The Great Age of Pirates is a DIRECT RESPONSE to the oppression from the World Government that the people in the world of One Piece have been living with for the past 800 years. Don't believe me, watch this video and tell me what あなた think!
A theory about what could potentially be Luffy's 5th Gear. Talks about awakening (discussed によって Doflamingo at the end of the Dressrosa arc), and Zoro and Sanji's unexplained abilities (nine sword style and Diamble Jambe).