Abstract The paper discusses the Berlin-Baghdad railway and the arrival of the SMS Goeben battleship that caused the Turks to join the alliance that pulled them into World War I. The paper describes in detail the weeks before the actual declaration of war against the Allied powers.
From the Paper "In November of 1914, the once-mighty "sick man of Europe," the Ottoman Empire, joined the 'war to end all wars' as a Central Power. Having concluded a secret alliance with Germany against her long-time rival Russia, the conditions for war were met, and on 11 November, Sultan Mehmed V declared jihad. This would prove, as with so many other empires, to be the downfall of Turkey as a Mediterranean power, and, in fact as an empire at all. The terms of the alliance pulled the Ottomans into the war, but the real question remains; what led them to sign it? The answers can be found in two places: the Berlin-Baghdad Railway, and the arrival of the SMS Goeben."
Abstract The Cold War is considered by historians to be one of the most prominent social and political developments of the later Twentieth Century and served to form the political and economic alliances which impacted almost every aspect of modern life. The development of the Cold War can be traced back nearly a century, but the event that triggered the outbreak of the Cold War itself is believed to be the Berlin Blockade. This paper investigates the causes of the Berlin Blockade and how this event came to pass, with reflection on how the Berlin Blockade helped chart the development of the Cold War itself.
Abstract The paper examines Brian S. Gunderson's article "Strategic Air Command's B-29's During the Berlin Airlift", which emphasizes the previously unacknowledged, but crucial role played by B-29s during the famous Berlin Blockade airlift. The paper asserts that although this is a valuable document in its detail and meticulous, step-by-step chronological unfolding of the events leading up to and after the airlift, Gunderson lacks engagement because of his failure to really make an argument about the significance of the airlift. The paper notes many aspects the author could have addressed that would have improved this work.
From the Paper "Author and B-29 navigator from the 1948 28th Bomb Wing Brigadier General Brian S. Gunderson's article "Strategic Air Command's b-29's During the Berlin Airlift" appears to be a fairly straightforward account of the Berlin Blockade with an emphasis on the previously unacknowledged, but crucial role played by B-29s during the famous airlift. Gunderson was personally involved in the airlift, although his article takes a cooler, more dispassionate tone than other attempts to provide the reader with a gripping, involved, and 'grounds-eye' narrative of the events that transpired. His thesis, vaguely defined, seems to underline the significance of the airlift and the essential fellowship and hospitality of the British that enabled the airlift to be so successful. However, although a valuable document in its detail and meticulous, step-by-step chronological unfolding of the events leading up to and after the airlift, he lacks engagement with a central, driving thesis because of his failure to really make an argument about the significance of the airlift."
Abstract Although the Berlin Wall was erected by the East German government in order to stop the mass exodus of refugees from East to West Germany, it acquired in the course of its twenty-eight-year life span symbolic meanings which transcended the pragmatic political intention behind its building. As a demarcation line between East and West, the Wall played a significant symbolic role in the "imaginative geography" of the Cold War, detente, and finally the collapse of the Communist regimes in Eastern Europe which brought to an end the dominance of a bipolar world system. This paper examines the significance of the Berlin wall from the eyes of author Roger Darton and his book, "Berlin Journal".
Abstract This book report reviews Christopher Isherwood's book 'The Berlin Stories'. The paper highlights examples of the wild, decadent and colorful lifestyle in Berlin before World War II, by tracing the characters portrayed in 3 short stories, 'The Nowarks', 'Sally Bowles' and 'On Reugen Island' contained in this book.
From the Paper "The story that best describes decadent or debauched behavior however is "Sally Bowles." The heroine encountered by Isherwood here is Sally Bowles, a 19-year-old English girl who works as a singer in The Lady Windermere, a cabaret. No doubt a colorful character, Sally exemplifies the wild and wicked lifestyle of her time. Sex for her was a mere trifle. She points out the men she sleeps with no hint of self-consciousness or shame. "That's the man I slept with last night. He makes love marvelously. He's an absolute genius at businesses and he's terribly rich." (Isherwood, 1963, p. 23). Seduction, fun and games, are all part of Sally's way of life as well as that of the people around her. "For heaven's sake, don't leave me alone with this man! Or he'll seduce me down the telephone. He's most terribly passionate" (Isherwood, 1963, p. 22)."
Abstract The paper relates that the book "The Fall of Berlin 1945" offers not only a detailed look at how and why Berlin fell in 1945, but also provides a historic look at warfare and the horrors of war. The paper looks at how Beevor's book includes scrupulous research, numerous maps and a clear understanding of the mechanics of war, giving the reader a comprehensive knowledge of the last days of the Third Reich. The paper is of the opinion that it is an excellent history book and should be considered in any study of World War II.
From the Paper "Beevor's book opens with the desperate situation in Berlin in the last month of 1944, when bombing raids were common and the people's motto was simply to "Survive!" (Beevor 2). He shows how, through fear and desperation, society began to disintegrate and the Nazi stranglehold on the country began to release. The opening chapters follow the many battles and tactical maneuvers that led to the final fall of Berlin, including assessments of the armaments used to win the war. For example, Beevor writes of the Soviet tanks used in the Vistula, "The rapid advances of Zhukov's tank armies were partly due to the simplicity and robust construction of the T-34 tank and its broad tracks, which could cope with snow, ice, and mud" (Beevor 20). He also follows some of the most important military leaders in the war and shows how their decisions affected many of the decisive battles leading to the fall of Berlin."
Abstract This paper looks at the Monika Maron stories "The Promise" and "Silent Close No.6". In the two stories, the author tells us that The Berlin Wall comes to represent much more than concrete blocks built together. Throughout both pieces, the Wall represents the struggles each character goes through with their fathers and their battles or embraces of Communist ideals.
From the Paper "Throughout The Promise and Silent Close No.6, there are references made to the Berlin Wall. Though the same physical object looms over the characters in each piece, the wall comes to represent two entirely different things within the context of each work. Within The Promise, the wall separates two lovers, Sophie and Conrad. However it is much more than a barrier, the Wall represents the teachings of Conrad's father, the loyalty to his country, and the importance he shows for his family. The only way Conrad can live out his love story with Sophie is to escape the shackles that keep him tied to the East side of the Wall. These restraints come off only after the Wall has fallen, but by that time it is too late to rekindle the romance he shared with Sophie. In Silent Close No.6, the wall is used as a tool of unification rather than separation. Beerenbaum perceived it as a tool in unifying and solidifying the socialist nation. The wall was representative of the pinnacle of the East German socialist regime, a legacy for Beerenbaum to leave behind. Rosa, on the other hand, views the wall as a physically looming presence upon which she projects her resentment and bitterness onto her father and communism. For all these character the Wall becomes much more than concrete and watchtowers. It divides them all further than spatial limitations allow, creating a mental wall that prevents all Germans from coexisting."
Tags: compare, contrast, german, germany, literature, berlin
Abstract This paper examines the alternatives available to President Truman and his advisers in 1948 regarding responses to the blockade of Berlin by the USSR. The author assesses the value of each alternative and explores the potential Soviet responses to each of them, then concludes that an airlift is the best alternative.
Abstract This paper briefly discusses the period of history known as the 'scramble for Africa' when European countries tried to colonize as much of Africa as possible in the late 1800s until the start of WWI. It looks at the political, social, and nationalistic reasons for this hype and, in turn, discusses the resulting need for the Berlin Conference in 1884-1885. It explains how this conference was necessary to make international 'rules' about colonization.
From the Paper "The competition among the European nations to colonize Africa led to the Berlin Conference in 1884-1885. This was necessary because of the intense amount of treaty-making and colony-building by the competing European nations, and it became a three-month bargaining session among the 14 attending nations regarding who would gain control over what parts of Africa, without regard for the cultural boundaries already in place. The nations attending were Germany, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Norway, Turkey and the United States. (Wikipedia) The main purposes of the conference became assuring nations access to major trade routes, suppressing the internal slave trade in Africa, banning the importation of firearms into Africa, and discussion of the occupation of territories. ?The result of this conference was a treaty called the Treaty of Berlin. By 1900, almost 90% of Africa was under European control.? (Bergstrom)
Abstract This paper explains that Ira Berlin's book "Many Thousands Gone" demonstrates that the meaning of slavery and of race itself was constantly changing as the nation moved toward independence: (1) Beginning in the early seventeenth century, the Charter Generation of slavery was a society with "black" slaves, indentured servants and Atlantic creoles whose position was determined by social and economic status and not by color; (2) The Plantation Generation, whose wearing labor was the sole meaning of black society and, (3) finally, the Revolutionary Generation who represent a freed black society. The author points out that, even in the worst of circumstances, slaves always held a strong card, the threat of rebellion; and, through negotiation, slaves not only carved out an independent social sphere but also they created their own world. The paper relates that, in each generation, slaves' and masters' correlation and co-dependence as well as the political and economical influence of slavery were important influences in the history-making of America.
From the Paper "Ira Berlin described the political impact in all three generations. The primary reason for slaves, indentured servants and Atlantic Creoles to be imported into America was to work the hard fields and other tasks white colonials could not do. Although in the Charter Generation slaves could become masters and own slaves, whites did not allowed too long for this inferior society to compete with them. For example, Anthony Johnson, an Atlantic Creole who gained his freedom after many years of labor, struggled to negotiate and deal with white colonials. "Vulnerable black people paid premium prices for goods and services that white men and women bought cheaply," Berlin described."
Abstract On May 13, 1931, the International Olympic Committee, headed by Count Henri Baillet-Latour of Belgium, awarded the 1936 Summer Olympics to Berlin. This paper examines the political and social situation of Germany at the time, under the leadership of Adolph Hitler. It shows how he used the two weeks that the whole world would be watching, to turn Germany into a showcase and soften his anti-semitic policies.
The paper also discusses the games themselves and the controversies surrounding Hitler's apparent snubbing at the victories of black American athletes.
From the Paper "Of course, the Games were not without controversy in the several years prior to 1936. As Hitler assumed power and the Nazis formed a one-party dictatorship, there were efforts to remove the Games from Berlin for political reasons. The United States was especially vehement about moving the games. But, the International Olympic Committee, in trying to prove their rationale for awarding the games to Berlin, claimed that the Games would be under the auspices of the German government, and not the Nazi party,. Perhaps some people forgot that in Germany now these two were one and the same thing. Still, the Games were in the hands of the German Olympic Organizing Committee, headed by a Dr. Lewald, its president, and Dr. Diem, its secretary-general. Both were pre-Nazi Germans, and were not in good standing with the Nazi party, but somehow they managed to retain control."
Abstract This paper discusses how the causes that brought about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the monolithic Communist empire run deep. It cites the beginning of the fall as 1985 with new Soviet leaders such as Gorbachev followed by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
From the Paper "The political polemics and economic theories and the geopolitical analyses of the fall of Communism and the break-up of the Soviet Union fill shelves with cruel crimes committed for the party ..."
Tags: Communist International relationships. History Economics Politics, Berlin Wall, Soviet, Gorbachev
Abstract This paper is about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the effects it has had on society and still has on society today. The paper contains a discussion of different theories, information on war and about people in the East and West Berlin as well as an account of the symbolic meaning the fall of the Berlin Wall holds.
From the Paper "On November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall collapsed. This marked the disappearance of the Iron Curtain, and more importantly, signified the end of the Cold War. For years, East and West Berlin had been divided. This division separated families, caused thousands of escape attempts, and was to many, symbolic of Winston Churchill's famous Iron Curtain Speech. It is only now, over a decade after the wall was opened, that one can appreciate the suffering, struggles, devastation, and victories that surrounded this twelve-foot high monument of the unwillingness to succumb to communism."
Tags: German, Europe, division, war, separate, society
Abstract The paper discusses the origins and rise of Islam as well as the history of the glorious city of Baghdad in 800 CD. The paper explores why the rise of Islam is manifested through the actions of violent extremists like the Taliban and al-Qaeda. The paper seeks to determine how the concepts of war and killing are spawned by and driven from religious teachings.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Today's Radical Islamists Use Religion to Promote Terror
Interpretation of Facts and Research
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to explore and review the rise of Islam, which began many centuries before the emergence of today's most visible and tyrannical radical Islamic organizations, the Taliban and al Qaeda. But for many citizens who are interested in Islam, but also weary of the threat of terrorism - and who cringe with each new suicide bomber's bloodletting in Iraq, Pakistan, Israel, Lebanon and elsewhere - the Taliban and al Qaeda are the only words and images that come to mind when the word "Islam" or "Muslim" are mentioned. These same millions of people read and hear about the terrible violence, bloodshed and civil strife in Baghdad and they likely know little else about this once great city."
This paper compares the approaches of two journalists to the war in Iraq: Stephen Biddle's "Seeing Baghdad, Thinking Saigon" and Matt Taibbi's "The Chicken Doves".
Abstract This paper focuses on the US involvement in the war in Iraq and, in particular, examines the viewpoints taken by journalists Stephen Biddle in "Seeing Baghdad, Thinking Saigon" and Matt Taibbi in "The Chicken Doves". The paper looks at how each author expresses his views on the war differently even though both agree that the war is a failed policy. The paper goes on to show how Biddle's approach is to professionally build a case that, while the Bush approach to winning the war is like the one used in Vietnam, it is not working and cannot work. The paper contrasts this to Matt Taibbi's article where he uses profanity and propaganda to show how angry he is that the Democrats were not able to stand up to Bush and cut off funds for the war.
Outline:
Facts
Stephen Biddle
Matt Taibbi
Outline
Summary of Rrticles
From the Paper "When a knowledgeable person hears the statement "the war in Iraq," most informed observers now see that there is a civil war in Iraq between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims. This is a bitter ethnic rivalry that has existed for centuries. The Kurds are another ethnic minority in this stew. It is also clear that there are numerous al Qaeda extremists in Iraq that have been recruited, trained, and sent to Iraq to kill Americans and conduct terrorist-style suicide bombing incidents that slaughter and maim scores of innocents.
"This paper is focused on the American's five-year involvement, during which the true cost of the war approaches $2 trillion (health care for injured; interest on money borrowed to finance the war), over 4,000 U.S. troops have died, and unknown tens of thousands of Iraqis have perished. An opinion poll by CBS News (March 15-18, 2008) (www.pollingreport.com) reflects that 65% of American adults "disapprove" of the way George W. Bush is handling the war. Some 59% say the U.S. "should have stayed out..." of Iraq in the first place."
