First Week Journal Entry
July 6, 2011You have had your first week in the United Kingdom. I would like you to reflect on the following in your journal entries.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
For your journal entries I need you to think of them like an end of the week paper or assignment. Don’t make this like a regular blog post.
That is why I want you to write them in your word processor program first and then cut and paste them into the blog.
There were 4 questions so please make your entry conform to that format.
Write them in direct answer to the sections.
1. *****
2.*****
3.***** etc.
Use references in Parenthesis like (British Museum) where you have a source.
Remember you were given things to look at that you could talk about in your journal.
From the lectures, and museums that we have visited as given so much history about life in European countries. I have to admit that I didn’t really know a lot of European history. I knew more about the lives of the thirteen colonies than what live was like during the same time. In the British museums, my favorite areas were the ancient Greek history and Africa. It was surreal to see the things that people were capable of doing back in those times. Creating pottery, weapons, clothing, etc were all very detailed. I cant imagination how much hard work and dedication that was required to create weapons for hunting and jewelry for women. In the Imperial museum, I was blown away with the Holocaust museum. It covered every area of what was going on at those times. I was at first very upset because I hate the harsh treatment and killings. As I went around, I noticed that the Nazi was looking for more effective ways of extermination. Which was a surprise to me because I thought they were just going around towns killing people but no they had an entire system from extermination. It was like they were treated as livestock and not human beings. I still haven’t come up with a thesis to what I would like to write my paper about. I do what to either discuss prostitution or serial killers in London.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
It makes me realize how much has happened before me, and the United States. European history is much more tangled and can be viewed in many different ways. I am sure that people from different countries in Europe all write this history a little differently.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
There were several things that really stood out to me during our field trips this week. The British Museum was incredible. I really enjoyed the Greek and Roman exhibit upstairs. The pottery was still in great condition from so long ago. The money room and the clock room were also two of my favorites. The money room was especially interesting because it laid out a timeline of how money was produced and used during the different time periods. The Imperial War Museum was my favorite field trip this week. The holocaust display was moving. It really put into perspective and showed in detail the actual steps the victims of the holocaust had to go through in concentration camps. The weapons were also cool to look at. It was interesting to look at how the tanks and planes advanced through the wars. They had displays from many different places so I was able to compare and see what weapons brought an advantage to which forces. Something I learned was that Germany hosted the Olympics in 1936. 16 Jewish athletes won medals, and the only country to boycott was the Soviet Union. This seemed strange to me.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
I haven’t really thought about my topic too much. I would like to write on poets because I find it interesting how they depicted the war with their words. But I am not sure if ill find enough information. Another topic I was considering is Children in the War. The exhibit at the museum was incredible and terrifying. There are a lot of questions I have about this topic that would make for a good paper. The thoughts and feelings of small children being moved away from their family or made to wear a gas mask are interesting and should be looked at. Some displays at the exhibit showed that children were scared, while others seemed to make it out as an adventure. I would like to do more research on this topic.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
I’m really interested in what we are learning, but I feel like its a little scattery so far, and I would like to focus more on certain things. I am really interested in the First World War, and would like to spend more time on that. The movie today was super interesting and also inspiring. In a state of war I would never imagine something like that would have happened, especially because of the divide between people that exists today. It is amazing that not only people from all different backgrounds but people, who are killing each other, can take time out for a peaceful holiday.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
I think this shows that our own history is not as unaffected by European influence as we are taught to believe. Most times, students are not taught the extent to which we were dependent on the French for help in the Revolutionary War. It’s another reminder to not take a history lesson at face value, but to take the time to look for other influences and reasons as to why an event occurred.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
One of the museum exhibits that stood out to me was the Holocaust exhibit at the Imperial War Museum. I really appreciated how it took you through the different time periods of the Holocaust. I think it did a good job of showing how everything was gradual; there was always a lead up, and how it tied in WWI at the beginning to explain the importance of that war on the Holocaust. Also, the comment on the pope, how he condemned the actions of Hitler, but not how it targeted the Jewish population; I was shocked that someone who wields so much power and influence did not condemn the anti Antisemitism.
Another exhibit I found really interesting was the amount of non-British exhibits in the British Museum. It was more of a celebration of their former colonies, there was very few actual British pieces. It showed to me the importance of the conquests and how much emphasis is put on their former colonies.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
I’m very interested in revolutions, and I am thinking of looking into how Pakistan became its own country. It is a topic that I know very little about, and I would enjoy researching something different from what I am normally interested in.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
I really enjoy learning about how all these different events in history are related. I was interested to learn about the War of 1812 and how all of that occurred and the rationale behind it for the British. The Congress of Vienna was also an interesting topic to learn about. I have never realized how powerful it was, and how it helped to maintain the peace in Europe until WW1.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
In the last three days, I’ve learned more about history than I ever have. I haven’t taken a history course since the tenth grade—I’m a psych major—so all of this is very new to me and kind of exciting. I’ve also never once learned about European history, so again, this is all new. Hearing about the flow of Europe’s history definitely opened my eyes to a more comprehensive understanding of American history; we’ve always just learned what happened at home, in the order it happened, with very little regard for the European influence. For instance, up until Tuesday I knew nothing about Napoleon… Realizing his influence on Europe and the subsequent impact on the U.S. opened my eyes to the connections between “us” and “them.” For so many reasons—geographical and otherwise—Europe and the U.S. have always been presented to me as separate entities with little intertwining in history. It’s neat to finally hear about their histories together.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
The class activities have been insightful and helpful for my understanding in class. The British Museum was more interesting than useful; I spent most of my time in the Egypt and Greece sections, which are not really relevant to WWI. The museum was a nice way to prepare my brain for thinking about history, though. Seeing so many ancient artifacts gave me an appreciation for how modern, I suppose, the history of the last century is. The walking tour again provided little help for the class, but a plethora of opportunities for learning. I love the architecture along the Strand and the view from Waterloo Bridge; seeing so many buildings that are older than my country again provided me a fresh perspective on history overall. One somewhat relevant site was St. Clement Danes, a chapel that had been blitzed during WWII and now stands as an air force memorial. I cannot even imagine bombs falling from the sky in my hometown; we Americans are so isolated, so distanced from war that it is a struggle to empathize with that kind of horror. Following the theme of horror, the Holocaust exhibit was a devastating experience for me. I’ve learned a lot about WWII and the Holocaust, but never have I seen so many pictures and descriptions and lists of names… Perhaps that exhibit was the most thought-provoking experience I’ve had all week. I cannot bring myself to comprehend how the entire world was oblivious to that sort of massacre. I know my vision is skewed by the era we live in—what with all the modern technology providing us with news in an instant—but I cannot figure out how Allied soldiers, right in the heart of the terror, failed to see what Hitler was up to. It baffles me. A few hundred killed without notice, that’s an oversight. Millions killed without notice…that is no oversight. I wish someone could explain that to me, but I feel that’s not possible.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
After reading Regeneration, I want to write about the psychological impact of WWI. Not just on the front—where helplessness and sheer brutality compute sensibly to PTSD—but also at home, where people held onto faith in a war that had no discernible reason behind it. The power of suggestion is too powerful. And then, when that faith fell apart, the mental recoil from what had happened would be enough to give even housewives PTSD… I can’t come up with an exact thesis, but something relating to PTSD and defense mechanisms would be perfect for me. I also wouldn’t mind exploring how the rise of Freud and his theories (however faulty) related to the devastating psychological impact of WWI; his beliefs were influenced by the war, of course, so naturally his conclusions should reflect the madness of that time. I would be curious to see which of his theories came pre-war and post-war, and how he and the war affected each other. Even his theories of sexuality could be shaped that by experience. Hopefully a more specific thesis comes to me!
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
In general, I’m glad to be learning history in a place where history is everywhere. America is so young; it’s brilliant to be here, surrounded by buildings and bridges and locations that are older than I can even imagine. I’m also glad to finally be learning something about WWI, since my knowledge of it is next to nothing and clearly it’s a big deal. I’m enjoying taking a psychological spin on things, since every bit of the war has a psychological component, right down to the pre-war unification of Germany (inventing an enemy to plant the idea in the minds of the people…power of persuasion and group mentality in conflict…psychology!). I love being here, and so far I’ve loved everything we’ve done.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
When it comes to comparing European history with American history, I find myself wondering why we as Americans, living so far away from the conflicts in Europe, decide that it is our place to offer our points of view on how to better places that we do not live instead of letting the people that live in those countries figure it out for themselves. I feel as if every time we try to offer “help” it tends to backfire in our faces. For example, when Woodward Wilson offered his opinion on how he believed that there should be peace without victory, it seemed to make things worse during World War I because that’s all the countries wanted was victory over the enemy. Also, clearly it did not work because even without “victory” the countries still were bitter towards each other and welcome to World War II. Although I find myself somewhat glad that our country tries to stay physically out of the conflicts for as long as possible. I have no problems with us defending our territory as long as we are being threatened. Unfortunately, we seem to not be able to keep our mouths shut long enough to stay out of them completely.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
I have really enjoyed both the museums and the London walk. Throughout these activities, I have found myself questioning why this war was even necessary. There was no real threat to any of the countries, except for maybe Serbia, but that’s what you get when you assassinate another countries future leader. Towards the end, I felt like the war was being fought just because. When reading through AJP Taylor’s book, it seemed like the countries were fighting each other just because it was something to do. In the war museum, I saw the part in the exhibit about some of the fighting stopping for Christmas and watching the movie in class also furthered my questions. I just couldn’t grasp why they could get along for two whole days without trying to kill each other and even possibly make plans to meet up after the war, why they even needed to be fighting each other at all. Clearly, it was possible for all of them to get along because everyone has something or someone that they are fighting for, therefore they are not that much different from each other in the end.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
The questions that I am considering for my paper topic have to do with the beginning of the wars. I am going to be writing about the different triggers that started WWI and WWII. Also, I plan on researching evidence on how WWII was just an extension of WWI. So, my main question would have to be, why were these wars even fought to begin with and why does the hate carry over between all the countries? Also,
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
I am learning a lot this week. I’ve realized that most of my war history whether in high school or college has been about WWII. Therefore, this is almost a whole new learning experience for me. I am loving all of the sights I am seeing and all of the museums I have been to. They have helped me understand more about the things we are learning about in class.
1. I cannot really remember learning about WWI in school; mostly it was WWII, the Cold War, and Vietnam. I think learning about the European history when I’m older makes me more able to understand and relate to the events that changed U.S. history, even if we didn’t realize it. Though the U.S. joined WWI later than some other countries, it’s interesting to learn about how our brief involvement in the war had such an impact in later years.
2. I was really looking forward to the visit to the British Museum, and it didn’t disappoint. While I was mostly interested in the Egyptian exhibits, the entire museum was extremely interesting and eye-opening. What really stood out to me was the ingenious ways in which people managed to get by and create with such minimalistic means of invention. For example, I was baffled by the way the ancient Egyptians could painstakingly carve line after line of hieroglyphics into stone with only rudimentary tools. This got me thinking ahead to our visit to Stonehenge; I watched a documentary on the History Channel where researchers tried to replicate the famous landmark using the exact size and weight of the stones and moving them only with the means available to those in the time period in which Stonehenge was believed to be constructed. The researchers were unable to replicate the landmark which makes Stonehenge (and other ancient marvels) all the more mysterious and exciting. Unfortunately I was unable to see the Imperial War Museum at the scheduled time due to my standing in the pouring rain sans sleep, food, or drink for 36 hours at the Harry Potter premiere. It was totally worth it in the end however, because that event in history is momentous not only for the people celebrating the series around the world, but for myself, as it was the culmination of my own personal history with the saga.
3. The previous post leads into my interest in a topic for my paper that I find highly interesting, though maybe not properly topical for the class. I’d love to research and write about the ancient and medieval methods of construction and everyday life and the constrictions the ancients faced that we, as products of the technological generation, cannot even fathom having to deal with. How did people make things? How did they communicate without the use of phones, email, or even a regulated postal system? While my interests may stretch a tad bit farther back in history than the intended time period, perhaps I can still adapt my curiosities to fit the time scheme of WWI, keeping these same questions in mind.
4. So far I have immensely enjoyed what I am learning. I explored a “hidden gem” among museums today in the form of the Harry Potter Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. While not as prestigious or well known as the Egypt wing of the British Museum, the Petrie has the feel of a cozy, private collection (exactly what it is) that still allows visitors to experience the everyday lives of the ancient Egyptians as well as the grandeur of funerals, burials, mummification, coronations, etc. that is showcased at the British Museum. The fact that the lighting was limited and you had to use a torch to see some of the objects added to the ambiance of the entire experience. In regards to that OTHER part of the course, I still loath poetry.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
One thing that studying European history has made me realize is how young America still is. It has made me realize that history is all about perspective. The history that you learn has so many more sides to it. It is also interesting that different people write and view history differently.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
In the British Museum the Egyptian exhibition was intriguing. The fact that the British were able to claim all of those artifacts in the name of the King was interesting to me. I really liked looking at Cleopatra’s belongings. I also really like the Rosetta Stone and the statue of Ramesses II. Looking at all the different sarcophagus of the mummies was really interesting to me. Especially the mummified body of the grave digger. I really enjoyed the Imperial War Museum. The World War One and Two exhibit downstairs was remarkable. The most moving part was the Holocaust Exhibition. It really put into perspective the extent of the affects in the non-German parts of Europe. The one fact probably fascinated me the most was that there were 3 million Soviet prisoners of war and those who survived and were repatriated and then tried by the Soviet government and found guilty of treason.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
I wasn’t really sure what the topic of my paper was going to be. One of the books that we had to read, A Shattered Peace got me interested in the Russian aspect of the War. When he compared the Bolsheviks to the fundamentalists of Al-Qaida, got me thinking about the Revolution happening in Russia during World War One. I had never really put the Russian Revolution in the context of World War One. It seemed interesting to me that the War was so devastating that they did not realize what was occurring in Russia.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you’re learning.
I am really excited to be learning about World War One. It is the time period that I really have not learned much about. After reading A Shattered Peace I am really interested in learning the history behind the Treaty of Versailles because we are still seeing the impact today.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
As a history major you are taught that there are relations between countries and that there are links connecting various events in history. However, this overview about the workings of international relations in the past have explained and even changed my understanding of history. Most courses that I have taken until now are set up to study regional history: American, Latin American, European, Asian, etc. In the case of European history, courses are still taught analyzing each country separately, with some mention of their conflicts and relations most often through marriage. The history of international relations is an analysis of the relations and connections between governments and events. For instance, I knew France supported the American Revolution, but I never realized their support was one of the results of the war between the French and British that Britain won. Furthermore, events of the present can be linked back to conflicts and agreements between countries decades earlier, such as the case of the War in Iraq presently. Overall, what was interesting to me is that the relationships and decisions between countries can have effects on other places of the world and as a whole; every country is connected whether directly or indirectly. In addition, this overview has shown me that although history can be simplified; there is a complexity that cannot be learned in two hours, or even two years of study. The complexity of history produces many different perspectives and effects, short-term and long-term, minor and major. The study of this particular type of history allows for the analysis of multiple parties involved and perhaps help one better understand how history, while in the past, has very much created the present and will have influence on the future.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
On the walking tour of London I was most interested in the mixture of history and the present, modern world. While I did see new buildings, similar to those in the United States, there were many buildings that looked to be hundreds of years old and/or have been restored that are used as shops, government offices, restaurants, etc. Furthermore, in a city as old as London one can find history everywhere. For instance, we walked past the Temple Bar Monument and one may not realize the history behind the statue that is in the middle of the road. It is the barrier that marks the end of the City of London to the west. It was built during the Middle Ages to regulate trade and in the case of Temple Bar it linked the commercial district (London) to the political center (Westminster), making it one of the most important and famous barriers. In general, the walk through the City of London made me realize how much history is behind the monuments and buildings of London and how different London and its history is different (possibly incomparable) to that of any city in the United States.
In the British Museum I was overwhelmed by the number of exhibits and items to look at. I found everything really fascinating, even exhibits dealing with history that I did not know anything about, I learned something. Two exhibits that I was drawn to the most were the 18th and 19th century Europe room and the Enlightenment room. In the European room there were displays of dishes and a lot of jewelry. The jewelry interested me the most because some displays had portraits of the women that were wearing the jewelry. These items were used by generations of monarchs and royalty, as well as the dishes. They have a history all their own, just like the historic buildings and monuments. These are subtle items that have survived centuries and I think it would be very interesting to research their origins and the history behind them. Who wore these necklaces, on what occasions were these worn, did they stay in the family, etc.? Fashion, while sometimes overlooked when studying major events in history is very much part of a period’s culture and the history that is created by a place, time, group, etc. In another part of the museum there was a large room set up with an exhibit call the Enlightenment. This room was lined with books and discussed the theme of knowledge. Just the appearance of the room and the fact that the shelves and floor space was covered made me think about the importance of knowledge and what it has done for history. Furthermore, the number of items (or just even books for that matter) made me realize how much I do not know, quite a lot compared to what I do know. The overall message I took away from this exhibit is that knowledge is endless, just like history, people have been researching and learning for thousands of years and there is still much to be thought about and discovered in all fields of knowledge.
I was not sure what to expect in the Imperial War Museum, but it was one of the best museums I have ever visited. Museums have a way of visualizing and helping me understand history. Until now I knew very little about World War I, I read the book by Taylor and I understood it for the most part but the exhibits provided by the museum simplified the history of World War I, which actually helped clarify the more complicated aspects of Taylor’s book that were confusing to me. I also enjoyed the abundance of primary sources in each part of the exhibits. It would be interesting to analyze those, as well as others that are related to understand the war in a perspective other than that of a historian. The part of the World War I exhibit that drew my attention was the one about the Christmas truce. The movie watched later reinforced my ideas on the event. However, reading the information on the exhibit made me think back to the causes of the war. In general, ordinary people who fought the war did not hate each other; it was the leaders of the countries who were in conflict. The truce showed that although people came from different place and different sides of a conflict did not mean they had nothing in common, nor was there true hatred between those individuals of the front line. I wonder if there were any lasting effects of this truce on the war, its outcome, or the consequences (good or bad). Also, were there any truces like the one Christmas or was this an isolated incidence. The other part of the museum that I was drawn to was the art gallery of women artists. I just finished a paper on the analysis of an art history textbook and its skewed proportions between male and female artists. Also, until this time very few women were artists beyond the occasional hobby, so I found it interesting and I really enjoyed walking through the exhibit. I wondered if the war had an effect on the number of women of artists in the world, or if the general society was changing, or was there no affect at all? As was said about the place fashion has within a culture and its importance to history, culture reveals quite a bit about history, as well it helps an individual living almost 100 years later better understand what people thought and how they felt during the time and in various places around the world during World War I.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
The general idea that I continue to think about throughout the tours and classes is how did events, such as the Congress of Vienna and World War I, affect future events as a whole. As in the case of Vienna I would like to explore further the culture and atmosphere that was created during this unusual event. Furthermore, in David King’s book there is extensive discussion about the women that were present. Some of the questions that I have thought about are: Were any of these women influential in the decisions and agreements that were made? And if so, how did women continue to influence political and diplomatic affairs after the Congress of Vienna? Women may not have held a powerful position that allowed them to make their ideas known to the collective group. But, they were connected to some powerful men through marriage and birth. More questions and ideas such as these will develop with further exploration.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
I have never studied international relations or World War I so every day has been a learning experience for me and I have really enjoyed it. I have been presented the information and I have seen it visualized in the museums which is really helpful and a different way of learning then I am use to. The movie that we watched in class was also really interesting. I have heard of the truce that occurred on Christmas the first year of the war, but not in much detail. I enjoyed the movie because it took the facts, that many people may have been taught but showed the emotion and experience behind it. Sometimes when studying the past it can be difficult to imagine or understand what someone then experienced or even their perspective, which is often very different from our own. Movies such as this gives the viewer and idea of what it may have felt like to be a World War I soldier in the trenches and on Christmas Eve no less. When reading about an event like this it is difficult to imagine that it really happened, but is shows that in a sense the men on the front line did not hate the men on the other side; they were told to hate them. But when given the chance they all actually enjoyed each others company and became friends. It would be very interesting to research the reactions and results of this particular event to not only the leaders of the armies but other soldiers and civilians back in their home countries.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
The broad flow of European history has made me realize that there were many wars and events that took place between the United States, Europe and Great Britain to get to where we are today. The intake of new information about the past has made me realize that it was not easy for those people in the past living through the rough times but it was a constant struggle to get all of the countries and continents to cooperate to make peace between lands and boundary lines to finally rest at civility of some sort. This also makes me realize that history is a process of learning from your mistakes but that mistakes can be repeated because history does in fact repeat itself.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
While in the British Museum, I noted that most of the exhibits were from different parts of the world and not from Britain. This made me ponder why were they there and what ties do they have to Britain. Two exhibits answered this question while many others did not. I noted that the Clocks exhibit and the Waddersworth Bequeth room pertained to British history and belonged in the British museum but exhibits from Greece, Iraq and Africa completely befuddled me. I never got a clear understanding of why they were there except for the fact that we gained knowledge from those people from the tools they created or the burial sites they left behind. Secondly, the clocks connected because some of the first clocks were created in Europe before the rest of the world. While in the Imperial War Museum, it was refreshing to find it was mostly British uniforms, artillery and planes. The war museum really gave a distinct look at the past and set out an image for us to see what it was really like during WWI and WWII. The tour of London made me question why some of the things on the tour were on the tour and important to a City of London tour, most notably Dr. Johnson’s house. The main question that has stood out in my sightseeing is why is this here or why is this important enough to be mentioned to see in Great Britain.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
I am considering writing about the poets from the first day of class, Napoleon or something about the First World War, I do not have a certain question yet.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning
I have been to London a couple times before this trip and the things we have visited are things I have not done before so far. The imperial war museum and British museum are two new places that I have not been and so far they have been fascinating. The Egyptian and Greek exhibits were really cool even though I do not quite understand why they are located in GB when they are from other parts of the world. What ties them to GB? The information in the classroom has been fascinating regardless of the brief presentation about IR and Germany, it put into perspective of how things came about and started the First World War and why it led to the Second World War.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
Learning this large overview of European history actually has had an effect on my perspective of my own and the United States History. I have taken early world history courses and both American history courses, so this info is tying in nicely with my previous knowledge. What we have been learning about so far is helping me understand those other classes even better, like missing puzzle pieces. It is also changing my perspective on American history because Europe has long been a place of conflict, politics and connections which makes American history seem so small when compared to the things Europeans have gone through.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
There have actually been quite a few things that stood out to me from our first week’s activities. On our walking tour I was intrigued by the court house and Sweeny Todd’s house. They made me wonder how all the history we know and learn about is remembered and factual. A court house is obviously going to keep records, that kind of history is easy to keep, but when it came to the Sweeny Todd house and Dr. Johnsons story, how do we know these things happened where they did? I also loved the British museum. The Greek and Roman exhibit and Egyptian rooms were by far my favorite. The fact that we have so many objects from so long ago just amazes me. The mummies and their burial rituals, the book of the dead and elaborate stone caskets used by the Greeks make me wonder about their beliefs and religious proceedings. At the imperial war museum, I was most moved by the Holocaust exhibit. How could so many people have let that happen, how could the people doing such heinous things justify those actions, and I really liked the Auschwitz model.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
At this point, I am still unsure of my topic, I am bouncing between a few of them. The one that seems to be sticking out most to me is, what role did women play while all of the things we are learning about were going on? When I have learned about wars and other time periods, there has always been a section on women’s roles during that time, so I am curious to see how that has changed over time here.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
Overall I like what we are learning, I am usually not too interested in the specifics of war history, but our overview has been detailed enough to understand what’s going on, without being too tedious. I really appreciate how our activities tie in with what we are learning about in class. I also like the fact that what we are learning ties directly into what I have learned in previous history classes in a way that helps me understand each a little better.
1.
Although what we’ve learned in class really is just a broad summary, a few of the things we’ve talked about have really stood out and given me a different perspective. One of those things that stood out was our brief discussion on The Monroe Doctrine. Growing up in America, we’re fed a really Americentric view of history, where we were taught that The Monroe Doctrine was basically America flexing their muscle (if we had any at the time) and telling the rest of the world to bug off out of the Western hemisphere. I was quite surprised when I found out that it was actually the brainchild of a British diplomat, who essentially manipulated our ego for the benefit out Great Britain. This particular example was kind of an eye opener to the idea that there’s often a lot more going on in history than what one course or book can teach. It’s up to the historian to gain multiple perspectives and not be satisfied with a set of dates and a few names.
2.
The biggest thing that stood out to me wasn’t actually on the walking tour, but I did notice it whilst on it. We passed by a place called the Somerset House where what looked like a graduation ceremony from King’s College next door was going on. This setting of fountains in the background, and so much history surrounding these students as they closed a chapter in their lives made me feel pretty bad about America. They did the same things that we’d do, taking pictures, hugging family, and everything, but the fact that these students had these extravagant robes in one of the most historical cities in the world surrounded by buildings older than our country was kind of disheartening. When compared to the cheap nylon (i don’t know what material they are) robes that we wear in our graduation ceremonies and just the lack of general history makes me feel cheap. I love America, and I’m very proud of where I’m from but when it comes to London’s flair, I’m kind of jealous…
3.
The questions in my mind are more is this topic appropriate to the course material. One of the things I’m interested in is coping mechanisms at the home-front during the first World War. Particularly, sport and entertainment.
4.
I’m so excited to be in such a historical country, where there’s something of great historical significance around every corner. It’s only been a week but I feel really confident and excited for the next few weeks!
1. This will sound bad, but I don’t really buy into the “America is young” line, I used to, until someone pointed out that America actually is one of the oldest standing governments in the world today. What I have realized, is how squeamish we are. Looking at the Trench Warfare exhibit in the Imperial War Museum, and the overall carnage of that war, it’s no surprise that Americans wanted nothing to do with round II. But really, Americans had basically nothing to do with Round I either, we showed up at the end to clean up. Americans like to make fun of France for easily surrendering in WWII, but I can’t blame them, and so that has left me quite impressed with the strength shown by the British Homefront in enduring WWII.
2. I enjoyed the ancient history exhibits at the British Museum. Seeing artifacts from Babylon has somewhat shifted my interest even further back. My primary curiosity is the life of Christ and Paul the Apostle, but a large part of that is due to available research, some of the most impressive things in the museum were just bits of stone or buildings from civilizations that have been gone for millenium. In particular there was, side by side, two glass bowls in the Egypt exhibit. One that was usual “Museum quality”, authentic from an archaeology site and obviously having been underground for a few thousand years, and another reconstruction designed to look like it would have when it was made. Seeing that contrast really caused me to look at all the other artifacts and the civilizations differently.
3. Going back to my first question, I am absolutely part of that American squeamishness. Wars like Iraq are absolutely nothing compared with the atrocities of world war, but I even find Iraq to be unacceptable. I absolutely despite pro-war propaganda, and so I want to look at maybe how the home front reacted to, and justified, or rejected the horrors of war.
4. My first question is by learning, do you mean 9 credits of learning? Because if so, I’ve been extremely surprised by how accepting everyone has been of Americans. I studied British culture quite a bit in fall semester, however my understanding was of a more suburban culture, than of London. As far as in class material, It has been interesting to look at Europe as more empire oriented in the late 1800s. Today’s Europe has more countries than I could hope to keep track of, what with the breakup of Yugoslavia and Russia. I may get hated for saying this, but I’m excited for more poetry.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European History change your mind on your own history?
a. What I have learned thus far about the broad flow of European History has changed my perspective on how things happen. In the past I have learned that there is usually “one” spark to an event that happens. However, by taking these courses I am beginning to see that History is really the study of events after events, there is usually more than one specific event that leads to something happening, it is a collection of things. (A.J.P Taylor thought)
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London Tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history were specifically?
a. In my visits to the two museums, the main things that stood out to me were the Holocaust exhibit and the Post World War Two exhibit in Imperial War Museum, and the Egyptian and Greek exhibits at the British Museum. I really enjoyed the Holocaust exhibit at the Imperial War museum. The most emotional part for me was the model of the Concentration Camps which showed the layout of the camps, I can’t even imagine what that experience would have been like and I was amazed at how “organized” and “mechanic” the camps were. Seeing the model definitely gave me greater insight into what life was like at the Concentration camps. I also enjoyed listening to speeches given by religious and political leaders on the brutalities and casualties of World War Two. The weapons were very interesting; to see the progression of weaponry over time and some of the first products of Modern Warfare were cool. I also had no idea that some of the first submarines were used in the early 1900s! The most informative section for me in the Imperial War Museum was the section on post World War Two. While I know about the Vietnam and Cold Wars I was ignorant of all of the little disputes all over the world which led up to the Vietnam and Cold Wars. At the British Museum I was most interested in the artifacts from Ancient Greece and Egypt. The tombs were in really good shape and I loved the hieroglyphs, especially seeing the actual Rosetta Stone.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
a. What I have found most intriguing thus far is the religious perspective towards war. In particular World War Two. I cannot understand why religious leaders were so tentative towards making statements about the war and injustices going on. In particular I was really upset by the Pope’s comment during World War 2 stating that he was “Anti-Nazism” but not “Anti-Semitism” to me that is a huge contradiction, especially coming from someone from such high order as the pope. I haven’t come to a conclusion on what exactly my paper will focus on, but it will have something to do with the relationship between war and religion.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you’re learning
a. So far I have really enjoyed what we have been learning about. I enjoyed both of the museums. I like the fact that the class is focusing more on World War One because I don’t know much about World War One versus World War Two.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history? Learning about the broad flow of European history has made me come to the realization of how differently wars, especially World War I, were viewed by both continents. Just from watching Joyeux Noel, you can see how much more immediate and uncertain the excitement and danger of the war was for European countries, as opposed to the isolationist agenda which the United States attempted to adhere to. I also have a better understanding now of the full extent to which inter-country dynamics in Europe effect and have effected the daily lives of citizens throughout the continent, whereas the US is able to observe safely across the Atlantic, often not realizing the gravity of affairs in Europe until a later date.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history? For me, one of the most memorable stops on the walking London tour was the Temple Church, and getting to learn about the symbolism of the Knights Templar’s graves. The difference in the positions of the Knights’ bodies when entombed was interesting, and it made me curious about the manner in which the majority of the Knights died and why it was important enough to them personally to include in their sarcophagi. At the British Museum, I loved seeing the medieval European and the currency exhibits. Medieval history has always been my favorite kind, and it was fascinating to see such an extensive collection. I regret not going to the Saints and Relics special exhibit, but I plan to return and see it before the trip’s end. I thought the currency section was interesting as well because of how much culture is included in every coin. Celebrations of victory and conquest were inscribed and distributed on coins, and a whole section of a country’s history can be compiled just from analyzing their currency. I found the entire Imperial War Museum surprising, in that I actually enjoyed it. Particularly the Holocaust exhibit, which although haunting was deeply moving and eye-opening. The exhibit definitely made me question humanity, but I think that was the point.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic? For the paper I’m considering writing on the feminine aspect of war, and the ways in which women worked, helped, and supported World War I or World War II. I think even the “Make Do and Mend” campaign tells something about women’s involvement and I’d like to further explore its implications
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning. I’ve found myself to be much more interested in what we are learning than I originally thought I would be. The first day with the guest speaker and the war poems was moving and a great way to introduce our class topics, and I felt like it also gave a deeper sense of the actual experiences of the people we are learning about. I love also being able to walk around and see the sights I’ve heard so much about and experience them for myself.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
- Learning more about European history and having lived in the UK for about a week has showed me just how much of an influence Great Britian has had on our own history. Living here has giving me a first hand look at the other side of the story, which I have not learned much about before this trip. Learning about European history has shown me how much our own history was affected and dependant on events that took place in Europe.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
- One of the things that stood out to me most was the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum. To me it seemed to be a powerful symbol of the unification of cultures, how one object could bring together cultures and answer so many unexplainable questions. It was very powerful to see such an important part of history at the British Museum. Another thing that stood out to me was the Holocaust exhibit at the Imperial War Museum. I have been to a couple holocaust museums, but what I really liked about this one was how it showed the perspective of individuals that lost their lives or survived. It brought a much more personal and human touch to the holocaust. Its easier for me to identify with one single death than the death millions, where individual stories get lost.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
- After seeing the film we watched in class and reading Regeneration, I am interested in exploring the aftermath of war, and how it affects people on the war front and the home front. I want to see how seemingly insignificant events in history can majorly change the entire world.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
- I am very interested to learn more about WWI from a different perspective. In school I was taught about WWI and all the events that took place, but while living here we get to learn about the war with hands on material. Actually going to these museums and seeing the war memorials first hand gives me a more concrete memory and learning experience.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
I have always been slightly envious of European history. I am no history major, however, I feel like American history can be summed up in a few sentences whereas European history is like a intricately bound leather book. American history- Some explorers came over here; they kicked the Native Americans out, and it goes from there. I understand it is far more complex than that. I feel all they teach in American history is Native Americans, slavery, and the Civil War. Learning about all the intricate details of European history makes me wonder America’s intricate details. All and all my theory of European history being richer is being proven correct.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
I have always been amazed at the sequence of events. One wrong move could have changed world history indefinitely. That country that I think defines this statement is Poland. If a few battles did not take place, Poland as a country could not have existed
This precise sequence of events is shown here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/animations/western_front/index_embed.shtml
All the weapons really intrigue me as well. I also find it fascinating how different areas of the world have completely different war uniforms and weapons. I must say some of them were pretty stylish. This one war bag in particular looks exactly like one I have recently purchased.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
How did people communicate during the war? The postal system in presently is not even that great. I cannot imagine waiting to receive life changing orders in an envelope. I also wonder what the life like was for secret agents. I thought it was really fascinating and grim that secret agents received a suicide pill incase captured.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
I really enjoy the structure of the class. I feel like people in Europe learn for themselves and what interests them whereas in America it is all about a test. This class and what we are learning is done in a European manner. I have learned the basis of WWI before but not all the fascinating details. I love seeing personal details such as letters from some soldiers. It really gives the war a different meaning. In the war museum they had a few letters from soldiers to their loved ones really hit me hard. The details we are learning make the war more personal and relatable.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
What I have learned about the broad flow of European history has made me realize where the history of the United States has come from. All of us have heard the phrase, “history repeats itself”, and we learn from what has happened in the past. If we learn the proper history, it can help us to not make the same mistakes that others have made in the past.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
The British Museum was one that sparked my curiosity the most. The Egyptian and Grecian exhibits were the most interesting to me. It amazes me show things that were made so far back in history are still so well preserved. A lot of things that were made in their times in such a short period of time, would take Americans today years or even decades to create, if we had enough motivation to actually do it. It seems to me that people in our generation are lazy. It makes me wonder, in 1,000 years, what is going to be in the museums? Our computer chips? Some emails we wrote up? What will our generation be remembered by? The War Museum was incredible to me. Even though I have visited it before, it never fails to amaze me. The Holocaust exhibition makes me cry every time. I still wonder how this could happen. Also, stumbling upon my family in this exhibit really struck a chord with me. You cannot judge people on what you see in a museum. You have to think about what situation they were in at the time. Most people had no idea what Hitler was planning and capable of.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
I’m not exactly sure what question I am planning to write about yet. I am leaning towards serial killers or prostitution in history since there is such an abundance of history on this in London.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
I love the topics of our discussions in class. I really like that we talk about something in class, and then our afternoon activity has something to do with what we learned that day. It helps me to actually see parts of what we were learning about, to make it concrete in my mind.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
So far we have learned a broad overview of European events and conflict leading up to the First World War. I have learned about these events many times before this class however I must admit I had never invested the interest as I have during this trip. I realize now, even as it was just a quick summation, that even though I had thought of it as a linear series of events, it is not. One instance in itself does not actually lead to a state of chaos throughout the world. More realistic an explanation is that every country that involves itself has a separate motive for their involvement and this happens simultaneously. Also, learning about the war on this broad scale makes me question the balance of power between nations, and what makes each nation one to be feared especially in relation to geographical size.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history? While at the British Museum I was a little overwhelmed with information and history but there were a few artifacts that stood out to me. Most popular, the Rosetta Stone. The Rosetta Stone is a small part of a larger rock that contains a decree written in three languages, hieroglyphs, demotic script and ancient Greek. The stone was used to decipher the meaning of each hieroglyph. (British Museum) This makes me wonder if the people who carved the stone had foreseen the need to decipher the meaning of this language. It makes me wonder if they had made plans for future generations. In the trip I came across a silver waste tub that was used in Europe in medieval times to rid a room of bathroom waste. However, the tub was beautifully carved and decorated. This made me question the importance these people placed on beauty. Was everything both utilitarian and beautiful? At the Imperial War Museum I spent most of the time in the WW1 and WW2 exhibits. The WWI exhibit made me wonder what motivation so many young men had to enter the war. In enlisting you transform from an individual with unique characteristics into one of millions just waiting to die. National pride has a powerful effect on people. In the WW2 exhibit I found myself focusing on the effects of the holocaust and really made me question how one person can influence the masses to commit such crimes against humanity. One person’s book, beliefs, and power of persuasion caused a domino effect into genocide. It amazes me. While on our walking tour of London, short as it was, two of the building stuck out to me. There was a church early into the tour that had been built directly in the center of the road. Was it placed here because this church was the center of this community then? Was the city planned symbolically so that God was the center of all things? The next was the courthouse. It may have been the most beautifully constructed courthouse I have ever seen. Also, it is massive. Size must have been a signifier to the importance of justice and order in the time it was built. The Beatles were tried there once as well, which I thought was pretty cool.
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic? At this point I am between two topics. We have been focusing primarily on war and that really pushes me to learn more about the balance of power. I am really interested in what makes one country hold higher power than another. I wonder which resources hold higher value than others such as man power, geographical location, money, etc. It also makes me wonder why some leaders have more ability to sway a general public than others. The other topic I am leaning towards is the evolution of law. I am going into a criminal justice field so I am wondering if it would be more beneficial for me to research how modern law developed and which principles of law did we carry with us when the United States were founded.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning. I have learned an overview of these wars in every history class that I can recall. I have never invested such an interest in learning about it as I have now. I find myself actually wondering why things happened the way they did and question the motives behind them rather than storing it in my short term memory until I pass an exam. Being in the actual surroundings we are talking about has helped me I think. I am genuinely interested in learning the material we have been presented with and I know that now I will retain it. Also I have never looked at European history with the perspective that it is American history, as obvious as that should have been.
1. The first week of class has made me realize how many different factors affect history. For example, many people claim that the cause of WWI was the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, but it is really a complex web of reasons. History often does not boil down to just one cause and one effect. It is also important to note that events can continue to impact history, even decades later.
2. The heartlessness of some people definitely stood out to me. I left the Imperial War Museum in tears after watching a brief video on Vietnam and going through the Holocaust exhibit. I knew about both of these atrocities prior to visiting the museum, but having such a first hand view of it made it that much worse. Seeing the pictures of people who actually shot innocent people at death camps and hearing their personal ideas was very difficult.
3. This is kind of a broad topic, so I definitely need to narrow it down, but I was very touched by the movie Joyeaux Noel. It amazed me that all the soldiers were able to drop everything and congregate together all because of music. I am easily moved by a well written and emotional piece of music, but the fact that soldiers in the trenches began befriending each other is almost unbelievable. Therefore, I want to write about music during the war in some way. I’ve been considering how it evolved, and compare it to how poetry evolved. I also may write about how it helped soldiers pass time during the war.
4. I am really enjoying what we are learning so far. Although I’ve already learned about most of it to some extent, learning about it in London is a completely different experience. Being able to go to a free museum and see artifacts involving what I just learned makes it all the more interesting. I’ve never learned about German reunification, and never realized exactly how complex it was. I also find it fascinating how nationalism has developed over the years. I’ve always assumed that people identified strongly with the nation they were born; I can’t even imagine having to garner nationalism from almost nothing.
1. How does what you have learned about the broad flow of European history change your perspective on your own history?
It has changed my perspective in a lot of different areas. It allows me to place te us events in a timeline. I am able to realize that the majority of the wars tat were happening in America, were remnants of the old English country and how we broke away. Its very different because I am now able to see that wars are what happen when people cant logically come to a undeadly resolution. When there is a discrepencies death is surely to follow. Which I deem as ridiculous. It is really crazy because I had no idea of the germans going upaganist te French and the Scottish.
2. In your visits to the two museums and your London tour what things have stood out to you and caused you to ask questions about history?
The main things that I publicy questioned was the artifacts, and how tge museum obtain them. And the holocost exhibit it really was a true wake up call. Because this really happen to people who did nothing wrong.innocent lives taken for no apparent reason. And also world war 1 museum. I cried , because it hurt me so deeply to see these individuals lose their lives for a fight that was never theres
3. What question is driving you to consider writing on a certain topic?
The main question is why ?, I will turn my paper into an informative paper providing answers and logical reasons concerning different ideas and themes. Because I feel very passionate about several things.
4. Give your general thoughts on what you are learning.
My thoughts on what we are learning are fantastic. The knowledge that I am obtaining , I will never, been able to connect the dots in this history lesson. It really filled in the gaps for me.