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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
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It is a commonplace that the history of civilisation is largely the history of weapons. In particular, the connection between the discovery of gunpowder and the overthrow of feudalism by the bourgeoisie has been pointed out over and over again. And though I have no doubt exceptions can be brought forward, I think the following rule would be found generally true: that ages in which the dominant weapon is expensive or difficult to make will tend to be ages of despotism, whereas when the dominant weapon is cheap and simple, the common people have a chance. Thus, for example, tanks, battleships and bombing planes are inherently tyrannical weapons, while rifles, muskets, long-bows and hand-grenades are inherently democratic weapons. A complex weapon makes the strong stronger, while a simple weapon–so long as there is no answer to it–gives claws to the weak.
- George Orwell
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June 4
1742: The first warship is built in Canada, The Canada, was launched at Quebec City.
1869: 4e Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment: Toujours Pret (Always ready) and Je Me Souviens (I remember)
1880: Le Regiment de Maisonneuve: Bon Coeur et Bon Bras (Good heart and strong arm)
1940: Churchill's "We will fight them on the beaches" speech
1944: Allies enter Rome
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