Abstract This paper presents a critique of Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" and Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List." The critique includes a summary of the film, characterization in the film, audience reaction, and critical reaction. Also included is a discussion about how the films relate to the Nazi regime and the Holocaust.
From the Paper "Before the horrors of the Holocaust became evident, Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" advocating the forces of democracy to collectively stand against fascism found its way into theaters. Ironically, production of the film began on September the day Britain and France declared war on Germany. Prior to WWII Britain's policy of appeasement and the U S policy of isolationism did little to persuade Chaplin against making the film a parody of Hitler's and Mussolini's fascism. Britain announced it would not release the film for fear of..."
Abstract This paper talks about the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler, from his childhood up to his eventual suicide at the end of World War II. It also talks about the rise of the other major dictators of the time period, namely Stalin and Mussolini, and how the Axis Powers were eventually crushed by the Allied Forces in WWII.
From the Paper "Coming off of World War I, and wrapped up in the Age of Anxiety, morale was low among the people of Europe. People were losing hope in their lives, and countries began to look for security and stability anywhere they could find it. This led to the rise of dictatorships, mainly two opposing forces: Communism and Fascism. It was the beginning of the "totalitarianism" era in Europe, and would plunge the continent, as well as much of the rest of the world, into another World War. Chapter twenty-nine of A History of Western Society (Mc Kay, Hill, Buckler 956-88) goes into great detail about this chaotic period of European history."
Tags: communism, dictators, fascism, hitler, ii, mussolini, nazis, stalin, war, world, wwii
Abstract This paper discusses that the world of nations is becoming embittered because the United States demonstrated an unethical utilization of military and political power in the Vietnam War and the Iraqi War. The author believes that the War on Iraq, like the War in Vietnam, was a mere ploy of politicians attempting to prove their superiority. The paper relates that the Vietnam War was fought to free the Vietnamese from a dictator the U.S. previously supported and that the war on Iraq was fought, again, to free the Iraqis from a dictator the U.S. previously supported.
From the Paper "The Vietnam War was fought on the basis of freedom, democracy and the need to hinder the spread of the evil of Communism. The slogan of the times was that if the spread of communism was not stalled America would soon lose its freedom and democracy the world over would be wiped out. These words may seem dramatic to the rational mind but to really understand the mood of the time such words must be used. The government of the time played on the emotional fear of the people through propaganda to make them believe that unless they supported the Vietnam War they would be unpatriotic and cause the nation to lose its sovereignty. Though Vietnam was thousands of miles away the war soon reached the borders of the US for as the war began so did dissent."
Abstract This paper studies and critiques George Orwell's book "1984", which explores the themes of totalitarianism, love, freedom and betrayal. The paper discusses the book's prolific symbolism, such as Orwell's Big Brother, who represents the dictators that use scare tactics to control their people. The paper demonstrates how this symbolism was a social commentary on World War II. Further, the author of this paper asserts that "1984" continues to offer relevant commentary on today's abusive dictators who terrorize their own people in the false name of nationalism.
From the Paper "Winston thinks that the proles alone have the ability to change life. They make up such a great deal of the population of Oceania and have been able to hold on to their emotions and some semblance of life without Big Brother watching every moment. He is discouraged about the chances of that happening as he writes of the proles, "until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious" (Orwell, 74). Although they have the strength in numbers, they have not attempted to stage an uprising against the Party. The Brotherhood, which seems to be elusive and no one has proof that they actually exist, seems to be the only attempt at civil disobedience. They are uneducated, poor and lacking in initiative to change anything about their future. Winston thinks if they would wake up, they could change the future of Oceania. He also thinks their "humanness" is what makes the difference in them and the Party members. Big Brother and the Party don't expect a revolution, for good reason, and don't restrict the prole's actions."
Abstract This paper analyzes whether Getulio Dornelles Vargas was a dictator or a president of Brazil. The paper points out that Vargas was in leadership from 1930 to 1954 under various names for his political offices. The paper concludes that Vargas was an opportunistic politician and was both a dictator and a president at different times.
From the Paper "Getulio Darnelles Vargas is one of the most fascinating and controversial leaders in Brazil's history. Vargas is such a controversial leader for two reasons. The first reason is that he was leader of Brazil from 1930 to 1945 and then again from 1951 to 1954. Vargas regularly changed the name of his political offices so from 1930 to 1934 he was Governo Provisorio, from 1934 to 1937 he was Governo Constitutional and then from 1937 to 1954 he was Governo Dictorial."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Napoleon and Hitler and their severe impact on German history. The paper offers an extensive background on the dictators' rise to power. It continues with a discussion of Napoleon's reforms in a positive light. The author also explains Hitler's modification's after the First World War, highlighting the actions of a monstrous dictator.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Napoleon and the End of the Old Germany
Hitler and the Triumph of the Authoritarian System
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper " Napoleon Bonaparte preceded Adolf Hitler in time, his rule over Germany encompassing the early years if the Nineteenth Century. Adolf Hitler's dictatorship occupies the early middle years of the Twentieth Century - the Fuhrer thus ruled over a nation that had already been transformed by Napoleon. The Germany that Napoleon Bonaparte first encountered was radically different from the nation-state familiar to young Austrian immigrant, Adolf Hitler. When Napoleon's armies crossed into Germany in 1805, they were entering not the realm of a single unified political entity, but a welter of small quasi-independent states. For centuries, hundreds of small German fiefdoms had been loosely held together under the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire was an elective monarchy that had - throughout almost that entire period - been ruled by an emperor of the Hapsburg Family. "
Abstract An analysis of Stalinism, his dictatorship and personal style of leadership. The author examines the dictator's measures of leadership and their consequences on the social world.
From the Paper "One wonders what would possess a man to such extreme lengths of cruelty and severity. As Adam Ulam observes, "the poverty and harshness of Stalin's early life left indelible imprints on him. Quite early in life he became a crude, unsentimental, and mistrustful person, tormented by an inferiority complex and very ambitious. Always displaying contempt for the traditions of kinship and personal friendship, usually so important to Georgians"( Ulman 20)".
Abstract The following paper examines the factors that contributed to socio-economic problems in Latin America in the past , as well as looks at the sustainability of democracy in Latin America. This paper discusses the significant socio-economic difficulties based upon the faltering economies of larger trading partners, income inequality, political polarization and corruption. The writer examines how in the past dictators cared more for maintaining their own power and the privilege of their own supporters than they did for the welfare of their people and countries. The writer argues that the success and continuation of democracy depends on the patience of the people to see the long-term results of regional initiatives. This paper contends that if people support the type of government that promotes the satisfaction of the most basic of needs, well-fed and employed people will not initiate revolutions.
From the Paper ?Going into the new millennium, Latin America seems to be poised for active participation as a part of an increasingly global social and economic environment, perhaps more than other developing regions. According to the current Bush Administration, it is virtually all democratic, there are no cross-border disputes, no ethnic conflicts, and there are no immediate threats of terrorism to the West coming from the area (Associated Press, 2002).Security cooperation has been shown in confidence-building measures among historical rivals in the region and peacekeeping operations in Central America and the Caribbean. Terms such as multilateralism, regionalism, consensus, and convergence appear in descriptions of hemispheric relations released by the World Bank and other entities sharing a belief in the positive potential of these factors.?
Abstract Discussion of the dictator's rule in Panama. His narco-militaristic regime. His violation of the American-Panamanian Canal treaties. Noriega's early life and career. His role as a U.S. government double agent, and in Nicaragua. The 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama. Capture of Noriega. His U.S. trial for criminal drug operations.
From the Paper "MANUEL NORIEGA'S RULE IN PANAMA
INTRODUCTION:
Noriega was a corrupt dictator heading an efficient narco-militaristic regime in Panama. He was involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and the ruthless oppression of his people. He also systematically violated the American.Panamanian Canal treaties and harassed U.S. forces and institutions in Panama. (Sosa, 16)
The 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama was the first American use of force since 1945 that was unrelated to the cold war. It was also the first large scale use of American troops abroad since Vietnam and the most violent event in Panamanian history. It ended with the unusual capture of Manuel Antonio Noriega, Panama's head of state, who was then brought to the United States and tried for ..."
Abstract This paper argues that when the interests of sovereign nations conflict, a diplomatic solution will not always be available. The author explains that often countries whose interests conflict with that of another powerful sovereign country simply will not accept a diplomatic solution that is extremely unfavorable to them. The author continues that there will inevitably be dictators and other powerful leaders who are inherently blood thirsty and aggressive.
From the Paper "But, could not disputes over points of conflict be resolved by diplomatic means? In objection to our first consideration, it seems that there need not be any essential reason as to why disputes could not simply be settles by diplomatic means. Why must war be inevitable and why must diplomatic solutions break down? Well, for one thing, when the diplomatic sticking point involves the fact that one country simply wishes to annex anther country as its territory, then it seems that an acceptable diplomatic solution would be impossible, because one country would have to agree to being invaded and assimilated into the other. It is equally unlike that the invading country would be willing to agree not to invade, because it is in their minds and interests to do so. Secondly, we must remember the case of terrible tyrannical leaders being elected to power and realize that sovereign nations will not always, and not even typically, be governed by rational men who are open to diplomatic solutions. Indeed, it is equally possible that a national ruler might be more predisposed to war than to diplomacy, and, in such a situation, how can an irrational aggressor ever be reasoned with? Thus, it is absolutely impossible that, by simply attempting to resolve the dispute between themselves, sovereign nations will ever be able to solve all of their problems by purely diplomatic means."
This paper discusses that the Age of Napoleon Bonaparte has its roots in the French Revolution and that it was Napoleon Bonaparte who spread the teachings of the French Revolution throughout Europe.
Abstract This paper explains that the French Revolution ignited new ideas regarding equality, justice, freedom and the very nature of social interaction; but, ironically, it was a dictator, Napoleon, who perpetuated and spread many of these ideas. The paper points out that the Napoleonic Code, the introduction of liberal ideas to Egypt, and the beginning of the drive for the unification of Italy were all things that resulted from ideas derived from the French Revolution that spread because of Napoleon and his rule. The author believes that the impact of the French Revolution and Napoleon's dissemination of its ideas can be demonstrated by the fact that even after the defeat of Napoleon, none of the old European monarchies or regimes ever enjoyed the absolute power that they once held.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The French Revolution
Napoleon Early in the Revolution
Quest for Power
Napoleon as a Ruler and Conqueror
The Tragedy of Napoleon's Life
The Legacy of Napoleon and the French Revolution
Conclusion
From the Paper "Napoleon is a tragic figure in that few have had so much and lost it all. From being the world's most powerful man to becoming a lonely exile must have been a bitter pill to swallow. Napoleon's life is also tragic in that so many people were fanatically loyal to him, yet his first love Josephine, was unfaithful to him and never provided the male heir that he so desperately wanted. But, the greater tragedy is the waste of Napoleon's talents. True, he achieved monumental military accomplishments, but his conquests were ephemeral; they did not last. Universally recognized as one of the great military minds, Napoleon was equally talented as an administrator. If he had turned his attention to these pursuits, he could have done so much lasting good. He was also a man of contradictions. Vain, arrogant, and ambitious, he loved himself, but he was not afraid to recognize and praise ability in others. He was ruthless when necessary, but he does not seem to have been driven by hate as some later dictators were. All in all, he still fascinates us today."
Abstract This paper examines the great control European dictators of the twentieth century such as Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini had on their culture. It shows their increased power compared to the control held on society by the monarchs of previous centuries.
Abstract This paper is a biography on Benito Mussolini focusing on the life of Mussolini as a young man who struggled to become one of the greatest dictators of the world. It focuses on how Italy was elevated to a prominent position under his leadership and how it again fell to the same position after over throwing Mussolini from his dictatorship.
Abstract Adolph Hitler is undoubtedly one of the most important historical figures of the 20th century. During his reign in Germany as a dictator, he made a tremendous impact on the events that happened on the European continent. His tyrannical rule, which surprisingly, had the support of the majority of the German people, coupled with his imperialistic notions, created a new chapter in European history. The paper shows that the intriguing aspect of Hitler's life is how he managed to rise from, literally, an unknown person to the position of "Fuhrer of Germany". Several historians have been interested in this meteoric rise of Hitler and have studied the sudden transition of his life, offering their own interpretations. The paper explores this aspect of Hitler's life in detail by studying the thoughts of different historians so as to gain a better picture of Hitler's life and the mystery behind his magnetic personality.
From the Paper "The Great Depression in the early 1930's was one of the main reasons contributing to Hitler's success. The Weimar government was not able to standup to the economic crisis, which left millions of German's without job. People who so far showed little interest in politics were lending their ears to new radical parties in the hope of an economic revival. There was an intense yearning for a leader of the status of "Kaiser" and the instability of the Weimar republic provided a fertile ground for Hitler and his Nazi party. The policies of the Nazi party attracted the German people who saw it as the only hope in chaotic situation. One of the main points of action promised by the Nazis was the reunion of the German people who were segregated from the mainland due to the implications of the treaty of Versailles."
Abstract This paper examines the way that Chaplin was treated by U.S. officials and the American public as a result of his political views, focusing on his work in 'City Lights", "Modern Times", and "The Great Dictator".
From the Paper "Chaplin was an essential element in the life of the early 20th-century cinema. The earliest films shown in the United States (where so many of all early films were shown) were meant to be seen and laughed at by audiences made up of immigrants speaking a dozen different languages and with as many different cultural traditions of what was funny and what was sacrosanct. Chaplin at least initially created a comfortable place for himself in this world by using the universal language of slapstick to communicate with his audiences. As Chaplin (as well as other early comic actors in the then-new medium of film) used it, slapstick provided a common visual vocabulary of humor for these immigrant American audiences. It reminded them of their common humanity and in doing so both gave them something to laugh at and reminded them that, after all, they were not so very different from each other. Politics serves to divide different groups of people from each other, and this was not the intent of the early silent movies. The content of these early films was essentially apolitical, meant to appeal to as wide an audience as possible and meant more as an exploration of the medium of film than anything else."
Tags: modern, times, great, dictator, city, lights
