This paper reviews DerekGregory's book "The ColonialPresent: Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq", which examines the war on terror based on the history of U.S. and British involvement in the region going back decades.
Abstract This paper explains that DerekGregory, in "The ColonialPresent", spends much of the book describing the actions of Britain and the U.S. in trying to impose control over the peoples of the region. The author points out that former colonial regions of the world are virtually all encumbered today by tensions and state failures because of the condition these regions were left in when the colonial powers withdrew. The paper states that the Middle East, which has been of strategic importance to both countries for some time, often served as a staging ground for conflicts with the Soviet Union; however, the way the West has related to the Middle East has changed since 9-11. The author criticizes that Gregory, a geographer, does not delve deeply into the internal divisions now causing the factional war in Iraq.
From the Paper "Many of the states in the Middle East are marked by repressive policies, violations of human rights, and non-democratic cultures. The irony is that most of these regimes were set up or propped up by Britain, France, and the United States in decades past, a fact which Gregory says means that the U.S. and the other nations area not innocent, which also helps explain the anger now directed at the West by the Arab world. Gregory notes how many people are asking questions about the guilt of the West and the response of the Middle East, and he says he does not intend to decide which view is correct but only to note the dichotomy they produce."
Abstract This paper discusses 2002 Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Derek Walcott's flagship verse, "Omeros". It looks at how "Omeros" takes on the format and traditional goals of the epic genre as discussed in its definitions throughout history. It also shows how Walcott's redefinition of the bardic tradition, as found in Homer, redefines the epic as a form of literature. It looks at how he pays homage to this long past tradition of verse in setting his characters from the "Iliad," formatting borrowed from Dante, all contrasted against the modern struggle for a non-colonial Caribbean identity. It also shows how his innovative poetic style leads to the re-framing of his native St. Lucian history and consequent reclaiming of his people and their historical heritage through "Omeros".
From the Paper "Derek Walcott's serves as a cultural shaman of the West Indies through his epic narrative Omeros, shedding light to dispel the shackling cobwebs of both the historical and literary past to grant St. Lucia the ability to cast her own shadow. Walcott truly expands the scope of literature as he redefines not only the cultural nation-space of the post-colonial Caribbean, but also hybridizes the epic genre as one yet able to encapsulate a people. His authorial ambition in providing voice to the atrocities of the past is only surmounted by his own ambition to serve as a comprehensive cultural bard in both taking back and redefining St. Lucian history, and revamping the epic form of literature."
Abstract This paper deals with the theories of psychologist Gregory Bateson, primarily his theory of cybernetic epistemology. The paper begins by discussion the variables of the continuous process of interaction. The paper explores the mind as an integral part of the system, not a separate component. The paper also addresses the need for a holistic perspective of the world, and asks how this fits in with Bateson's theory of learning.
From the Paper "Drawing from the concept of cybernetics, Bateson proposed a different way of how people should perceive and think about the world. Instead of thinking in terms of the linear and limited cause-effect relationship, people should..."
This paper looks at 19th, 20th and 21st century colonial nationalism policy through western imperialism, discussing class hierarchy, politics, economics and social stratification in the past and present.
4,950 words (approx. 19.8 pages), 20 sources, 2005, $ 196.95
Abstract This paper represents the history of western colonialism through the advent of British imperial policy during the occupation of India in the 19th century to the modern acquisition of Iraq by militaristic and class structured economics of American foreign policy, which one sees now in the Interim Iraqi Council. The writer discusses that the covert policy of attracting upper class members of the Indian and Iraqi governments to partake in a policy that serves the occupiers is essential, understanding how political and military control is subverted to the natives of these foreign lands.
From the Paper "The aim of this study on international nationalism makes a concerted focus on how western nations have used nationalism as a basis for imperialist policy in colonial nations. By actively analyzing the policy that makes such colonial nations possible, there will be a directive that will present the class based initiatives that subjugate these smaller, weaker nations. In creating a class hierarchy through the governmental and militaristic involvement of dominating western countries, such as Great Britain, America, and other European nations have partaken, there is a direct economic limitations that results in chaos and civil disorder."
Abstract Roanoke Island is situated just off the coast of present day North Carolina and the history of its colonization began with England's increasing desire to lay claim to its share of the New World during the late 1570's. The seriousness of this interest became apparent when, in the same decade, Queen Elizabeth issued charters which actively encouraged the exploration and colonization of new lands. A discussion of the early days of settlement and the interaction between the colonists and Indians. Also, a discussion of the island's history is included as well as an attempt to understand the mystery of Roanoke Island.
From the Paper \"Roanoke Island, in the late sixteenth century was the scene of the first attempts of the English to establish a colony within America and, although the initial expeditions landed in 1584, it was not until 1587 that the first permanent colony was created. Under instructions from, and with the enthusiastic assistance of, Queen Elizabeth of England, Sir Walter Raleigh dispatched two ships from England on 27th April 1584, both well stocked with men and supplies, with the intention of exploring the North American coast to explore the idea of expanding the English empire across the ocean (Quinn, 1975). This initial wave of colonists landed on the North Carolina coast on 13th July, 1584, and set in motion a series of events which could have come straight out of a historical novel. Unfortunately these events were real and there was to be no happy ending, only a mystery, the answer to which remains as elusive today as it was over four hundred years ago.\\\"
Tags: island, 16th, century, English, America, Walter, Raleigh, queen, colony, carolina
Abstract During the colonial period in Africa the French adopted a policy of assimilation in areas under their control whereby indigenous inhabitants of the area were encouraged to adopt French culture as their own and to integrate into French society. The author of this paper suggests that the French colonial administration in Senegal used colonialism as a form political subordination. In the paper, the writer analyzes colonialism as a form of political and cultural subordination in Colonial Senegal. The paper also discusses the outcomes of French colonial policy in Senegal.
Outline:
French West Africa: Colonialism in Context
French Policy in Senegal: Colonialism as Political Subordination
The Colonial Administration and The struggle For Islamic Courts
Reactions and Strong Resistance by Originaires
Works Cited
From the Paper "Historians refer to the demise of the AOF as the Balkanization of French West Africa. These historical facts lead us to the question; did colonialism in Senegal foster political and cultural subordination? The French administrative policies in the region suggest that Colonialism fostered political and cultural subordination. It could be argued that the French assimilation policy towards the four Communes of the colony of Senegal was that of colonialism as a form of political subordination towards the Originaires."
Abstract This paper discusses how the writings describe different methods used by foreign or colonial powers to break the spirit of colonized peoples. It examines what these methods are and also looks at their effects. It tells how colonizers have often attempted to control and subjugate their colonies, but in the end, their dominance usually backfires, and the subjugated rise up to fight for their freedom and their own culture.
From the Paper "Colonialism is an antiquated idea that has nearly disappeared, but not so long ago it was still an accepted and even celebrated way for strong countries to vanquish the weak. Author Aime Cesaire called the practice "a receptacle into which there flow all the dirty waters of history" (Cesaire 45), and his description is quite apt, considering the sufferings most colonized subjects discuss after they have gained their freedom, and their sufferings were certainly not centered only on violence. The colonization of unwilling subjects, such as Japan's colonization of Korea certainly entails violence, but there are much more subtle ways to bend the colonials to the whims of the aggressors, as Kim's book poignantly illustrates. For example, the Japanese begin indoctrinating the young Koreans early by hanging the Japanese flag and propaganda slogans in their elementary school classrooms (Kim 31). Later, the Japanese break the spirit of the Koreans by taking what is theirs, and leaving them with little."
Abstract The paper analyzes "The Colonial Heritage of Latin America," by Stanley and Barbara Stein who argue that many of the characteristics and limitations of Latin America have their inception during the colonial period and have been altered only slightly with the passage of time and increasing technology that enables better contact with the rest of the world. The paper discusses the suggestion that Latin America is a continent that has only been able to inadequately fulfill its development potential, based on the limitations of the persistent characteristics of its colonial past.
From the Paper "In "The Colonial Heritage of Latin America," Stanley and Barbara Stein argue that many of the characteristics and limitations of Latin America have their inception during the colonial period and have been altered only slightly with the passage of time and increasing technology that enables better contact with the rest of the world."
Tags: Latin America, development, colonialism, economic, globalization, trade, statism, nationalism
Abstract This paper examines political development in Latin America. The paper concentrates on colonial legacy and political equality. The paper discusses how it is essentially argued that neo-colonialism is just the continuation of colonialism. The paper explains that the only difference is a change of tactics.
From the Paper "In Latin America, Colonialism and Imperialism were worldwide phenomena in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In "Promises Not Kept" John Isbister states, The nineteenth century was the age of imperialism in the third world, the twentieth century the age of nationalism and independence. Rebels and patriots fought back against the white imperialist, driving them from their lands and creating new nations in the wake of their departure." (Isbister 101) Almost every country in North America, South America, Asia and Africa has experienced imperialism and colonialism of one form or another. Although most of these countries are now sovereign nations, colonialism and imperialism have left a lasting legacy."
Abstract This paper describes the relationship of the American colonies to England prior to the Revolutionary War. The author attempts to do this from both the American perspective and that of the British, showing that the relationship between the colonies and England benefitted both sides. The author believes, however, that the main reason for the breakup that occurred between the American colonies and the Empire was the increase of taxes and contributions to the royal Reserve. Additionally, the author shows how the political thought of the time and various acts of legislation also contributed to the break-up.
From the Paper "The Seven Years War represented a trying moment in the history of the relations between the American colonies and the British. Every colony, throughout the war was forced to offer assistance to the fighting troops; consequently, the US did back Britain in its quest for victory against the French but at the same time gave rise to a serious conflict between them. The British genera opinion was that the colonies should, in their turn contribute to the increase in revenue seeing that they benefited from the protection of the empire."
Abstract This paper examines the span of history where the areas of the British Colonies, Chesapeake and New England, became distinct and separate regions. The paper addresses the issues of geography, religion and motivation for colonization that greatly affected the growth of separate cultures in the regions even though they were both communities from England.
From the Paper "Although the thirteen original British colonies eventually joined together to form a tenuous new nation, they became very different from their earliest beginnings. Particularly, the Chesapeake Bay region stands out in stark contrast from the New England area. Despite both being colonized by English settlers with the same origins, a plethora of factors such as geography, religion, and motivation for colonization led to their drastically different developments by 1700."
An examination of the concept of the search for identity in post-colonial texts, namely, Mira Nair's "Mississippi Massala", Jamaica Kincaid's "Lucy", and Edwidge Danticat's "Breath Eyes Memory".
Abstract This paper looks at how the idea of displacement is prevalent in these novels. The writer points out how the people in these post-colonial works are moving from places where the idea of displacement remained a part of their colonized history into places where they are now physically removed from their place of birth. When the post-colonial body is exposed to a culture that is very different from theirs, it becomes necessary for identity to alter.
From the Paper "Throughout the late twentieth century and into twenty-first, the search for self-identification grew in importance as a response to an increase focus on individualism. The search for identity is a problematic discourse in a world where dislocation imposes different cultures on individuals who leave their country of origin to exist in another. In the study of post-colonialism the search for identity is pertinent, because migration is a common experience for the postcolonial body. As migration occurs, "It is here that the special post-colonial crisis of identity comes into being; the concern with the development or recovery of an effective identifying relationship between self and place" (Empire p.8). In postcolonial texts, the reconstructing of identities are not fluid and required in order to attain progression in the space migrated into. This motif is prevalent in Mira Nair's Mississippi Massala, Jamaica Kincaid's Lucy and Edwidge Danticat's Breath Eyes Memory."
Abstract This paper looks at the impact of colonialism and imperialism on the Congo, focusing on King Leopold II's of Belgium's policies that resulted in one of the most atrocious colonial regimes including removal of people from their homes, slave labor and other forms of brutality and exploitation of a native people. It also examines the devastating impact and legacy of this brutal exploitation after independence.
From the Paper "Before delving into a discussion of the impact of colonialism and imperialism on the Congo it is best to define the terms in order to understand the difference between them. Imperialism ..."
Tags: Zaire, colonialism, slaves, minerals, Henry Stanley, King Leopold, Belgium
Abstract The paper considers three key events in European imperialism, in order to prove that tensions in Europe resulted in the rush for land in other continents. The paper looks at Britain's aggressive actions in the 1860s, the French expansion in the 1870s and Britain's war with Ireland, 1916 until today. The paper shows how these European conflicts first forced the countries into colonies, then into territorial fights over the colonies, and finally, forced them to withdraw from these lands when wars in Europe crippled their economic and diplomatic might.
From the Paper "The Prussian minister, Bismarck, was completing his mission of a German empire, united under Prussia. Between 1860 and 1870, Bismarck waged war upon first Denmark, capturing significant duchies, then Austria, defeating the powerful country in seven weeks during 1866, and finally, while fighting a war with France, absorbing the southern German states into his empire, along with the French territory Alsace-Lorraine. Within only one decade, Bismarck had taken Prussia from one of a number of German states, to a powerful empire complete with lands taken from other countries. Britain had been forced to watch from the sidelines, leaving her with lost diplomatic influence."
Tags:colonies, expansion, Britain, France, Ireland, India, Africa
Abstract This paper offers a plan on how to best teach the subject of ancient history. The author states that it would be nearly impossible to present every aspect of human culture and civilization up to 1650 in a single course and that it would, therefore, be wiser to emphasize those events in history that are most relevant to today's society. The paper then states that the most effective way to present these events is chronologically and that, since the course is designed for American students, a great deal of the course should be spent on the study of American history. According to the author, the topic of early American history would address the discovery of America, original explorers, and their interactions with Native Americans, such as Aztecs, Incas, and Maya Indian groups, and the subsequent European settlements.
From the Paper "I, however, think that a chronological study of history is most effective for a number of reasons. Firstly, time, not geography, is the basis for how civilizations develop. In other words, almost every civilization has been influenced by one of the past, regardless of how different in scope they are. For example, the United States? primary influence was that of Colonial England, but it does not end there. Colonial England has influences that date back to the times of Rome, and maybe even Ancient China. Civilizations, no matter what the time period, were not formed within a vacuum?they all had influences, whether directly or indirectly. For that reason, it is best to analyze history through time, and through the developments of the human race as a whole. By examining the entire history of man, we can put the regional developments into context."
