The Atlantic is more than ocean. Throughout history, it helped to shape much of the Western world and was a driving force in the development of the Americas. How much impact did it have?

In the study of Ancient Greece, there should always be reference material that helps guide the reader/student through the history in a way that helps the historical events sink in and take root. The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Greece by Robert Morkot is one of those valuable resources.

There are opinions that other playwrights are the real authors using William Shakespeare as a mask. It is just too hard for most people to believe that someone who did not come from wealth nor had an impressive education could be gifted with the ability to produce these masterpieces.

One of the most wide-spread influential colonial wars was the Seven Years War which touched every colony and set the stage for the American Revolution. Known as the French and Indian War in the colonies where it spilled over, it created many of the colonial leaders.

The English colonies succeeded because they found what would bring them success in each of the colonial areas. The Chesapeake colonists found that tobacco would give them the edge. Through this product, they were able to supply Europe with their smoking supplies.

The Indians were the ones who called the New World home. To the Europeans that arrived on the new shores, the land was completely unknown to them. They did not know what crops would grow, how the weather would influence them, or what was behind the next hill.

The Indians gave a variety of responses to the English colonization. It ranged from tolerance and allies to all out war. The manner of colonization and the impact felt by the Indians determined most of the responses that were received.

Why was King Leopold so interested in the Congo area specifically? Or, was this just what he could get? What was it about the Congo that had the King of Belgium chomping at the bit to get a piece of Africa?

Each of the European countries had their reasons and agendas for getting involved in the New World. It ranged from money to power to a place to discard the unwanted. Their reasoning fluctuated as situations rose up and new leaders stepped into play.

The colonists wanted to be heard and have a say in how the mother country was suddenly directed them. Taxes were not the issue. It was how the taxes were handled. To the colonists, the Stamp Act was a tax for the entire purpose of raising money.