The Doctor’s Presence in Historical events

I watch Doctor Who and I am amazed at the historical events where he ends up. And after seeing the program, it seems like he has a hand in the events. He either has a chance to change the events or stop the events from being changed. So, of course I know all these stories are made up for the entertainment of the viewers and that the Doctor really did not have anything to do with them.

After watching Doctor Who for more than 35 years, I have come to realize the Doctor usually shows up where he is not looking to be. He sets the coordinates on the console and only hopes he lands where he is wanting to go. Some of these historical events are where he wants to go then others the Tardis is off by a either distance or time frame.

There are a number historical events the Doctor has simply materialized in his time machine/spaceship. I am only going to touch on three or four, because there are so many from the fifty years of Doctor Who.

The Aztecs

What a time for the Doctor to appear and then see what he does. I know these events did not happen but how cool is it that they land in 15th century Mexico.

After landing and exiting the TARDIS, the crew meets the Aztecs. Upon first sight, the Aztecs think she is the female reincarnation of Yetaxa, an Ancient High Priest. Upon gaining power and influence from the mistake, Barbara thinks she can stop human sacrifice. In the middle the Doctor warns her not to even try this. Well, that does not stop her and she continues to try. Any of us will try to change this if we have the chance. But in the end, all is lost for Barbara because she tells the High Priest, Tlotoxl she is not Yetaxa. Everything goes downhill from here. (1)

Other things transpire along with this. Susan refuses to marry the the perfect sacrifice and then the Doctor gets set up to marry an Aztec woman by the name of Cameca. At the same time, Ian has to fight one of the Aztec warriors whose name is Ixta. (1)

While Barbara does not succeed to convert everyone, there is one man who sees things as Barbara does, and Autloc is his name. He also is instrumental in the crew being able to escape.

Marco Polo

This serial airs before the Aztecs. It is also set in an earlier time frame. Marco Polo is in the 13 century, whereas the Aztecs is the 15th century.

There is damage to the TARDIS when it lands in Central Asia. As with most Doctor Who stories, it is in a place he did not intend. Marco Polo and his caravan picks up the TARDIS and its crew. They are able to travel with Marco Polo to the summer palace of Kublai Khan in Shang-tu. While there he is able to strike up an extraordinary friendship with Khan.

As with all stories, there is danger and in this one Khan has an attempt on his life. And since the Doctor is there he helps to foil the attempt. Like this is of no surprise. Then as usual the Doctor is on his way again.(2)

The Reign of Terror

You know I am supposing that since this show is a kids show in the beginning is why there are 3 historical shows in the first 8 stories. That is only my premises though.

How about a trip to the French Revolution. Well, that is what the crew gets in the story. Now, of course events cause the Doctor to get involved. He lands near a farmhouse in the woods. The house is a place for counter-revolutionaries to make plans. Well, those using the house discover the Doctor and he gets involved. How is this any different from any other time. His travels always turn into crusades for good.

Well, Robespierre is planning a coup to end the efforts of the revolutionaries, but in the end the Doctor stops this. Robespierre is seized and sent to the Conciergerie. The Doctor sneaks of back to the woods and departs like he arrives, in the TARDIS.(3)

Historical Events