Find an article in a PRINT edition of
Current History or
History Today that relates to Western Civilization. In a comment to this post, create a CITATION for the document. Then, write a one-paragraph summary of the document explaining both its context and significance. (15 points)
Cavendish, Richard. "The Founding of the Red Cross Movement." History Today 63.10 (2013): 8. Print.
ReplyDeleteThis articles focuses on the establishment of the Red Cross and the overall movement towards advances in medical efficiency. It began at the battle of Solferino in 1859, which left an estimated 35,000 men injured on the battlefield. Henri Dunant, a Swiss businessman, was passing through the area and saw the horrific scene. He sent for people from nearby villages to aid the wounded without regard to nationality; he even paid for the creation of makeshift hospitals near the scene. He then wrote an account of his actions and asked that all national armies train men for aiding the wounded. His words made a strong impression, as a committee in Geneva was created to organize a conference for all major countries to attend. The countries approved Dunant's proposals, beginning the Red Cross movement. In the Middle East, the red and white emblem turned from cross to crescent as the movement spread. This historical development is significant because it began an era of battlefield medicine that not only caused numerous advancements, but created a greater regard for human life. The Red Cross organization continues to play a role in contemporary conflicts, and has expanded its reach to natural disasters.
Very interesting! I have to admit, I never considered how the Red Cross came to be. It's impressive to think about how it evolved from relatively modest beginnings to one of the most important relief organizations in the world.
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ReplyDeleteSutcliffe, Marcella Pellegrino. "Garibaldi In London." History Today Apr. 2014: 42-49. Print.
This article discusses Giuseppe Garibaldi’s visit to London, England one hundred and fifty-one years ago. He arrived on April 3rd, 1864 by steamer boat. Because he was a globally recognized political figure, his trip to England would be a big deal. He visited England to thank them for providing support to his country during the italian movement of national liberation. Garibaldi’s visit was a success, and he soon became a “liberal hero” to the British. Although he was received in a positive light, the pressure he felt he had from being in the political limelight drove him to leave England sooner rather than later.
Near the end of the course, we'll consider Garibaldi's role in the creation of modern Italy
DeleteMatsaganis, Manos. "The Catastrophic Greek Crisis." Current History 113.761 (2014): 110-16. Print.
ReplyDeleteThis article from Current History discusses the troubling economic recession in Greece, including near bankruptcy for the country, a massive fall in living standards, and conflicting political ideologies. To show the troubling conditions, Manos Matsaganis provides examples of the corruption pervading the Southeast European country. He mentions the tracking down and arrest of a parody blogger, which diverted much need funds to track pedophiles, and the commonality of some criminals, like Christodoulos Xiros, a convicted terrorist, being released from prison. European Union officials have been warned to not travel to Athens for caution of Xiros and others. Also, one out of every ten unemployed workers are not receiving unemployment benefits; this creates a potentially lethal environment where citizens can not afford to eat or pay for shelter. All of the jobless or low income citizens create harder conditions for the government to input austerity measures as the country deals with lower incomes to tax and higher, yet necessary, social benefits. To condense, from 2007 to 2013, the size of the government, or the GDP, dropped by twenty three percent. Almost a quarter of the size of the government is simply gone within six years. Such a dramatic change over a short spell sets the stage for violent, extremist groups to win at the polls or in the streets. Because almost no one is content with the current government, the Greek’s are turning to more radical groups, both on the left and the right, for change. The Golden Dawn, a far right group garnering support, has even started killing for its cause which in turn caused the Militant Popular Revolutionary Forces, another violent group, to kill in retaliation. The political split that can exacerbate such conditions has also occurred. After a major bailout, many thought that economic choices had been outsourced to other countries which caused backlash from nationalists. Now, the pro-bailout citizens rally against the anti-bailout citizens and vice vera. This article, printed in 2014, heightens the dire urgency of the situation when Manos reveals that Greece will hold (and now had held) the rotating presidency of the EU in the first half of 2014. Still happening today, the economic crisis in Greece should concern the world due to its striking similarity to the Weimar Republic: the government that ravaged Germany shortly before extremist groups, such as the Nazi’s, came to power. While a militant group has not garnered as much support in Greece as it did in the Weimar Republic, the violence in the streets and cut in government size parallels the failed German system fairly closely. However, even if one does not see the parallels, he or she should still sympathize with the suffering that much of Greece’s middle and lower class are enduring at this time; they need help, and Greece can not help them on its own.
Important insight into the global economy and the complexity of the EU
DeleteMotadel, David. "Jihad 1914." History Today Sept. 2014: 41-42. Print.
ReplyDeleteThis article by David Motadel of Cambridge University examines jihad plans hatched by Germany in 1914 in order to topple the Entente as well as why these plans ultimately failed. Motadel explains that on November 11, 1914, Shaykh al-Islam Ürgüplü Hayri, the highest religious authority in the caliphate in Constantinople, issued five fatwas. These religious decrees called for Muslims in the Entente as well as in the Central Powers to take up arms and fight against France, Russia, and Britain. The fatwas promised martyrdom for all Muslims who died for the cause, as well as fame and a life of glory. However, despite these bold proposals, the plan ultimately failed. Primarily conceived by Berlin officials like Max von Oppenheim of the German foreign office, the plan failed because of a lack of credibility. Motadel argues that because Germany played such a transparent role in organizing the rebellion, many Muslims did not want to support it. Labeling it as a holy war also discredited the movement, for many Eastern European Muslims were easily able to recognize that Germany sought their support solely for political and military gain and not for religious fervor. While the Germans had limited success in expeditions too Arabia, Sudan, and Egypt, the British, French, and Russian forces ultimately prevailed. Oppenheim's grand scheme of spreading jihadist violence from Afghanistan to British India also fell through, as an adamant Afghan government again saw the fallacies in Germany's proposal. Ultimately, most Muslims stayed loyal, thus foiling a plot that could have changed the entire course of human history if successful. Understanding this event is wholly necessary because it provides critical insight into the events of the Great War. Not only is this useful in an epistemological sense, but also because of its relevancy today. With the spread of the Islamic State and jihad throughout the Middle and Near East (as well as in waves in the West), understanding the political and religious implications allows society to prevent terror and hopefully maintain world peace.
Wow! This is another area I never would have even thought to consider. I wonder if anyone has explored the roots of this animosity...
DeleteOn another note, nice use of HWC vocabulary!!!
Chaline, Eric. "Panathenaic Way to Fitness." History Today Feb. 2015: 3-4. Print.
ReplyDeleteThis article by Eric Chaline analyzes the similarities between the Ancient Greek "gymnasion" and the modern day gym. Chaline tells us that the Greeks did in fact go to the gym during the new year, similar to modern times, however it was not simply just to look fit, although that did play a role. Men went to the gym in order to prepare for upcoming events that came in the Greek new year, such as the birthday of Athena. This festival involves men partaking in a procession up to the Acropolis where offerings were given to Athena. In addition, training was also completed for the quadrennial Greater Panathenia and the Olympic Games. Also, not to be understated is the Greek obsession with body image. As portrayed in art, men were kept to a certain aesthetic when in the nude, and therefore were force to uphold that standard in Greek society. However, gyms in Ancient Greece were simply park grounds with a few athletic fields and a covered track for bad weather. Modern gyms are an enclosed space packed with equipment. The article is significant because it gives an insight to the daily life of Greeks. The practice of going to the gym provides insight into social, religious, and artistic history. It incorporates the ritualistic practices of Greeks with cultural standards, exhibiting their influence on the modern world.
Pifer, Steven. "Ukraine's Perilous Balancing Act." Current History 111.743 (2012): 106-111. Print. 10 Apr. 2015
ReplyDeleteThis article by Steven Pifer of the Brookings Institution examines Ukraine and it’s relations between the West and Russia. The president at this time, President Viktor Yanukovych, has stated that Ukraine has been slowly pulling away from a Democratic society. His goal for the Ukraine is to have it become fully part of the European Union. However, Russia plays a major role in Ukraine’s foreign policy. Mainly due to Russia’s size, location, and cultural/historical connections. Back in 1997, Ukraine was able to create a connection with NATO. This helped the country show Russia that they were serious about their freedom and independence. Russia’s response to this was a “treaty of friendship” that recognizes Ukraine’s independence. Fast forward a little over a decade, and things are a bit different. Ukraine being split down the middle politically, the European Union sees the country more as a burden, rather than a member of the Union. In 2009, Moscow and Kiev’s relationship was very weak due to Ukraine ties with the European Union. A poll showed that about only 30% of Ukrainians were in support of the NATO membership. With NATO seeing Ukraine as a pest, it’s left the country more susceptible to falling back in ties with Russia. Ukraine feels that their problems with democracy is being ignored by the west. Leaving Ukraine in a standstill of moving either left or right. As a result of this, Putin is given the power to strongly influence the Crimea in Ukraine. This Current event is significant because it’s a battle between basically the move for democracy in a country, or the fall into communism. The only way for the Ukraine to not surrender to the power of Putin and Russia, the west must come to an agreement to support Ukraine, and possibly forget about past problems.
Thank you for sharing! This is a very important topic that has global impact.
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