The Bristorian introduces The Past Today, a unique series presenting you with the headlines of today’s past.

The series is made up of short, sharp, yet impactful 500 word pieces, designed to bring some intrigue and entertainment to your day.

The Bristorian The Bristorian

The Dissolution of the Soviet Union

On this day, 33 years ago, the Soviet Union was officially dissolved as a sovereign state, drawing 69 years of dictatorship to an end. Alfie Stubbs reflects on the Soviet Union’s decline and its place in modern memory.

Read More
The Bristorian The Bristorian

The Last Man – Tokugawa Yoshinobu

On this day in 1867, the reign of the last shogun drew to a close, ending over two and a half centuries of the Tokugawa shogunate. William Budd explores the rule of Tokugawa Yoshinobu and his attempts to modernise and reform Japan.

Read More
The Bristorian The Bristorian

The Beginning of Prohibition

On this day in 1919, the Volstead Act was passed, beginning Prohibition in the United States. Daniel Rose reflects on its attempt to solve the ‘social ills of alcoholism’ - its successes, its failures and the effects that still permeate today’s society.

Read More
The Bristorian The Bristorian

Dumbo: ‘Wrong then, wrong now’?

On this day in 1941, Dumbo was first released. Lucy Ward critically reviews its greatly problematic history and questions how we can ethically consume such films.

Read More
The Bristorian The Bristorian

Leif Erikson Day

On this day in 1964, Leif Erikson Day was formally established in the US, celebrating American ties to Scandinavia and Iceland. Ben Bryant looks at the first European to set foot on continental North America.

Read More
The Bristorian The Bristorian

The Women’s March on Versailles

235 years ago, on the 5th of October, the women of Paris marched to Versailles, demanding bread and change. Emma Collins reflects upon this grand display of solidarity, a turning point in the French Revolution.

Read More
The Bristorian The Bristorian

The Nuremberg Trials

On this day in 1946, the judges of the Nuremberg Trials passed their judgment on the crimes of the Nazis. Sophie Caballero-Pearce reflects on this hugely significant geopolitical event.

Read More
The Bristorian The Bristorian

The Little Rock Nine

On this day, American President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered U.S. troops to escort nine Black students into Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, but why was this so important? The Bristorian looks at the Little Rock Nine.

Read More