Writes Michael Hale, Head of History
The History Department was delighted to hear that essays submitted by Raffi R. (U6th) to the Julia Wood History Essay Competition (St Hugh’s, Oxford) and Sebastian S. (U6th) to the Robson Prize (Trinity College, Cambridge) have been recognised by the college’s examiners.
Raffi’s Commended essay on Louis XIV reasoned that the king’s personal rule should not be seen as an example of absolute monarchy in the traditional sense. It concluded that Louis required a cooperative relationship with the aristocracy and provincial elites to rule effectively. Thus, his ‘absolute’ authority was hampered by practical realities, which challenges the idea that it is possible for theoretical absolutism to be displayed in practice.
Sebastian’s Highly Commended essay examined the expansion of the United States between 1800 and 1850. He argued that the promotion of agricultural industry stimulated the rural American population to acquire fertile land and explore Western territories in search of opportunity. Thus, the commercial and economic interests of the fledgling nation were the most important reasons for expansion, complemented by America’s foreign policy and interaction with the international community.
This success means that this year’s impressive cohort of historians have received recognition in both of the annual history essay prizes held by Oxbridge colleges, which is a testament to their hard work and intellectual curiosity. The Department would like once again to extend its warmest congratulations to these boys and wish them the very best of luck as they submit their applications to read History at university.
