Term Paper Thesis

The Soviet Union was forced to create the KGB, the secret police and intelligence agency, and spy on and suppress the Russian citizens through legal and illegal means that may seem inhumane at time, so that they could keep order, the nation stable, and maintain the position of Soviet Union leaders over the Russian citizens below them.

Term Paper Ideas

I would like to either do my paper on Russian espionage during the Cold War, or the scientific gains and ideas from the scientific revolution at use in todays world.

Comparison Between French and Egyptian Revolution

1.

Louis XVI	Mubarak
Was an absolute ruler	Was a dictator
Came into power because Louis XV died	Came into power because Anwar El Sadat died.
Ruled France for 17 years	Ruled Egypt for 30 years
Was executed by the French	Was forced to leave office.

2. 2. In the French Revolution, many of the people were revolting because the French economy was in shambles. To attempt to solve this debt, heavy taxes on the poor, which did not sit well with the people, who already had little money, and it being taken away, and the upper class was keeping their money, even having their taxes cut.

http://history.hanover.edu/texts/cahier.htm

In the Egyptian Revolution, the people were trying to free themselves from years of oppression from a corrupt and cruel leader, who was effectively a dictator. Mubarak would not let the people express themselves, to protest, allow others to run against him for his office, and many other things to quell the masses.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/201112523026521335.html

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/egypt

3. 3. In the French Revolution, women were involved partly, having their own march on Versailles, and inspiring other women that they matter and can affect the world.

In the Egyptian Revolution women were also involved with the men in the protesting, taking to the streets along with the men.

4. 4. Now that Egypt has overthrown their previous ruler, many are being cautious that this fragile situation does not make a turn for the worse, with the people on edge; a single spark could set the country afire. After the French had taken down their leader, there were worries that they would enter the same state, with another absolute ruler, similar to Egypt. Many nations are also worrying that Egypt’s new ruler will not go well with its Israeli relations, which has become a problem in the area. This is similar to the French as their neighbors were worried that this new volatile government could begin to harm them.

5. 5. During the Egyptian revolution, the people expressed themselves through conventional methods like marching and protesting, but also adapted to current technologies and communicated in ways such as Facebook and Twitter, to organize over the internet.

6. 6. The current Egyptian revolution has been violent, with deaths numbering around 300, so as the protestors are not centered on a violent protest, there have still been deaths.

7. 7. The people in Egypt are now rejoicing that they have successfully removed Mubarak, and are celebrating their victory. They are hoping that with all their work, Egypt can become a great nation and this work will not be put to waste.

8. 8. Now that the Egyptians have successfully removed their leader, they must make sure to not stop in their movement to change Egypt, for many there are many possible outcomes to this situation. If the Egyptians do not install a powerful and leader who has their best thoughts in mind, they could fall into worse conditions than before Mubarak, but just as easily a successful leader could take them into prominence in the world. Egypt is in a risky time at the moment, with no one knowing what will come out of it, and the only choice being to wait and see what unfolds.

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I got a 15/20

Sorry for posting late, I had and internet problem, and am on an off mod.

The French Revolution DBQ

The French Revolution presented a time where France was in disarray, and was forced to make tough and difficult choices in a time of war. French citizens were not all whole heartily with their country, and did not go along with all of its demands and ideas. Then France entered a time known as the terror, wherein they executed all those who did not agree with their ideas, or they believed were against their nation. Even though this Terror did result in many innocent French citizens being executed, it was a choice that France had to make in a tough situation.

At this time, France was in many of troubles, including an economical collapse, a full fledged revolution, questionable leadership, famine, and much more. The French leaders needed to unite this nation that was beginning to take sides in a all out civil war. If the people did rebel, they believed they would lose their beloved France, and needed to send a message to those against them. These executions were not only used to thin out those against the French, but also to instill fear into those who have not yet been captured or killed (Doc. 5). They wanted to make the people see what would happen to those who went against them, setting an example (Doc. 8). However, this did not always work, as when one person is killed, those close to him may actually become inspired now to go rise up also, in a way redeeming those who have died (Doc. 6).

These executions that were performed had a high number of similar classes that were killed, but all were still involved. In Paris, the largest number of those deaths were the nobles and the upper class, being so that their was much more wealth in Paris. However, outside of Paris, a large majority of those killed were working class and peasants, showing how those who were typically unimportant in French life were now making a stand, and demanding their rights, instead of their previous low place in society. These people were also heavily effected by the economy, because when it was diminishing, taxes were not put onto the wealthy, but exempt, and left upon the laps of the poor to pay. A large number of those who were tried, were all tried of similar crimes, hostile acts against the state (Doc. 3). This was the French way of classifying those they killed who opposed their regime's way of doing things. And when these killing occurred, they occurred in large numbers in similar areas (Doc. 1).

Now as those involved in the executions may have seen this necessary, to others it seems to be barbaric. People were going around killing their own countrymen, simply because they differed in opinion. Some viewed those who were executed as patriots, and some viewed them as traitors, but it all depends on the aspect and knowledge of what was happening at the time. The French citizens believed it was necessary for them to stand up against what was happening, even dieing for it, but the French government was forced to make a tough decision, that ultimately decided what would happen to France and define its reign into the future.

Candide Essay Outline

Thesis: The optimistic view that Pangloss believes in is a more pleasant and favorable view on life, however, it is not realistic or rational, compared to Martin's pessimistic view which is much more logical and not based on religious faith or belief.

I. Even though Pangloss's view on life is more pleasant and likable, it is too good to be true, and is also based upon his religious views also, which cannot be relied upon.

A. Pangloss believes that this world is the best possible world, and therefore everything that happens is the best. Whenever a something dreadful happens in the story, Pangloss simply relies on his belief that something worse could have happened.

B. Pangloss believes in this philosophy only because he believes that it matches with his religious faith, and holds to it no matter the situation.

C. The way that Pangloss supports his view to certain points can almost be seen as pure ignorance at times, completely denying truths, and just believing in his own view.

II. Martin represents the opposite view of Pangloss, and of Voltaire also, a view based more on logic and reasoning, rather that faith.

A. Martin is more of a realist, with a view that is much more closely to the way the world works, however, it is still not as pleasant as Pangloss's.

B. Whenever a situation where Pangloss's view is presented, Martin is quick to retort it, such as when a thief's boat sinks, that the passengers were doomed also.

C. Martin tries to stay unbiased in his views, and is also more knowledgeable than the others in the story, giving his views much more validity.

III. Candide is presented both of these views in this story, and is strong in believing in Pangloss's ideals, but eventually he begins to doubt them.

A. Candide has been exposed to Pangloss's beliefs throughout his life, and even after they are separated, he remembers this view, and applies it to the situations he is in.

B. After Candide has been exposed to the many horrors in his life, he is no longer sure that Pangloss's view is the correct view, specifically when he encounters the slave with the amputated leg.

C. Even at the end of the novel, the result is not favorable, with Candide losing all of his money, Cunegonde is now ugly, and things are worse than the were at the beginning, with much more favorable outcomes that could have resulted.

Midterm Exam Questions

Free Response Essay Number 3

Outline

I. The New world that was presented to Europe was not only a source of prosperity and wealth, but also had severe negative effects, even toppling nations.

II. Spain was a huge player in the new world.

a. Spain committed itself to exploring new world

b. They became a major factor amongst the land

c. They led conquests on the native people

d. These conquests led to them obtaining many resources, specifically gross amounts of gold

e. This new gold overflowed their economy, lowering its cost

f. This led to the collapse of their economy

III. The New world needed workers

a. The Europeans began to send slaves into the Americas for work

b. This led to many new people arriving in the Americas

c. The new world then became more powerful

d. The more powerful the new world, the more the Europeans received

IV. European nations all wanted the new land

a. This led to disputes over who owned the land

b. This was already an area prone to conflict

Essay

During the sixteenth and early seventeenth century, a vast new world of opportunity was assimilated into the modern world of Europe. This allowed for more trade, more resources, and more conquest for European states to involve themselves in. However, this large increase in resources did not only aid some nations, but also toppled others.

During these years, many explorers were set out to exploit this new land, many of which were Spanish explorers. This led to a large amount of this new land falling under Spain’s jurisdiction, with an influx of resources to come along with it. Spain devoted much of its time to the new world, believing that it would only better them, not realizing the consequences of their actions. Spain eventually toppled the major powers of the new world, becoming the dominant force in many areas. Once Spain had begun to pull in their plunders from the conquests, a gross amount of gold came into their possession. This gold, a once rare and precious material, had now become much more common, drastically lowering its price. This huge shake-up in price of gold shocked Spain, and eventually led to a collapse of their economy.

Spain was not the only nation of interest during these times, with many others becoming more involved in the new world, changing the face of European and global trade. The new world required workers to continue its now flourishing economy, which benefitted the European countries. The Europeans then began the slave trade, as it is known today, shipping Africans who were sold into slavery to the Americas. This led to the Americas becoming more powerful, which came into play later in history. At the time, the more power that the new world obtained, the more Europe was able to benefit, whether through goods, or food, or trade. Europe was now becoming a more colonialism-centered power, with the influx of new areas that they could overcome, and reap their goods.

With these new areas that were under no control at the time, many European countries rushed to the scene to be the first the claim the land. This led to quarrels between nations fighting over who owned what land, or who got their first. This created tension between the nations, in an already unstable area prone to conflict. Eventually, the nations began to settle, but not always peacefully. The Church was also brought in to settle the dispute, creating the Treaty of Tordesillas to settle the dispute.

The sixteenth century was an eventful time for European exploration, opening up a vast new world for them to explore. This created a new level to the economies of European, having a large effect. This effect, however, was not only a positive one, while it did bolster some economies, it also led to the demise of others.

Free Response Essay Number 2

Outline

I. The rise of witchcraft persecution in the 16^th and 17^th century can be accredited to the Catholic Church’s involvement and the times view on women, and its decline can be credited to the Reformation and the movement away from the Catholic Church

II. Witchcraft persecutions experienced an increase in this time

a. The Catholic Church tried to link witchcraft and Satanism together

b. They did this, and encouraged persecution of the witches.

c. Women were also more highly persecuted

d. They believed them to be weaker than man, and more susceptible to corruption

III. Witchcraft persecutions now began to decline

a. The Reformation came about

b. This encouraged thinking about faith, rather than blindly following it

c. People realized they did not need to kill witches

d. The people also wanted to move away from the Catholic Church

e. They did not want to do the persecutions, which were viewed as Catholic inspired events.

Essay

Witchcraft is today seen as a myth, but during the sixteenth and seventeenth century in England, it was widely practiced and also persecuted. This led to much controversy, death, and demise throughout Europe, not all justified. The time that these persecutions rose can be credited to the Catholic Church’s involvement and its condescending view on women, and its decline that came soon after can be attributed to the Reformation and a desire to move away from the Catholic Church.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth century, witchcraft was commonly practiced and also not too outlandish for the times. However, the Catholic Church viewed it as a serious issue, and one the wanted to do away with. The Catholic Church put much effort into linking witchcraft with Satan, and Satan worship, condemning the act and trying to unite the people against witchcraft. This allowed the Church to justify their persecution of the witches without being viewed as corrupt or evil. The Church did not want its people to believe in witchcraft, because it believed that it was contrary to their faith. This would lead to people going against the church, something that they wanted to avoid. Another key aspect of why this rise occurred in witchcraft persecution was the view on women. Women were believed to be the weaker sex, and more susceptible to Satan, which led to many more women being persecuted than men.

With the rise in persecution of witchcraft, eventually their must be a decline, and there was. This decline can be accredited to the Reformation and its intellectuality and effect on people. The Reformation encouraged people to not blindly follow their faith, but rather think about what they are doing. This resulted in seeing the error in their ways of blindly killing innocents for their belief that they were devil worshippers, without any logical proof available. This new view on religion was not the only reason for decline of persecution in this time, the people also wanted to move away from the Catholic Church and its practices. The persecution of witches was believed to be strictly a Catholic idea, and once the people no longer wished to be associated with the Church, they decided to cease what they were doing. With this occurrence, their became a stoppage of persecution and less involvement in witchcraft.

In today’s world, witchcraft may be written off as a fool’s idea, but in these times it was a very serious practice and involvement. This involvement led to much death and turmoil, a dark time for Europe. These persecutions rose in number due to the fact that Catholic Church encouraged said persecutions and the negligible view on women, and decreased because of the Reformation and separation from the Catholic Church.

DBQ

Outline

I. I. Pilgrimage of Grace

a. This was the English people wanting to have England return to Catholicism

II. These people wanted King Henry VIII to revert his religious changes

a. They thought that England was better religious

b. They wanted to be able to practice their faith

III. Henry had followers on his side also, but still those against him.

a. Thomas Cromwell was with Henry

b. People like Henry, not Thomas Cromwell

c. Henry weakened Parliament

d. Henry did not change England back

IV. This shows how King Henry was a corrupt and absolute ruler

a. Henry wanted power

b. He did what he needed to get power

c. Henry eventually pardoned the protestors.

Essay

The Pilgrimage of Grace was a protest by the English people against King Henry VIII’s movement away from the Catholic Church and creation of the Anglican Church. This resulted in many punishments for Catholics, including land removal, arrests, confiscations, and much more. The Pilgrimage was done to show the resentment for King Henry and their desire to return to their old ways. However, this did not work to revert England, and did not help their cause. This event illustrates how King Henry VIII was able to keep power whilst also being an absolute, corrupt ruler, and how he showed no sympathy for those below him, even allowing them to be assaulted by enemies (Doc. 2).

The Pilgrimage was a protest centered in the middle of the British Isles, consisting of various people of different backgrounds all uniting to prove their point: to bring Catholicism back. These people did this march not to gain for them, but for God (Doc. 1). These people were doing this because they simply believed in their faith and faith alone. These people also want the times again where they could seek refuge in the church, having a home for those needing it, food for the hungry (Doc. 11). They believed that the best England was a united, Catholic England. These people were heavily involved in the cause, singing in the streets their songs about the new England (Doc. 4). With those who were involved in the movement, many of the followers seem to be commoners, people without high standing positions, but still petitioned for what they desired (Doc. 10). It was said that the commoners believed that what they were doing was treason, and that they could be punished for such actions (Doc. 8). If these people were aware of these consequences, their numbers may have vastly decreased.

Now, with these opponents to Henry’s rule, there were also those who favored his rule. Out of Henry’s supporters, most notably, was Thomas Cromwell. He believed that England should stay how it is, because not all men can rule, only few, and the people must accept that (Doc. 7). Henry was not always viewed as the enemy to the protesters, some praising him. Many of the protesters called for the heads of Henry’s followers, such as Cromwell, Wycilffe, and others (Doc. 5). During these changes, Henry had also diluted the affect of Parliament on England, “little more than a council of the King’s appointees.” (Doc. 6). The former Parliament members wanted power to return to the people, where they believed it truly belonged, but Henry would not willingly give up so much power. This stubbornness eventually was proven to stay true, without the change in religion requested by the protestors.

During this entire event, Henry VIII was able to keep his grip on England. If he wanted to change the religion of England, he could, if he wanted to divorce his wife, he could. Henry was a power hungry man who was solely interested in his own well being. If there was a force in Henry’s way, restricting his power, he would do whatever it takes to demolish it. This pilgrimage was not seen as a large problem to Henry, who even granted that the rebels would be cleared of their charges of treason if they renounced their ways, and submitted to his rule (Doc. 9). This illustrates the ego-centric views that Henry possessed, simply offering their charges to be dropped if they submitted to him, strengthening his power, which is all Henry wanted to begin with, power. Henry dissolved the only political force blocking his power, parliament, and was still able to keep his nation afloat.

The Pilgrimage of Grace was a movement that eventually did prove to fail to revert England to its Catholic ways. This movement was spearheaded by the commoners who were the bulk of the protestors. They believed that they could sway King Henry’s mind, but were proven wrong. This protest helps to illustrate how even though King Henry was subject to his people revolting against him, he was still able to keep his power, and remain an absolute ruler of England.