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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: mongers on February 13, 2015, 07:51:01 AM

Title: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2015, 07:51:01 AM
Are there any periods of your country's history that you don't take seriously and why?

For me it's Tudor history, first having to endure a terrible presentation of it from age 13-14, I can no longer take it seriously.

I know it's a very important period, but probably as a reaction my school experience I tend to only enjoy it for it's entertainment value when the subject of film, television or fiction.  :blush:

So what's your own dark age?

Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 07:56:25 AM
Define not taking seriously.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Zanza on February 13, 2015, 08:00:13 AM
1933 - 1945 :P


But just like Brain, I have no idea what you are actually asking.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2015, 08:02:57 AM
Quote from: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 07:56:25 AM
Define not taking seriously.

Make your own definition, I actually thought about putting a "however you define that"on the end of the thread title, but it wouldn't have fitted.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Caliga on February 13, 2015, 08:04:04 AM
Quote from: Zanza on February 13, 2015, 08:00:13 AM
1933 - 1945 :P
National Socialism is serious business. :sleep:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 13, 2015, 08:06:16 AM
1776-1980
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Zanza on February 13, 2015, 08:07:59 AM
Quote from: Caliga on February 13, 2015, 08:04:04 AM
Quote from: Zanza on February 13, 2015, 08:00:13 AM
1933 - 1945 :P
National Socialism is serious business. :sleep:
Yes, of course.

And after reading Sheilbh's thread on social shaming and how a harmless online joke can be misconstrued I wonder if I should have posted this.  :ph34r:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 08:10:48 AM
Quote from: Caliga on February 13, 2015, 08:04:04 AM
Quote from: Zanza on February 13, 2015, 08:00:13 AM
1933 - 1945 :P
National Socialism is serious business. :sleep:

With such fantastic leather outerwear apparel!
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Caliga on February 13, 2015, 08:17:14 AM
Zanza, relax dude. :)
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 08:19:10 AM
Um...

Er....

Not that I can think of.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Crazy_Ivan80 on February 13, 2015, 08:29:30 AM
1830-...
It's Belgium, what do you expect
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 08:31:51 AM
Quote from: Crazy_Ivan80 on February 13, 2015, 08:29:30 AM
It's Belgium, what do you expect

On the internet?  Something obnoxiously nationalistic.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: derspiess on February 13, 2015, 09:26:06 AM
I tend to neglect 1865-1914 even though I shouldn't.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 09:29:26 AM
Quote from: derspiess on February 13, 2015, 09:26:06 AM
I tend to neglect 1865-1914 even though I shouldn't.

You neglect the time of Teddy Roosevelt?  But...it is so entertaining.

But yeah generally the combination of unpleasant and complicated, like Reconstruction, tends to mean it does not impact people much.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Maladict on February 13, 2015, 09:36:36 AM
1945-1950
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: derspiess on February 13, 2015, 09:39:17 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 09:29:26 AM
Quote from: derspiess on February 13, 2015, 09:26:06 AM
I tend to neglect 1865-1914 even though I shouldn't.

You neglect the time of Teddy Roosevelt?  But...it is so entertaining.

But yeah generally the combination of unpleasant and complicated, like Reconstruction, tends to mean it does not impact people much.

Civil War was such a rush, and the WWI period interests me greatly even before the US got involved.  I think my American History prof ruined me on that 50 year period because all he wanted to cover was farm issues.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 09:39:47 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 09:29:26 AM
Quote from: derspiess on February 13, 2015, 09:26:06 AM
I tend to neglect 1865-1914 even though I shouldn't.

You neglect the time of Teddy Roosevelt?  But...it is so entertaining.

But yeah generally the combination of unpleasant and complicated, like Reconstruction, tends to mean it does not impact people much.

One would think the heydey of Jim Crow would be right up derweiß's alley.  MAH HOOD
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 09:42:33 AM
Quote from: Maladict on February 13, 2015, 09:36:36 AM
1945-1950

Boy you are not kidding.  That really is a time people neglect.  A transition period where events are flying by and lots of messy stuff happens.  Then the Cold War really gets going and the world makes sense again.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 10:09:51 AM
The "Noble Republic" and for the same reasons you mention - it's just oversaturated by pop culture.

The years 1918-1939 also seem like something out of an operetta.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 10:13:28 AM
1876-1898
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 10:19:31 AM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 10:09:51 AM
The "Noble Republic" and for the same reasons you mention - it's just oversaturated by pop culture.

What are we talking about there?  The entire era from the death of the last Jagiello until the third Partition?  That is an incredibly long period of time to be saturated.  The winged hussars are the most oddly cool thing I have ever seen.  Strapping metal wings to the backs of your cavalry shouldn't be cool, it should be lame.  But for some reason it works.

QuoteThe years 1918-1939 also seem like something out of an operetta.

Definitely brings to mind the 'may you live in interesting times' not-Chinese curse.

Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Liep on February 13, 2015, 10:20:42 AM
1814 - 2015.

I like to sometimes pretend to live in a world where Norway and all its riches are still ours. :weep:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: The Larch on February 13, 2015, 10:24:31 AM
Spanish history from the Napoleonic Wars until the Republic is one shit sandwich after another.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: celedhring on February 13, 2015, 10:26:22 AM
Quote from: The Larch on February 13, 2015, 10:24:31 AM
Spanish history from the Napoleonic Wars until the Republic is one shit sandwich after another.

Was just going to write the same, but then at the end of the Republic we got the steamier shit sandwich of them all - although that one can hardly be considered to be taken unseriously.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 10:32:32 AM
Spain is poised to enter a Golden Age.

And my index fund with it.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: celedhring on February 13, 2015, 10:37:16 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 10:32:32 AM
Spain is poised to enter a Golden Age.

And my index fund with it.

We are in a Golden Age. Even not taking into account technological progress, 1977- is the best period of all time to be a Spaniard. I'm pretty sure this is the longest non-violent period in all our history as a single country.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Maladict on February 13, 2015, 10:37:52 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 09:42:33 AM
Quote from: Maladict on February 13, 2015, 09:36:36 AM
1945-1950

Boy you are not kidding.  That really is a time people neglect.  A transition period where events are flying by and lots of messy stuff happens.  Then the Cold War really gets going and the world makes sense again.

It is an incredibly embarrassing period, still not really talked about much. It seems the Dutch were collectively out of their minds for a few years.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 10:38:24 AM
Quote from: celedhring on February 13, 2015, 10:37:16 AM
We are in a Golden Age. Even not taking into account technological progress, 1977- is the best period of all time to be a Spaniard.

Even more Goldener then.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Barrister on February 13, 2015, 10:39:17 AM
August 2, 1879.  I just can't take that day seriously.   :mad:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: crazy canuck on February 13, 2015, 11:37:25 AM
The date the Grizzlies started their franchise in Vancouver.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Say, 1660-1789.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:39:58 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Say, 1660-1789.

Why?
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:40:28 AM
Quote from: Barrister on February 13, 2015, 10:39:17 AM
August 2, 1879.  I just can't take that day seriously.   :mad:

It is the least serious day in history.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:41:18 AM
Quote from: Maladict on February 13, 2015, 10:37:52 AM
It is an incredibly embarrassing period, still not really talked about much. It seems the Dutch were collectively out of their minds for a few years.

Everybody was.  WWII was a period of insanity and it took awhile for everybody to recover from the trauma.

Which is what makes the immediate aftermath so forgettable.  Lots of crazy shit happened but since everybody was kind of crazy none of it really went anywhere or signaled long term trends.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:42:46 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:39:58 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Say, 1660-1789.

Why?
Boring. Silly. Complicated. Gross.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 11:55:49 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:41:18 AM
Quote from: Maladict on February 13, 2015, 10:37:52 AM
It is an incredibly embarrassing period, still not really talked about much. It seems the Dutch were collectively out of their minds for a few years.

Everybody was.  WWII was a period of insanity and it took awhile for everybody to recover from the trauma.

Which is what makes the immediate aftermath so forgettable.  Lots of crazy shit happened but since everybody was kind of crazy none of it really went anywhere or signaled long term trends.

:yes: Electing the Haberdasher-in-Chief.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:57:07 AM
Quote from: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 11:55:49 AM
:yes: Electing the Haberdasher-in-Chief.

Pretty sure Dewey won.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:57:58 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:42:46 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:39:58 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Say, 1660-1789.

Why?
Boring. Silly. Complicated. Gross.

But that was back when our countries were still together  :(
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: derspiess on February 13, 2015, 11:58:21 AM
Brits like to pretend the War of Independence doesn't matter to them, even though you know it kills them inside that we whipped their Redcoat asses.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:58:36 AM
:lol: You're so vain you probably think that historical period's about you.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:58:53 AM
Quote from: derspiess on February 13, 2015, 11:58:21 AM
Brits like to pretend the War of Independence doesn't matter to them, even though you know it kills them inside that we whipped their Redcoat asses.

Howe let us win.  What a gentleman.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:59:31 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:58:36 AM
:lol: You're so vain you probably think that historical period's about you.

Well I couldn't help but notice the pattern :angry:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 11:59:45 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:57:07 AM
Quote from: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 11:55:49 AM
:yes: Electing the Haberdasher-in-Chief.

Pretty sure Dewey won.

Pics or it didn't happen.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 12:00:47 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:59:31 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:58:36 AM
:lol: You're so vain you probably think that historical period's about you.

Well I couldn't help but notice the pattern :angry:
Sure. The late Stuarts and Hannoverians are really very boring. The French Revolution's necessary to bring a change :w00t: :wub:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 12:02:20 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:42:46 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:39:58 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Say, 1660-1789.

Why?
Boring. Silly. Complicated. Gross.

My sex life has been called all that and I still take it seriously.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 12:02:47 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:58:36 AM
:lol: You're so vain you probably think that historical period's about you.

Warren Beatty won the American Revolution.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 12:02:53 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 12:00:47 PM
Sure. The late Stuarts and Hannoverians are really very boring. The French Revolution's necessary to bring a change :w00t: :wub:

If it was so boring why was a great Stanley Kubrick film set in it eh?

It is also the era of pirates and all that.  But I guess you are correct in the sense the upper class oligarchy had stolen the show in 1688 and pretty much had it their way until the French Revolution rolled around and showed people how to deal with aristo-pigs.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Razgovory on February 13, 2015, 12:09:30 PM
We don't have as much history as you Europeans so every year is precious.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 12:30:18 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Say, 1660-1789.
:o

The rise and fall of the First British Empire!

Read this book, it's awesome!
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Victories-Defeat-British-Empire/dp/0465013325
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 12:38:12 PM
Empire  :zzz

Thanks Tim, but I'm afraid it's not my cup of tea :(
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: garbon on February 13, 2015, 12:38:25 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 12:00:47 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:59:31 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:58:36 AM
:lol: You're so vain you probably think that historical period's about you.

Well I couldn't help but notice the pattern :angry:
Sure. The late Stuarts and Hannoverians are really very boring.

That's the period that I always want to learn more about. Well maybe the Hannoverians as I have a few books on the former.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 13, 2015, 12:40:18 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 12:30:18 PM
The rise and fall of the First British Empire!

They have a pretty good-sized empire going at the beginning of the EU2 Grand Campaign.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 12:41:30 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 13, 2015, 12:40:18 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 12:30:18 PM
The rise and fall of the First British Empire!

They have a pretty good-sized empire going at the beginning of the EU2 Grand Campaign.

:unsure:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: garbon on February 13, 2015, 12:42:44 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 13, 2015, 12:40:18 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 12:30:18 PM
The rise and fall of the First British Empire!

They have a pretty good-sized empire going at the beginning of the EU2 Grand Campaign.

Perhaps you are thinking of England? :hmm:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 13, 2015, 12:50:28 PM
He didn't say it had to be a united British empire.  :sleep:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 12:53:12 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 12:38:12 PM
Empire  :zzz

Thanks Tim, but I'm afraid it's not my cup of tea :(

We could have ruled the world together. :(
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 12:54:06 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 12:38:12 PM
Empire  :zzz

I am shocked a British person would be dismissive of everything outside of Britain

Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Warspite on February 13, 2015, 01:10:17 PM
I could never be bothered with Tudor history either, and I always found it hard to understand popular culture's fascination with it.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 01:16:34 PM
Quote from: Warspite on February 13, 2015, 01:10:17 PM
I could never be bothered with Tudor history either, and I always found it hard to understand popular culture's fascination with it.

And why does Henry VII always get left out?  I mean come on!

Anyway my wife is a good example.  She knows everything about the Tudor dynasty from Henry VIII to the death of Elizabeth.  Anything at all about what happened Stone Ages - Henry VIII or Elizabeth I - present day?  Barely anything.  She has big opinions about William Cecil or Thomas Cromwell.  Oliver Cromwell or David Lloyd George?  Who are they?

I think Shakespeare has a lot to do with it.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: 11B4V on February 13, 2015, 01:17:20 PM
1860-1865  :P
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2015, 01:18:59 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 01:16:34 PM
Quote from: Warspite on February 13, 2015, 01:10:17 PM
I could never be bothered with Tudor history either, and I always found it hard to understand popular culture's fascination with it.

And why does Henry VII always get left out?  I mean come on!

Anyway my wife is a good example.  She knows everything about the Tudor dynasty from Henry VIII to the death of Elizabeth.  Anything at all about what happened Stone Ages - Henry VIII or Elizabeth I - present day?  Barely anything.

I think Shakespeare has a lot to do with it.

Wtf? Wars of the Roses rock way more than Tudor bs.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Camerus on February 13, 2015, 01:26:14 PM
I've always found most of Canada's history to be quite dull, but as the faux-Chinese saying has it, interesting times (past or present) do not generally translate into good living.    :Canuck:

For Euro history, I've always personally taken the mainstream Prottie approach of reading the Middle Ages as something of a curious interregnum - and so to be studied as an overview, but lacking the same gravity as the history of the "Modern" era or antiquity. 

But the periods and regions I've been interested in have changed over time and will probably continue to do so in the future.   :swiss:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 01:57:42 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 10:19:31 AM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 10:09:51 AM
The "Noble Republic" and for the same reasons you mention - it's just oversaturated by pop culture.

What are we talking about there?  The entire era from the death of the last Jagiello until the third Partition?  That is an incredibly long period of time to be saturated.  The winged hussars are the most oddly cool thing I have ever seen.  Strapping metal wings to the backs of your cavalry shouldn't be cool, it should be lame.  But for some reason it works.

I would probably limit it to the period from the Swedish Deluge till the end of the Saxon era so, roughly, the 100 years from 1650 to 1750. It was the time of the state being at its weakest.

QuoteThe years 1918-1939 also seem like something out of an operetta.

Definitely brings to mind the 'may you live in interesting times' not-Chinese curse.
[/quote]

It was very Downton-Abbey-esque, and surprisingly calm.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 02:02:06 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 01:57:42 PM
I would probably limit it to the period from the Swedish Deluge till the end of the Saxon era so, roughly, the 100 years from 1650 to 1750. It was the time of the state being at its weakest.

Huh.  The Great Northern War is over-saturated by pop culture?  Seems like such a generally unpleasant thing.

The lifting of the Siege of Vienna though, I would imagine, pretty saturated.

QuoteThe years 1918-1939 also seem like something out of an operetta.

Poles having to deal with big problems and decisions like 'which dinner fork do I use?' and 'do I prefer marmalade or jam on my biscuits?'
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:06:27 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 02:02:06 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 01:57:42 PM
I would probably limit it to the period from the Swedish Deluge till the end of the Saxon era so, roughly, the 100 years from 1650 to 1750. It was the time of the state being at its weakest.

Huh.  The Great Northern War is over-saturated by pop culture?  Seems like such a generally unpleasant thing.

The lifting of the Siege of Vienna though, I would imagine, pretty saturated.

QuoteThe years 1918-1939 also seem like something out of an operetta.

Poles having to deal with big problems and decisions like 'which dinner fork do I use?' and 'do I prefer marmalade or jam on my biscuits?'

The Great Northern War actually doesn't even register in our pop culture.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Barrister on February 13, 2015, 02:09:51 PM
Quote from: Camerus on February 13, 2015, 01:26:14 PM
I've always found most of Canada's history to be quite dull, but as the faux-Chinese saying has it, interesting times (past or present) do not generally translate into good living.    :Canuck:

For Euro history, I've always personally taken the mainstream Prottie approach of reading the Middle Ages as something of a curious interregnum - and so to be studied as an overview, but lacking the same gravity as the history of the "Modern" era or antiquity. 

But the periods and regions I've been interested in have changed over time and will probably continue to do so in the future.   :swiss:

I've come around on Canadian history.  It's not as violent as the history of other places, but it's more accessible too.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 02:10:47 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:06:27 PM
The Great Northern War actually doesn't even register in our pop culture.

Sorry I got really into Polish history when I was playing EU2.  I have several books about it on my bookshelf now to confuse people about why I would have such a thing.

I think I got it: the thing that is pop culturefied is the Liberum Veto stagnation, the OMG national tragedy of it all, and all the sex had by August the Strong.  Warmer?
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:20:46 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 02:10:47 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:06:27 PM
The Great Northern War actually doesn't even register in our pop culture.

Sorry I got really into Polish history when I was playing EU2.  I have several books about it on my bookshelf now to confuse people about why I would have such a thing.

I think I got it: the thing that is pop culturefied is the Liberum Veto stagnation, the OMG national tragedy of it all, and all the sex had by August the Strong.  Warmer?

Precisely. :)

There is like half a dozen books (that were later filmed in the 70s and 80s and are now on re-runs every Christmas and Easter on TV) - the Trilogy by Henryk Sienkiewicz ("Deluge", "Lord* Wolodyjowski", "By Fire and By Sword" - dealing with the liberum veto/Vasas/Sobieski/Vienna period); the "Countess Kozel" (which is like a blue-beard/Lion in Winter story of a countess who was the lover of August the Strong) and a couple of others that are less known.

*The Polish word is "Pan" which is really un-translateable, as it means each of Lord, Sir, Mr. and Master (I think the closest is Spanish "Don"). And it is still used to this day to say Mr. but alternatively followed by a last name if you are on a formal basis with someone, or the first name if you are more familiar (but still not fully on a first name basis). A legacy of our weird "noble democracy" (for example most of my clients, when they are familiar with me, refer to me as "Pan Marcin" :P).
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:26:35 PM
Two other similar pop-culture moments: the battle of Grunwald/Tannenberg (another book by Sienkiewicz, later filmed - "Krzyzacy" i.e. "Teutonic Knights" - basically, Germans doing what they do best - fucking with Poles); and "Queen Bona" - a 70s TV series, the Polish equivalent of "I Claudius"/"Game of Thrones" (we had pretty good historical tv drama during the communism actually) - about Bona Sforza, the wife of Sigismund the Old and mother of Sigismund Augustus, the last Jagellon. The story of love, betrayal and politics.

Now, funnily, Piasts, again, barely register since noone really bothered making any good books or movies about them (we know Mieszko Christianised Poland, then Boleslav the Wrymouth split Poland up and then Casimir the Great* replaced wood with stone and promptly died, leaving the country to Hungarians). :P

Admittedly, Casimir the Great is liked by some people because he had a Jewish lover and drowned Catholic priests in frozen lakes.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:32:04 PM
Oh, I should also probably mention Matejko, a historical painter from the 19th century, who also played a huge role in painting iconic moments from Polish history. Like this extremely excessive Battle of Grunwald:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fa%2Fa1%2FMatejko_Battle_of_Grunwald.jpg&hash=904b5e6dd41e62609c71b2cb57787fa2613205d5)

If you have seen a portrait picture of a Polish monarch, it's probably his too, as he has done the entire portfolio.

Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 02:36:35 PM
Yeah that is a style I definitely recognize.  Who is the guy in Red supposed to be?  Wladyslaw II?

He did the one about Prussia paying fealty right?  It seems to be loaded with significant images but to a non-19th century nationalist pole it just looks like lots of people mulling around.

Also the one where the dude holding the Polish Constitution is being carried through the streets like he just scored the goal sending Poland to the World Cup.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:38:16 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 02:36:35 PM
Yeah that is a style I definitely recognize.

He did the one about Prussia paying fealty right?  It seems to be loaded with significant images but to a non-19th century nationalist pole it just looks like lots of people mulling around.

Also the one where the dude holding the Polish Constitution is being carried through the streets like he just scored the goal sending Poland to the World Cup.

Hahah yeah exactly. I was going to post these two (as these are probably the two other most famous paintings of his) but decided against spamming.

Personally I think he was a hack. :P

The guy in red is Vytautas, Yogailla's/Vladislav's brother.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:43:07 PM
The Constitution of 3 May painting:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmojportret.pl%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F05%2Fmaj3.jpg&hash=7c62b73108f00df058884d44a8869b0c21798d90)

The dude is King Stanislaus Augustus Poniatowski, the Catherine the Great's boy toy.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:45:38 PM
The Constitution of 3 May painting:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmojportret.pl%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F05%2Fmaj3.jpg&hash=7c62b73108f00df058884d44a8869b0c21798d90)

The dude is King Stanislaus Augustus Poniatowski, the Catherine the Great's boy toy.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2015, 02:47:20 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:42:46 AM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 11:39:58 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 13, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Say, 1660-1789.

Why?
Boring. Silly. Complicated. Gross.

I can half appreciate what you're feeling.

Maybe a better approach would be to read a history of the scientific and technical progress during the period? And then one focusing on the trade and economic changes.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 03:03:43 PM
All you guys complaining about the fascination with the Tudors - that is not nearly as bizzare and incomprehensible as the "Ricardians".

Why would thousands of apparently otherwise sane people care so very deeply that Richard III (allegedly) got a raw deal by Shakespeare?  :lol:

In any event, most of the shit he was accused of was just in the job description. Murder inconvenient claimants to the throne who are closely related to you? SURELY NO TUDOR WOULD DO THAT!
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
Quote from: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 03:03:43 PM
All you guys complaining about the fascination with the Tudors

Not complaining so much as baffled by it.

Quotethat is not nearly as bizzare and incomprehensible as the "Ricardians".

JUSTICE FOR DICKIE III!  But seriously that seems like a fringe group.

QuoteIn any event, most of the shit he was accused of was just in the job description. Murder inconvenient claimants to the throne who are closely related to you? SURELY NO TUDOR WOULD DO THAT!

Mary and Elizabeth cried their eyes out afterwards you monster!
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 03:17:16 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:32:04 PM
Oh, I should also probably mention Matejko, a historical painter from the 19th century, who also played a huge role in painting iconic moments from Polish history. Like this extremely excessive Battle of Grunwald:

I think you mean extremely awesome :wub:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Maladict on February 13, 2015, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2015, 03:17:16 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 02:32:04 PM
Oh, I should also probably mention Matejko, a historical painter from the 19th century, who also played a huge role in painting iconic moments from Polish history. Like this extremely excessive Battle of Grunwald:

I think you mean extremely awesome :wub:

It is really impressive when you're standing in front of it. But perhaps not great art.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 13, 2015, 03:31:17 PM
Very busy.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 03:34:32 PM
It's from the Baroque period.  Busy is what they did.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Razgovory on February 13, 2015, 04:04:06 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 03:34:32 PM
It's from the Baroque period.  Busy is what they did.

I guess they were still a 150 years behind the rest of the world.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Razgovory on February 13, 2015, 04:05:00 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 13, 2015, 02:09:51 PM
Quote from: Camerus on February 13, 2015, 01:26:14 PM
I've always found most of Canada's history to be quite dull, but as the faux-Chinese saying has it, interesting times (past or present) do not generally translate into good living.    :Canuck:

For Euro history, I've always personally taken the mainstream Prottie approach of reading the Middle Ages as something of a curious interregnum - and so to be studied as an overview, but lacking the same gravity as the history of the "Modern" era or antiquity. 

But the periods and regions I've been interested in have changed over time and will probably continue to do so in the future.   :swiss:

I've come around on Canadian history.  It's not as violent as the history of other places, but it's more accessible too.

Of course it's accessible.  You barely have 30 years of Canadian history!
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: viper37 on February 13, 2015, 04:19:36 PM
Quote from: mongers on February 13, 2015, 07:51:01 AM
So what's your own dark age?
early 20th century, the end of the industrial revolution, the boring 20s and the Great Depression.  Never fantasized much about it.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 04:27:49 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
Quote from: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 03:03:43 PM
All you guys complaining about the fascination with the Tudors

Not complaining so much as baffled by it.

I really think it's a chick thing.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 04:28:51 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 03:34:32 PM
It's from the Baroque period.  Busy is what they did.

Hardly. It's second half of the 19th century. Baroque was 17th century.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 04:29:45 PM
Quote from: viper37 on February 13, 2015, 04:19:36 PM
the boring roaring 20s

I think you are confused.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 04:31:23 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
Not complaining so much as baffled by it.


It's a family that makes for perfect soap-opera fodder.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 04:33:22 PM
Quote from: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 04:31:23 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
Not complaining so much as baffled by it.


It's a family that makes for perfect soap-opera fodder.

And the Stewarts aren't?  Or heck the Plantagenets.

The Hanoverians are Germans and thus a little stiff.

Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are just super stars for some reason.  Nobody matches their star power no matter how soap-opera-ish they are.  And I guess that is what those other dynasties lack: compelling protagonists for the story.

It does give the rather funny impression to some people I have talked to that all men were like Henry VIII. They just chopped off every woman's head who did not give them a son to preserve their dynasty, even if they were a shoemaker or something.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Jacob on February 13, 2015, 04:37:28 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 04:28:51 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 03:34:32 PM
It's from the Baroque period.  Busy is what they did.

Hardly. It's second half of the 19th century. Baroque was 17th century.

To be fair, the Romantic and Historical painters of the 1800s were influenced by the Baroque approach, as is evident from the paintings we're looking at.

Death of Sardanapalus is pretty busy too, for example.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 04:38:06 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 04:33:22 PM
The Hanoverians are Germans and thus a little stiff.

Yeah, but at least that stuff gets real interesting once Victoria shows up.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 04:38:58 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 13, 2015, 04:37:28 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 04:28:51 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 03:34:32 PM
It's from the Baroque period.  Busy is what they did.

Hardly. It's second half of the 19th century. Baroque was 17th century.

To be fair, the Romantic and Historical painters of the 1800s were influenced by the Baroque approach, as is evident from the paintings we're looking at.

Death of Sardanapalus is pretty busy too, for example.

I was thinking about saying that Romanticism was inspired by Baroque, but then I thought it's Languish, and decided to take a cheap shot instead.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 04:41:40 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 04:33:22 PM
Quote from: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 04:31:23 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
Not complaining so much as baffled by it.


It's a family that makes for perfect soap-opera fodder.

And the Stewarts aren't?  Or heck the Plantagenets. 

The Hanoverians are Germans and thus a little stiff.

Not really, in the same way.

Mary Queen of Scots gets lumped in with the Tudor-fascination.

James I was into dudes, which for most soap-opera fans isn't as interesting.

Chuck the First was a devoted family man - booring.

Chuck the Second had mistresses galore - but was hardly a font of emotion about them: he finds Churchill boffing one of 'em, he just laughs it off.

It just isn't the same as ogre/playboy Henry, getting all messed in the head over his wives - and having 'em executed (well, two of 'em). Must have made for fun sisterly relations between his daughters: "dad divorced my mom to marry yours!" "Dad EXECUTED my mom and bastardized me in favour of you!" etc.

Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 04:45:23 PM
James I was also really into his wife...though she did look a little mannish.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Sophie Scholl on February 13, 2015, 06:03:23 PM
Quote from: Malthus on February 13, 2015, 03:03:43 PM
All you guys complaining about the fascination with the Tudors - that is not nearly as bizzare and incomprehensible as the "Ricardians".

Why would thousands of apparently otherwise sane people care so very deeply that Richard III (allegedly) got a raw deal by Shakespeare?  :lol:

In any event, most of the shit he was accused of was just in the job description. Murder inconvenient claimants to the throne who are closely related to you? SURELY NO TUDOR WOULD DO THAT!
:whistle:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 06:08:15 PM
The Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter years.

The shag carpets, yes. The mind numbing malaise, no.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Agelastus on February 13, 2015, 06:14:22 PM
Quote from: Valmy on February 13, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
Mary and Elizabeth cried their eyes out afterwards you monster!

I don't imagine Henry VII or VIII did though when they did the same thing.

[I don't imagine that Mary or Elizabeth did for that matter, although to give Mary her due she left the other two sisters alone.]

I used to be fascinated with the Tudors as a child; now many years later I can't understand what I ever saw in what was probably the most unpleasant dynasty to ever sit on the throne.

Although I still have a great deal of respect for Elizabeth.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on February 13, 2015, 06:15:25 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 06:08:15 PM
The Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter years.

The shag carpets, yes. The mind numbing malaise, no.

Dull yellow appliances ftw.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2015, 06:16:46 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on February 13, 2015, 06:15:25 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 06:08:15 PM
The Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter years.

The shag carpets, yes. The mind numbing malaise, no.

Dull yellow appliances ftw.

That's no way to talk of two ex-Presidents.  :mad:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 07:14:57 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 06:08:15 PM
The Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter years.

The shag carpets, yes. The mind numbing malaise, no.

Analog master tapes.  Typewriters.  Card Caddies.  Pens with chains on them.   Sideburns.   Ashtrays.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2015, 07:24:47 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 07:14:57 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 06:08:15 PM
The Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter years.

The shag carpets, yes. The mind numbing malaise, no.

Analog master tapes.  Typewriters.  Card Caddies.  Pens with chains on them.   Sideburns.   Ashtrays.

Hot wheels. Chopper bikes. soft drinks in returnable glass bottles.  :bowler:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 08:18:41 PM
Wood paneling. :wub:
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 08:19:57 PM
Plaid.  Everything.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 08:20:41 PM
Orange furniture.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Razgovory on February 13, 2015, 08:21:33 PM
Quote from: Martinus on February 13, 2015, 04:28:51 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 03:34:32 PM
It's from the Baroque period.  Busy is what they did.

Hardly. It's second half of the 19th century. Baroque was 17th century.

I thought he was just insulting Poland for being backwards.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Razgovory on February 13, 2015, 08:23:26 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 13, 2015, 08:18:41 PM
Wood paneling. :wub:

Everything at my house was wood paneled.  The the house, the station wagon, the Atari...
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: 11B4V on February 13, 2015, 09:44:23 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 08:19:57 PM
Plaid.  Everything.

leisure suit  :lol:

(https://terrymarotta.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/leisure-suits-from-the-70s.jpg)
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2015, 09:46:23 PM
They were lucky to get Roger Moore between gigs.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: DGuller on February 13, 2015, 09:58:54 PM
1991-1999
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Razgovory on February 14, 2015, 12:59:27 AM
Quote from: 11B4V on February 13, 2015, 09:44:23 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 13, 2015, 08:19:57 PM
Plaid.  Everything.

leisure suit  :lol:


At least they were colorful.  I watched the first season of Boardwalk empire, and came to the conclusion that people were snappier dressers back then.  The conservative blue, grey, and black suit is just boring.
Title: Re: Periods Of Your Country's History That You Don't Take Seriously?
Post by: Archy on February 14, 2015, 07:24:23 AM
1830-1914
Longest period of peace we had up till now.