St. Joseph's College History Society

又到了聖若瑟書院一年一度的Recruitment Week，在此，歷史學會誠邀大家成為我們的一份子。歷史學會一向致力於帶給若瑟夫教科書以外的歷史知識，感受歷史嚴肅以外的有趣一面。我們希望通過不同的遊戲，以一個充滿趣味的方式，讓同學們學習到歷史知識之餘，還能激發對主動探究歷史的興趣。
為此，歷史學會將於來年為所有會員提供不同於以往的活動，真正實踐到從嬉戲中吸收知識，從嬉戲中激發興趣。我們更會有不同的比賽，獲勝者將會獲得精美的獎品。
此外，參加歷史學會的同學，也會得到手繪的文件夾一個作為入會贈禮。同時，歷史學會將會與普通話學會（PTH Club）和棋盤遊戲學會（Board Game Club）分別推出「歷史文化」和「歷史棋盤」的優惠，收費請看下方入會費一欄。最後，歷史學會希望能為所有會員提供充實而難忘的一年！

入會費：$20/人
1.「歷史文化」歷史學會+普通話學會 $30/人
2.「歷史棋盤」歷史學會+棋盤遊戲學會 $25/人

時間：5-7/10
地點：New Hall

另外，我們亦有精美文件夾正在發售！

如欲購買我們的精美文件夾，亦可按以下連結。數量有限，先到先得💪🏻：

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPGC-R48iTivdO3G9ASfoqGZqk8mH4mxCWoRgm36SJB9A-Q/formResponse

又到了聖若瑟書院一年一度的Recruitment Week，在此，歷史學會誠邀大家成為我們的一份子。歷史學會一向致力於帶給若瑟夫教科書以外的歷史知識，感受歷史嚴肅以外的有趣一面。我們希望通過不同的遊戲，以一個充滿趣味的方式，讓同學們學習到歷史知識之餘，還能激發對主動探究歷史的興趣。
為此，歷史學會將於來年為所有會員提供不同於以往的活動，真正實踐到從嬉戲中吸收知識，從嬉戲中激發興趣。我們更會有不同的比賽，獲勝者將會獲得精美的獎品。
此外，參加歷史學會的同學，也會得到手繪的文件夾一個作為入會贈禮。同時，歷史學會將會與普通話學會（PTH Club）和棋盤遊戲學會（Board Game Club）分別推出「歷史文化」和「歷史棋盤」的優惠，收費請看下方入會費一欄。最後，歷史學會希望能為所有會員提供充實而難忘的一年！

入會費：$20/人
1.「歷史文化」歷史學會+普通話學會 $30/人
2.「歷史棋盤」歷史學會+棋盤遊戲學會 $25/人

時間：5-7/10
地點：New Hall

另外，我們亦有精美文件夾正在發售！

如欲購買我們的精美文件夾，亦可按以下連結。數量有限，先到先得💪🏻：

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPGC-R48iTivdO3G9ASfoqGZqk8mH4mxCWoRgm36SJB9A-Q/formResponse

又到了聖若瑟書院一年一度的Recruitment Week，在此，歷史學會誠邀大家成為我們的一份子。歷史學會一向致力於帶給若瑟夫教科書以外的歷史知識，感受歷史嚴肅以外的有趣一面。我們希望通過不同的遊戲，以一個充滿趣味的方式，讓同學們學習到歷史知識之餘，還能激發對主動探究歷史的興趣。
為此，歷史學會將於來年為所有會員提供不同於以往的活動，真正實踐到從嬉戲中吸收知識，從嬉戲中激發興趣。我們更會有不同的比賽，獲勝者將會獲得精美的獎品。
此外，參加歷史學會的同學，也會得到手繪的文件夾一個作為入會贈禮。同時，歷史學會將會與普通話學會（PTH Club）和棋盤遊戲學會（Board Game Club）分別推出「歷史文化」和「歷史棋盤」的優惠，收費請看下方入會費一欄。最後，歷史學會希望能為所有會員提供充實而難忘的一年！

入會費：$20/人
1.「歷史文化」歷史學會+普通話學會 $30/人
2.「歷史棋盤」歷史學會+棋盤遊戲學會 $25/人

時間：5-7/10
地點：New Hall

另外，我們亦有精美文件夾正在發售！

如欲購買我們的精美文件夾，亦可按以下連結。數量有限，先到先得💪🏻：

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-orI744VDyYLIES7tWr9yrGoqA-v6osZzAalXrtckaU/edit?usp=drivesdk

踏入嶄新的一年，歷史學會希望為大家獻上一則二戰時的趣聞，一起賀一賀歲。

在北非戰爭前期，一個意大利要塞在英軍打了幾梭子子彈後就舉了白旗，意軍指揮官在投降時一本正經地對英軍指揮官說：「我們已經打完了最後一發子彈。」這時，在要塞裏，英軍找到了一間堆滿了意大利製造的軍火庫。英軍指揮官聞後感到既欣喜又疑惑，命令士兵們把軍火拿出來堆在意軍指揮官前，問道:「你們不是打完最後一梭子彈了嗎？」意軍指揮官頓時臉色慘白，緊張道:「我……我們已經盡力了啊，要不然早棄械投降了……」意軍俘虜們也認真地點了點頭，眼眶已充滿淚水。英軍們看着眼前的軍火，再看了看懦弱的意軍，隨即哄堂大笑。此時的意軍指揮官還在喃喃自語道:「哭啥，我們已經盡力了呢。」

或許有時候，自我感覺良好，可能會讓心情轉好。可是，希望大家也不要以這種「我已經盡過力就放棄」，得過且過的態度來學習，反應一絲不苟，認真對待每一件事情，才可有所禆益。

新年過後，有大概率便是我們的考試了。在此由衷祝福大家新年快樂，學業進步。 最重要是保持身心健康，才能應付接下來的種種挑戰。

二戰中「英勇」的意大利軍隊

意大利在二戰中可說是德國的「豬隊友」。自墨索里尼掌握大權以來，他剛愎自用，他認為「形式決定軍隊的戰鬥力」，而不以士兵的身體素質和作戰能力作為訓練基礎，造成一支外強中乾的軍隊，戰爭時也不願意採納己方軍官建議而導致意軍屢戰屢敗，因而為後世留下了不少笑話。

意軍曾以壓倒性的兵力進攻希臘，然不得要領，吞下敗仗，也曾在法國敗軍之時，士氣低落之際嘗試「撿尾刀」，然而再次被法國餘部打回老家。更荒唐甚至有己方士兵用高射砲把自己元帥誤殺的故事，使人哭笑不得。

屢戰屢敗的原因一：

民以食為天，意大利則把這句古語當成治軍的方針，意大利士兵非常注重軍糧，正當各國正為戰爭而著手研究多款先進的軍用器具時，意軍正研究著令軍糧變得更美味，保存得更好的辦法。相傳意軍在進餐時即便有敵軍來襲也不會抬起槍桿子反抗，而是在完食後束手就擒，試問如此的軍隊能不弱嗎？

屢戰屢敗的原因二：

意軍貪生怕死，大敵當前，軍官無法激勵士氣，士兵自然作鳥獸散。二戰中軍隊將領帶領整支軍隊投降的事跡不在少數。意大利傳統文化的影響也是原因之一，投降對意軍而言並不是什麼奇恥大辱，因而不少軍隊便為明哲保身而乖乖投降，見風使舵。戰爭中陣亡的將士比起投降的還少，因此意軍不堪一擊。

同為法西斯國家，同為軸心國，意大利軍隊比起納粹軍就像小巫見大巫，若德國知道自己的盟友會如此軟弱無能，相必也會氣得直跺腳吧！

正如文首所說，民以食為天！其實意軍注重於美食也只是人之常情，而渴望保存性命，抱著「留得青山在」的原則，確實也只是人的本性。雖然意軍並算不上是戰爭中的好戰友，但我們也不能忘記：戰爭本來就是一場違反人倫的悲劇，人類為了自身利益，手足相殘，就已經比起意軍戰爭中的所作所為更為荒謬。望我們都能體會戰爭的悲哀，而非僅就意軍在戰爭中的事跡而訕笑不休。
願世界和平。

ECA Week即將蒞臨，本學年歷史學會的首個活動亦將於11月6日（星期五），下午四時半開始。期待與大家交流呢！

是次活動為世界一次大戰的線上演講分享。別總視歷史演講為沉悶冗長的活動：不同的歷史事件皆有不同的趣味點，其中各式各樣的因素，如政治因素，宗教影響等，皆會構成一條別緻的彩虹，美麗而耐人尋味。

期待在Zoom見到大家！

一年一度的招募周即將在10月6日到10月9日到來，我們歷史學會在此誠意邀請您加入我們！
歷史是一種別緻的文學，沉重感與趣味感交雜，更能讓我們從中借鑒，塑造自己成為一個更面面俱全的若瑟夫。活動如參觀博物館、法院、展覽，以及一些座談會以及比賽，相信能讓大家在一系列靜中有動的活動獲益良多。
我們歷史學會再一次熱切地邀請您成為我們的一分子，徜徉於歷史的長河裡，一起度過有趣而充實的一年！

Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6d2C71UdC85o2CHyrRXN1gPVgSODfpEwkSeXIpxVceUfmgQ/viewform

The History Society is organizing a visit to the History Museum. We will be going to an exhibition about ancient Afghanistan, called "Glistening Treasures in the Dust- Ancient Artefacts of Afghanistan". The tour of the exhibition about ancient Afghanistan will be a guided tour, and then there will be about 45 minutes of free time to visit the permanent exhibition "The Hong Kong Story".

Details are as follows:
Date: 5/2/2020 (Wednesday)
Time: 2:15 - 4:00 pm
Gathering time and place: 1:10 pm @ SJC KR7 Campus Main Entrance
Dismissal time and place: Around 4:30 pm @ SJC K7 Campus Main Entrance
Transportation: Coach
Deposit: $5 (Refunded fully if 20 or more students attend the visit)

Please fill in the Google form for application:
https://forms.gle/ixoXmQ1H9cJZcipm8
A parental notice will be distributed at a later date. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Christmas Truce

In this era of peace and stability, we take a happy Christmas for granted. However, we probably have never envisioned how a Christmas would turn out in the event of a war.

On Christmas Eve 1914, thousands of soldiers from both sides of the Western trenches ran out. This was not an invasion, but a celebration. German, British and French troops met and traded valuable food supplies. They played card games, smoked, drank and sang Christmas carols together. There was even a football match. Army leaders were horrified, but they could do nothing to stop the large-scale "riot" of soldiers enjoying the festive spirit.

This peace did not last long. On Boxing Day, the cold air of war returned. There were no men running out and having a game of poker; rather, large guns were pointed at each other, preparing to open fire. There were no truces for the remaining of the war.

The truce displays how men valued peace and love over cold, hard warring and bickering. At this polarized era, we can always reflect on the courageous acts of the soldiers on both sides and how we can make this Christmas one to remember.

Merry Christmas to all!

Revolutions in the 20th Century: April and Gwangju Uprisings (419 and 518 Uprisings)
Part I: Dictatorship and resignation of Syngman Rhee (李承晚)

Syngman Rhee, the only President of the First Republic of (South) Korea, was a fervent anti-communist. He had studied for many years in the West, and spoke fluent English. During his early rule, he was welcomed by the civilians as an independence activist who would lead South Korea to prosperity. However, this was not to be.

Rhee quickly tightened his grip by executing Kim Gu (金九), the opposition leader, and violently suppressing the Jeju Island revolt instigated by Communists. 10% of the inhabitants of Jeju were killed, and many more fled to Japan.

The Korean War displayed the rampant corruption and authoritarianism of the Rhee regime. The names of thousands of "ghost soldiers" who did not exist in real life were printed on the lists of soldiers, allowing officers to steal government funds allotted for their pay. Rhee also had the legislature amend the constitution to allow unlimited terms as well as reduce freedom of speech and the press and prevent opposition members from voting.

The election on March 15th, 1960 had three candidates including Rhee. The opposing two candidates died quickly in short order. This was too much for the public, who saw Rhee as a corrupt authoritarian, to handle.

A month later, the body of a schoolboy who had disappeared in the riots was found in the harbour of Masan. It was found that his skull was hit by a tear gas gr***de that was thrown directly at his eyes. The public was outraged. On the 18th of April, protestors gathered at the president's residence in Seoul, the Blue House, to call for Rhee's resignation. Police killed 180 by firing into the crowd. On the 26th of April, Rhee resigned as President and fled to Hawaii along with his Austrian wife of 60 years. He died at the age of 90 in 1865.

History generally regards Rhee as an opportunist who leeched on US aid to expand his power in South Korea.

Photos: Syngman Rhee and April revolution protestors

北風凜冽，樹木蕭條，說時遲那時快，又到期中考試的日子了。無數莘莘學子正埋圖書海，在知識的海洋中暢泳，只求在考試中得一個問心無愧的成績。
歷史學會奉上一張唐代科舉的畫作，祝大家考試加油！

Velvet Revolution (1989) Part I

30 years ago today marked the start of the Velvet Revolution, bringing Czechoslovakia to a later split and resulting in the current countries of Czechia and Slovakia, which both are in the EU.

The Velvet Revolution started on 17 November 1989, international students' day. On that day, riot police suppressed a student demonstration in Prague. This demonstration was organised by the Socialist Union of Youth, which though is a proxy of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, most members were secretly anti-communist.

At 19:30 that day, the demonstrators were stopped by riot police, who attacked them. The protesters dispersed but one secret police agent laid in the street, which gave birth to a hoax about a dead student. This gave fuel to the fire, bringing forth the Velvet Revolution.

The Velvet Revolution is characterised by a series of strikes, with a "permanent" strike declared by students and the leading opposition group Civic Forum, demanding the resignation of the government.

And how would the event continue to unfold? Would the collapse of communism, which spread to Czechoslovakia after the success of Solidarity in Poland, restructuring of the Communist Party in Hungary and the fall of the Berlin Wall, continue to spill over to more countries and the USSR? Stay tuned for more.