In reading chapter 22, it is evident that European colonization affected many, taking a closer look into the lives of Asian and African people. These countries currently struggle for their independence and to keep up with the modern way in terms of development. Nelson Mandela makes a shift in time, representing the rights and new opportunities for his South African people. I like how Strayer says, "It promised not only national freedom but also personal dignity, abundance, and opportunity." (pg. 1088). I find this quote inspirational. When you have lost almost all hope, somehow a new possibility evolves when you least expect such a change, against all odds. History can be remarkable in ways such as this example.
It's so interesting to learn that Ghandi was born into a pius, business caste family. In addition, he was married at the young age of 13. He knew that he wanted to study law in England. Later, he went to South Africa for work as an indentured laborer. There, he experienced persecution for his Indian race. Interestingly, his non-violent tactic known as satyagraha (truth force) was a kind a action that he would take into his own hands in order to change political resistance against his people. He was willing whatever it took; perseverance and the ultimate will power, in my eyes. Strayer says, "Hundreds of thousands of women responded to Gandhi's call for participation in the independence struggle, marching, demonstrating, boycotting, and spinning (clothes).
In chapter 23, we are looking at the bigger picture of the world and their outcomes in our present time. We can look at the changes that have been made, in people and in countries. In history, we also look back at the suffering that people went through or are going through. Why does suffering occur in the civilization process.....war, racism, oppression, inequality, and much more. We as a human race, we keep moving and continue to evolve and grow. Strayer says, "We have survived and even flourished as a species, and civilization has proven resilience even in the face of catastrophes such as the Black Death and World Wars." (pg.1170). It's good to hear and read about the changes that the human species is doing to improve our Earth/environment, ending slavery, braking free of empires, etc. We are living in an era, a turning point in history. Hopefully, with open minds and better & wiser approaches to solving our world and national problems.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Chapters 20 & 21
I find it rather interesting to read in Strayer's book that World War I was considered an accident of a war. "A system of rigid alliances made Europe vulnerable to that kind of accident." (pg. 984) The rulers of the major European countries viewed the world as a place to compete and among other rival countries. Europe and powerful nations wanted a war to spread their influence and show their mighty strength to take over. In essence, among the people, they were somehow convinced that war would be a good thing, most in support of the war idea. In a way, this also took form in honoring their country and standing behind those who were fighting in the war. Those who didn't were frowned upon.
Needless to say, countries were getting prepared by creating an industrialization in warfare products. It's no wonder the amount of deaths occurred because of the vast new amounts of dangerous weapons being created. Barbed-wire, submarines, tanks, poison gas, and machine guns to name a few. If most of these men weren't being killed, they were left with disabilities and as a result, the women were left without their significant others. This world war would leave an impact all over, especially in Europe.
The French had an idea to recognize the women in this country. In honor to encourage childbearing, replacing those soldiers who had died in the war. Women were also allowed to vote in various other countries during this time. Women were making social tradition changes. They were being seen at nightclubs, smoking, dancing and drinking along with the men. They were sparking attention and expressing and transforming what was considered "womanly" for that time.
I thought that the term genocide has been around for much longer than it has. It's amazing to hear this would be a product of what Hitler and the Nazi's had accomplished in their lifetime.
I was shocked to read that when the Great Depression hit, it was a major blow to wall street causing eleven businessmen to commit suicide! Some even jumped out of tall buildings; skyscrapers. People were completely broke, all out of money they had saved in the bank even their investments were all gone for good as well. And the worst part, people had no job. How would they support their families or eat? People were beginning to beg because the economy was that bad and unemployment was at its highest at 30 percent.
The way that the United States came out of their great depression was partly because of President Franklin Roosevelt. He campaigned a slogan that we still remember to this day, "The New Deal." The government wanted to pump up its people and urge the public to spend, get back on their feet and find new jobs. The government would also support labor unions in this effort to strengthen the economy and its working people. However, the deal was that the government would have to be the one to do most of the spending to revamp the economy.
I could see how people tend to be judgmental when speaking of communism and the limitations that people may have had. After reading chapter 21, I could also sense that communism was also thought to help its people. Strayer says that communism brought hope to millions of people. Women were provided with opportunities, the working class and the poor alike as well were helped out. They didn't want to be dominated by western civilizations...sadly to say communism tried to help the people but it caused terrible problems where people were starving, being killed, impoverished, human rights completely.
Needless to say, countries were getting prepared by creating an industrialization in warfare products. It's no wonder the amount of deaths occurred because of the vast new amounts of dangerous weapons being created. Barbed-wire, submarines, tanks, poison gas, and machine guns to name a few. If most of these men weren't being killed, they were left with disabilities and as a result, the women were left without their significant others. This world war would leave an impact all over, especially in Europe.
The French had an idea to recognize the women in this country. In honor to encourage childbearing, replacing those soldiers who had died in the war. Women were also allowed to vote in various other countries during this time. Women were making social tradition changes. They were being seen at nightclubs, smoking, dancing and drinking along with the men. They were sparking attention and expressing and transforming what was considered "womanly" for that time.
I thought that the term genocide has been around for much longer than it has. It's amazing to hear this would be a product of what Hitler and the Nazi's had accomplished in their lifetime.
I was shocked to read that when the Great Depression hit, it was a major blow to wall street causing eleven businessmen to commit suicide! Some even jumped out of tall buildings; skyscrapers. People were completely broke, all out of money they had saved in the bank even their investments were all gone for good as well. And the worst part, people had no job. How would they support their families or eat? People were beginning to beg because the economy was that bad and unemployment was at its highest at 30 percent.
The way that the United States came out of their great depression was partly because of President Franklin Roosevelt. He campaigned a slogan that we still remember to this day, "The New Deal." The government wanted to pump up its people and urge the public to spend, get back on their feet and find new jobs. The government would also support labor unions in this effort to strengthen the economy and its working people. However, the deal was that the government would have to be the one to do most of the spending to revamp the economy.
I could see how people tend to be judgmental when speaking of communism and the limitations that people may have had. After reading chapter 21, I could also sense that communism was also thought to help its people. Strayer says that communism brought hope to millions of people. Women were provided with opportunities, the working class and the poor alike as well were helped out. They didn't want to be dominated by western civilizations...sadly to say communism tried to help the people but it caused terrible problems where people were starving, being killed, impoverished, human rights completely.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Chapters 16, 17 & 18
In Chapters 16 & 17, the literature covers concepts that a new human society is emerging, Strayer calls it a "modern era." This way of thinking was developed over Science, French, and Industrial Revolutions. "The French Revolution raised the possibility of re-creating human societies on new foundations. In neighboring England, the French Revolution stimulated the writer, Mary Wollstonecraft to pen her famous Vindication of the Rights of Women, one of the earliest expressions of a feminist consciousness. Who made men the exclusive judge, she asked, if woman partake with him of the gift of reason?" (Strayer, 805) This form of questioning and thinking captured the elements that it took for societies to get what they wanted in their new futures, especially for women's rights. It seemed as though societies were moving at a faster pace and people wanted to stay ahead of what was happening. Things were shifting and people were beginning to take charge and not take anything for granted.
They began to take shape and form a new way of life, changing Western Europe societies. The changes included the common people as well, which allowed for equality and the chance to come out of living in hardship times. This also gave people strength to have a say in their political atmosphere, participating in the new society. Even women were being more valued at this time and finally slavery was also diminishing from this modern era.
The Enlightenment was flourishing and crossing over to more and more countries. This type of influence spread and was accepted by modern societies. Scientists and scholars suggest that this thinking would change the way our world was and is seen, through a more scientific lens. Answers were being answered about the planet and about ourselves in a more analytical, rational, and precise perspective. This form of thinking known as, Anthropocene, the age of man. (Strayer, 773) This means that human activity is dominating the globe; our environment. People's influence is taking over and the earth is taking an impact on our human behavior.
They began to take shape and form a new way of life, changing Western Europe societies. The changes included the common people as well, which allowed for equality and the chance to come out of living in hardship times. This also gave people strength to have a say in their political atmosphere, participating in the new society. Even women were being more valued at this time and finally slavery was also diminishing from this modern era.
The Enlightenment was flourishing and crossing over to more and more countries. This type of influence spread and was accepted by modern societies. Scientists and scholars suggest that this thinking would change the way our world was and is seen, through a more scientific lens. Answers were being answered about the planet and about ourselves in a more analytical, rational, and precise perspective. This form of thinking known as, Anthropocene, the age of man. (Strayer, 773) This means that human activity is dominating the globe; our environment. People's influence is taking over and the earth is taking an impact on our human behavior.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
continued...ch. 13, 14 & 15
The trade business was beginning to get seriously hot. The items that were beginning to emerge were of spices, textiles, precious stones, and metals of gold and silver. It seemed as though the big countries wanted to get their hands on these items as soon as possible and as much of it as well.
There were voyages that would last some three years, as for Vasco de Gamma from Portugal sailed from 1497-1499. He would encounter the eastern waters and lands and embark onto African territories. Some of the commerce that he encountered were of desired spices. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to name a few. But the most prized spice was the black pepper. In the east, there were more goods to look for. Some were Chinese cotton, Indian cotton, special medicines, and of course elegant semi-precious stones were highly popular.
During this time, Europe had overcome the devastating Black Death of the 14th Century. At this time, the population of people in Europe was beginning to turn around and flourish along with its kings and queens. The European countries such as England, France, Portugal and Spain were all standing tall with their powerful military backed up with guns, and weapons.
It seemed as though that the rich markets were based more on the Eastern side than in Europe, however. This meant that the Europeans were encouraged to either pay in cash or in metal such as gold or silver for products being purchased.
Later in Manila, the capital of the Philipines, the Spanish would take shipments taking the silver to the mines of Bolivia, and Mexico. This would mark the first trade of the eastern/Asian and the Americas commerce. Having silver meant you could buy something of high value. One could purchase the desirable Chinese silks and porcelain. There was a huge demand for silver now. Many Chinese, Portugese and Dutch people alike were exchanging their valuable merchandise for silver. With silver, one could even purchase a slave.
There were voyages that would last some three years, as for Vasco de Gamma from Portugal sailed from 1497-1499. He would encounter the eastern waters and lands and embark onto African territories. Some of the commerce that he encountered were of desired spices. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to name a few. But the most prized spice was the black pepper. In the east, there were more goods to look for. Some were Chinese cotton, Indian cotton, special medicines, and of course elegant semi-precious stones were highly popular.
During this time, Europe had overcome the devastating Black Death of the 14th Century. At this time, the population of people in Europe was beginning to turn around and flourish along with its kings and queens. The European countries such as England, France, Portugal and Spain were all standing tall with their powerful military backed up with guns, and weapons.
It seemed as though that the rich markets were based more on the Eastern side than in Europe, however. This meant that the Europeans were encouraged to either pay in cash or in metal such as gold or silver for products being purchased.
Later in Manila, the capital of the Philipines, the Spanish would take shipments taking the silver to the mines of Bolivia, and Mexico. This would mark the first trade of the eastern/Asian and the Americas commerce. Having silver meant you could buy something of high value. One could purchase the desirable Chinese silks and porcelain. There was a huge demand for silver now. Many Chinese, Portugese and Dutch people alike were exchanging their valuable merchandise for silver. With silver, one could even purchase a slave.
Chapters 13, 14, and 15
In chapters 13, 14 and 15 we read about political, economic and cultural and complete major changes that occurred between 1450-1750.
Its interesting to read that the innovations and education involved in mapmaking, navigating the routes of the vast seas required much skill of new explorers. There was much to gain with highly valued resources that trade had to offer. Chinese, Indian and Muslims all would seem to take part in obtaining profit in one form or another.
In addition to the Eastern, Asian countries Europe would also driven and inspired to cross and seek the commerce of trade which would lead to boost their economy. Rulers of the countries experienced the tight competition, some slave and material goods were considered a valuable treasure.
The Chinese and Islamic people were advanced in terms of building and understanding the sea routes along the Atlantic Ocean. The transportation was more or less smooth for this reason of technology. They were able to travel the great distances that were required and also managed to transport equipment such as gunpowder weapons, important supplies and even large, heavy animals.
Unfortunately, the diseases that were brought over to the Americas from Europe was a big reason the Native American populations had collapsed. Something they were bombarded with and not immune to as other Afro-Eurasians might have been. After this epidemic of dying and tremendous deaths of people, Europeans were on the task of enslaving the African people. With this, population numbers began to rise...
During this time, Russia and its enormous empire was growing as well. According to Strayer, "Political leaders and educated Russians generally defined the empire in gradner terms: defending Russian frontiers; enhancing the power of the Russian state; and bringing Christianity, civilization and enlightenment to savages." (pg. 636). Russia was also capable of taking over Siberian people, converting them into their culture, converting them into religion of Christianity and language. The also were able to acquire a much wanted item, that being the very valuable fur. For these reasons, I could see how Russia definitely felt superior as an organized and authoritarian society.
The Russians had an empire, as did the British. Asian had their Mughal empire, but was not as exposed to diseases as were the Western part of the colonization was concerned. The ruling elites were able to educate themselves through the Chinese language and Confucian teachings. They also had skills in government to gain empirical powers. The Chinese also took charge of their military and diplomatic efforts, taking control of their country from Russia. The Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689 formed a distinct boundary between the Russians and Chinese populations.
Its interesting to read that the innovations and education involved in mapmaking, navigating the routes of the vast seas required much skill of new explorers. There was much to gain with highly valued resources that trade had to offer. Chinese, Indian and Muslims all would seem to take part in obtaining profit in one form or another.
In addition to the Eastern, Asian countries Europe would also driven and inspired to cross and seek the commerce of trade which would lead to boost their economy. Rulers of the countries experienced the tight competition, some slave and material goods were considered a valuable treasure.
The Chinese and Islamic people were advanced in terms of building and understanding the sea routes along the Atlantic Ocean. The transportation was more or less smooth for this reason of technology. They were able to travel the great distances that were required and also managed to transport equipment such as gunpowder weapons, important supplies and even large, heavy animals.
Unfortunately, the diseases that were brought over to the Americas from Europe was a big reason the Native American populations had collapsed. Something they were bombarded with and not immune to as other Afro-Eurasians might have been. After this epidemic of dying and tremendous deaths of people, Europeans were on the task of enslaving the African people. With this, population numbers began to rise...
During this time, Russia and its enormous empire was growing as well. According to Strayer, "Political leaders and educated Russians generally defined the empire in gradner terms: defending Russian frontiers; enhancing the power of the Russian state; and bringing Christianity, civilization and enlightenment to savages." (pg. 636). Russia was also capable of taking over Siberian people, converting them into their culture, converting them into religion of Christianity and language. The also were able to acquire a much wanted item, that being the very valuable fur. For these reasons, I could see how Russia definitely felt superior as an organized and authoritarian society.
The Russians had an empire, as did the British. Asian had their Mughal empire, but was not as exposed to diseases as were the Western part of the colonization was concerned. The ruling elites were able to educate themselves through the Chinese language and Confucian teachings. They also had skills in government to gain empirical powers. The Chinese also took charge of their military and diplomatic efforts, taking control of their country from Russia. The Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689 formed a distinct boundary between the Russians and Chinese populations.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Chatpers 7, 8 and 10
I find our pace of life and the way in which we can receive almost any product to be pretty much instant!
The way in which humans are able to interact and connect with one another has been more and more accelerated and advancing. Strayer says, "The exchange of goods among communities occupying different ecological zones has long been a prominent feature of human history. Cross lands and highlands, steppes and farmlands, islands and main lands, valleys and mountains, deserts and forests - each generates different products.
Each country has a specialty and or specific goods that another country might desire or simply cannot produce as well or sufficiently. A country might want a certain product even that much more, becoming a very desirable trade. And in many ways this has made our country's people spoiled because certain products are more prestigious to obtain such as luxurious items.
Strayer mentions, "long distance trade also enabled elite groups in society to distinguish themselves from commoners by acquiring prestigious goods from a distance -- silk, tortoishell, jade, rhinoceros horn, or particular feathers. The association with faraway or powerful societies, signaled by the possession of their luxury goods, often conveyed status in communities more remote from major civilizations." (pg. 316)
With trade, came a variety of goods coming in but also the spread of other good and bad things as well. Some were unpredictable and even unknown. People were in contact with each other more, so you had the spreading of bacteria and germs leading to diseases and new sicknesses from other countries to contaminate new lands.
Communication also helped to spread different words of spiritual and religious beliefs, new technology and new ideas also began to spread out from the original thinkers and location(s). It's amazing that a religion would spread from one large country to the next. Buddhism was one great example Strayer mentions in the book.
The more I read about China, the more I see it to have order and discipline. Looking for certain achievements and accomplishments during its Song Dynasty. Being the 1st country to print and develop the first books was astonishing to read because it encouraged education. It also opened its door to schools for its mass population of people. Marco Polo called China, "The best ordered state in the world." (pg. 368).
The people were also advanced in cultivating its food as well. The Chinese people were able to grow sustainable rice which was resistant to drought, a kind of rice original to Vietnam. China was also seen to have fine taste in music and other hobbies. The foot binding was new to me. Some people from other part of the world began to admire and view as a noble people.
It's also interesting to read that as the Western part of the world was developing, the Chinese, Indian and Islamic countries were and had been well established. The West still had some catching up to do! "Muslims who encountered Europeans saw them as barbarians" (strayer). It's amazing the power that rose so quickly and took over by Europe...eventually catching up to the rest of the established world. And how Christianity came to evolve it's self into such a "right way of thinking."
The way in which humans are able to interact and connect with one another has been more and more accelerated and advancing. Strayer says, "The exchange of goods among communities occupying different ecological zones has long been a prominent feature of human history. Cross lands and highlands, steppes and farmlands, islands and main lands, valleys and mountains, deserts and forests - each generates different products.
Each country has a specialty and or specific goods that another country might desire or simply cannot produce as well or sufficiently. A country might want a certain product even that much more, becoming a very desirable trade. And in many ways this has made our country's people spoiled because certain products are more prestigious to obtain such as luxurious items.
Strayer mentions, "long distance trade also enabled elite groups in society to distinguish themselves from commoners by acquiring prestigious goods from a distance -- silk, tortoishell, jade, rhinoceros horn, or particular feathers. The association with faraway or powerful societies, signaled by the possession of their luxury goods, often conveyed status in communities more remote from major civilizations." (pg. 316)
With trade, came a variety of goods coming in but also the spread of other good and bad things as well. Some were unpredictable and even unknown. People were in contact with each other more, so you had the spreading of bacteria and germs leading to diseases and new sicknesses from other countries to contaminate new lands.
Communication also helped to spread different words of spiritual and religious beliefs, new technology and new ideas also began to spread out from the original thinkers and location(s). It's amazing that a religion would spread from one large country to the next. Buddhism was one great example Strayer mentions in the book.
The more I read about China, the more I see it to have order and discipline. Looking for certain achievements and accomplishments during its Song Dynasty. Being the 1st country to print and develop the first books was astonishing to read because it encouraged education. It also opened its door to schools for its mass population of people. Marco Polo called China, "The best ordered state in the world." (pg. 368).
The people were also advanced in cultivating its food as well. The Chinese people were able to grow sustainable rice which was resistant to drought, a kind of rice original to Vietnam. China was also seen to have fine taste in music and other hobbies. The foot binding was new to me. Some people from other part of the world began to admire and view as a noble people.
It's also interesting to read that as the Western part of the world was developing, the Chinese, Indian and Islamic countries were and had been well established. The West still had some catching up to do! "Muslims who encountered Europeans saw them as barbarians" (strayer). It's amazing the power that rose so quickly and took over by Europe...eventually catching up to the rest of the established world. And how Christianity came to evolve it's self into such a "right way of thinking."
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Greek ideals and influences
I can see much of what the Greek culture and influence into our own Western civilization and identity as a society. It's genius and interesting how Greek people were able to become to be such prosperous scholars and achieve to be great writers throughout their Hellenistic Kingdom. The Greek philosophies including the sense of the word democracy still lives in our American ideans and form of government today. The Greeks also introduced the term "citizenship" to its people -- "equality for all people" (Strayer). These origins of democracy allows us to understand that there must've been a shift in government (from the past) and with that said, freedom came about. The new way of thinking branched out of an authoritarian style government into a civilization that included people's ideas to form this kind of government. I can see how much of our freedom came about this kind of education/philosophy and transformation in thinking. I believe this was so because it shows how much Greeks valued human life. I also come to understand how this era emphasizes on a humanistic civilization, shaping its society into a better place to live. And a higher concern for its people-->humankind. The Greek people show us that they were capable of producing advanced works in art, literature, and even written intellectual ideas in philosophy. These Greek ideals and culture makes this part of civilization strong throughout the world because it still lives on in people's education and lives today.
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