The Catalyst chronicles some of the most consequential events in human history. However, these stories do not center on a world leader, a decades long movement or a carefully planned event. Instead, The Catalyst explores single actions taken by ordinary people that have forever changed the course of history.

Some of these figures are commonplace names in today’s history classes while others may not be as recognizable. These individuals span the character spectrum. They are heroes, trail blazers, and martyrs as well as conspirators, criminals, and cowards. Although overlooked, they have committed acts that have changed the world drastically and forever.

The Catalyst focuses on these stories because they illustrate the unpredictable nature of our history. How is it that a terminally ill Bosnian peasant could light the match that scorched the world? How could a seamstress in Alabama reignite the largest civil rights movement in America? Did the tumultuous times that defined these historical periods occur because of these single acts? Or were these acts and their actors merely the perpetuation of the environment around them?

As a history enthusiast, my hope is that this blog acts as an open forum for like-minded history buffs and folks who are newly interested in the wide world of historical intrigue. I encourage readers to leave their thoughts, ideas and recommendations.

-Conor