What are we meant to be remembering on the fifth of November?

3 years ago by CassowaryTom to c/ELI5

Are we celebrating the defeat of terrorists or are we remembering why Guy Fawkes and company wanted ro blow up Parliament in the first place? I'm American and, frankly, I'm confused by the whole thing.

Pons_Aelius 7 points 3 years ago

It was the fight of protestants vs Catholics in the UK as the plotters wanted to blow up parliament to assassinate King James (Protestant ) who was attending the opening session of the parliament and replace him with his daughter Elizabeth who was catholic but only about 10 years old at the time.

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mrcleanup 5 points 3 years ago

That's great and all but I'm with OP. Are we supposed to remember how brave he was or the danger he posed?

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Pons_Aelius 8 points 3 years ago

It depends on the context it is used.

If you are talking about the actual history: The danger he posed. It is all about the UK people remembering when those dastardly Continental Catholics tried to take over the UK.

If you are talking about its use in V for Vendetta: It has the very different significance of the brave people fighting against oppression. Which had nothing to do with the actual history but Alan Moore used it because it sounded cool.

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mrcleanup 2 points 3 years ago

That's helpful, thanks!

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CassowaryTom 2 points 3 years ago

Was the theory that Elizabth would be easy to manipulate due to her inexperience?

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Pons_Aelius 3 points 3 years ago

I think that was part of it but it was also that she was the only person in line for the throne (she was third in line) who was Catholic.

The plot was about putting a Catholic monarch on the throne and she was the only real option.

But I am sure the plotters expected her to be easy to manipulate as well and mainly be a figurehead.

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CassowaryTom 1 point 3 years ago

Oh I get it. I think that I initially read that wrong. So regarding the holiday, is of more of a rememberance of the historical moment, or like, an actually celebration of a foiled coup? Or something else? I'm sorry for my persistent questions.

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Pons_Aelius 2 points 3 years ago

rememberance of the historical moment, or like, an actually celebration of a foiled coup?

Pretty much both.

Though these days it is mostly a night for a bonfire, fireworks and a party as it is about remembering an event from 400+ years ago.

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Koof_on_the_Roof 1 point 3 years ago

It’s a yearly reminder from our government, this is what you get if you fuck with them.

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Damaskox 1 point 3 years ago

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