in mid-nineteenth century France.

Radical East Anglia

Peter Clark celebrates some of the ‘awkward squad’ associated with eastern England.

The Liberator: Daniel O’Connell and Anti-Slavery

The story of the British anti-slavery and abolitionist movements has been dominated by the figures of Clarkson and Wilberforce. Yet, the success of the Slave Trade Act of 1807 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 benefited from the votes of Irish MPs.

Portugal’s Mad Queen

In the late 18th century, a French invasion force marched into Portugal. Napoleon was insisting that Portugal must close its ports to British shipping. When it failed to comply, the invading army was given orders to march on Lisbon and seize the royal family. The Queen and her family fled to Brazil, and by this time, Maria I of Portugal had been insane for more than fifteen years.