Besant, Annie. 1847-1933. English Theosophist. Founded Indian Home Rule League 1916.

Bessemer, Henry. 1813-98. English inventor of economical steel making process, 1856.

Bethmann-Hollweg. 1856-1921. German Chancellor, 1909-17. Tried to mediate before WWI. Overthrown by Hindenburg and Ludendorf.

Beurse, van der. 14C Brussels moneylender. Led to term, Bourse.

Bevan, Aneurin. 1897-1960. British Socialist MP 1929-60. Architect of National Health Service, 1948.

Bhadracarya-pranidhana. Buddhist vows of good conduct.

Bhascara. 1114-85. Hindu mathematician/astrologer. First user of decimal system.

Bhutan. Himalayan kingdom. 9C Tibet invaders settle. c1630 Independent. 17,18C Tibet invades. 1865 Part British 1907 Monarchy. 1910 British Protectorate. 1949 Indian Protectorate.

Bhutto, Ali. 1928-79. Pakistani leader 70-77. Deposed by Zia.

Biafra. 1967-70. Ojukwu-led Ibos try to secede from Nigeria resulting in famine.

Bible. Hebrew and Christian sacred scriptures translated from Hebrew and Aramaic. 3C BC Greek translation. 1382 Wycliffe, Rogers, English. 1522-34 Luther, German. 1611 King James version. Vulgate by St. Jerome. Apocrypha.

Bibliothèque Nationale. French National Library begun by Charles V collection now houses 20M works. 7M Books.

Biedermeier. 1815-35. German bourgeois kitsch style of sentimental art and utilitarian furniture. Circular pedestal table.

Bierce, Ambrose. 1842-1914. Satirical US writer. Cobwebs 1874. From an Empty Skull.

Big Bang. 15 billion BCE. Scientifically accepted origin of Universe.

Big Stick Policy. Roosevelt’s foreign policy. Power as a deterrent. Mahan.

Billettes. Brothers of Charity, 14C religious order succeeded by Carmelites.

Billy the Kid. 1859-81. US frontier outlaw.

Birch, John. -1945. US missionary killed in China. Cold War hero of John Birch Society.

Birdseye, Clarence. 1886-1956. US inventor of frozen foods. Founded General Foods, 1924. 300+ patents.

Biruni, al-. 973-1048. Arab scholar. Chronology of Ancient Nations.

Bischoff, Theodor. 1807-82. Ger: periodic fertility, 1844.

Bishop, Henry. 1786-1855. English song composer: Home Sweet Home 1821.

Bjorko Treaty. 1905. Unimplemented military alliance between German Wilhelm II and Russian Nicholas II.

Black Army. 1463-1500. Powerful Hungarian mercenary force.

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