Picturing the Past

The Bosnian Genocide was a conflict between  the Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats of Bosnia.  This conflict driven be cultural and religious differences was intensified when Bosnia, declared independence from Yugoslavia, deeply angering the some Serbs.  This conflict developed into a mass ethnic cleansing between the years of 1992- 1995 leading to the deaths 200 000 people.     

Analyzing the Image: What is occurring in this picture?

Connection: What other events in history does this picture call to mind?

Connections across Time

1. Bosnia- Herzegovina experienced a brutal civil war in 1992 which is characterized by the ethnic cleansing which was practiced by both sides in the attempt to create a homogenous ethnic community.  They strove to create this ethnically pure society by intimidation, forced deportation and killing.  As is expected, this civil war did not end well, with 300 000 people dead, and millions left homeless.  Despite grievous violations against humanity the west united by NATO failed to respond in a swift fashion.  Which leads to a clear connection across time.  In World War two there were horrible acts of ethnic cleansing occurring, yet the United States, the strongest Western Nation did not respond.  They refused to insert themselves into a fight that was not theirs, allowing innocent individuals to be slaughtered.  The lack of Western intervention demonstrates the relationship between the Bosnia- Herzegovina civil war and World War 2.

Holocaust 

Bosnia- Herzegovina 

2. Throughout the late 20th and into the 21st century the development and implementation of personal computers and the Internet revolutionized communication and international trade.  These advancements paired with the deregulation of national and international financial systems allowed for an international stock market to be developed.  However, at the core of this development is the increased flow of information which is similar to the invention of the printing press in 1439 which allowed for the mass production of books, newspapers and the greater sharing of information.  While on a much smaller scale than the internet,  the printing press, like the Internet, has revolutionized the sharing of information make the process faster and more efficient.

 


      

Art Pieces of the Period

1. Since the late 20th Century the world has become a much smaller place.  Transportation has improved, as have communication methods which has led to a more globally aware world.  In keeping with this growing globalization, artists have been depicting this theme of global awareness.  Marjetica Potrc, one such artist, depicts realities of the world as a whole through sculpture.  Her sculpture below, Hybrid House, she creates a house which hybridizes features from buildings from Caracas, the West Bank, and West Palm Beach.  By incorporating these cultures she creates a surrealist feel, effectively showing the viewer of the vast culture and economic separation.  She embraces the realities of the global society, showing the different conditions that people live in all around the world.

2. September 11, 2001 was a grave day in American history.  The collapse of the twin towers led to the deaths of approximately 3000 people.  One of these people, so desperate for escape from the smoke filled tower, plummets to his death to avoid burning alive or being killed in the impending collapse.  Richard Drew's photo, The Falling Man, shows the intense grief experienced by Americans on this horrid day.  This grave day in history sparked the War on Terror, declared by the George W. Bush.  9/11 exemplifies the hostile relationship between the US and the Islamic world.

  

3.2.1. Summary Chapter 31

Three Things I learned:
1. Vladimir Putin has served a total of three terms as President of Russia.
2. 300 000 people were killed in the Bosnia- Herzegovina civil war.
3. Slobodan Milosevic committed genocide and was convicted by the International Criminal Court.  He died in prison.

Two Things that Interested me:
1. The growing relations between Europe and Islamic nations and the dynamics that exists between them is an interesting phenomenon.
2. The development of the global market through the internet and deregulation of international trade is fascinating.

One thing I am still unsure about:
1. I am still confused about the Serbian political struggles and their involvement in the Bosnia- Herzegovina civil war.

Introduction Chapter 25

THE WEST AND THE WORLD Chapter 25

Throughout this blog I will be exploring Chapter 25, the West and the World, and I hope to successfully analyze and discuss the impact of imperialism on the world.  This chapter explores the the imperialistic movement which largely takes place between 1815 - 1914.  This movement is the culmination of the industrial and nationalistic movements of the European countries which fostered the militaristic ability and the popular support needed for the European countries imperialistic dreams to come to fruition.  This chapter examines the effects the imperialistic movement and the consequences that it had upon home countries and the countries which were colonized.  It is important to note the essential question of this chapter.  The central question in this chapter is "what was impact of the imperialist movement on the world as a whole?"  Overall, the imperialist movement had a positive impact on the world.  In most effected areas, imperialistic movements led to modernization and/or liberal reform.  Two examples of this modernization would be China and Japan which opened the countries up to trade and led to western reforms such as the construction of railroads and civil rights.  In the European countries there was an inherent benefit for merchants and citizens.  Imperialist movements led to more resources and the a larger market for European merchants and business people to expand into, bringing more wealth to the "homeland".  Additionally, Europeans had more places which they could move and settle to.     

2 Political Cartoons from the 19 Century

         This cartoon demonstrates the large migration of Chinese to the United States, especially to California where they worked in plantations or in gold mines.  This cartoon focuses on the Asians in California participating in gold mining.  This is demonstrated by the small bag of gold and the wash board held by the man who looks somewhat less than human, characterized by an evil look and disturbing features, such as his hair.  The details of the man as well as the words "the CHINESE MUST GO" are indicative of the artists belief that the Asians are bringing negative change to the USA.  The cartoon demonstrates the man running away from San Francisco and towards China demonstrating his/her desire for the Chinese to leave not only California but the Untied States as a whole.  The contempt held by the artist for the Asians was not unique to him.  There was a movement of individuals who had negative feelings towards the Chinese who they believed were driving down wages and taking away jobs from white people.
          While I cannot claim to enjoy the message of this cartoon which promotes racism towards people who are legally attempting to better themselves in a country which promises "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  However, I will admit that I find the artists rendition of the situation humorous and visually interesting.  My favorite aspect of the cartoon is the facial expression of the Asian which is demonic in a humorous way.  

           This political cartoon depicts the effect of the Monroe Doctrine which went into effect in 1823.  This doctrine declared that any act of colonization or interference in North or South America would be seen as an act of aggression and would necessitate US intervention.  This cartoon demonstrates the distinct line which the European rulers could not cross without invoking the wrath of the United States.  The artist seems to have a positive view of the Monroe Doctrine as the words "KEEP OFF: The Monroe Doctrine must be respected" appear at the bottom of the cartoon.  Additionally the artist depicts the European rulers as ornate and sinister while the United States guard is depicted as a strong and morally upright individual.  Personally I am a fan of this cartoon because of the intense detail of the characters involved, especially the European Rulers.  I honestly do not know what my feelings are regarding the doctrine itself but I respect it as a historical piece of American policy which was intended to prevent foreign intervention of the United States.   

Modern US Imperialism Political Cartoon

    This cartoon depicts the American involvement in the Middle East, intended to root out terrorism and help to establish democracy.  This involvement has led to vast debate about the purity of American's intentions and whether it is right to attempt to insert Western Values and democracy into the Middle Eastern society.  The artist clearly feels that Americans are causing harm to the people they are attempting to save and that the true intentions of bringing democracy to the Middle Eastern region is based on Americas need to secure and stabilize the Middle East oil economy.  In regards to the cartoon, I feel that it is well drawn but I feel that the content matter is biased and largely unfair.  While I realize that a large reason for our military involvement in the Middle East is based on our need for a stabilized oil market, I believe that it is important to remember that many people of the Middle East did desire democracy, it was not forced upon them, they desired it.