mr-no-one-at-all

[mr-no-one-at-all]

What is your favorite thing to teach your students? What is their favorite thing to learn?

Great question! Anything that has to do with marginalized communities. Too much of history is about privileged people using their privileges to gain even more privileges. Any time I get to teach about people fighting for and gaining rights, it's a good day.

Many students like it too. It's usually not covered as much as it should so it's often new to them. Other than that they like wars. Always wars. Not my favorite to teach but I aim to please :)

[mr-no-one-at-all]

Do you cover womens history in your class

Very much so! In a few different ways. First, I cover the women that have been hidden in history. Many have had a profound impact on history, but because of their status as women they were unable to do so in the open. Instead they had to go through their husbands or sons. There are also plenty of women that through their labor have allowed men to take center stage.

I also focus a lot on the fight for women's voting rights when it comes to the democratization of the west. That struggle also serves as a good example of the different methods that marginalized communities have used to bring about change.

Lastly I also cover the structural reasons as to why women have been oppressed. The connection to property rights and inheritance. The religious dogmas that have cemented their roles. The fear of independent women who dared to challenge cultural norms. As such an old and prevalent form of oppression, patriarchy is an extremely important subject to learn about.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

The Jasenovac concentration camp rebellion

This day in history - April 22 1945

On 22 April 1945, the last 1,073 male prisoners still alive in the main part of the Jasenovac concentration camp knew the guards meant to kill them that day. The night before they agreed that standing still was certain death. In the early morning about 600 men rushed the front gate with hammers, iron bars and bits of chain they had hidden in the barracks. Machine‑gun fire hit most of them, but the push tore a gap in the wire. 92 men managed to escape, but the rest were shot and killed. Their dash became the camp’s last act of resistance.

Jasenovac stood on the Sava plain in central Croatia. It opened in August 1941 after the Nazi‑backed Independent State of Croatia passed race laws against Serbs, Jews and Roma. During its three and a half years of operation, guards murdered an estimated 45,000–52,000 Serbs, 12,000–20,000 Jews, 15,000–20,000 Roma and several thousand Croat and Bosniak dissidents. By April 1945 the front was collapsing, and the command ordered all evidence to be destroyed and all the remaining inmates killed. That decision pushed the prisoners to plan their breakout.

The revolt did not end the killing that morning, but it broke the camp’s silence. Because a few men lived to tell the story, courts could later judge the perpetrators and the world could learn the facts. Their choice shows something. Even when the odds are dreadful, people can still refuse oppression. Remembering their act reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear. It is the decision to protect one’s dignity, even in a place designed to erase it.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

The Colfax Massacre

On this day in history - April 13 1873

The Colfax Massacre took place on April 13 1873 in the small town of Colfax in Louisiana. Tensions had been growing after the Civil War over political power and the rights of newly freed Black citizens. A group of Black men gathered at the local courthouse to protect politicians they supported. They feared violence from white supremacists who refused to accept political changes. An armed white militia soon confronted them. This violent clash ended with the courthouse being set on fire and many Black defenders shot or captured. By the end, over one hundred Black men were dead, making the Colfax Massacre one of the worst incidents of racial violence in that era.

Lynching, meaning to execute people without basis in law, became a notorious tool used against Black communities after the Civil War. It included hangings, burnings, and mob attacks. These acts were intended to intimidate and control African Americans who sought political participation or social equality. During Reconstruction, white mobs targeted activists, politicians, and everyday citizens for actions as small as attending political meetings or attempting to vote. Later examples of lynching occurred well into the 20th century. They spread beyond the South and targeted any person of color who challenged the status quo. Ida B. Wells, a fearless journalist, made it her mission to document these acts and expose them to a wider audience. Her brave reporting helped fuel movements against racial violence.

Despite the fear, many individuals fought for equal rights and justice. Their courage led to new laws aimed at protecting civil liberties and punishing those who engaged in racial terror. Through marches, speeches, and unity, activists persisted in their pursuit of a more inclusive society. When we remember tragedies like the Colfax Massacre, we also honor those who stood up for equality. Their spirit reminds us that it is possible to plant seeds of hope in the face of hostility.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

What are you planning to author?

I have always been into dystopian futures. The world I've been imagining is one created by the processes we have seen through history and today. How everything is collapsing in on itself, and the world that will be left behind. I have a few thoughts about characters and storylines, but I'll see when I have time. I'm working on a job related project right now.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

What's the best and worst thing that has happened to you as a teacher?

I had a student in my class who suddenly dropped weight. A lot. She had recently turned 18 and as an adult she chose to stop her ed treatment. She was essentially commiting suicide by starvation in front of us. Watching her get weaker and weaker was the worst experience of my life.

The best experience was seeing her happy and healthy on graduation day a few months later. Hard work from everyone around her, including her parents, me and the school administration got her back to life. The image of her smile in her graduation dress is forever seared into my memory.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

what's your thoughts about what's happening in america

✅️ Right wing populist

✅️ Blames etnic minorities for the nations problems

✅️ Sees other countries as hostile adversaries

✅️ Hates the LGBTQ+ community

✅️ Want to restore a "glorious past"

✅️ Wants to conquer neighbors

✅️ Comes into power because of economic problems and political gridlock

✅️ Uses emergency powers to usurp the other institutions

✅️ Locks people up without legal justification

✅️ Courts fail to stop him

As a European it feels...familiar.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

Do you have favourite students

There are students you get more or less close to, but you can't play favorites. They are all treated with the same respect but because they are all different people you also have to approach them differently. That can be interpreted as favoritsm but it's just being in-tune with their different needs.

One thing I can say is that teachers often have favorite classes. Some give you energy and some suck your will to live dry. The quiet ones are the worst.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

As an Author, if you were to make fiction, as a novel (example), which historical era would you choose to base your story on?

What a great question! I'm always drawn to the era of industrialization and the consequences it had. Political changes that led to turmoil and marginalized communities making new demands. It's an era of real heroes, as opposed to just people in power doing what people in power do.

I guess I have a book to write now :)

[mr-no-one-at-all]

Jesus history is so cool, I’m lowkey jealous of everyone good at it cuz im horrible at it, last year I almost failed history

You just haven't found the history that appeals to you! It's a wide subject with different perspectives. Everyone can find their niche. Keep being curious!

[mr-no-one-at-all]

The trial of Oscar Wilde

On this day in history - April 3 1895

During the late 19th century Oscar Wilde was a celebrated playwright and poet. He became involved in a legal battle that would define him as one of history's most tragic victims of prejudice. The trial began on April 3 1895 after Wilde sued the Marquess of Queensberry for libel. However the case soon turned against him when his relationships with men were revealed. He was then convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to two years of hard labor. This was a harsh punishment that showed how the era was hostile toward gay men.

Yet Wilde's story is just one example of LGBTQ history. Many cultures have had same-sex relationships since ancient times. For example in some Native American traditions people had both feminine and masculine spirits and were called two-spirits. They often gained respect and held vital roles in their communities. Some places also recognized transgender people and let them live without fear. Others forced cruel penalties or tried to erase queer and trans identities. These histories show how diverse sexual and gender expressions have existed for centuries.

In the early twentieth century fascism rose in Germany and other places. This led to extreme persecution of LGBTQ people. Under Nazi rule gay men wore a pink triangle and were sent to concentration camps. Many suffered horrific conditions or died. Trans people faced severe threats. Important records about gender-affirming care were destroyed. The Nazis opposed any sign of sexual or gender diversity. This created another dark chapter in the long history of oppression toward LGBTQ communities. Many survivors carried deep scars that lasted a lifetime.

Even so LGBTQ people have shown strong resilience and a will to survive. They have kept fighting for their rights and freedom by seeking recognition and equality at every step. The Stonewall Riots in 1969 and later Pride events grew global awareness. They also led to new legal protections and wider social acceptance in many regions. These victories show that progress can happen even in hard times. Many activists risked everything to claim their place in society.

Oscar Wilde's famous trial was deeply tragic but it reminds us how love and truth can endure. The LGBTQ story includes struggle yet also victory. We find hope in those who stayed strong and spoke out. They forged a brighter future for all. We also honor the ones who came before. As we recall past injustices we stand together and celebrate the richness of human diversity.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

Do you have a favorite history category or era? Mines are the Tudor era and Woman’s History!

I love women's history too! Especially in the industrial age with the suffragettes. Also the origins of gender roles and labor division. In general I prefer history about marginalized communities and their struggle, and not how people in power (often men) used that power to gain even more power, which unfortunately has dominated history courses.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

The Sharpeville massacre

On this day in history - March 21 1960

On the morning of March 21 1960, in the South African town of Sharpeville, thousands of black South Africans gathered outside the police station to protest against the strict pass laws that controlled their movements. The protest was organized by the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) and was meant to be peaceful. Protesters left their passports at home and waited to be arrested, hoping to show how unfair the system was. But tension grew when a small fight started and more police arrived. The situation turned into chaos. The police panicked and began shooting into the crowd with real bullets, killing 69 unarmed people and injuring hundreds more. Photos of dead bodies lying on the ground shocked the world. The Sharpeville Massacre became a powerful moment in the fight against apartheid.

Long before that terrible day, the apartheid system had created a society where people were separated by race. Non-white South Africans were forced to live in certain areas and follow unfair laws. Apartheid, which started officially in 1948 under the National Party, gave white South Africans power over black, coloured, and Indian communities. These groups were denied the right to vote, good education, and basic freedoms. The pass laws were a key part of this system. They forced black people to carry documents that allowed them to travel or work. This unfair law helped keep poor people in their place and made it easier for the government to control them. The Sharpeville massacre showed just how far the state was willing to go to protect this racist system.

Even though the massacre was a dark and painful event in South Africa’s history, it helped to bring more attention to the horrors of apartheid. Around the world, people began to speak out against the system. Movements like the African National Congress grew stronger with leaders such as Nelson Mandela giving people hope. Over time, growing pressure from activists, governments, and regular people helped break the system down. South Africa finally became a democracy in 1994. The memory of Sharpeville lives on as a symbol of how peaceful protest can lead to change. It reminds us all that ordinary people, standing together, can defeat even the worst injustice.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

The Salt March

On this day in history - March 12 1930

On March 12 1930, Mahatma Gandhi started the Salt March, a 320 kilometer (200 miles) protest march to protest the British monopoly on salt extraction. He and a handful of followers left Sabarmati Ashram for the coastal village of Dandi. Their goal was simple yet profound. They wanted to break the salt laws imposed by the colonial administration which forced Indians to pay unfair taxes on a basic necessity.

Gandhi moved slowly from town to town meeting villagers who greeted him with devotion and admiration. Each day brought more supporters who joined the march in solidarity. After 24 days of walking Gandhi knelt by the shoreline and picked up a small pinch of salt. This momentous gesture signaled that he would not submit to unjust regulations or the intimidation of a foreign power. The Salt March soon spread like wildfire across the country as people followed his example and defied the salt laws. Even as British authorities arrested many protesters including Gandhi himself the spirit of resistance soared.

For decades Britain had maintained tight control over the Indian subcontinent by exploiting its resources and limiting local freedoms. The East India Company had laid the groundwork for colonial rule which was later formalized by the British Crown. Many Indians grew resentful of policies that drained wealth from their land and restricted their rights.

In the late nineteenth century voices of dissent began to rise. Early nationalists demanded reforms, but their pleas were often met with indifference or mild concessions. Over time leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Subhas Chandra Bose sought stronger measures. Yet it was Gandhi who emphasized nonviolent mass movements that united people from different backgrounds. He encouraged peaceful demonstrations boycotts of foreign goods and self reliance through spinning their own cloth.

The Salt March was a turning point because it revealed that a simple act could inspire millions and challenge an entire empire. It showed that courage born of conviction is more powerful than brute force. This lesson remains timeless. Even when faced with overwhelming odds people can find ways to stand firmly against injustice. The Salt March reminds us that hope lies in collective action and that a determined spirit can transform society through truth and resolve.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

Do you read a lot of books??

Yes! I love reading. Only academic books right now because I'm working on a project. Should go back to fiction though. Recommendations would be appreciated.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

what's the worst thing about being a teacher?

Seeing how stressed out the students are. We have built a society so complex that the new generation has to learn so much to be able to keep it going. No previous generation has had so much pressure put on them. I can't believe they even manage.

Oh, and the grading. It never ends.

[mr-no-one-at-all]

The United States vs Amistad decision

On this day in history - March 9 1841

On the 9th of March 1841, the US Supreme Court handed down their decision in the landmark United States vs Amistad case. It involved a group of Africans who had been captured and transported across the Atlantic aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad to face enslavement. They managed to gain control of the ship and attempted to navigate back to Africa. However, they were captured near Long Island, and a legal battle soon followed.

The central question was whether they were lawfully enslaved people under international law or if they had been kidnapped from their homeland. The Supreme Court ruled that they had been illegally taken, which meant they were not the property of anyone. This decision affirmed their right to freedom and it offered a rare moment of hope in an era filled with injustice. The case also strengthened the resolve of those who opposed the institution of slavery, and it demonstrated that United States courts could rule in favor of individual liberty when faced with compelling evidence.

The background to this case rests on the grim reality of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, which forced millions of Africans to cross the ocean in cruel conditions. This trade flourished for centuries and it was driven by the demand for cheap labor in American colonies and beyond. European countries profited from the misery inflicted on African societies, which lost countless generations of skilled artisans, farmers and leaders. These forced removals disrupted social and political structures, leaving communities devastated.

The horrors of the Atlantic passage endured in the memories of survivors who faced brutal labor and cruel treatment once they arrived in the Americas. Enslaved people were stripped of their identities and separated from their families. Despite this they found ways to resist and maintain cultural bonds. Even with oppressive laws and constant surveillance they preserved stories, passed on traditions, and formed communities that nurtured resilience. These societies in bondage became places of solidarity, and they produced music, religious practices and oral histories that still resonate today. Yet the fundamental violence of enslavement persisted, which meant that any legal victory like the one in the Amistad case offered only a small window of relief.

In the long term the impact of this trade has shaped global economies, racial hierarchies and social perceptions that persist to this day. The descendants of those who were taken from Africa still struggle with the consequences of enslavement. Generations have worked to address the legacies of stolen labor, cultural erasure and legalized discrimination. Policies such as Jim Crow and later forms of segregation reinforced deep inequalities, causing many to fight tirelessly for civil rights. Activists and leaders across different eras have challenged oppressive systems and their determination has sparked waves of reform and social change.

Although we continue to confront the lasting effects of this history, the story of United States vs Amistad stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that courage can conquer oppressive systems, and it shows us that even a single victory can light the path toward greater freedom for all.