I wonder how many people reading this who are not history
professors are aware of the significance of November 5th. Over in England, I understand it is a pretty
big deal as Guy Fawkes Day. Clear back
in 1605, a disaffected Catholic named Guy Fawkes had placed gunpowder kegs
beneath Parliament and planned to blow up every member of that body in an
attempt to restore Catholic rule to England.
He was caught in the act, tried and executed for treason. This gave rise to a popular rhyme:
Remember,
remember
The 5th
of November
Gunpowder,
treason & plot
I see
no reason why the gunpowder treason
Should
ever be forgot
This was also the unofficial celebration of lets bash Catholics
day in England.
In American, however, Guy Fawkes and his treason are pretty
much forgotten. While I’m frequently exasperated at the average American’s lack
of historical knowledge, in this case, I think a bit of national amnesia can be
a very good thing.
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