Connection Across Time~ WWI

There has been some talk concerning the possibility of seeing a WWIII arise during Barrack Obama's presidency terms, if he doesn't get voted out that is. I hate to throw politics into the loop but in this case of connecting World War I to an event taking place today, that is all I can think of. Consider the fighting that took place in Iraq, no, the whole world is not fighting, however, just about the whole world is getting involved. I have heard through many news broadcasts as well as over news talk radio about Obama's planned one million man "Citizens Army." Obama states in a speech concerning civilian security that "we" cannot continue to solely "rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives" that "we" have set. He asserts the putting together of a Civilian National Security that is "just as powerful, strong and well-funded." I think that if this is to happen, our country as we know it will go down in shambles. For even concerning the latest bill passed for Nationalized Health care ,our nation's constitution is being neglected and ignored. I am no politician, therefore I admitt to the fact that I do not know all of the nitty gritty that is involved. However, I do know enough about the way our founding fathers have established this nation to say that I think that if Obama gets what he wants, there are going to be some radical "changes." can our country afford the price for these "changes?" Is this really the type of "change we need?"

Click on the "Label post" link for video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2yGzHfy7s&feature=player_embedded

Reaction to class: The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles - signed on June 28, 1919, a "treaty to end all wars." Although this is what Woodrow Wilson had wanted to believe, the Treaty of Versailles was not by any means an "end to all wars." Quite on the contrary, in fact the Treaty of Versailles triggered the anger of Germany as well as that of the "forgotten" countries which included Japan and Italy. I really Enjoyed the lecture on Germany's Response to the Treaty of Versailles and I found it hard to disagree with Germany.I think that she had every right to be angry and upset for the Treaty was corrupt and unfair by all means. For first of all Germany was not even allowed to attend the meetings held in the Palace of Versailles near Paris, therefore she was not allowed to defend herself or speak up for her own thoughts. It is a shame that Germany was put on the chopping-block and there was no logical way for Germany to get the 33 billion dollars needed for War reparations!! But Germany agreed to attempt it, and she accepted the blame. Also upon learning about "The Forgotten Countries" I was exposed to Italy's feelings concerning the war; Japan and Italy were both forgotten when it came time for Treaty-making. Italy on one hand was cheated; for a significant amount of fighting took place in Italy, leaving her to lay in destruction. Not having the good economy like Japan, Italy had no money to completely rebuild her ruined country and when she did not recieve any land from the Treaty, Italy grew angry and felt mislead. On the other hand, I also enjoyed learning about Japan, for now knowing the reasons behind Japan's upset, I have a better understanding for what soon will lead to WWII!!

Otto Dix: War

Woah! this workk done by Otto Dix caught my eye instantly with its murky and gruesome portrayal of the horrors of WWI. I instantly became curious about what Dix might have been thinking at the particular time when he created this capturing piece. I read about how Dix was horrified and haunted about the images he had seen during the war, images that one would not even begin to describe; prior to laying eyes on some of Otto Dix's paintings that is. I can honestly say that I looked at this painting several times and was constantly drawn back to its immaculate detail and gruesome imagery. I could not imagine having come across a sight like THIS!! And then sitting down with an easel and a few paints and beginning to repaint it!!!! What a vivid memory Otto Dix hadin order to be able to re-create something so horrorific yet ccapturing. Even those who escaped death were scarred, forever mentally wounded by their experiences during WWI.

Reaction to Class: Word Splash Activity!!~

I REALLY think that the word splash activity that we completed in class last week was a great new method of review. I found it to be an extremely helpful activity when it came down to comprehending and being able to regurgitate the proper chronological order of the events of the Great Break and WWI!! later that day as I was reading the work assigned to us in class, I found myself reiterating the order of events and vocbulary given to us during the Word Splash Activity. I also found that I retained more information just by doing a new and fun activity. Even the few events that I had gotten switched in their order, were ironed out by the Word Splah activity. I hope to be able to experience it again in the future!!!!!! =)

Robert Benney: The Battle of Midway

Another piece of work by Robert Benney that drew my attention was that of his depiction of The Battle of Midway. This painting shows just how brutal ocean combat got during WWI. At this time Germany was successful in building up a large modern navy, however, Great Britian was equally as determined to continue maintaing its naval superiority. This particular work depicts a withering attack on a Japanese cruiser by the United States and Hawaii. I can only imagine the sounds of the bombs that exploded leaving death in their paths as violent waves crashed up against the ship. Whenever I see a painting such as this one done by Robert Benney, I often wonder what it might have smelt like. I know that sounds strange but it is true, and I do wonder. the smell of the Salt water fusing with the burning smells left behind from the bombings and shootings. They say that "each picture is worth a thousand words," cliche? yes. But one hundred percent true!!!

Robert Benney: Paintings of Naval Aviation

One form of warfare that I have always had an interest in is that of the Naval Forces. In my opinion there is something intriguing about the risk and danger that is involved in fighting on those magnificent dark waves. I have grown up hearing stories from my Grandfather who was an E-9 Petty officer in charge of all naval aircraft during the Cuban Missil Crisis -John F. Kennedy. I can honestly say that that little tid-bit of family heritage sparked my curiosity as I immediately began to research the Naval Forces that were involved in combat during the Great Break of WWI. As I searched I came across the works of Robert Benny, an American oil painter, who worked tirelessly on depicting the Naval Aviation Department's role in the major battles of the Pacific during the war. This painting, titled The Kill is one of my FAVORITES as it gives a dramatic presentation of a sea-sky battle. I really like Benney's use of colors in his works, as it brings a life to the paintings. Benney has several collections but Imost enjoyed those of his Naval Aviation Collection.