Abstract This paper discusses documentaries as a form of expression which were introduced in the New Deal era and the Depression era. These were times when the nation needed hope and needed to understand the tragedy and stress they were going through. Documentaries were also a mode of transcribing history and revealing realistic the situation to gain a future understanding of the time. The documentary mode of expression was as much for the people as it was for the government. This paper studies this matter in-depth and concludes that the documentaries and history at the time were stated clearly from the governmental point of view.
From the Paper "When we view the media forms of the times we realize the strength the people had in that era. As the generation of the future we realize that while the generation of the past was termed as the "Greatest generation" it can also be called and at times is termed as the ?Lost Generation.? Today, the youth are shown as disgruntled and violent but though the nationalism prominent in the past may overshadow the turbulence, the fact remains that a thorough analysis of the documentaries will show that the past too had its share of problems. It is said that the media of every era will portray the society and culture of its times. A study of the 1930s media reports shows that the Depression era was not as 'great' for the people living in it. ''(A) generation, numbering in the millions, has gone so far in decay that it acts without thought of social responsibility,'' historians George Leighton and Richard Hellman proclaimed in a much-quoted Harper' s Monthly article in 1936. ''High-school kids are armed, out for what they can get . . . . The Lost Generation is even now rotting before our eyes.'' In 1935, Columbia University President Nicholas Butler summed up the grave ''youth problem'': ''Day by day the newspapers report one grave crime after another, one moral delinquency after another, and one dereliction of duty after another.'' "
Abstract This paper introduces and analyzes the film "Midway" directed by Jack Smight. Specifically, it discusses the film and its depiction of the historical battle of Midway. The paper points out that "Midway" is a historical film that uses archival footage to make the action seem more realistic. The paper claims that the historical perspective of this film is overall very accurate, but that there are some lapses in truth. It argues that Hollywood melodrama makes some of the information in the film questionable at best. The paper concludes that, to watch the film for entertainment makes sense, but to base historical fact on the film will only disappoint and misinform the viewer.
From the Paper "The film shows how military choices and tactics led up to the battle, and how, for the first time, the battle was essentially fought from the air, with the two navies never actually seeing each other. For this reason, the battle is extremely historic, and that is one of the reasons the filmmakers chose to create the film. In addition, it seems in the 70s that there was considerable anti-war sentiment after the war in Vietnam and college unrest, and several WWII films were created during this time, such as "Tora, Tora, Tora!" (1970) which tells the story of the Pearl Harbor attacks from the Japanese point of view, and "Patton" (1970), which tells the story of the life of General George Patton. It seems that Hollywood was attempting to create more patriotism in America by reminding Americans of the great victories during World War II, and this film fits into that category quite nicely."
Abstract This paper examines how "The History Book" video presents an historical analysis of American and world history, where chronological timelines are based on significant and crucial events that have affected and influenced the historiography, not only of human society in general, but American society as well. It looks at how the documentary is divided into six major divisions, each of which illustrates a major development of human history and is abstractly, but aptly, titled according to its relevance to human society.
From the Paper "An analysis of the documentary shows that there are two prevailing themes in which history was depicted, which are all thematic or theme-based in categorization. The first prevailing theme is that world history is connected largely with American society, interspersing significant events in America along with the discussion of significant events around the world. The second theme, which is the main focus of the documentary, is the discussion of history into three main components: social, political, and economic developments in human society. However, these three main components focus largely on the history of destruction and world domination. In effect, The History Book provides a critical analysis of human history, deviating from the functionalist-constructivist format often followed by history books."
Abstract This paper use the documentary film, "Capturing the Friedmans", to define and examine the documentary film genre. The paper analyzes "Capturing the Friedmans", and discusses what the family's home movies reveal about contemporary American family life and the dynamics of the family relationships.
From the Paper "According to Bill Nichols, every film is essentially a documentary, but true documentaries, as opposed to wish-fulfillment fictions, represent a unique genre of film that engages with the world as it exists in reality. Nichols says that the documentary engages with the world by representing it in one of three ways. First, documentaries offer a likeness or depiction of the world that bears a recognizable familiarity. Secondly, these films stand for or represent the interests of others. Third, some documentaries may represent the world..."
Abstract The paper begins with a synopsis of the life and history of Cleopatra VII. It then goes on to explain how Marc Antony's relationship with the Queen of Egypt was the main cause of the Battle of Actium. The increasing tension between Marc Antony and Octavian is studied and the course of the Battle of Actium is followed, showing how Cleopatra acted as a catalyst for the commencement of the battle.
From the Paper "In the history of Egypt, Cleopatra VII was considered as the "Last Pharaoh" of Egypt, particularly, the last descendant of the Ptolemaic rule. Cleopatra's life history is a series of numerous alliances and relationships with different men, although one of the most prominent men who got involved with Cleopatra is Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, all Roman rulers during the reign of the Roman Empire. In Egyptian history, there have been several queens named Cleopatra, although the seventh queen, who was Cleopatra VII, was the only one who became "influential" and "famous" (Tour-Egypt Monthly 1996). Known as Cleopatra VII Tryphaena, Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy XIII Auletes, reigning King of Egypt during the year 51 BC. Cleopatra's father left a will, which states that Cleopatra was to be the heiress to her father's kingdom, and the heir will be Ptolemy XIV, Cleopatra's younger brother."
This paper addresses the Battle of Antietam in terms of its significance as a military victory, and how this battle helped to change the conduct of war during its era. This paper demonstrates that the fighting tactics used by the Union Army at the Battle
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper addresses the Battle of Antietam in terms of its significance as a military victory, and how this battle helped to change the conduct of war during its era. This paper demonstrates that the fighting tactics used by the Union Army at the Battle of Antietam helped prove that a small, maneuverable fighting force could win over superior firepower, demonstrating that a lack of strategy could not be compensated through weaponry. Through doing so, it can be seen how the Battle of Antietam helped redefine war protocol to a significant degree.
Tags: AMERICAN STUDIES AND HISTORY / MILITARY, battle of antietam
Abstract In an effort to better understand the battle at Khe San that involved Americans during the Vietnam War, the paper first examines the historical battle at Dien Bien Phu, which preceded the Khe Sanh battle by ten years. The paper points out that in order to understand the battle at Khe Sanh, it is necessary to first fully understand the Dien Bien Phu battle. The paper then goes on to discuss the battle at Khe Sanh and explain why the dien Bien Phu battle and the Khe Sanh battle were both similar and yet different.
From the Paper "During Khe Sanh, which began thirteen years later, the allied forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and the United States defeated the numerically superior North Vietnamese Army. The battle took place on the Khe Sanh plateau in the Quang Tri Province of northern South Vietnam. There, the three phases of the fighting lasted from April 1967 through April 1968. The Khe Sanh plateau was critical terrain because the North Vietnamese Army used area routes to infiltrate into South Vietnam from Laos and the Demilitarized Zone. To curtail that activity, the allied forces had maintained some form of a combat base since 1962, but in1967, the North Vietnamese Army started building up significant conventional forces in the area around the plateau, and in an effort to deny the North Vietnamese Army control of this important terrain, the U.S. started increasing its own strength in the region."
This paper addresses the Battle of Antietam in terms of its significance as a military victory, and how this battle helped to change the conduct of war during its era
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper addresses the Battle of Antietam in terms of its significance as a military victory, and how this battle helped to change the conduct of war during its era. This paper demonstrates that the fighting tactics used by the Union Army at the Battle of Antietam helped prove that a small, maneuverable fighting force could win over superior firepower, demonstrating that a lack of strategy could not be compensated through weaponry. Through doing so, it can be seen how the Battle of Antietam helped redefine war protocol to a significant degree.
Tags: AMERICAN STUDIES AND HISTORY / MILITARY, battle antietam impact
Abstract The paper looks at the African American rapper, Tupac Shakur. It gives a critique of the 2003 MTV documentary of his life and premature death and also examines the themes that run through this programme.
From the Paper "Tupac Resurrection is an MTV funded 2003 documentary in a long line of posthumous examinations of rapper Tupac Shakur, murdered at age 25 in 1996. The documentary is distinctive in that having its subject as the narrator, it provides surprising depth on the topics of Tupac's childhood his upbringing his celebrity his run-ins with the law and his opinions on every topic under the sun."
Abstract The Battle of Antietam, both directly and indirectly, was the most decisive battle of the U.S. Civil War. This paper examines military and political consequences of this battle and how these effected the remainder of the war and the political future of the country.
From the Paper "The battle of Antietam was a pivotal point in the American Civil War. A victory by either the Union or the Confederacy would have severe and long-lasting implications for both sides. The battle of Antietam in September of 1862 resulted in a significant military success for the Union army, the failure of Britain and France to recognize the Confederacy as an independent nation, and Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, making Antietam the most decisive battle of the Civil War."
Abstract In this context, the writer explores in detail the history of Leonardo's Battle of Anghiari and the preparatory processes for its execution. While it is acknowledged that any detailed discussion of Leonardo's plans for the mural remain in the realm of speculation, it will be seen - with respect to the nature of the space, as well as Leonardo's writings and historical commentaries on the subject - that one is capable of reconstructing and discussing some of the complexities of Leonardo's vision for this ambitious project.
From the Paper "On May 4, 1504 the government of the Florentine Republic issued a contract commissioning Leonardo da Vinci to paint a mural for the Council Hall of the Palazzo Vecchio. This mural depicting the Battle of Anghiari - a great cavalry victory for the Florentine state - was originally intended to accompany a similar martial mural commissioned from the younger Michelangelo. While neither of these artistic giants completed their commissions, the conception and the nature of the planned murals have invited considerable critical and speculative discussion over the centuries."
Abstract This paper describes the battle of Wilson's Creek, which is often overlooked when recounting Civil War skirmishes. The writer includes a complete order of the battle and identifies several notables in this battle, among others - Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon and Colonel Franz Sigel.
From the Paper "On the edge of the meadow"was a low rail fence; the Rebels rallied under the shelter of it, and, as if by some inspiration or immediate change of orders, they broke it down in places and started for our artillery. As they got nearer to us, their own artillery ceased firing, because it endangered them. When they got close the firing began on both sides. How long it lasted I do not know; it was probably 20 minutes. Every man was shooting as fast, on our side, as he could load, and yelling as loud as his breath would permit. Most were on the ground, some on one knee. The foe stopped advancing.?(Bearss, 109) That's the way it was on August 10, 1861, as seen through the eyes of a soldier from Kansas in Union service. The field of battle is silent now, broken only by the occasional tourist, school group, historian, or Civil War reenactment group camped on the site. Now administered by the National Park Service, the area known as Wilson's Creek National Battlefield was the site of some of the most savage fighting on American soil up to that time. The carnage of Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor were still far in the future."
Tags: arkansas, bloody, civil, corn, field, hill, history, lyon, mcculloch, missouri, pea, pearce, price, ridge, rolla, sigel, war, wilson
Abstract This essay discusses the history of women warriors. It includes a general overview of warrior women with examples of their accomplishments. It also discusses the role of martial arts and women that were instrumental in war and the roles they played, as well as the conflicts they faced. Some of the women warriors examined are Myrene, the greatest Queen of the Gorgon Amazons; Amastris, wife of Dionysius of Heracluria; Boudica, queen of Iceni and Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great.
From the Paper "When we think of women warriors most of us think immediately of the legendary Amazon Women. However, the history of women warriors can be traced roughly six thousand years and found in every culture. Their presence and triumphs span the globe, from Greece and Rome, Africa and the Middle East, South America and Europe to the Far East and Asia. They were worshipped and feared, honored and hunted. We find these warrior women in paintings and statues wielding javelins and swords, or riding bareback into battle, tall and proud with the curves of an hourglass figure. They have been depicted in myths, art, stories, novels, television, movies, and recently in video games. But, no matter how these women have been depicted or revered, one thing is certain, women warriors were and still are very real."
Abstract This paper is an examination of the third battle of the Aisne. It details this excellent demonstration of the strengths of the German army during World War I as well as demonstrates why these particular strengths were not sufficient to win the war. It describes this German offensive that began on May 27, 1918. The author believes that the German success in this battle came about as the result of the finely honed German infantry tactics combined with a furiously concentrated artillery bombardment, operating under a sky dominated by the 'Jagdgeschwader' of the VII German army. But he feels that in the end, this battle did not help the Germans win the war in any way, in fact, it actually backfired at them.
From the Paper "The Third Battle of the Aisne is most certainly not one of the best known battles of World War I. Perhaps this is merely because of that oldest of all war adages, which is that the victors get to write the histories, and that in the aftermath of the war late German victories were brushed aside. Perhaps it is not that often cited simply because, while every battle in a war is important, this one was not a turning point. And yet the battle does deserve to be examined as an excellent demonstration of the strengths of the German army during the Great War ? as well as a demonstration of why, in the end, these particular strengths would not be sufficient to win the war."
Tags: Great, War, World, I, Aisne, River, Battle, Germans, French, Belgian, Canadian, American, Allies
Abstract This paper explains the effects, circumstances, causes and happenings of the Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Battle of the Ardennes. It also suggests what went wrong for the Germans and what mistakes Hitler made. Military tactics of both sides are analyzed - Germans and Allies.
From the Paper "The Battle of the Bulge, which lasted from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945, was the largest battle of World War II in which the United States participated (Toland). Over a million men fought for their lives, countries and families. Although many a soldier dreamed of the day they could return to their families, many of them did not make it home. At the conclusion of the battle there were 81,000 American casualties including 23,554 captured and 19,000 killed. The British suffered 1,400 casualties, with only 200 killed. Also, the greatest number of all, there were 100,000 German soldiers killed, wounded or captured (Cole)."
Tags: allies, ardennes, army, battle, belgium, casualties, germans, hitler, ii, offensive, red, russian, war, world, wwii
