Before I leave France, I want to make a comment about religion. While the French pride themselves on being secular, religion is very tied into their history, especially the history of Catholicism. Today a bit over 60% still consider themselves Catholic but what may surprise most is that the second largest religion in France is … Continue reading Historic Travel-Religion →

I mentioned before that the only figure that could rival Napoleon is Louis XIV, the Sun King. In my colonial American classes I talk about Louis XIV as a juxtaposition to what was happening in England. During the 18th Century, these two powerful nations were going in different directions. When teaching about the American Revolution … Continue reading Historic Travel →

I can’t leave Paris without saying something about art and literature. I wish I knew more about art. I know what I like when I see it, but I am far from being an expert on any artistic movement. I would say what I know the most about and teach in class is the Hudson … Continue reading Historic Travels →

As I said in my last Historic Travels post, the French Revolution did not follow the model set by the American Revolution. When the America Revolution ended the new government formed with no blood shed. Not a small feat when comparing most revolutions. The French Revolution is on the other side of the spectrum. In … Continue reading Historic Travels →

Next to WWI and WWII, the historic episode that most affected American history was the French Revolution. The Revolution was inspired by the American Revolution and arguing over whether our new fledgling nation should support the French in their revolution was one of the causes of America’s first political party system.  Jefferson and the Democratic … Continue reading Historic Travels →

I am sure most of you have heard of Le Louvre, it is the most famous and most visited museum in the world and houses the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. It is recognizable by the glass pyramids, but what I have learned is that the pyramids are surrounded by a massive fortress … Continue reading Historic Travels →