History Gallery

German chancellor Willy Brandt knells in front of monument of Warsaw ghetto uprising (1970)

One of the most educational moments in human history. Germany has become the undeniable leader of the European Union amid the European debt crisis (2010-) and immigration crisis (2015-). Is it just because of her economic power? If yes, how do we interpret the fact that Germany had been the top European Power in terms of industry, technology, and the military when she bid for continental supremacy in 1914? Although the steel production of Germany had surpassed the gross sum of the Great Britain, France, and Russia (the opponent Triple Entente) by 1913, her two attempts to establish hegemony by force (1914-1918, 1939-1945) turned out to be catastrophic. "Willy Brandt knells down, Germany stands up!" It's the frank confession for the committed Holocaust regaining the trust (and the ensuing leadership) of Europe. Bravo, Willy!

Human Rights Salute in Summer Olympics (1968)

Olympics are supposed apolitical, but not inhuman. African-American sprinters, Tommie Smith (center) and John Carlos (right), showed the raised fist (a traditional icon of Black Power) on the podium after winning the gold and bronze medals of the 200-meter race in honor of the Civil Rights Movement. They were immediately expelled from the US Olympic Team under the request of International Olympic Committee, and largely ostracized by the US society. The silver medalist, Peter Norman (left), from Australia wore a Human Rights badge in solidarity with the idea. He had no chance to return the Olympics ever since. The two "fist raisers" are very brave in forsaking the assured interests to side with their oppressed fellow people. The white sympathizer is incredibly noble. Instead of simply walking away or leaving alone to protect himself, he chose to take the inherent responsibility of his race in hope of a just future. Athletes run even faster now, but it is the three brave men defining the most glorious moment in Olympic history.

"The Affair" - Alfred Dreyfus Case (1894-1906)

Emile Zola (1840-1902)

The Dreyfus Case uncovered the darkness of prejudice, and how individuals of conscience acted bravely to recover the justice.

Alfred Dreyfus (1859-1935), a Jewish-French officer, was arrested and found guilty of transferring secrets to German military Attaché in 1894, while he was denied to examine the evidence against him in the court martial. He was sent to Devil's Island penal colony in South America for life in prison.

Latter investigation conducted by Lt. Colonel Georges Picquart (1854-1914) showed that Major Walsin Esterhazy was the one actually committed espionage, of which the army intelligence had been aware but made Dreyfus a scapegoat because of his Jewish descent. Ironically, Picquart was demoted and transferred to Tunisia, while Esterhazy was acquitted in a military court.

Now it's the turn of Emile Zola (1840-1902). The revered litterateur of naturalism criticized the army cover-up in a newspaper in 1898, which arouse public attention about this case and divided the French society. The backlash from the political right-wing declared that this case is a conspiracy of Jews designed to damage the prestige of the Army and destroy France. Zola was found guilty of libeling, and fled England. Picquart was accused of forging notes that misled Zola, and was dismissed from the service.

It was subsequently found that forged documents were inserted to the Dreyfus file by Lt. Colonel Hubert Henry, who tried to strengthen the case against Dreyfus when a new trial would come. He committed suicide right after being interrogated. Even though, Dreyfus was found guilty again in a new court-martial (1899), and sent back to the Devil's Island. He managed to return Paris in 1906 (12 years after his case began) when he was pardoned by the President (1899) and exonerated of the charges.

It is the common anti-Semitism throughout the French society responsible for the error. The military court could not conduct sentences against convincing evidences without the back of prevailing prejudice, which was so powerful that even Zola was eventually engulfed. Nevertheless, we also witness the individuals of conscience standing out against the injustice. These are the persons truly defending France from morbidity, which would otherwise be earned from bloodshed as happened in latter Nazi Germany.

Exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II with his 2nd wife Hermine in Doorn, Netherlands (1926)

Few people have lives as theatrical as that of German Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941). When he was crowned in 1888, the Deutsch Empire was the leading power in the European Continent. His ambition of expansion over sea and colonies, however, collapsed with his throne at the end of World War I (1918). He abdicated and lived in exile for the rest of his life in Netherlands. In this photo, we can sense the warm pleasure radiating from the old man and all his family. It is fortunate for him to recognize the precious values after being free from the power.

Albert Schweitzer with an African child in Lambarene (1933)

Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) is remembered for his humanitarian devotion in French Equatorial Africa since 1913. However, his life inspires me with two more things. He embarked on his medical education at the age of 30, while he had been a respected writer on theology, an accomplished organist, and an authority on the life and work of Baroque composer Johann S. Bach. It is never too late to carry out one's ideal. Unlike some of the dedicators regarding their devotions as sacrifices, he appreciated God for endowing him with health, wisdom, and strength during the fulfillment. Devotion can not only enhance the soul but fill the life with plentiful delight.