Chapters 22 & 23

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. 

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.