Peter Malone as Joseph Stalin
auditor
Peter has been working on his Five Year Plans since his days as a First Year Rep all those years ago. Fresh from a summer of warming himself up as a camp leader in upstate New York, he’s ready to fulfil his destiny as a dictator. While Stalin climbed the ladder by bribing and manipulating, Peter used his cheeky charm and ability to befriend older years in order to get to the top. A man famed for live tweeting his own election to Auditor, he effortlessly created a cult of personality for himself and his stylish Topman followers. Watch yourself around this tyrant, legend has it he’s building a gulag somewhere at the back of the Dining Hall for anyone who argues his opinion on Dublin’s best burrito.
Aoife O’Callaghan-White as Simone de Beauvoir
After spending a year living in glamorous German suburbia, Erasmus hun, Aoife makes her triumphant return to DU History as Secretary of the society, having previously served as Second Year Rep with besto, Caroline. De Beauvoir was one of the greatest female intellectuals of her time, just like our Aoife, and similar to Simone, Aoife spends her time writing on political and social issues as a final year student in History and Political Science. Taking inspiration from her alter ego, Aoife adds the matriarchal element to DU History and has some great plans for the society for International Women’s Week. Aoife is super excited about her year as Secretary and she can’t wait to keep in touch with you all via her weekly emails. Aoife will be balancing the society with her final year, and like Simone, She Came to Slay.
Secretary
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Thomas Emmet as Beau Brummell
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treasurer
Fashion-conscious socialite, Thomas is returning for a second term as Treasurer on the back of his enormous success last year. Having taken the society funds from zero to hero, Thomas will be juggling his duties as Treasurer with those of SU Environmental Officer, a Batman dissertation, and the chores of having such a classic, iconic style. Thomas is known for gracing the Arts Block in his gorgeous collection of richly coloured blazers that even Beau Brummell would swoon over, and he graces the DU History committee with a splendor fitting of Regency era London. Brummell was a trusted adviser to Prince Regent and Thomas has already become a key accomplice to Auditor, Peter and as well as being DU History’s friendliest face, he is an expert voice on the DU History committee.
Simon Foy as Garret Fitzgerald There’s no better match for Social Secretary, Simon than his hero and political bae, Garret Fitz. Both Belvedere educated, part-time journalists and lovers of Fine Gael, the similarities between Simon and Ireland’s greatest Taoiseach are pretty uncanny. Garret Fitzgerald was never the Opinion Editor of The University Times, but everyone has to start somewhere. We’re sure that GarFitz would approve of Simon’s appointment to the position of Social Sec and designated captain of the craic. You’ll find Simon in the Berkeley library, writing articles, politically plotting and scheming, and doing anything except writing his essays - apparently he’s already made a list of the top 10 Apollo Ball themes for 2017.
Hayley Douglas as Eva ‘Evita’ Perón
librarian
social secretary
Hayley bears a lot of striking similarities with her idol, Eva Perón. Both were born the youngest of five children, destined to change perceptions with glam style in a not-so-glam postcode. Both sharing concerns about labour and women, Hayley is likened to Perón because she gives back to the people. Don’t be fooled by Hayley’s bougie breakfasts and lush exterior, there are no airs and graces about her. Not above a glorious chicken fillet roll, it’s her dream to inspire a hit Broadway musical and subsequent popstar-laden Blockbuster, but she also hopes to channel Perón’s effortless star quality, to bring a certain je nais se quoi to her role as Librarian.
Anna Moran as Diane Arbus
A new face to the DU History committee, but undoubtedly a veteran of the society by this point, Anna brings experience and enthusiasm to her role as PRO. Anna has photographed more DU History events than any other, so you may remember her for taking your picture at pretty much every event held by DU History over the past few years. Anna is combining her role with her busy job as Photo Editor for The University Times in a style that only Diane Arbus could rival, but her role as a UT hack will not stand in the way of her PRO duties, which are definitely more important. Anna is responsible for all of the funky visuals that DU History are so well famed for and she’s ready to deliver you some 10/10 ticket designs and cover photos.
Caroline Nicholson as Catherine the Great
fourth yeAR REP
Public
Relations OffIcer
Unlike Catherine the Great’s thirty-seven year rule, Caroline’s rule over DU History lasted one year. For yet another year, Caroline has left the royal domain of Lucan in the careful hands of her minions so that she can grace DU History with her royal presence and expertise. She’s passed the crown over to Peter while she observes the society from the position of Fourth Year Rep, voicing her concerns without dealing with all of the #monarchproblems. Caroline will be spending most her time this year among the peasantry of Berkeley 2 as she researches mistressing courts and gazes at her vast collection of glam selfies from her recent dynastic duties in Bangkok, revelling in the break from her role as Queen Bee.
Jack is a DU History boy wonder. The only scholar on our committee, Jack is well known for his love of theatre, so we can’t imagine a better match for Third Year Rep, Jack than the greatest playwright of all time. Jack is returning once more to our committee as a rep, having done our humble society some great service last year. Our very own in-house playwright, Jack penned DU History’s Witch Trials, an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, last year and we reckon he’s already working on DU History’s next big hit, so you have plenty of performances to look forward to in the future. Let’s just hope this year with DU History isn’t a Five Act Tragedy with Jack as the main protagonist.
tHIRD yeAR REP
Cian Kelly as Michael Cusack
SECOND yeAR REP
Cian and Michael Cusack are definitely kindred spirits, divided by the cruel mistress called time. Not only does Cian love Ireland and its heritage with the fervour of his nationalist hero, Cusack, he’s also big on his hurling. A star of Trinity GAA, he’s recently moved up from lounge boy to barman in Rathfarnham’s hottest spot, The Eden House and we suspect it won’t be too long before he’s moving up the ranks of DU History. Cian can be regularly spotted indulging in a Pav breakfast or nicking books on the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, and while he hasn’t unlocked Cusack’s legendary beard yet, we reckon he’s reading a ‘How To’ article and getting inside tips from DU History’s manliest men. Watch this space.
Imogen Kavanagh as Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire Imogen is known for her style and elegance, much like her historical other-half, Georgiana Cavendish. Graceful and refined, Imogen moonlights as an 18th century aristocrat when she’s not pining over her role in DU History. A famous face of both the Berkeley library and Folkster Vintage, Imogen has a vast collection of high-waisted skirts and culottes to her name, and you won’t miss the pitter-patter of Imogen’s brogues as she darts from Berkeley to Ussher in search of the necessary reading for her English modules. Like Cavendish, Imogen has a love of the arts and a flare for writing, and while she’s new to the DU History committee, this fashionista is definitely one to watch.
SECOND yeAR REP
Anita Kelly as John Dee
ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBER
John Dee was a brilliant mind, a mathematician and scholar, famed for his magical powers and political consultancy to Elizabeth I. DU History’s resident scientist, Anita never fails to amaze with her in depth knowledge of chemical breakdown, she can explain mitosis at a speed that your LC biology teacher could only dream of. This wizard can quote every moment of Harry Potter in her sleep, but her true powers are revealed in the 24 hour library, where Anita can research and write a 2:1 essay in under four hours. She can tell you every leader of Britain’s Labour party, and Anita someday hopes to add her own name to that list. But don’t ask about Brexit, it might get a bit heated and you might get hexed.
Leon Kohl as Immanuel Kant
German genius, Leon is one of DU History’s most dedicated members, hardworking but also capable of taking chill to a whole new level. A final year History and Political Science student, Leon spends a large chunk of his time reflecting on life and pondering the most important of issues, just like his counterpart, Immanuel Kant. Leon will be living on campus this year, and while making his commute easier, this leaves him with more time to wander the campus and perch himself on cricket benches, where he’s free to ask the most avantgarde of life’s questions. Leon’s experience on the DU History committee, his multilinguality and deeply reasoned nature all prove that he is, in fact, the most enlightened of men.
ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBER
Eighty Fourth Session
Jack Dykstra-McCarthy, Sch. as William Shakespeare
Katie Nicholas as Harriet Smithson
ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBER
Katie is another new face to the DU History committee, having dazzled everyone at our AGM with her whimsical charm and beauty, not unlike Harriet Smithson who dazzled composer Hector Berlioz when he first saw her as Shakespeare’s Ophelia. Berlioz would be destined to pursue Smithson for the better part of his adult life, and his masterpiece, Symphonie Fantastique, was inspired by Smithson and his delirious love for her. A wellknown face of DU Players and a theatre whizzkid, Katie will bring passion, fun and a little bit of showmanship to the DU History committee. She may even inspire an Idée Fixe of her own.
Calling All First Years We are now recruiting two First Year Reps to complete our committee. In order to be a Year Rep, you must be studying either Single Honors History or History and Political Science, or be reading History as part of a Two-Subject Moderatorship. Keep a close eye on our weekly emails and follow our Facebook page for more details so you don’t miss out!
Editor Hayley Douglas Creative Director Anna Moran
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eighty fourth session
A Letter from the auditor Peter Malone
Dear returning friends and new faces, I would like to formally welcome you all to the 84th session of one of Trinity’s most active and engaging societies, DU History. To prepare for the upcoming year, we have gazed back upon our growth over the last number of years, so that we can continue to grow and evolve whilst also maintaining the intimate and inclusive feelings of our events; be they academic talks with a host of incredible names, our fabled club nights or even our trips during reading week of both Michaelmas and Hilary term. Every member of our society is kept up to date by our weekly emails and through our social media. As a society, we strive to make every member feel not only included, but embraced, and we seek to make DU History a place for everyone. Over the course of this year we will continue to think outside the box, as we have always done, in order to provide you, our members and friends, with the best events that Trinity has to offer. Upon joining DU History this year, you will unknowingly begin to make friendships that will last long beyond your years here at Trinity, as thousands of former members have done before you. If you are someone who enjoys quirky social events, riveting academic talks or something in between the two, then DU History is the perfect society for you. We as a committee, are looking forward to getting to know each of you and we can’t wait to hear from you so that we can provide the very best events for you, and provide you with one of the most unique and welcoming society experiences that you’ll find during your time in Trinity. I hope to see you all soon,
Peter Malone Auditor
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longbow Ciara Gardiner Senior Sophister TSM Russian and History
The longbow versus the crossbow - a highly contentious subject between military historians, and seemingly a question worth considering to most people interested in either history or warfare. The bows are inextricably linked to medieval warfare, having enjoyed their greatest glory just prior to the introduction of gunpowder. Within the field of medieval warfare, debate about which bow was superior can prove difficult to avoid. Answers tend to vary depending on any number of factors, and largely depends on the historian’s own nationality. Following the British victory at the Battle of Agincourt, for example, many British historians began to believe that the longbow was immeasurably superior to the crossbow. Of course, it is impossible to say that one is unambiguously better than the other, and
conversely, many German historians would claim that the crossbow is the better weapon. Historiography also influences how historians perceive the question. Unsurprisingly, the number of English language texts examining the longbow far outnumber those examining the crossbow, as a result of the prevalence of the longbow in British weaponry. However, the most divisive factor is the style of warfare that the bow was for: to put it in simplistic terms, the longbow was generally considered more efficient in open battle while the crossbow was better suited to sieges. In medieval battles, nobles tended to employ troops of crossbowmen as well as archers, or longbowmen. Crossbowmen were paid more in battle than longbowmen, despite the fact
VS
crossbow
that no specific skill was needed to operate a crossbow, unlike the longbow. The longbow was markedly quicker to reload than the crossbow and it is generally accepted that it was five or six times quicker to reload a longbow than a crossbow. In this sense, the longbow has been considered the more efficient of the two weapons as well, as being more suitable for following a moving target. It was this rapidity of fire, paired with its light build that ensured the longbow’s military successes. In battles such as those in Poitiers, Crecy and Agincourt, the English archers enjoyed far more success than the crossbowmen; not only could arrows be released quickly, they were much easier to manoeuvre. However, in sieges – which comprised a large and often favoured proportion of medieval warfare - the crossbow
demonstrated prowess. The crossbow was better suited than the longbow for use from behind castle turrets and in compact spaces, and it was similarly popular aboard warships. The missiles fired from the crossbow were heavier and more powerful, and carried the advantage of not needing to be fired from a great height, as was the case with the longbow. For castles under siege the crossbow was far more practical, as longbows were too big to be used when firing through loopholes. The English Victory at the Siege of Dover is often attributed to the “shower of crossbow bolts” that rained upon the French. Similarly, when the castle near Diyarbakr in Turkey was under siege, crossbowmen killed so many of the besieging force that when the castle eventually fell, crossbowmen were
specifically punished for their effectiveness. The crossbow provided a valuable method of offence for the besieged, but prowess in siege warfare did not necessarily redeem the crossbow’s bulkier, slower build. English troops almost exclusively carried longbows from 1340 onwards and while the longbow and the crossbow were both effective weapons with individual strong points, the longbow remained the more popular of the two, at least in England. The longbow versus the crossbow is of concern to very few. However, as one of the more interesting debates in medieval warfare, both history buffs and GoT and Lord of the Rings fans alike are keen to offer their two cents on the subject. I, for one, remain fixedly on team crossbow – although I’ve been assured, most emphatically, that I’m wrong.
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Trip to rome
The Eternal City of Rome was DU History’s destination of choice for our annual foreign trip in 2016. Rome’s historical significance, famous landmarks and vibrant nightlife made it an ideal location for the society’s most eagerly anticipated trip of the year. The journey began on the first Sunday of the Hilary Term reading week. Under strict instructions from Auditor, Caroline, sleepy-eyed historians arrived at Dublin airport at 4:30am. When everyone had arrived we headed for the gate, but not before picking up an early morning Whopper from Burger King. Our Ryanair flight touched down on Italian soil at around 10:30am and from there we made our way to the hostel. A walking tour of the city was the first event on the itinerary. Our tour guide, Stefano, showed us some of Rome’s most impressive sites, from the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon, as well as explaining the intricacies of the rivalry between the Roman football clubs, Roma and his beloved Lazio, and Stefano’s insider tips served as good base knowledge for the rest of the trip. The first night saw DU History descend on Rome’s aptly named ‘Trinity Bar’. After a long day and a lengthy walk in the rain, everyone was happy to relax in familiar surroundings with actual pictures of The Pav hanging on the bar’s walls. An early start on day two was necessary for a day spent exploring the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The majority of our members were blown away by the sheer beauty of the artwork that the Vatican has to offer. Some, however, were less eager, describing a canopy in the Basilica as “far too baroque a structure”. Not sure I agree, Jack Dykstra-McCarthy. After some fine dining in Rome’s fantastic (and surprisingly reasonable) restaurants, we made our way to an Oscar-themed party. Despite the committee’s best efforts, the majority of first years got lost after initially being sent to the wrong location, but everyone eventually arrived at the club, ready for the night’s festivities. It’s been reported that Social Secretary, Eoin McGrath’s use of Renaissance maps rather than Google Maps was to blame for the discrepancy but that’s Kilkenny folk for you, I suppose. Nevertheless, another great night was had and everyone had the chance to take a picture with a real-life golden Oscars statuette (i.e. some buff guy painted fully gold). After days of rain, the sun shone on day three and Rome was treated to pasty white Irish legs, as the shorts came out in full force. Day three was spent exploring the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill and the place that featured most in the ensuing Facebook and Instagram posts - the Colosseum. Caesar himself would have approved the levels of vanity on display. The day was followed by a classic DU History event that evening, a pub crawl. The event was organised by the hostel which meant that a great night was had forging new friendships with the other guests and we finished up the night in one of Rome’s nightclubs. On our final day, Caroline relinquished her tight grip on the meticulously planned itinerary and allowed tired travellers to sleep in and explore the city at will before we headed to the airport, which was a tired but melancholy affair. Rome was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the society’s 83rd session. Friendships were formed, romances blossomed and profile pictures were updated. It truly was the #squadgoals, Lizzie Maguire-esque trip that the committee had promised, and this year’s committee will be working tirelessly to plan a trip just as special. Simon Foy [Social Secretary]
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The Eighty Third Session
2015
Apollo Ball
City Hall and the MV Cill Airne boat being ven Theatre. The unique 18th century theme was night our members didn’t disappoint, as the r The night began with everyone mingling an string quartet helped to create the grandeur o desired snaps with their friends, and create m After dinner was served, the dancing shoes to some very cheesy tunes, in classic DU Histo but belters all night long. With the event being completely sold out in had by all of our members who attended. The special each year. We already have some idea the date.
The Witch Trials
- 2016
A few days after Halloween while the spooky, mysterious presences still hung in the air, DU History held our very own Witch Trials, a live historical drama which was inspired by the Salem Witch trials of 1692 and 1693. This event was the first of its kind for the society and was met with a huge demand. A long queue of students from various disciplines formed outside the GMB on a cold November night, each as eager as the next to discover what awaited them within. Professor Ciaran Brady began proceedings with an insightful and engaging talk. He informed the audience of the social contexts and conditions which led to the Salem Witch trials, outlined the main events of the trials themselves and also explained how the trials inspired many modern dramas and movies. One such drama was Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, which DU History adapted in collaboration with DU Players, to form the script for the night. The opening of the live performance evoked a range of emotions from the audience. The lights were slowly dimmed and four girls, all clad in white dresses suddenly emerged and skipped to the front of the stage. Their frenzied laughs and giggles lulled the crowd into a state of excitement and anticipation. However, the tone was soon to be altered by an imposing voice which rang around the chamber and threatened all those present to never speak of what they had just witnessed. The four actresses screamed in absolute disbelief and fled the stage in horror. Just as the audience were catching their breath, the four girls promptly returned to the front of the stage, where a condemnatory jury awaited them. The drama’s exhilarating opening introduced themes of guilt, fear and paranoia and the entire production revealed a lot about society, morality and justice in seventeenth century colonial America. The entire performance was thrilling from start to finish and the GMB proved to be an ideal location for our very own witch trial. Its high ceiling, extensive decorations and looming balcony helped to transport the audience back in time to a Salem courtroom. We must give credit to all those involved in the production, from those in charge of the lighting and costumes to the brilliant cast, such as Martha Corey, Sam Ford, Laetitia Close, and DU History’s own Thomas Emmet and Peter Malone. Jack Dykstra-McCarthy and former secretary, Jemma O’Leary must also be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication to the project. They were critical to making this event happen. Witch Trials was undoubtedly one of DU History’s landmark events of the Michaelmas term. The perfect location, interesting historical intrigue and excellent acting combined to make it an event to be remembered. Witch Trials was very much a venture into the unknown for DU History. However it proved successful, and it certainly set the precedent for many more historically inspired dramas in collaboration with DU Players in the future. Cian Kelly [Second Year Rep]
The annual Apollo Ball is by far the most glamorous event in the DU History calendar. This year’s ball was held on March 22nd with the special theme of ‘The Dandy and the Duchess’. DU History is known for choosing lavish locations, with both nues in recent years. This year proved no different, and our annual ball was held in the beautiful Banquet Hall of Smock Alley met with great enthusiasm from DU History members, many were counting down the days to put on their gladrags. On the room was filled with dancing dandies and glamorous duchesses. nd soaking up the beautiful surroundings of one of Dublin’s most gorgeous venues. Accompaniment from our very talented of the night. One of the most popular attractions was no doubt our photo booth, where everyone could get those long memories that they’ll cherish for years to come. were out. An impromptu dance floor was formed in Smock Alley’s Banquet Hall and everyone began to dance the night away ory style! The party continued long into the night at our after party in The Grand Social, where our two DJs played nothing
n advance, ‘The Dandy and the Duchess’ was definitely one of the highlights of last year’s calendar, and a great night was e Apollo Ball is the only black tie event in Trinity which incorporates history and glamour and that is what makes our event so as brewing for this year’s Apollo Ball to make it bigger and better than ever, and it will definitely not be an event to miss. Save Caroline Nicholson [Fourth Year Rep & Former Auditor]
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The Suez Crisis 1956
The Rise and Fall of the Arab Nationalist Movement Alex Kelleher Senior Freshman Single Honors History 2016 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Suez Crisis, a major event in modern Middle Eastern history. In October 1956, Britain, France and Israel invaded Egypt as a direct response to the nationalisation of the Suez Canal by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, but were also more generally motivated by a growing fear of the increasingly popular Arab Nationalist movement. The Canal was of major strategic and economic importance to those Western European countries with empires in the East. By the same token, the Canal was symbolically very significant to Arabs for it served as a constant reminder of British imperialism in Egypt. Despite military success in overwhelming Egyptian troops situated in the Sinai Peninsula and along the Canal, the three invading powers were forced to retreat by international pressure, notably from the United States. For Britain and France, Suez ended up as a psychological and political defeat that caused a fundamental change in their foreign policy and confirmed their decline on the world stage. Their role in the Middle East, although still important, would be steadily superseded by the United States. For the possibilities of Arab Nationalism, the Crisis also had a profound impact, mobilising a large number of Arabs to support it. The consequences of the Suez Crisis were thus extensive and far-ranging; impossible to explore in a short article. In light of this, I will focus primarily on the significance of the Suez Crisis for the Arab Nationalist movement.
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Nationalism can be defined as loyalty to, and pride in a collective identity. In the case of the Arabs, it was accompanied by the desire to independently govern themselves in a separate state. The foremost theoretician of Arab nationalism, Sati’ al-Husri, described it as the desire for the Arab people to “have one heart and a common soul”. For most Arab intellectuals, the goal of Arab nationalism was political unity and
independence. The Nationalist movement was a force that could unite the Arab world, but in order to achieve this, the movement had to overcome the disunity of the Middle East and defeat, or at the very least cooperate with, the State of Israel. For the Arab Nationalist movement, Suez constituted a monumental political victory over the British and French imperialists and, perhaps more importantly, over Israel,
whose formation in 1948 had inflicted a deep wound on the development of Arab nationalism. Prior to Suez, Nasser had dreamed of a unified Arab world, free of the foreign involvement that had beleaguered the Middle East since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Suez was an important step towards this goal for it represented, in Adeed Dawisha’s words, “an affirmation of Arab
consequences of Suez for the movement began to emerge. In 1957, the Treaty of Arab Solidarity between the Arab States was signed, whilst the Eisenhower Doctrine- a U.S defence pact aimed at deterring Soviet Influence- was rejected by the Arab powers, indicating a newfound confidence in independent rule and a rejection of western political influences. However, and paradoxically, in many ways the Suez Crisis catalysed the
sovereignty, dignity and pride, and a victory for the Arabs”. Nasser himself was now seen as a ‘second Saladin’ across the Middle East and he gained the widespread support of many Arabs. He had already gained repute after successfully defying the Western powers by concluding the Czech Arms Deal in 1955 with the Soviet Bloc. On this wave of support, the first concrete
decline of the Arab Nationalist movement. The wave of support generated by Suez pressured Nasser into advancing his unification plans too early. The 1958 creation of the United Arab Republic between Egypt and Syria on the surface appeared to be another triumph. It was in fact a grave mistake for the union, and proved unworkable, it collapsed in 1961, undermining the credibility of the movement. Whilst the general public supported Nasser,
the higher political echelons of the Middle East, notably the monarchical states, turned against him. Saudi Arabia and Jordan were unwilling to secede their monarchical authority to become part of a wider Arab state. The disunity amongst the Arab powers served to sap the strength of the movement. For the rest of the 1960s, Nasser would make risky manoeuvres in an attempt to rejuvenate the movement after the failure of the Republic; such as Egypt’s failed military involvement in the North Yemen Civil war (19621970), and through increasing Egypt’s hostility towards Israel. The result of this open aggression was that Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against its Arab neighbours in 1967, inflicting a crushing if not irreversible defeat upon Nasser’s efforts. By the end of 1970, the Arab movement had all but ended due to disunity and the military superiority of Israel. The Suez Crisis both accelerated the popularity of the Arab Nationalist movement and catalysed its decline since it was forced to bloom too soon. The mass support generated by the victory pushed political leaders into unfavourable and impractical unions that failed, undermining the integrity of the movement. Ultimately, the years from 1956-67 proved merely to be a short departure from the status quo. Israel’s military dominance persisted and Western intervention in Arab affairs would endure, albeit now predominantly via the involvement of the United States.