Lions Led By Donkeys
LIONS LED BY DONKEYS - A HISTORICAL INVESTIGATION QUESTION To what extent is the phrase "Lions led by donkeys" a fair description of what happened at the Battle of the Somme? INTRODUCTION In 1916 witnessed the commencement of the battle of the Somme. Through the course of that one battle, a million British men were slaughtered compared to the combined number of American casualties in both the first and Second World War. The Battle of the Somme was planned as a joint French and British operation, approved by Haig. However, the German attack on Verdun in February 1916 turned the Somme offensive into a large-scale British attack. Haig accepted responsibility for the action and with the help of Rawlinson who devised his own plan of attack. The vital part of Haig's strategy was an eight-day attack to destroy the German defenses. Soldiers were lined up according to battlefield strategies, and led by major officers. The blood of the nations was poured into conditions of such horror and violence. "Lions led by donkeys", was how the German soldiers referred to their British counterpart. Ever since the end of WW1 in 1918 which was won by the British allies against the Germans it has been hugely debated whether the phrase 'Lions Led by Donkeys' is correct. In this essay I am going to talk about the extent of which the phrase was a fair description of what had happened at the battle
Unwritten Record of Immoderate Greatness
The Unwritten Record of Immoderate Greatness: Inca Civilization Timothy Hyeung Gyu Kim Mr. Christopher Hall History 10 IBDP Nov. 3rd, 2008 "The world is a complex and subtle place. There are millions of connections between every part."1 The history of the world is indeed one of the most complex areas in which thousands of historians try to uncover the mysteries of the past. Out of all the interconnected kingdoms, empires and civilizations that have built the modern society, if even one hadn't existed, our current world could be at a completely different stage of development. This is the case for most parts of our history such as the Romans, Egyptians and Mesopotamians but most of all, the Inca Civilization and its developed society are one of the most vexed anthropological wonders of the entire history.2 It is mainly because the empire had overcome myriads of complex problems and had become one of the most amazing societies the world has ever seen. Inca Civilization was the civilization that had never developed any form of writing but managed to keep its dominance over an enormous area,3 the civilization that had accomplished skull surgeries and other amazing scientific advancements way before modern science was developed,4 and the civilization that was capable of developing irrigation and permaculture on their own at an extreme altitude of approximately 4000m above sea
Protestant Work Ethic
Essay 2 In New England's Massachusetts Colony, The large number of people who ascribed to the lifestyle of the Puritans did much to firmly establish a presence on American soil. Bound together, they established a community that maintained a healthy economy, established a school system, and focused an efficient eye on political concerns. The moral character of England and America were shaped in part by the words and actions of this strong group of Christian believers called the Puritans and the system they had called the Protestant Work Ethic. The main values of Americans, which are influenced a lot by Protestant Work Ethic, date back to the overwhelming Puritan culture developed in its colonial period. The Protestant Work Ethic results from the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther and John Calvin influenced on the Protestant Work Ethic. It believes that hard work is an honor to God which would lead to a prosperous reward. The Protestant Work Ethic was first accepted by people in New England's Massachusetts Colonies. It encourages people to work hard and take care of others. By the inspiration of the Protestant Work Ethic, the settlers lived fairly comfortable lives in America colonies. The Protestant Work Ethic associates with the American dream. The American Dream is the idea held by many people in the United States of America that through
This essay will be on how different minority groups were treated by the Nazis after they came into power in 1933. It will also assess what groups were targeted by the Nazis
How were different groups treated by the Nazi's in Germany and how Hitler used the racism and the anti-Semitism against them. This essay will be on how different minority groups were treated by the Nazis after they came into power in 1933. It will also assess what groups were targeted by the Nazi's who they sought to be 'unworthy of life' and how Hitler used racism and anti-Semitism against them and how they were treated. For example, homosexuals, the disabled and mentally ill, gypsies and finally communists where all targets of the Nazi regime. The worst enemies of Hitler were the Jews as he had strong anti-Semitic views against them as he saw the Jews as an obstacle in his plan to establish his master race. This treatment started in 1933 with moderate policies made by the Nazi's which were branded as the Nuremburg laws and ended in 1941 with the 'Final solution' being put into action which caused the execution of six million Jews, or known as the Holocaust. Throughout Nazi Germany in the period 1928 through to 1941, racism was utilized by Hitler, and in turn his Nazi party, most predominantly to secure Hitler's position as dictator, and secondly to unite the German people against a common enemy, which would lead to a united powerful state, ready and able to exert its national will. The aims for racial purification and domination over Eastern Europe are made obvious
Germany Debate
Without doubt, Germany was the sole aggressor responsible for the outbreak of WW1, namely with her emphasis on the aggressive foreign policy Weltpolitik and what ensued. Under Kaiser Wilhelm II's reign, militarism and power politics were greatly stressed, and as the result, the foreign policy Weltpolitik was issued to make Germany a large, strong, and unbeatable empire in every possible way. It was THIS policy that resulted in conflict between Germany and foreign nations, and significantly responsible for a series of crises in the lead up to WW1. The policy sought Germany's place in the sun commensurate with its rising industrial strength, primarily by the creation of a colonial empire to rival those of other powers. With German nationalism and social Darwinism influencing Weltpolitik, it became inevitable that Germany would strive to no end to expand, even if it meant war, in accordance with the survival of the fittest. If Germany did not strive to expand, it would itself be weakened or destroyed, and so, Germany NEEDED this war to prove herself as a world power and gain respect. As such, Germany concentrated on gaining overseas colonies and in having a say in foreign affairs, even if not directly related to Germany. Again, Germany pushed itself into every other country's business, such as during the Morroccan Wars, when in 1905, Germany announced its support for Morrocco
When and why was Germany the focus of Cold War hostility in the 16 years after World War 2?
When and why was Germany the focus of Cold War hostility in the 16 years after World War Two? Germany's geographical position in the centre of Europe, made it difficult for the western powers and the USSR to agree. Khrushchev called Berlin "A fishbone in Germany's gullet". The USSR did not want to see a new Germany rise and invade them again, but at the same time, the west wanted a rich and prosperous Germany. This made Germany of vital concern to the west and the USSR and meant that it played a vital role in the cold war. The four D's were decided at the Yalta conference, and also the division of Germany into four zones. It was also decided that Russia would receive 50 percent of reparations from Germany. At Potsdam, the agreements at Yalta proved hard to enforce. It was decided that they would be taken out in their respective zones. This meant a divided Germany, and one that looked impossible to unify. Tension was caused because of the difference in aims for Germany, also because of events in and around it at the time. The four D's, disarment, demilitarization, de-Nazification and division of Germany was decided at the Yalta conference in early 1945. The war against Nazi Germany was still not over, but it was becoming clear that it was coming to an end. Also, it was decided that Germany be divided into four zones between the USA, the USSR, the UK and France. It was agreed
Hisory is Always on the Move
""History is always on the move, slowly eroding today's orthodoxy and making space for yesterday's heresy" Discuss the extent to which the claim applies to history and at least one other area of knowledge." History is the story of mankind, therefore, because of its relevance; it is pursued with great interest by a large number of people. When a historian examines history, they are able to draw upon past knowledge to aid them in their observations. Similarly, in psychology, the study of mental functions and behavior, one is able to consider past ideas and ideals to guide their train of thought. While it is correct to argue that the fields of History and Psychology are always moving, one must also consider that both the Historian and the psychologist are both subjects of their contemporary world, and thus, share the perspectives of their current humanity. Because of this, while the fields of history and psychology are always expanding, they are also growing from within, and are constantly accepting concepts or ideas that were once thought of as unacceptable. This expansion is caused by several reasons including political events, current social ideals and economic trends. These ideas influence our paradigms, which allow for shifts that lead to acceptance of past events and change our perceptions on knowledge. While it can be argued that history and psychology are always on the
World War 1 Information
Unit 10: World War 1 0.1: The Causes of World War 1 > 1862- King William I (Prussian king) appoints Otto van Bismarck as Prime Minister > Otto van Bismarck dominated German and European politics > Conservative junker- (eunker) land owning aristocracy > Practitioners of Realpolitik > "Blood and Iron" > Sees advantages of war do not justify the risks involved > 1862-1866- ruled by ignoring Prussian legislature who does nothing for fear of political and social unrest that would occur as a result > Ultimate Goal: Unify Germany (does so by starting 3 wars) > Danish War of 1864 > Fought with Denmark over 2 duchies: Holstein and Schleswig > Bismarck wanted the 2 duchies to be a part of Prussia > Prussia is aided by Austria > The fight was unfair and the Danish quickly lose > The 2 duckies are now ruled by Prussia and Austria-Hungary > Austria-Hungary controls Holstein (southern duchy) > Prussia controls Schleswig (northern duchy) > Problem: Bismarck wanted both duchies to be unified under Prussia, so Bismarck starts a fight with Austria > 1866 Prussia versus Austria-Hungary > Prussia had advantages of an existing railroad in place and breach loading guns (fired faster) > Prussia wins and Bismarck does not make Austria-Hungary pay for war damages. Treats them nicely in comparison to normalcy. > Northern German states are ruled by Prussia, but Southern
Arabia on the eve of the emergence of Islam
Arabia on the eve of the emergence of Islam "It was Mecca's economic and religious role that contributed to the emergence of Islam" Discuss this statement. At the eve of the emergence of Islam, Mecca had become an important social, economic and religious hub in Arabia, partly because of its geographic location and but more importantly because it was home to the cube known as the Ka'aba, which according to the local Arabian tribes was built in honor of god by Abraham whom they consider to be their ancestor. Mecca was under the custodian of the Quraish tribe, a rich and powerful tribe of the Hejaz who had obtained their wealth from the influx of pilgrims and traders into their city. The Quraish were very successful traders and commendable at commerce, with their prosperity also came power and influence. Geographically, Mecca is situated between mountains and in valleys, its surroundings is masked by rocky and arid terrains, there was hardly any fertile soil for a outfields of crops and barely enough water for herds of livestock. However its location is key, Mecca's location is central to everything, it's not too far from the coast and lies on the trade route. Caravans throughout Arabia and beyond must past through Mecca to either cross into Africa or the European plateau as did traders that wanted to enter the realm of Persia as travelling by land to either of the great
There were many people who supported the Treaty of Versailles, but there were also many people who opposed it. The one major person who opposed the treaty was Henry Cabot Lodge. He was a Republican Representative in Congress.
The Treaty of Versailles The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. This treaty officially ended World War I. There were, however, forces in the senate that opposed this treaty. This treaty set up the foundation for the League of Nations. This idea for a league of nations came from President Wilson himself. However, it was the strength of the opposition forces, both liberal and conservative, rather than the ineptitude and stubbornness of President Wilson that led to the Senate defeat of the Treaty of Versailles. There were many people who supported the Treaty of Versailles, but there were also many people who opposed it. The one major person who opposed the treaty was Henry Cabot Lodge. He was a Republican Representative in Congress. He opposed the treaty of Versailles because he felt that by ratifying the treaty it would involve the United States in foreign commitments it could not keep or that it would not keep. Lodge however was not alone in his opposition of the Treaty of Versailles. In Document A, William Borah states that he was against the Treaty of Versailles because he does not want to subject the people of the United States to the matters of controversy which may arise between other nations. These people were not alone in their opposition to the Treaty of Versailles. Many Americans were against this Treaty, document B, an article from The New
