Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Film Lesson-" The Right Stuff"
Beginning of the Space Race
-The film "The Right Stuff" was about the competition between the United States and the Russians during the Cold War. One of the conflicts that took place during this war was the space race.The Russians had developed a space program and were working to be the first ones in outer space. The space race began after the Russians launched the first satellite called Sputnik on October 4,1957. The United States became furious and sought ways to defeat the Russians. The first way was the U.S created the program called NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) which focused on exploring outer space.
"The Right Stuff"
- The opening of the film is the United States trying to break the sound barrier. After several unsuccessful attempts, the U.S had finally broke the sound barrier defeating the Russians. Some news reporters were present the day the sound barrier was broken but they were told not to print it out for fear that the Russians would take another step forward. The U.S had selected seven pilots to be the first men to on outer space, however the Americans were still uneasy of sending them and decided to send a monkey first. The Russians took the chance and sent the first man to space on April 12, 1961. The United States became a laughingstock for sending a monkey instead of a man. The space race ended when the U.S sent the first man on the moon on July 20, 1969.
- The scenes that will remind me of the Cold War was the rivalry between the U.S and the Russians. In parts of the movie, a meeting would take place between the President and the spies who had taken footage of the Russians space program. Another would be the tests that the pilots had to go through. The space program was very selective and wanted only the healthiest, and the most intelligent pilots who could handle being in outer space. The pilot who had broken the sound barrier was not offered the chance because he had not gone to college but he was better than the rest of the pilots who had been chosen to compete. When the seven pilots were selected it took many months for the United States to successfully launch a rocket. They spent millions of dollars on trying to fix the rockets and it stalled the United States' chance to beat the Russians.
-The film "The Right Stuff" was about the competition between the United States and the Russians during the Cold War. One of the conflicts that took place during this war was the space race.The Russians had developed a space program and were working to be the first ones in outer space. The space race began after the Russians launched the first satellite called Sputnik on October 4,1957. The United States became furious and sought ways to defeat the Russians. The first way was the U.S created the program called NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) which focused on exploring outer space.
"The Right Stuff"
- The opening of the film is the United States trying to break the sound barrier. After several unsuccessful attempts, the U.S had finally broke the sound barrier defeating the Russians. Some news reporters were present the day the sound barrier was broken but they were told not to print it out for fear that the Russians would take another step forward. The U.S had selected seven pilots to be the first men to on outer space, however the Americans were still uneasy of sending them and decided to send a monkey first. The Russians took the chance and sent the first man to space on April 12, 1961. The United States became a laughingstock for sending a monkey instead of a man. The space race ended when the U.S sent the first man on the moon on July 20, 1969.
- The scenes that will remind me of the Cold War was the rivalry between the U.S and the Russians. In parts of the movie, a meeting would take place between the President and the spies who had taken footage of the Russians space program. Another would be the tests that the pilots had to go through. The space program was very selective and wanted only the healthiest, and the most intelligent pilots who could handle being in outer space. The pilot who had broken the sound barrier was not offered the chance because he had not gone to college but he was better than the rest of the pilots who had been chosen to compete. When the seven pilots were selected it took many months for the United States to successfully launch a rocket. They spent millions of dollars on trying to fix the rockets and it stalled the United States' chance to beat the Russians.
Monday, April 6, 2009
NATO and the Warsaw Pact
Cold War ( mid 1940-1990s)
- After World War II had ended, the United States and the Soviet Union began to compete with each other. The Increased tensions between these two countries became known as the Cold War. Weapons, technological advances, military, and the space race were some of the things they fought for. The U.S and the Soviets were complete opposites of each other. The U.S believed in personal freedom while the Soviets believed in total censorship. Many conflicts arose during this time but neither of these countries ever came into battle. A deep mistrust, continued for 50 years between the two superpowers.
NATO
- NATO( North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was established between the European countries and the United States. It was signed on April 4, 1949.Some of the European nations economy were damaged because of the war, the countries agreed to help under the Marshall Plan.Another reason for the formation of NATO was for alliance and protection from the Soviets. If the country was attacked than the other nations would come to its defense. The Western countries' relationship with the Soviets worsened the more the nations depended on NATO.
Warsaw Pact
-The Warsaw Pact was formed by the communist countries in Central and Eastern Europe. It was signed in Warsaw, Poland on May 14,1955. The reason for its formation was the Soviets response to Western Germany for joining NATO. Among those who joined the pact apart from the Soviet Union were Poland,East Germany, Hungary, and Romania.Same as NATO these countries formed a mutual defense alliance. They had a stronger ground force than that of NATO. The Warswaw Pact became nonexistent after 1991, after the Soviet Union collapsed.
- After World War II had ended, the United States and the Soviet Union began to compete with each other. The Increased tensions between these two countries became known as the Cold War. Weapons, technological advances, military, and the space race were some of the things they fought for. The U.S and the Soviets were complete opposites of each other. The U.S believed in personal freedom while the Soviets believed in total censorship. Many conflicts arose during this time but neither of these countries ever came into battle. A deep mistrust, continued for 50 years between the two superpowers.
NATO
- NATO( North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was established between the European countries and the United States. It was signed on April 4, 1949.Some of the European nations economy were damaged because of the war, the countries agreed to help under the Marshall Plan.Another reason for the formation of NATO was for alliance and protection from the Soviets. If the country was attacked than the other nations would come to its defense. The Western countries' relationship with the Soviets worsened the more the nations depended on NATO.
Warsaw Pact
-The Warsaw Pact was formed by the communist countries in Central and Eastern Europe. It was signed in Warsaw, Poland on May 14,1955. The reason for its formation was the Soviets response to Western Germany for joining NATO. Among those who joined the pact apart from the Soviet Union were Poland,East Germany, Hungary, and Romania.Same as NATO these countries formed a mutual defense alliance. They had a stronger ground force than that of NATO. The Warswaw Pact became nonexistent after 1991, after the Soviet Union collapsed.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Film Lesson:Schindler's List
Oskar Schindler
- Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist who owned a factory in Poland. Schindler was unemployed during the time he joined the Nazis, looking for an opportunity took make money and naturally took advantage of Germany's invasion of Poland. Instead of employing Polish laborers, Schindler used Jewish slave workers. They were much cheaper to employ and Schindler became wealthy.
- In 1942, Schindler witnessed the wrath of Nazis against the Jews. He watched the liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto whose inhabitants were being sent to concentration camps. Schindler persuaded the Nazis to let him keep the Jewish workers as a way to protect them from the gas chambers. He recruited more Jewish workers, and did everything possible to keep them alive. He saw the Jewish people as human beings instead of animals who were being slaughtered.Towards the end of the war Schindler freed his workers and became a hero. He was buried in Jerusalem and received " The Righteous Among Nations". This award was given to the people who put their own lives in danger in order to save the Jews.
The Movie
- The scenes that were very powerful to me were the children who were hiding from the Nazis in the concentration camps. The children were being put into trucks, some had escaped and were being chased by the soldiers. One boy desperately began to look for a place to hide and he ended up hiding in one of the bathrooms. Another scene was when the Jewish people were shoveling all the snow and the Nazis took out an old man from the line. He was killed in front of everybody, and because of his age he couldn't work as fast as the others.
-The images that will stay with me forever are the piles of dead bodies the Nazis were burning to hide the evidence. Hundreds of Jews were carrying the dead ones in wheelbarrows while the Nazis watched with towels on their faces. One Nazi soldier becomes deranged and begins to shoot the dead bodies. Schindler is horrified but does not stop the Nazi from shooting. One scene that I thought showed that Schindler cared for his workers was when he let them free and dared the Nazi guards to take them away. One by one the guards left, and Schindler asked the Jews for a moment of silence for those who had perished.
-Oskar Schindler may had been a greedy Nazi but his heart saved 1,200 Jews from dying. He was a hero in many ways and earned the respect of thousands of Jews generations after the Holocaust.
- Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist who owned a factory in Poland. Schindler was unemployed during the time he joined the Nazis, looking for an opportunity took make money and naturally took advantage of Germany's invasion of Poland. Instead of employing Polish laborers, Schindler used Jewish slave workers. They were much cheaper to employ and Schindler became wealthy.
- In 1942, Schindler witnessed the wrath of Nazis against the Jews. He watched the liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto whose inhabitants were being sent to concentration camps. Schindler persuaded the Nazis to let him keep the Jewish workers as a way to protect them from the gas chambers. He recruited more Jewish workers, and did everything possible to keep them alive. He saw the Jewish people as human beings instead of animals who were being slaughtered.Towards the end of the war Schindler freed his workers and became a hero. He was buried in Jerusalem and received " The Righteous Among Nations". This award was given to the people who put their own lives in danger in order to save the Jews.
The Movie
- The scenes that were very powerful to me were the children who were hiding from the Nazis in the concentration camps. The children were being put into trucks, some had escaped and were being chased by the soldiers. One boy desperately began to look for a place to hide and he ended up hiding in one of the bathrooms. Another scene was when the Jewish people were shoveling all the snow and the Nazis took out an old man from the line. He was killed in front of everybody, and because of his age he couldn't work as fast as the others.
-The images that will stay with me forever are the piles of dead bodies the Nazis were burning to hide the evidence. Hundreds of Jews were carrying the dead ones in wheelbarrows while the Nazis watched with towels on their faces. One Nazi soldier becomes deranged and begins to shoot the dead bodies. Schindler is horrified but does not stop the Nazi from shooting. One scene that I thought showed that Schindler cared for his workers was when he let them free and dared the Nazi guards to take them away. One by one the guards left, and Schindler asked the Jews for a moment of silence for those who had perished.
-Oskar Schindler may had been a greedy Nazi but his heart saved 1,200 Jews from dying. He was a hero in many ways and earned the respect of thousands of Jews generations after the Holocaust.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Film Lesson: Night and Fog
-The movie " Night and Fog" was a very powerful film because it was very hard to watch in some scenes. I saw the fear in their eyes while the Nazis forced them in the trains to that would lead to their death.They were dehumanized because the Nazis took away their clothes, jewelry, shaved their heads, took away their names and families. The Nazis forced them to live in poor conditions, hoping that they would die. The scene that was devastating to see was when they showed the sick prisoners and how thin they were.I felt their pain because they were dying slowly and in the most horrible way. The SS doctors experimented on them which I thought was the most immoral thing they did to the Jews because it left their skin destroyed and they had open wounds.
- I've read about the Holocaust, seen pictures of the concentration camps but this documentary showed the suffering of the Jews. When they were led by the Nazis to the gas chambers it showed how desperate the Jews were to live. They tried to claw their way and left marks on the walls and ceilings. All the dead bodies were the same, each face had fear and their eyes had no hope in them.Some of the prisoners committed suicide by throwing themselves against the electric gates.The Nazis kept diligent records on their prisoners, and then they tried to deny what they did in the Nuremberg trials. They even showed the Allies reaction when they found the concentration camps and what they had to do.
- These images were more brutal to watch than Schindler's List because they more accurate emotionally. The documentary showed more of the devastation of the concentration camps and how they lived in misery. Each day the Jewish people had to watch as their own died while the Nazis rejoiced. These two films had different point of views, the compassion of one Nazi soldier and the genocide of one entire race.
- I've read about the Holocaust, seen pictures of the concentration camps but this documentary showed the suffering of the Jews. When they were led by the Nazis to the gas chambers it showed how desperate the Jews were to live. They tried to claw their way and left marks on the walls and ceilings. All the dead bodies were the same, each face had fear and their eyes had no hope in them.Some of the prisoners committed suicide by throwing themselves against the electric gates.The Nazis kept diligent records on their prisoners, and then they tried to deny what they did in the Nuremberg trials. They even showed the Allies reaction when they found the concentration camps and what they had to do.
- These images were more brutal to watch than Schindler's List because they more accurate emotionally. The documentary showed more of the devastation of the concentration camps and how they lived in misery. Each day the Jewish people had to watch as their own died while the Nazis rejoiced. These two films had different point of views, the compassion of one Nazi soldier and the genocide of one entire race.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Treaty of Versailles (ended WWI)
Post WWI
- Towards the end of World War I, the countries were still at battle to see who would take the blame for starting the war.Even the though the ceasefire took place on November 11,1918 it did not stop the Allies and the Central Powers from fighting. Exactly six months after the assisation of the Archduke that started the war, a peace treat was signed between the nations.
Treaty of Versailles
- On June 18, 1919, the Allies and the Central Powers gathered at the Palace of Versailles. Among them were twenty-seven other nations who also took part in the negotiations. Since the Central Powers had been defeated they were not allowed to take part in the negotiations.Germany was forced to take the blame and its consequences.The peace treaty consisted of stripping away Germany's lands and reduced the size of its army. Belgium was increased, and Germany had to pay for the expenses from the war. Austria and Hungary had separate peace treaties.
Germany's Reaction
-The people of Germany were outraged because of the treaty stated.Germany was offended that they couldn't take part in the treaty or fight for the unfair negotiations against them They didn't like the fact that they had to pay for all expenses and they had to take the fall. It took a toll on Germany's economy and led to a Depression. Millions of Germans were out of work and the government struggled to make ends meet. Once the United States stopped giving out loans to Germany it became very weak. It left many Germans seeking revenge.
Rise of Hitler
- I don't believe that the so called "peace" treaty was fair at all. For one thing Germany did not start the war, Austria declared war against Serbia which caused a chain of events. Germany was the most aggressive of the Central Powers but they should have not taken the fall. Germany's economy was struggling long before the war ended because they exaggerated the costs in military. It left Germany in crisis which of course would led to more war. Adolf Hitler and other Fascists came to power because of the unfair Treaty. They wanted revenge because their country was suffering and the people believed that Fascist leaders would pull them out of their depression and lead them back to their old glory.
- Towards the end of World War I, the countries were still at battle to see who would take the blame for starting the war.Even the though the ceasefire took place on November 11,1918 it did not stop the Allies and the Central Powers from fighting. Exactly six months after the assisation of the Archduke that started the war, a peace treat was signed between the nations.
Treaty of Versailles
- On June 18, 1919, the Allies and the Central Powers gathered at the Palace of Versailles. Among them were twenty-seven other nations who also took part in the negotiations. Since the Central Powers had been defeated they were not allowed to take part in the negotiations.Germany was forced to take the blame and its consequences.The peace treaty consisted of stripping away Germany's lands and reduced the size of its army. Belgium was increased, and Germany had to pay for the expenses from the war. Austria and Hungary had separate peace treaties.
Germany's Reaction
-The people of Germany were outraged because of the treaty stated.Germany was offended that they couldn't take part in the treaty or fight for the unfair negotiations against them They didn't like the fact that they had to pay for all expenses and they had to take the fall. It took a toll on Germany's economy and led to a Depression. Millions of Germans were out of work and the government struggled to make ends meet. Once the United States stopped giving out loans to Germany it became very weak. It left many Germans seeking revenge.
Rise of Hitler
- I don't believe that the so called "peace" treaty was fair at all. For one thing Germany did not start the war, Austria declared war against Serbia which caused a chain of events. Germany was the most aggressive of the Central Powers but they should have not taken the fall. Germany's economy was struggling long before the war ended because they exaggerated the costs in military. It left Germany in crisis which of course would led to more war. Adolf Hitler and other Fascists came to power because of the unfair Treaty. They wanted revenge because their country was suffering and the people believed that Fascist leaders would pull them out of their depression and lead them back to their old glory.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mustafa Kemal (Atatruk) and the Moderization of Turkey
Mustafa Kemal
Mustafa Kemal was the First President of the Turkish Republic during the 20th century. The Turkish people were proud of their national liberator.He was the leader of the Turkish emancipation. Mustafa first started in the military before he became the leader of Turkey.He was able to fight off and defeat his enemies on the East, West and the South with an unstable army.He holds a perfect military record of having only victories and has never been defeated which makes him one of the most brilliant strategists in the world. The people of Turkey feel nothing but gratitude to the man who gave a Turkey a new life.
Secularism and the Six Arrows
-Secularism is the separation of state from religion, religion from education, cultural and legal affairs. Mustafa Kemal made up the Six Arrows in which he hoped to modernize Turkey. The Six Arrows are as follows: Republicanism,Populism, Secularism,Reformism, Nationalism and Statism. Each of these "arrows" summarize Kemal's plans for Turkey. He chose to make Turkey a republic government because he believed that it was the only way he could fufill the people's desire. In populism he gave woman more rights, and he believed that no class was above any other. This would give a true sense of unification of the country.Reformism was very important to Kemal. He replaced traditional values and modernized them. For example he refused to let the Turkish people wear fez's on their heads, and he "westernized" their clothes.Nationalism was to preserve Turkey's independence.They respected one another and they did not make others feel inferior to them. Mustafa wanted his people to know that the people was what made the country so great. Statism was "Turkey's complete modernization". Kemal emphasized that Turkey could only thrive from their economy and technological development. The state was the main source of economic activities and the owners of major companies or industries in the country.
More Reforms
- Mustafa Kemal stressed that education was the important thing in the world.The only way that the country could get better socially and economically was if the people got the best education. He declared himself as the Prime Minister of Education. He expanded education for everyone and made it free so that everyone could have a chance to learn. He also valued peace. He said " peace is the most effective way for nations to attain prosperity and happiness". He build friendships and peace treaties with other nations and taught the Turkish people to respect other nations even if they wanted to conquer .Turkey years ago.Turkey had peace treaties with Greece, Romania , Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.Turkey had strong relationships with the superpowers England, United States, etc.
Mustafa Kemal's Legacy
-After his death in 1938, he left a lasting impression on the Turkish people. He helped rebuild Turkey for the better and made many positive contributions to his country. He is the most beloved icon in Turkey and because of his love and dedication to his country, the Turkish people gave him the Ataturk " The Father of Turks"
Mustafa Kemal was the First President of the Turkish Republic during the 20th century. The Turkish people were proud of their national liberator.He was the leader of the Turkish emancipation. Mustafa first started in the military before he became the leader of Turkey.He was able to fight off and defeat his enemies on the East, West and the South with an unstable army.He holds a perfect military record of having only victories and has never been defeated which makes him one of the most brilliant strategists in the world. The people of Turkey feel nothing but gratitude to the man who gave a Turkey a new life.
Secularism and the Six Arrows
-Secularism is the separation of state from religion, religion from education, cultural and legal affairs. Mustafa Kemal made up the Six Arrows in which he hoped to modernize Turkey. The Six Arrows are as follows: Republicanism,Populism, Secularism,Reformism, Nationalism and Statism. Each of these "arrows" summarize Kemal's plans for Turkey. He chose to make Turkey a republic government because he believed that it was the only way he could fufill the people's desire. In populism he gave woman more rights, and he believed that no class was above any other. This would give a true sense of unification of the country.Reformism was very important to Kemal. He replaced traditional values and modernized them. For example he refused to let the Turkish people wear fez's on their heads, and he "westernized" their clothes.Nationalism was to preserve Turkey's independence.They respected one another and they did not make others feel inferior to them. Mustafa wanted his people to know that the people was what made the country so great. Statism was "Turkey's complete modernization". Kemal emphasized that Turkey could only thrive from their economy and technological development. The state was the main source of economic activities and the owners of major companies or industries in the country.
More Reforms
- Mustafa Kemal stressed that education was the important thing in the world.The only way that the country could get better socially and economically was if the people got the best education. He declared himself as the Prime Minister of Education. He expanded education for everyone and made it free so that everyone could have a chance to learn. He also valued peace. He said " peace is the most effective way for nations to attain prosperity and happiness". He build friendships and peace treaties with other nations and taught the Turkish people to respect other nations even if they wanted to conquer .Turkey years ago.Turkey had peace treaties with Greece, Romania , Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.Turkey had strong relationships with the superpowers England, United States, etc.
Mustafa Kemal's Legacy
-After his death in 1938, he left a lasting impression on the Turkish people. He helped rebuild Turkey for the better and made many positive contributions to his country. He is the most beloved icon in Turkey and because of his love and dedication to his country, the Turkish people gave him the Ataturk " The Father of Turks"
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