The Gunpowder Plot by Kathryn Graz

Sources

kgraz — 2015-03-30 15:31:58 UTC

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/the_gunpowder_plot

2. http://www.britannia.com/history/kaboom.html

3. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/king-james-learns-of-gunpowder-plot

4. http://www.history.com/topics/gunpowder-plot

James I

kgraz — 2015-03-30 15:39:23 UTC

After years of tension between Catholics and Protestants, due to Elizabeth I's persecution of Catholics, the coronation as James I appeared promising to them. However, in order to appease extreme protestants, James kept the penalties, such as fines, imposed on Catholics (source 1).

The Conspiracy

kgraz — 2015-03-30 15:53:33 UTC

The conspirators, led by Robert Catesby and Thomas Wintour, decided to pack gunpowder under the houses of parliament when it opened on the 5th of November, 1605. However, the man chosen to detonate the gunpowder, Guy Fawkes, was discovered (source 2).

One conspirator, Francis Tresham, wrote to his brother-in-law, warning him about the conspiracy and not to be in Parliament on the 5th of November. He warned the government and so Guy Fawkes was found (source 3). Eventually, all of the conspirators were put on trial and excecuted for treason (source 4).

Performance Task

kgraz — 2015-04-01 23:04:08 UTC

In this video I described the events of the Gunpowder Plot, and looking into the effects of the entire conspiracy. Although the reasons why people like this may revert to violence are understandable, the violence itself makes people, communities, and governments possibly even greater enemies than those they were fighting against.

Significance to the Modern World

kgraz — 2015-04-01 23:17:32 UTC

There are still many terrorists in the world, many of whom claim to be terrorists on the grounds morality or religion. This serves as an example of overcoming terrorism and the absence of "glory" for those involved. This reveals the stupidity of reverting to violence even with valid motives. Now 400 years later, rather than celebrating their bravery to acquire freedom of religion, people celebrate the death of terrorists and the victory over them. We realize that terrorism only brings more hatred and prejudice against the people terrorists represent and try to help.

This conspiracy has also been included through multiple pop culture references, such as in V for Vendetta and BBC Sherlock, highlighting its long-lasting significance.

kgraz — 2015-04-01 23:46:23 UTC

An engraving made at the the time of some of the conspirators including (left-right) Bates, Robert Wintour, Christopher Wright, John Wright, Thomas Percy, Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby, and Thomas Wintour.

kgraz — 2015-04-01 23:53:07 UTC

A late 17th or early 18th century depiction of the Gunpowder Plot. This represents how prominent this was to society if they were still so concerned with it a hundred years later and beyond.

kgraz — 2015-04-01 23:57:24 UTC

Illustration drawn at around 1800 of the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament where Fawkes was preparing the gunpowder before he was caught.

kgraz — 2015-04-02 00:05:17 UTC

Scene from V for Vendetta referencing the Gunpowder Plot

kgraz — 2015-04-02 00:11:54 UTC

Guy Fawkes' confession

kgraz — 2015-04-02 00:12:46 UTC

Guy Fawkes' signature as seen on his confession

kgraz — 2015-04-02 00:18:38 UTC

Bonfire Night Celebration at the Houses of Parliament

kgraz — 2015-04-02 00:23:38 UTC

In England, it is customary to celebrate the 5th of November by burning a "guy" (its fake, its not a real person) on a bonfire after processing him through the town.

Performance Task

kgraz — 2015-04-02 04:26:22 UTC