Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tibet: Genocide
I feel the genocide was intentional by the PRC to the extent that it had more to do with just Mao taking control, but more both countries ethic routes. Historically, Tibetan dynasties often conflicted with Chinese dynasties. Culturally, Chinese people tend not to know the myths, religious symbols, or history of Tibet, nor do Tibetans tend to know those of the Chinese. "In 1949 the People's Republic of China began invading, occupying, and colonizing Tibet. China entered into Tibet immediately after the communist victory over the Chinese Nationalists, imposed a treaty of "liberation" on the Tibetans, militarily occupied Tibet's territory, and divided that territory into twelve administrative units. It forcibly repressed Tibetan resistance between 1956 and 1959 and annexed Tibet in 1965." The source used [http://www.enotes.com/genocide-encyclopedia/tibet] is limited with its views, because it is bias and puts the Chinese in a bad light only naming conflicts that the Chinese did to the Tibetan people and not if the Tibet did anything to them, besides the dynasty wars early on.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
IRL: China
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/7326257.stm
News Story; BBC, Paul Mason
It shows the success of China today, 50 years after the Great Leap forwarded. "China's real leap forward is happening right now, as people's living standards rise, as the country bursts out into the global marketplace."
It adds value because I feel as if I've only learned China 1930s-1960s now I can broaden what we are learning and connect it. Perhaps to see if the communist rule had a tremendous effect on China 50 years later through Mao's policies.
Only shows the negative effects of the Great Leap forwarded, and then the present state of China, now parrells are clearly drawn between the two eras.
News Story; BBC, Paul Mason
It shows the success of China today, 50 years after the Great Leap forwarded. "China's real leap forward is happening right now, as people's living standards rise, as the country bursts out into the global marketplace."
It adds value because I feel as if I've only learned China 1930s-1960s now I can broaden what we are learning and connect it. Perhaps to see if the communist rule had a tremendous effect on China 50 years later through Mao's policies.
Only shows the negative effects of the Great Leap forwarded, and then the present state of China, now parrells are clearly drawn between the two eras.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Brezhnev/Afghanistan Brezhnev/Poland
Brezhnev/Afghanistan
1. What 2 justifications did the Soviets publicly offer for their Afghan actions?
1) that Babrak had requested their military presence in Afghanistan in order to preserve his country for socialism, which allegedly was threatened by the United
States and China; and (2) that the threat to Afghanistan was also a threat
to the USSR. The Soviets emphasized that they would withdraw their military forces as soon as all external interference in Afghanistan's affairs.ceased.
2.What other factors may have motivated the USSR?
They provided substantial financial and economic investment in the country so when the leader was overthrown in a military coupe, by a pro-soviet by Nur Mohammad Taraki. On December 5, 1978, the USSR signed a twenty-year treaty of friendship and cooperation with the Taraki government, and in September, 1979. Also when Taraki was murdered by Amin the USSR had to kill him because Amin wanted to form relations with China and other non communist government.
3. What was the international reaction to Soviet policies in Afghanistan?
All countries of the non-Soviet world condemned Soviet behavior and activity in Afghanistan but they could not however solve the problem due to Soviet intransigence.
Brezhnev/Poland
1. What were the six areas of conflict between Poles/Soviets?
-It was a cultural confrontation between Roman Catholics and Russian Orthodox and Atheists.
-It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation."
-It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR.
-It was a resistance to Soviet control and exploitation for Soviet ends of Polish economy, politics and destiny.
- It was a serious problem to the security of the USSR and to its interests throughout Eastem and Central Europe.
- Because it had many deep and diverse roots, the crisis there was potentially more
dangerous to Soviet interests.
2. What were the six events which precipitated the '80-'81 Polish crisis?
1) the growing nationwide disillusionment with the government's policies;
2) the government's failure to introduce genuine and desperately-needed economic reforms that would improve the low and precarious living standard;
3)the growing tension between political and religious leaders, which culminated in the government's refusal to allow Pope Paul VI to visit Poland in 1966 to help
commemorate the millennium of Polish Catholicism;
4) the arrest and trial of several young party intellectuals who were critical of the official establishment and its policies;
5) the government's stoppage (at the end of January, 1968) of a theater production of a poetic drama, Dziady (Forefathers), by Adam Mickiewicz, a 19th century Polish romanticist, because of its anti-Russian line;
6) the nationwide student unrest in March, 1968, which authorities put down with excessive force.
3. Which of the six areas for conflict (from #1) seem to be the most significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR. Seems to be the most significant because if the Polish people are protesting against their own government, it seems the chances of a revolution would occur against the government, which would lead to a attempted coupe and cause the Soviet government to step in to protect her interests causing a a uprising of the Polish to fend off the USSR army.
4. Which of the six areas of conflict (from #1) seem to be the least significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation." This one seems to be the least significant to the hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations because the Soviets could just replace the Polish workers with Soviet workers and not have to worry about labor unions who are already under the impression of the soviet government.
1. What 2 justifications did the Soviets publicly offer for their Afghan actions?
1) that Babrak had requested their military presence in Afghanistan in order to preserve his country for socialism, which allegedly was threatened by the United
States and China; and (2) that the threat to Afghanistan was also a threat
to the USSR. The Soviets emphasized that they would withdraw their military forces as soon as all external interference in Afghanistan's affairs.ceased.
2.What other factors may have motivated the USSR?
They provided substantial financial and economic investment in the country so when the leader was overthrown in a military coupe, by a pro-soviet by Nur Mohammad Taraki. On December 5, 1978, the USSR signed a twenty-year treaty of friendship and cooperation with the Taraki government, and in September, 1979. Also when Taraki was murdered by Amin the USSR had to kill him because Amin wanted to form relations with China and other non communist government.
3. What was the international reaction to Soviet policies in Afghanistan?
All countries of the non-Soviet world condemned Soviet behavior and activity in Afghanistan but they could not however solve the problem due to Soviet intransigence.
Brezhnev/Poland
1. What were the six areas of conflict between Poles/Soviets?
-It was a cultural confrontation between Roman Catholics and Russian Orthodox and Atheists.
-It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation."
-It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR.
-It was a resistance to Soviet control and exploitation for Soviet ends of Polish economy, politics and destiny.
- It was a serious problem to the security of the USSR and to its interests throughout Eastem and Central Europe.
- Because it had many deep and diverse roots, the crisis there was potentially more
dangerous to Soviet interests.
2. What were the six events which precipitated the '80-'81 Polish crisis?
1) the growing nationwide disillusionment with the government's policies;
2) the government's failure to introduce genuine and desperately-needed economic reforms that would improve the low and precarious living standard;
3)the growing tension between political and religious leaders, which culminated in the government's refusal to allow Pope Paul VI to visit Poland in 1966 to help
commemorate the millennium of Polish Catholicism;
4) the arrest and trial of several young party intellectuals who were critical of the official establishment and its policies;
5) the government's stoppage (at the end of January, 1968) of a theater production of a poetic drama, Dziady (Forefathers), by Adam Mickiewicz, a 19th century Polish romanticist, because of its anti-Russian line;
6) the nationwide student unrest in March, 1968, which authorities put down with excessive force.
3. Which of the six areas for conflict (from #1) seem to be the most significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR. Seems to be the most significant because if the Polish people are protesting against their own government, it seems the chances of a revolution would occur against the government, which would lead to a attempted coupe and cause the Soviet government to step in to protect her interests causing a a uprising of the Polish to fend off the USSR army.
4. Which of the six areas of conflict (from #1) seem to be the least significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation." This one seems to be the least significant to the hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations because the Soviets could just replace the Polish workers with Soviet workers and not have to worry about labor unions who are already under the impression of the soviet government.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Brezhnev Foreign Policies
1. In what ways was Czechoslovakia 68' similar to Hungary 56'?
- Soviet policies that were carried out by incompetent but arrogant native leaders.
- Both sought to introduce a progressive and humane element into the Communist way of life.
- Both were brutally suppressed by Soviet military might while the rest of the civilized world watched helplessly.
- both were forced to accept Soviet-appointed satraps-Janos Kadar in Hungary,
and Gustav Husak in Czechoslovakia.
2. What 3 demands did Czech. make of Dubcek?
-Abolishment of "the centralist model of society,".
-The elimination of "administrative and undemocratic interference in all
spheres of social and cultural life."
-And the removal of Novotny as president of the republic.
3.How did the Soviets respond to Czech judicial reform?
They accepted the Czech's judicial reform and electoral laws and also to examine the grievances of victims for past persecutions. But they were also alarmed by this so that they placed troops on the border of Czechoslovakia.
4.Why did the alleged defenestration of Jan Masaryk again become a issue.
Because this caused the resignation and/ or dismissal of many die-hard Czechoslovak Stalinists, created a demand for a thorough unbiased investigation of all past misdeeds by Czechoslovak and Soviet authorities in Czechoslovakia.
5.In August 1968, Warsaw Pact members signed a "broad statement of principles;" what were the Czech and Soviet perspectives on the content and purpose?
The Czech's saw this as adherence to and full compliance with all Soviet demands. The Soviets considered it a carte blanche for intervention in Czechoslovakia in order to
preserve the Soviet style of socialism.
6.How did the Czchs respond to Soviet Invasion? Why?
This dumbfounded the Czechoslovaks, who had for years entertained strong Pan-Slav sentiments and to some extent pro-Soviet views. So complete indeed was their shock and bewilderment that the Soviets were unable to find anyone willing to collaborate with them.
7.What were 2 of Dubcek's new (post invasion) policies?
Under Soviet pressure Dubcek now intensified censorship of the press and agreed to appoint pro-Soviet sympathizers to high posts in the party and government.
8.What was the ultimate outcome of the invasion for Czech?
Husak transformed Czechoslovakia into the most reactionary and the most oppressive state of Eastern Europe.
- Soviet policies that were carried out by incompetent but arrogant native leaders.
- Both sought to introduce a progressive and humane element into the Communist way of life.
- Both were brutally suppressed by Soviet military might while the rest of the civilized world watched helplessly.
- both were forced to accept Soviet-appointed satraps-Janos Kadar in Hungary,
and Gustav Husak in Czechoslovakia.
2. What 3 demands did Czech. make of Dubcek?
-Abolishment of "the centralist model of society,".
-The elimination of "administrative and undemocratic interference in all
spheres of social and cultural life."
-And the removal of Novotny as president of the republic.
3.How did the Soviets respond to Czech judicial reform?
They accepted the Czech's judicial reform and electoral laws and also to examine the grievances of victims for past persecutions. But they were also alarmed by this so that they placed troops on the border of Czechoslovakia.
4.Why did the alleged defenestration of Jan Masaryk again become a issue.
Because this caused the resignation and/ or dismissal of many die-hard Czechoslovak Stalinists, created a demand for a thorough unbiased investigation of all past misdeeds by Czechoslovak and Soviet authorities in Czechoslovakia.
5.In August 1968, Warsaw Pact members signed a "broad statement of principles;" what were the Czech and Soviet perspectives on the content and purpose?
The Czech's saw this as adherence to and full compliance with all Soviet demands. The Soviets considered it a carte blanche for intervention in Czechoslovakia in order to
preserve the Soviet style of socialism.
6.How did the Czchs respond to Soviet Invasion? Why?
This dumbfounded the Czechoslovaks, who had for years entertained strong Pan-Slav sentiments and to some extent pro-Soviet views. So complete indeed was their shock and bewilderment that the Soviets were unable to find anyone willing to collaborate with them.
7.What were 2 of Dubcek's new (post invasion) policies?
Under Soviet pressure Dubcek now intensified censorship of the press and agreed to appoint pro-Soviet sympathizers to high posts in the party and government.
8.What was the ultimate outcome of the invasion for Czech?
Husak transformed Czechoslovakia into the most reactionary and the most oppressive state of Eastern Europe.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What problems faced Khrushchev in his efforts to reform the Soviet economy?
Key Question:
What problems faced Khrushchev in his efforts to reform the Soviet economy?
-Agriculture
Due to Stalin’s collectivization the grain amount and technology for farming were extremely low. When the plan to use the Virgin lands was put into place, it seemed to work except for the fact that the land and climate were not right for what the CCCP wanted to grow, the workers were inexperience with growing such crows thus finding it easier to grow easier to grow and manage crops such as maize. Also due to locations of storing crops and being misinformed Khrushchev could not get grain production up in virgin lands, then in the 60s it became worse when poor weather yielded poor soil for gowning crops. To avoid a famine grain had to be bought from the West which ruined Soviet plans to increase grain in order to beat the US grain rates.
-Industry
Upset the bureaucrats in the party who had been placed there by Stalin since Khrushchev’s industrial reforms would ruin the privileges they had. SYP succeeded in increasing consumer goods however it diminished the fact the Soviet still failed on grain and meat production and also the inability to deal with shortages.
What problems faced Khrushchev in his efforts to reform the Soviet economy?
-Agriculture
Due to Stalin’s collectivization the grain amount and technology for farming were extremely low. When the plan to use the Virgin lands was put into place, it seemed to work except for the fact that the land and climate were not right for what the CCCP wanted to grow, the workers were inexperience with growing such crows thus finding it easier to grow easier to grow and manage crops such as maize. Also due to locations of storing crops and being misinformed Khrushchev could not get grain production up in virgin lands, then in the 60s it became worse when poor weather yielded poor soil for gowning crops. To avoid a famine grain had to be bought from the West which ruined Soviet plans to increase grain in order to beat the US grain rates.
-Industry
Upset the bureaucrats in the party who had been placed there by Stalin since Khrushchev’s industrial reforms would ruin the privileges they had. SYP succeeded in increasing consumer goods however it diminished the fact the Soviet still failed on grain and meat production and also the inability to deal with shortages.
Friday, June 11, 2010
IRL/TOK
Can one talk meaningfully of a historical fact? How far can we speak with certainty about anything in the past?
I don't think that one can talk meaningfully of historical facts only because we are humans and tend to pick a side. Like in my IRL 23 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/10219391.stm,) the news reporter’s only place the blame on the Israeli's when it's a historical fact that the activists attacked the Israeli's once boarding the ship. Also holding a personal grudged or bias on a side when commenting on historical fact that involves two sides, such as my IRL 20 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8650468.stm), it was one sided by BBC which may be due to the past difficulties between Nasser and the British and France during the Cold War. I think that we and I can speak with certainty about the past during to the extent of where we've grown up and what we believe from our culture.
For example my IRL 22 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6570903.stm) shows the Israeli's and the Palestinians' arguing and not being able to negotiate America is in the middle of this and trying to help be a peace maker, though this will probably never happen because the extent to which we can speak certainty depends on our cooperation with the opposing side that the past historical fact relates too, since in this case for IRL 22 all three sides will have opposing views which deteriorates the validity of the historical argument.
Truly I don’t know how far one can speak with certainty about anything in the past, by not being there one must judge the validity of all historical facts since depending on cultures will mostly be one sided. In my IRL 19 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7381364.stm) we see the historical fact of did Israel justify the 6 Day War, or not though both sides even including American will give different answers, do to their certainty on what they believe is truth and myth. So for someone to speak with that level of certainty I think it takes a lot of belief in something since one honestly doesn’t know the truth about a fact in some cases, like the fact of Israel’s strike on Egyptian airfields.
I don't think that one can talk meaningfully of historical facts only because we are humans and tend to pick a side. Like in my IRL 23 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/10219391.stm,) the news reporter’s only place the blame on the Israeli's when it's a historical fact that the activists attacked the Israeli's once boarding the ship. Also holding a personal grudged or bias on a side when commenting on historical fact that involves two sides, such as my IRL 20 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8650468.stm), it was one sided by BBC which may be due to the past difficulties between Nasser and the British and France during the Cold War. I think that we and I can speak with certainty about the past during to the extent of where we've grown up and what we believe from our culture.
For example my IRL 22 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6570903.stm) shows the Israeli's and the Palestinians' arguing and not being able to negotiate America is in the middle of this and trying to help be a peace maker, though this will probably never happen because the extent to which we can speak certainty depends on our cooperation with the opposing side that the past historical fact relates too, since in this case for IRL 22 all three sides will have opposing views which deteriorates the validity of the historical argument.
Truly I don’t know how far one can speak with certainty about anything in the past, by not being there one must judge the validity of all historical facts since depending on cultures will mostly be one sided. In my IRL 19 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7381364.stm) we see the historical fact of did Israel justify the 6 Day War, or not though both sides even including American will give different answers, do to their certainty on what they believe is truth and myth. So for someone to speak with that level of certainty I think it takes a lot of belief in something since one honestly doesn’t know the truth about a fact in some cases, like the fact of Israel’s strike on Egyptian airfields.
Monday, June 7, 2010
IRL 23
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/10219391.stm
New Story
BBC
It connects to what we are doing in class because it is a, recent event, that involed the Israelis and other nations in the crisis with Gaza. Which once again we see a more recent time where Israeli is defending their actions on attacking.
It ehnances because we see 60 years later the crisis in Gaza is still high and, Israel is worried that the terrorism in Gaza is to high, and that the Israeli once again went out and became offensive not truly knowning what was happening just like in the 6 Day War. Where Israeli went into international waters to handle the activists.
Limitaions of the document seem one sided only blaming Israel for the attack though in most recent web videos surfacing we see the activist's attacking the Israeli troops as they board the ship.
New Story
BBC
It connects to what we are doing in class because it is a, recent event, that involed the Israelis and other nations in the crisis with Gaza. Which once again we see a more recent time where Israeli is defending their actions on attacking.
It ehnances because we see 60 years later the crisis in Gaza is still high and, Israel is worried that the terrorism in Gaza is to high, and that the Israeli once again went out and became offensive not truly knowning what was happening just like in the 6 Day War. Where Israeli went into international waters to handle the activists.
Limitaions of the document seem one sided only blaming Israel for the attack though in most recent web videos surfacing we see the activist's attacking the Israeli troops as they board the ship.
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