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The American Revolutions, 2008.
An argument that the American Revolution was essentially several smaller revolts for political, social and religious freedom.
936 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that the American Revolution was a combination of multiple revolutions, in the sense that it was a revolt for the liberation of political, social and religious discrimination and inequality. The paper discusses how the need to create a new utopia was the primary concern for many of those in the New World and they were prepared to fight for their rights.
From the Paper
"The American Revolution will always be known as a distinct uprising against one of the largest superpowers in the world. While the advent of the New World exploration provided a great deal of opportunity for all European powers, it was also a representation for a new beginning. The French, English and Spanish juggernauts battled fiercely for North American domination, and in the end the victor subsequently became the losing side of an extreme backlash towards an existing political system. Many books perceive this aspect of history as a patterned decline in the influence of a superpower. However, it is important to note that the American Revolution was unique in the sense that it was a colonized revolt of non-native or indigenous peoples."
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The Collapse of the Soviet Union, 2008.
An analysis of the factors contributing to the collapse of the Soviet Union and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's efforts to stem the collapse.
2,141 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 109.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the main causes of the collapse of the Soviet Union, focusing on the role of the United States in its collapse. The paper looks at the final phase of collapse in the 1980s when Leonid Brezhnev died and the other factors that impacted the collapse at that time. The paper also discusses the efforts of Gorbachev to try to stem the collapse of the Soviet Union and how his efforts failed.
From the Paper
"Gorbachev realized that perestroika was bold and risky and that only time would determine its ultimate success or failure. Like Lenin, Gorbachev believed that, "sometimes you have to retreat, and then advance." But he ran out of time, in part because the new openness in the Soviet press under glasnost revealed to the Soviet people for the first time that conditions across the entire Soviet Union were shockingly bad.
"Ever since the days of Lenin, the average Soviet citizen knew that economic conditions were bad in their own village, city, or region, but the communist-controlled media prevented them from knowing that conditions were just as bad everywhere else if not even worse. Glasnost confirmed this harsh reality beyond any doubt, and created a political environment across the Soviet Union in which people were not going to tolerate communism much longer."
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The Abbasid and Ottoman Empires, 2008.
This paper discusses the Abbasid and Ottoman empires, as possible examples of Islamic imperialism.
1,360 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Abbasid and Ottoman empires made use of the glorification of Islam. The author points out that these empires attempted a standardization of language, brokered different relationships with non-Muslims, saw extensive economic growth and continued expansion of the arts, letters and cultural attainment. The paper relates that both the Abbasid and Ottoman empires had the emotive symbols of their respective capitals as political, commercial and spiritual centers. The author underscores that both empires made errors in over-expansion, failure to consistently respect minorities and the use of force. The paper concludes that the result was forever fragmentation when faced by external pressures and the risk of oppressing constituent groups, which tends to affect all empires in the end.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Political Control and the Abbasid Empire
Economic and Social Affairs
Symptoms of Decline
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The decline of the Abbasids owed in good measure to the way in which the Shii community had been treated since the beginning. Anti-Caliphal sentiment understandably continued as much the Sunni ulama worked to crate the impression of Muslim unity by way of strong self definition and standardization of law, language, religious practice and political rationales. By the 13th century, the Abbasid Empire was a fragmented collection of states and territories ruled by military commanders. Of course, the Ottoman Empire would also over-expand, its different oppressive campaigns and government by military force creating quiet enemies."
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Existentialism in the Films of Akira Kurosawa, 2008.
A critical analysis of the dilemmas of identity that are portrayed within the two films, "High and Low" and "Ikiru," directed by Akira Kurosawa.
1,344 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This film study analyzes the existentialism that arises within the social and individual conflicts that are found within the films "High and Low" and "Ikiru," directed by Akira Kurosawa. It analyzes the characters and their relation to the plot of these two films and thereby leads us to understand the dilemma of identity (society versus the individual) that surfaces in these existential films of the 50s and 60s.
From the Paper
"This type of filmmaking is reenacting the sense of loss that the Japanese suffered after World War II, which embody a sense of rebirth for Watanabe. Kurosawa sought to bring these social issues to the forefront of filmmaking, since it offered a new way to expose the social and individual problems that the Japanese faced in their culture. By understanding Watanabe's individuality, the premise of existential freedom becomes the premise of Kurosawa's desire to liberate the self from societal norms. This is how existential philosophy plays a key role in Kurosawa's films, as he explores how it is not society that dictates social norms; it is the individual actions of insightful and brave individuals that redefine Japanese culture."
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The Transformation to Capitalism in Society, 2008.
An analysis of the transformation of the market in society with particular reference to the arguments of Karl Polanyi in "The Great Transformation: Origins of Our Time."
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper critically examines the issue of the transformation to capitalism in society from two viewpoints: that social relations have historically taken precedence over markets and that markets have always existed regardless of social relations. It argues that Karl Polanyi's argument in "The Great Transformation: Origins of Our Time," with regard to the rise of market economies is probably overstated and that it is likely that markets have existed throughout human history. The paper illustrates that this condition has fostered discontent and inequality throughout history and has been destructive to the human spirit.
From the Paper
"This optimistic view of the market economy is not shared by everyone. While Steinbeck was writing about an exceptional period of economic collapse - the Depression of the 1930s - Douglas Coupland's creative writing about our contemporary period of economic expansion reveals a strikingly similar discontent. In Coupland, as in Steinbeck, there is a sense of the market economy as something both alien to humanity and destructive of our humanity. Coupland asserts that "Marketing is . . . theft, and no one ever feels good about stealing" (Coupland 27). Of course, one may dispute the latter point (see Homer, as referenced by Silver above), while agreeing with the former. Coupland's protagonist has a breakdown due to his inability to cope with his life as a unit of economic production."
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The American Revolution, 2008.
An argument that the American Revolution was essentially a series of revolutions.
937 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that the American Revolution was not one moment in time that outlined the rest of history, but was rather multiple events that greatly effected the rise of revolution and the eventual overthrow of the British monarchy. The paper examines Paul S. Boyer's book, "The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People" that outlines the history of the New World, breaking down its lifespan in two parts. The paper then shows how the American Revolution was a series of revolts on social, economical and political fronts.
From the Paper
"Boyer's book, The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People, outlines the history of the New World, breaking down its lifespan in two parts. The first part deals with discovery and early colonization and the second part describes the events from the Reconstruction period to the growing tension that led to the Civil War. As noted by the author, there are multiple elements in the development of the New World as the new 'utopia'. North America provided what many European discoverers were seeking in the Middle East: An abundance of land and rich resources. Subsequently, the battle for power between the British, French and Spanish set the tone for decades to come, as various European cultures began to colonize the eastern part of North America."
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Clive and the East India Company, 2008.
A discussion of Sir Robert Clive's impact upon India and the East India Company.
1,966 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 101.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the towering personality of eighteenth-century East India Company Commander Robert Clive and how his forceful personality -combined with questionable ethics - established the East India Company as the de facto ruler of North-East India. The paper also shows how Clive undermined the legitimacy of the regional Nawabs while transforming Indian society in ways that created anger and resentment among Indians. The paper then looks at how the Chinese managed to secure a degree of autonomy in contrast to the Indians.
From the Paper
"The beginning of the East India Company's century of political domination in the "crown jewel" of the British Empire dates back to the 1750s - at least according to historian Philip Lawson. Specifically, shortly after securing the corporate presidency, Robert Clive was called upon to respond to an emergency in Bengal involving the capture of Calcutta by the new Nawab, Siraj-ud-Daula. While the matter is actually rather complex, what had essentially happened is that a simmering Mogul rivalry had spilled over into British affairs. Particularly, the Nawab had imprisoned 146 Europeans - of whom 123 died in one evening in a crowded cell. Suffice it to say, the Nawab's actions and the reckless disregard for the safety and security of the Europeans sparked mass revulsion across Europe (most notably in Great Britain) and Clive became one of the two senior commanders of an expeditionary force sent from Madras to re-capture Calcutta and rescue those Europeans who had not perished; the campaign, just as one might expect, was a huge success and marked the high point in Clive's military career."
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Life in Auschwitz, 2008.
A comparison of the "Memoir Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account" by Miklos Nyiszli with the film "The Grey Zone" directed by Tim Blake Nelson.
2,754 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 133.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and compares the "Memoir Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account" by Miklos Nyiszli with the film "The Grey Zone" directed by Tim Blake Nelson. The paper argues that the two differ significantly in their portrayal of the reality of the gas chambers and crematoriums of Auschwitz. The writer believes that the essence of the book is a stark portrayal of the brutal, belief-defying reality of Auschwitz, however the film in typical Hollywood style, fails to capture this essence. The writer explains that the film focuses on one act of rebellion that took place in the camp, thus focusing on heroism but glossing over the full reality and horror of the SS death machinery, as well as the mystery of why so many people walked passively to their death. The writer concludes that while "The Grey Zone" is a good film with strong acting from an accomplished cast, it is too trapped in the conventions of Hollywood to do justice to the essence of the book on which it is based.
From the Paper
"This is an example of the kind of evil that makes it inadequate to refer to Auschwitz as a moral gray area. Moreover, it should be noted that the detail of the murdered toddler twins is a good example of the way in which the film fails to capture the essence of evil that permeates the book. In the film, there is a very brief scene in which Oberscharfuhrer Eric Muhsfeldt (brilliantly played by Harvey Keitel in what must have been one of the greatest performances of his life) peeks at what looks like the corpse of a young woman on the dissecting table, and remarks that they are usually young. Nyiszli matter of factly explains that it is more usual to find twins together when they are young. This brief exchange does not remotely rise to the level of horror conveyed by Nyiszli's discovery that the twin toddlers have been killed with an injection of chloroform into the heart."
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Nazi Propaganda Posters, 2008.
This paper examines Germany's attempts to formulate images of national community in propaganda posters.
1,899 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 17 sources, MLA, AU$ 98.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, Hitler's Germany, propaganda posters addressed the idea of national community of which all true Germans would be a part and in which the family would be an integral element. The paper also looks at the theme of social welfare in posters, with the Nazi party caring for and nurturing the people. The paper demonstrates how these themes are conveyed in six posters that are included in the paper.
From the Paper
"Adolf Hitler first tried to seize power in the German state of Bavaria in 1923, in the "Beer Hall Putsch," an abortive effort to overthrow the government ending in his arrest, and prison sentence of five years -- he served nine months.
"During his imprisonment, he dictated Mein Kampf, outlining his plans to use propaganda to build a party to take over the country. In chapter xi, he explains his theory and practice of propaganda as the prerequisite to political organization. It should come from a single stream. It should rouse the emotions of potential followers, bringing them to the cause, and from such people, the party's active membership will be drawn."
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The Many Revolutions of 1776, 2008.
This paper examines the American Revolution and the thirteen colonies' different attitudes towards independence.
967 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the American Revolution came about as a result of a complex process of compromise and coordination among the unique interests of the thirteen colonies. The paper discusses the differences between the colonies in terms of their economies, the differing population numbers of Loyalists to the Crown and the colonies' timing of the declaration of independence. The paper explains how, after the Revolution, the Articles of Confederation allowed these disparate colonies to continue to maintain their "sovereignty, freedom and independence".
From the Paper
"The character of the American Revolution of 1776 had a lot to do with the nature of the colonies themselves, so in a sense one could almost say that there were as many Revolutions during the time frame of the 1770s as there were colonies. The unique way in which the eastern coast of North America had been colonized since the 1600s affected the way each of the colonies grew and developed and also the way that each one would react to the possibility of Revolution or to the various incidents involving British actions in North America over the years leading up to it."
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"Gender Equality in Iranian History", 2008.
A review of "Gender Equality in Iranian History - from Pre-Islamic Times to the Present (2006)" by Minoo Derayeh.
2,099 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 106.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the book "Gender Equality in Iranian History - from Pre-Islamic Times to the Present (2006)" by Minoo Derayeh is written in a methodical, clear manner, explaining how Iranian society and women's experience altered sharply with the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It looks at how the book can be considered an effective guide that promises an account of a radical departure from centuries of pre-Islamic and Muslim women's history.
From the Paper
"The fourth chapter on modernity and tradition notes a number of issues concerning Sunni vs. Shiite Islam, how the hijab was adopted or ignored in Iranian society, as time went on, the veil in Iran explained as a custom that indicated class membership in the beginning - a reality that Western feminists often miss, in a preoccupation with covering the head as somehow indicative of oppression, even though Western women wore hats two generations ago in religious settings or as signs of respectability. On a more amusing note, such scholars need to live in warm climates without covering the head to sense the aesthetic and practical appeal of the veil, the plight of the Iranian poor woman unable to cover herself plain. Much later, the veil became attached to Islamic ideology, a pre-Islamic convention attributed to female religiosity and modesty by the regime of 1979. "
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Chinese New Year, 2008.
A discussion of the origins, traditions and superstitions of the Chinese New Year.
1,386 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history and current practices of the Chinese New Year. It looks at the origins of the festivities and at the Chinese New Year traditions that have been carried on throughout the ages. It then discusses the superstitions that are associated the lead-up to and celebration of the Chinese New Year. Finally, the paper discusses the significance of each of the fifteen days of the Chinese New Year.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Ancient Chinese New Year
Traditions
Superstitions
The 15 Days of Chinese New Year
Conclusion
From the Paper
"On the actual New Year's Day, hair should not be washed as this will wash away good luck for the New Year. Red is the color chosen for clothing, as it is a bright, happy color which encourages a bright future (as well as serves to fend off Nian). Children and unmarried friends are given "lai see", which are small red envelopes containing money for good fortune (ibid). Other superstitions include the consulting of an Almanac before heading out (in order to find the "best time" for doing so), the prohibiting of scissor and knife use (as this may "cut off" good fortune), avoidance of people in their bedrooms (this is considered bad luck) and external environmental cues. These include the words one first hears on New Year's Day (these are considered to reflect one's fortune) and signals such as songbirds or red-colored birds (these are supposed to be good luck) (ibid)."
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Mao Zedong, 2008.
This paper utilizes Freudian psychoanalysis to describe, analyze and interpret the life of Mao Zedong.
2,010 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
The paper questions how Mao Zedong managed to take control of the Chinese Communist Party, establish the Peoples' Republic of China and rule the most populous nation in the world with an iron fist until his death when he came from commonplace beginnings. The paper examines this question from the point of view of Freudian psychoanalytic theory. The paper explains that Mao dreamt of death and destruction as much as he dreamt of life and liberation, making him an extraordinary man. The paper maintains that this explains to some extent how this commonplace boy was able to change the world.
From the Paper
"The only thing these two responses have in common is passion. Anyone who can inspire such very different responses is clearly a most remarkable person. Another authority refers to Mao's megalomania, his reckless fearlessness, and his "idiosyncratic self-assertion [which] became deeply ingrained in the collective experience of the CCP and ... profoundly shaped the communal awareness of the Chinese intelligentsia as a whole" (Wei-Ming, 1996, p. 156). Moreover, as we know, the CCP on which Mao stamped his personality was collectively responsible for millions of deaths, to the point that one authority sees the "destruction of lives, property, institutions, and values" as "a defining characteristic of modern Chinese history" (Wei-Ming, 1996, p. 149). As far as "motiveless malignities" go, Mao had Iago hopelessly outclassed."
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The Iranian Revolution, 2008.
This paper explains the Iranian Revolution as a triumph for some and a tragedy for others.
745 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Ayatollah Khomeini and his followers considered the Iranian Revolution a triumph because they succeeded in overthrowing the brutal government of the Shah and establishing an Islamic Republic. The paper explains, however, that the revolution has been a tragedy for the Iranian people because fundamentalist Islamic rule has been just as repressive and brutal. The paper asserts that the revolution's only accomplishment was to replace one regime of tyranny with a different, just as brutal, regime.
From the Paper
"Khomeini and the ayatollahs intended from the very beginning of the revolution to establish a repressive Islamic government, but concealed this agenda in order to build widespread public support in Iran and minimize the risk that the United States would intervene in the revolution. Khomeini's duplicity at this time was crucial, for if the United States or moderate Arab states in the Middle East had known that Khomeini intended all along to establish a radical Islamic theocracy, it is highly likely that they would have considered it necessary to intervene militarily. (Viorst)"
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Mao and the Long March, 2008.
An argument that the Long March (1934-36) was not a classic example of turning military defeat into moral and political victory.
2,810 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 135.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how many attribute Mao Zedong's successes to the fact that he was a brilliant tactician who could turn defeat to failure, citing the Long March as a classic example. The paper argues, however, that Mao was indeed relentless, ruthless, and self-confident, but he was no miracle-worker. The paper reveals that on the contrary, when it came to the Long March, Mao was simply the right man in the right place at the right time, a classic example of how good luck can catapult a person to the centre of the historical stage.
From the Paper
"Few figures in history inspire quite such extreme reactions as Mao Zedong. Some people revere him, while others revile him as a mass murderer. Whatever your point of view, there can be no doubt that Mao was one of the most influential people of the 20th century. He was revered by millions of Chinese as a supreme hero, and sometimes referred to as "the red sun rising in the east." Without him, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Peoples' Republic of China would not have been the same, and the latter might not have existed at all. As has been said of him, although his origins were commonplace, his education episodic at best, and his talents arguably unexceptional, nevertheless "he possessed a relentless energy and a ruthless self-confidence that led him to become one of the world's most powerful rulers"."
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The United States and Korea, 1953, 2008.
A discussion of the significance of the end of the Korean War for the United States.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 16 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the events that led up to the end of the Korean War in 1953 and the impact it had on the United States. The paper states that one remarkable aspect of the ending of this war was the modest impact it had on America. It claims that this stemmed partly from the fact that Korea had not been a site of significant American interest before this war began, the war had bogged down into seemingly interminable negotiations, and the political situation was focused on other matters. The paper concludes that, when the armistice agreement was signed, there were no wild celebrations, perhaps because the country had finally ended a war it was truly tired of.
Outline:
Lack of a Historical Relationship/Lack of a Historical Korea
The Fall of China, the Rise of McCarthyism, and the Democratic Retreat
The Korean War: From the First Campaigns to the Fall of MacArthur
Armistice and Exhaustion
From the Paper
"At the end of World War Two, Korea remain of middling importance to the United States. American Secretary of State Dean Acheson did not define Korea as part of the American sphere of influence in the world, suggesting that the United States would not intervene militarily if North Korea attempted to take over South Korea,17 although apparently few in the American administration took this as a serious prospect. Thus, it was something of a shock when the United States intervened when the war broke out."
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