DEVRY HIS410 ALL WEEKS DISCUSSIONS

WEEK 1

History through the Eyes of the Historian (graded)

The American Historical Association defines history as "the never-ending process whereby people seek to understand the past and its meaning." Do you think everyone seeks to understand the past and its meaning? Why is this so important to some people? Elaborate.

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The First Twentieth Century (graded)

Do you agree with Michael Parenti when he says, "Imperialism has been the most powerful force in world history over the last four or five centuries, carving up whole continents while oppressing indigenous peoples and obliterating entire civilizations?" Support your argument, either for or against Parenti's statement, by giving examples of the interaction between Western industrial powers and traditional, non Western societies. Were these contacts essentially positive or negative?














WEEK 2

The Rise of Totalitarianism (graded)

Compare and contrast the two types of totalitarian governments that arose after 1917, that is, communism and fascism. What were the origins of these governments, their accomplishments, and their failures? What accounts for the fact that the masses mobilized to support these movements? Elaborate.

Nationalism and the Treaty of Versailles (graded)

What were reasons that led to the ultimate failure of the Treaty of Versailles? What were the challenges facing the newly-formed League of Nations, and why was it so difficult to form a lasting agreement that would prevent another war? Elaborate.

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WEEK 3

Dictatorship and Democracy (graded)

Compare and contrast the personalities and policies of Hitler and Stalin. How and why was Hitler able to become a dictator in Germany? Elaborate.

World War II and the Holocaust (graded)

The following statement is taken from a contemporary account of Germany in 1939:

“…Though the Fuehrer’s anti-Semitic program furnished the National Socialist party in the first instance with a nucleus and rallying-cry, it was swept into office by two things with which the 'Jewish Problem' did not have the slightest connection. One the one side was economic distress and the revulsion against Versailles; on the other, chicanery and intrigue…Hitler and his party had promised the unhappy Germans a new heaven and a new earth, coupled with the persecution of the Jews. Unfortunately, a new heaven and earth cannot be manufactured to order. But a persecution of the Jews can…”

WEEK 4

The Cold War and the United States (graded)

How did the Cold War affect the political and social climate in the United States during the 1950s? In particular, how do you explain McCarthyism and the Red Scare? Can you think of any parallels to these events in today’s society? Elaborate.

Struggles for Freedom and Equality (graded)

Compare and contrast the goals and the tactics of Dr. Martin Luther King with those of Malcolm X in effecting change in America in the 1960s. Whose tactics were, ultimately, more successful? Elaborate.

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

http://www.malcolmx.com/

How do you interpret this contemporary account of the persecution of people who are Jewish? Elaborate.

WEEK 5

Africa and the West (graded)

What accounts for the rather late emergence of African countries as independent nation-states? Is there something peculiar about Africa that delayed its drive for independence? (Begin with a specific African country, and argue your case.)

Israel and the Middle East (graded)

Why has the Arab-Israeli conflict been so persistent? What religious and cultural factors have contributed to the persistent state of unrest in the Middle East and, in particular, in what some people refer to as the Holy Land?















WEEK 6

The End of the Cold War (graded)

What impact did Gorbachev’s ideas of glasnost (openness), perestroika (restructuring), and demokratizatsiia (democratization) have on Communist society? Were these principles compatible with collectivization and a command economy? Did Communist leaders favor these principles or did they feel that their hands were tied once they were introduced into Communist society?

The Welfare State (graded)

How would you evaluate the social welfare programs in most European states? E.g., in England and France, almost all health care is covered from cradle to grave. Do you think such social systems would work in the United States? What do you think of the current talk about health care reform in the United States? Elaborate.

This site gives an overview of the French welfare system:

http://www.frenchentree.com/fe-health/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=197

WEEK 7

Terrorism in the 21st Century (graded)

Discuss how you see the "war on terrorism" as of this date. Do you think the United States should be engaged in such a war? Give reasons for or against this "war" and whether or not we are giving up our own principles to wage this war.

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Globalization and the Commons (graded)

Which of the current threats to the "commons" (global warming, acid rain, etc.) do you feel is the most serious? Explain why. To what extent do you think citizens of the developed world are aware of these threats and to what extent are they responsible to alleviate these threats? Are the United States and other developed countries responsible to protect less developed countries and their indigenous peoples?

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