Abstract This paper discusses the analytic methods used by Torodas in his work on Magellan. The paper points out that the scarcity of literature on the historiography of Magellan presents a problem for Torodas, which he confronts through historical, textual, and meta-analysis of available information. Through these methods, the paper asserts, Torodas assesses conflicts and parallelisms regarding the circumnavigation activities and life of Magellan and, consequently, is able to confront the primary issue in his article, which is to determine Magellan historiography despite its scarcity. The paper concludes by suggesting that Torados's study significantly contributes to the techniques and methods that historians must have to ensure that historiographies are conducted systematically and with rigor.
From the Paper "The Age of Discovery that emerged in the 15th-16th centuries in Europe, led by Spain and Portugal, was marked and characterized by the prevalence of sea navigations to discover new lands or "primitive" societies. These lands and societies were also potential colonies, wherein their territories could be expanded and resources exploited for the economic benefit of European countries. Ferdinand Magellan, Portuguese-born Spanish explorer and navigator, played a significant role during this age, mainly because of contributions in establishing Spanish colonies in the islands of the Pacific. However, historiography on Magellan remains scarce despite his contributions and numerous journeys around the world. Torodas confronts this issue by discussing and analyzing related works of literature pertaining to not only the accomplishments and activities of Magellan as navigator and explorer, but also as the first individual to prove (empirically) that the earth is round, giving prestige to European navigation missions."
Tags: historiadores traitor portuguese age of exploration antonio de pigafetta, relation
Review and analysis of George E. Nunn's article about Portuguese explorer, Magellan, which argues that the historically accepted account of the Portuguese explorer's route is inaccurate.
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons put forth by George E. Nunn in his article about Magellan, which argue that the historical account of Magellan's route is inaccurate because it is based on the unreliable log of Francisco Albo. The paper discusses the three discrepancies that Nunn points out in his article and concludes that, in spite of the plausibility of Nunn's thesis, the article falls short of being completely verifiable.
From the Paper "Nunn cites three main discrepancies regarding the route specifically. First, where Magellan actually set off to cross the Pacific from South America is unclear because of the wide variances in crew logs. As the author states, ?The wide variations among the several calculations and their variance from the truth, where discoverable, are sufficient to show their questionable value,? (621). To illustrate his point, Nunn offers maps and charts and geographical information such as longitudinal points. Similarly, the question of where Magellan initially veered westward from the continent can only be answered through thorough investigation of the explorers? geographical possibilities. Nunn also notes that major discrepancies in the journal entries make this question difficult to answer but that Albo's log is definitely unreliable. According to Albo, Magellan turned west at latitude 32 degrees south on December 19, 1590."
Abstract This essay examines William Manchester's portrayal of the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan in his book "A World Lit Only By Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance Portrait of an Age".
This paper analyzes Martin Luther's role in Western Civilization, comparing his achievements with other influential historical figures such as Alexander the Great, Jesus, Muhammad and Magellan.
Abstract This paper looks at five significant historical figures (Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Jesus, Muhammad, and Magellan) and compares their accomplishments and influence to those of Martin Luther. The paper's thesis question is: Was Martin Luther a bad ass? This question is answered on a historical basis as his actions and achievements are categorized and compared with the five individuals listed above. It also looks at Luther's achievement in 21st Century frame of mind. It focuses on his last influence in all aspects of modern life.
From the Paper "Carter Lindberg states in his book The European Reformations, ?An initial move to control the complicated and multifaceted reality of the Reformation is to define the terms used for it and the era it covers.? In order to secure Luther in the annuals of history as a "bad ass", one must not only clarify the characteristics of that title, but also view his accomplishments in a 21st Century frame of reference. First, it should be determined which historical figures might fall into the category of being labeled a ?bad ass.? At this point, the common characteristics of a historical "bad ass" will become evident. Second, after determining these characteristics, they then must be applied to Luther and the result will be forthcoming."
Tags: civilization, luther, martin, reformation, western
An analysis of American author, Stanley Karnow's theory that America used the Philippines as a colonial bastion against political ideologies it disliked, such as communism.
Abstract The paper discusses ideas put forth by Stanley Karnow, in his book "In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines" that America attempted to make over the Philippines into a nation in America's image, in political, economic and religious terms. The paper shows that because this remanufacture of imaging was done on an unequal basis, with the Philippines assumed to be inferior child to the parental and patriarchal re-manufacturing nature of America, the relationship between the two nations, in Karnow's envisioning, was almost doomed to be exploitative.
From the Paper Karnow is particularly harsh on the United States in describing the way the Reagan administration propped up the Marcoses. The administration's justification for doing this was anti-communism, that Marcos was an anti-Communist in a world beset by an evil empire. However, Karnow does not exculpate this Philippine president from all blame, even though he is merciless when discussing Reagan's initial refusal to help return Marcos from exile after his loss to Nicky Aquino in the first fair presidential elections in the land. Karnow admits President Aquino's later eroding popularity and its impact on the Philippines.
Abstract This paper explains that Drake is best remembered for battling the Spanish and being the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. The author points out that Drake, called El Draque, meaning "the dragon", by the Spanish, is best known for his piracy of Spanish settlements and ships and his role in defeating the Spanish Armada. The paper describes Drake's adventure through the Strait of Magellan and into the Pacific Ocean to claim areas of North America, called Nova Albion, for Queen Elizabeth; the area included most of Washington, all of Oregon, and a sliver of California.
From the Paper "Sir Francis Drake was Vice Admiral of the English fleet fighting the Spanish Armada. During the Battle of Gravelines, on July 29, 1588 the Armada was defeated by an English naval force under the command of Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake off the coast of Gravelines, France. Prior to the battle, Drake is said to have been playing a game of bowls. On being warned of the approach of the Spanish fleet, Drake reportedly remarked that there was plenty of time to finish the game and still beat the Spaniards. The English later defeated the Spanish on August 4 off Dorset with a fleet under the command of Lord Howard of Effingham and Sir Francis Drake. The final battle between the English and the Spanish was off the coast of Flanders and resulted in Spanish retreat."
Abstract This paper explains that Charles Darwin is often called a man ahead of his time, because his theory of evolution challenged Victorian religious doctrine. However, in his book "The Voyage of the Beagle", Darwin appears to be a man of his culture and times even though he had a unique viewpoint about nature. The paper points out that Darwin's discussion of the different flora and fauna on his journeys on the 'Beagle' are extraordinarily modern in their detail and accuracy; conversely, in Darwin's chronicles about the natives, his racial attitudes show that he was a man of his time. The paper contends that Darwin views his own European civilization as inherently superior to that of civilizations in other hemispheres. The paper uses examples taken from the book to demonstrate Darwin's attitude.
From the Paper "Likewise the natives' darker skin, which shields them against the sun, reveals them, in Darwin's eyes, as closer to nature. The fact that they speak a different language that is not of the Indo-European family like Darwin's English or Romantic (presumably, he would not look down upon them if they spoke French rather than their native tongue) likewise is unscientifically judged upon the basis that Darwin finds it unpleasant to listen to. Strikingly, even though some of these natives have already picked up a few words of English and can mimic the body language of the crew, showing what might be called a quick linguistic intelligence, Darwin sniffs that all savages are good mimics."
