A Symbol Of Ideological And Political Clash - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2325 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/05/18 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: Berlin Wall Essay Did you like this example? The Berlin Wall embodies the ideological and political clash between two world powers, the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a symbol of the stark differences in opinion between these two former Allies. Once World War II was over, the Soviets and Americans no longer had a shared purpose to hold them together, which led to further chaos in the war stricken nation of Germany. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Symbol Of Ideological And Political Clash" essay for you Create order Initially, the allies definitive aim had been to rebuild war torn Germany which had been devastated by the allies war against the Nazi regime. The Soviet Union and the Western allies, which consisted of the United States, France and Great Britain, broke ranks when their differences with the Soviets could no longer be contained. The Western allies wanted to spread democracy and capitalism throughout Germany, while the Soviet Union was busy setting up communism and socialist policies in eastern Germany. Reparations were a huge factor, as the Soviet Union lost millions of men and their country was devastated when the Nazis attacked them. But according to the Potsdam Agreement, each occupying Power was to take its reparations mainly from its own zone and German assets abroad. But the Soviets, who had been promised half the total of all German reparations, were to be allowed a sixth of the surplus established in the Western zone. Many Germans feared the worst, and as Mary Fulbrook describes it, [S]ome [former communist] Germans longed for liberation and the possibility of a radical transformation of Germany; others felt fear and ambivalence about future retribution. In fact, the Soviet policy was harsh, there was a rush to dismantle the factories and the industrial facilities that once facilitate the nazi regime with economic prosperities. Although they decrease their production output, the Soviets were able to accumulate tremendous wealth from reparation payments and occupation cost. The Soviet experienced a net advantage in resources which drained the eastern sector of desperately needed assets to rebuild. The fast paste of factory and industrialized equipment, seemed as though the Soviets had no long term plan to remain in German soil for long term purposes. By shipping both equipments and experts from East Berlin, it seemed as though that the Soviets were interested in their own economic interest within their own soil. By 1955 the total value of goods and services taken by the Soviets was in the order of $30 billion, as against an agreed figure of $10 billion. A divided nation was on the verge of creation: a democratic conservative on the West, and a hardline communist state in the East ripped Germany apart. There were even differences within the Western allies that sometimes would emerge as confusing to the newly democratic Western Germany, who did not themselves understand democracy, as the system was foreign to them after 12 years of nazism. American film director Billy Wilder, recalled a conversation he had with a post war, German driver and this is the kind of dialogue that would develop between us: ?about this British election now that this Atlee has defeated Churchill, what is Churchill going to do? ?I guess he will stay in politics. Or he will write a book, or paint. ?Maybe he is going to make a Putsch, night wahr? ?I dont think so. ?You mean he is not even going to shoot Atlee? ?No, he is not. ?Are you sure? ?Look man, Wilkie did not make a Putsch against Roosevelt and Dewey did not shoot Truman. ?Thats funny. ?Its hilarious, its democratic! With the Western powers settling in their zones, while the Soviet Union initiated its distinctive policies in their Eastern zone. Therefore, with free elections in the Western zones, rebuilding Germany was fast paced, as economically it would help spread democracy, and most importantly, trade (with Western powers). Indeed in 1948, the United States spent $13 billion to restore the economies of sixteen Western European nations. Meanwhile, in the East a one party system was formed. As Mary Fulbrook describes it, a group of Moscow-trained German Communists under the leadership of Walter Ulbricht had been flown in to the area which was to be under Soviet occupation. The Soviets were manifestly ahead of the game and without disruption, they implemented their policies under the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) party, which had opposed the Nazis prior to the war and the majority of whose members were imprisoned. It was fully rehabilitated by the Soviets and merged with the also formally n azi outlawed social democratic SPD to create the ?Socialist Unity Party SED. The SED was used to take over key positions in the local administrations throughout the East. In a strategic move the Soviets, used a non-Communists in local communities, with no or little history of political affiliations for major positions, but with communist control behind the scenes. The Soviets also experimented with open competitive elections, but when the SED failed to win local elections in 1946, the experiment was abolished and they decided to not risk their chances within their control. The SED no doubt enjoyed special privileges in the new Soviet zone. Meanwhile, members of the rival parties were arrested: Between 1948 and 1950 there were 597 documented cases of CDU members being arrested. The new German Democratic Republic (GDR), was born in 1949, was from the start a Soviet Union controlled totalitarian regime. Life in the Soviet zone was not as privileged as in the West, where Germans were prospering and Americanizing. Although, according to American journalist Joseph Wechsberg, in 1964, People live a lot better than five years ago and a little better than last year, but it is probably correct to state that East Germany is ten years behind in consumer goods and the comforts of life. Even though the East Germans were proud that they produced more motorcycles than the West, this was true because, Western Germans saw motorcycles as no longer fashionable, and preferred cars. By the same token, Wechsberg observes, the wife of a Communist official grumbled because she couldnt get the latest-style shoes which shed seen in an Eastern German fashion journal. Eventually the stores will have them, but by that time theyll be old hat in the West, and we wont be happy. The bitterness and jealously East Germans felt was constant. The perception was that the West was being helped by the Americans and the East Germans had to work as hard for less. The Russians buy East Germans goods at prices considerably below the world market prices, in repayment for loans, and when they send raw materials to be finished in D.D.R. factories, they charge more than the world price for their own deliveries. Even though East and West Germans were able to visit either side, preventative measure were gradually put in place to curb the traffic. East Germans could enroll in West Berlin Universities, but were placed in menial positions in retaliation, away from educated East Germans, so as not to contaminate them. A crisis were brewing as East Germans were fleeing from the East to the West and registering as residents of the West. Many others crossed to the West without being registered and something had to be done in order to keep track of things. From August 14th to the end of 1961 a further 51,624 were registered. Between 1949 and 13 August 1961 nearly 2.7 million refugees had been registered. Roughly speaking, the GDR had lost a population which was the equivalent of that of Albania, or Israel, or New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland. Already, Measures had been taken to secure the frontier between the two Germanies in May 1952, when villages were torn apart and crops destroyed to make way for watch-towers, barbed wire, minefields and free-fire zones, turning the Churchillian gibe about the Iron Curtain into grim reality. This created chaos and confusion, and many were questioning the future of West Berlin, which acted as a sort of escape hatch from where East Germans could travel to Western Europe. Even though Berlin was one city, it was divided into four sectors. The Western sectors represented an island of democracy behind the iron curtain. United under the Socialist Unity Party (SED), Berlin would have been a rich prize both psychologically and economically this was according to the Soviets. On the other hand Independent, West Berlin represented a magnet, spiritual as well as physical, for the East Germans. in April 1948 that the time had come to make a bid to end Berlins anomalous situation. Tensions were flaring on both sides. The West was distributing the Deutsche (D) Marks within its zones after withdrawing the Reichsmark. The Soviets interpreted this as an economic ploy to undermine the Soviet East and considered it a breach of the Potsdam Agreement. There, it had been decided that Germany wa s to be treated as an economic whole. What was even more alarming to the Soviets, was that the West announced its intention to distribute the newly printed D-Mark with a B for Berlin into Berlin itself. The Soviets were outraged and infuriated by this announcement. They claimed it was breaching the Allied agreements and they took their next drastic step. The infamous, Berlin Blockade. The Soviets had already made it difficult for Berliners to travel, and trains had been mysteriously re-routed to by-pass West Berlin. Traffic was banned in and out of Berlin. Within a short time, all routes became unavailable. Claiming fuel shortages, Eastern power stations near enough simultaneously ceased to supply electricity to the Western sectors of Berlin. The Soviets were evidently trying to starve the West of resources, and around midnight on June 24th, the official Berlin Blockade started. The only way the Western allies could get into Berlin was by air. Even though the Russians doubted that the West could supply Berlin by air, the West proved the Soviets wrong. There were discussions amongst the allies and they came up with two alternatives to an airlift, either an allied military strike of force which would open a route, but which may have led to war, or, surrender and face an international humiliation which could have consequences worldwide, and West Berlin may have led t o the spread of communism, and more tension worldwide. This could be detrimental to the Truman Doctrine which called for the containment of the spread of communism. As Fulbrook puts it, America was formally committed to a world policy of stemming what it saw as the tide of soviet expansionism, wherever it might occur. The airlift was the only viable way to help West Berlin survive, and to prevent communism from spreading there. The American supply operation was codenamed Operation Vittles, and the British Knicker and then Carter Patterson. Despite numerous chaotic situations which occurred during the airlift, the Western allies were successful and no war took place between the Soviets and the allies. Close range flying by both sides created a lot of confusion and conversations about a possible war, but none of this happened as both sides was not prepared to go to war. The Western allies were able to successfully deliver supplies to West Berlin with only a small number of casualties. But for the first time, the West Berliners felt cared for by the allies. As news of airlift deliveries saturated the West German media, changed German attitudes towards Americans as well. American music and films began playing a vital role in the West, especially Jazz, which was considered the sound of democracy. The United States sponsored West Berlin media created by the Americans was used as a tool to reach the Soviet zone which also had a large audience. It is not forbidden to listen to Western radio programs provided one doesnt incit e others to listen. You may tune in RIAS, the American station in West Berlin, but you mustnt turn on your radio full blast and put it on the windowsill. Meanwhile, Berlin mayor, Ernst Reuter, and thousands of anti-communists gathered in front of the Reichstag where Reuter gave a popular speech. We Berliners have said No to Communism and we will fight it with all our might as long as there is a breath in us . . . the Magistrat and the City Assembly together with the freedom-loving Berlin population will build a dam against which the red tide will break in vain. Within five years, East Berlin was ripe for an uprising against the Soviet Union, East Berliners down tools and demonstrated throughout Eastern Germany, the Soviets allowed them to protest, but kept a close eye on the demonstrators, On the morning of June 16, when Waldemar Schmidt (SED), then President of the Police in East Berlin, asked the Soviet authorities for permission to disperse the as yet relatively small crowd of demonstrators on the Stalin-Allee and to arrest their ringleaders, he was forbidden to do so. Even though the strike leaders repeatedly indicated that the strikes were against the SED and not the Soviets and not the SED, the Soviets declared a state of emergency to deter the protesters, but with careful consideration of not creating a bloodbath that might engage the West to act on the East Berliners behalf. There was continued tension in a city torn apart between east and west, and it was evident that something more should be done to create law and order. It was a symbolic move by Soviet Zone that erected a famous wall, known as the Berlin Wall, dividing the East from the West. This was a bold move that came in at night like a thief. With most of Berlin asleep, it was round-the-clock workers, the professional night owls, who first realized that the East-West border was being closed: transport workers, police officers, [and] journalist. The premeditated creation of the wall amplified tensions in global diplomacy. For twenty eight years, the human race was on the brink of extinction between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies. Germany became not only divided by political and social differences, but now a wall of which lasted over twenty-eight years that signified at large, a divided world.

Symptoms And Treatment Of High Blood Pressure - 936 Words

A vasodilator is a medication that dilates the blood vessels. Vasodilators work directly on the muscle in the walls of the arteries. This keeps muscles from tightening and walls from narrowing. This allows blood to flow freely through the arties, allowing the heart to not have to work or pump as hard. This will reduce a person’s blood pressure (High blood pressure (hypertension), n.d.). There are many types of vasodilators, but hydralazine will be the focus of this paper. Hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure is actually a very common condition but when it is not treated, it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other vital organs of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems (Hydralazine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). The patient should also be looking to make lifestyle changes and not just rely on only medication. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, and adding exercise into their daily lives (Hydralazine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Hydralazine comes in the form of injections and tablets. Injections can be given in 20mg/mL in 1- mL vials. Tablets can be given in dose ranges from 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Hydralazine is indicated to treat essential hypertension and severe essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is high bloodShow MoreRelatedHypertension: Blood Pressure Measurements1062 Words   |  5 PagesAbstract Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. Blood pressure is summarized in by two measurements, systolic and diastolic, which depend on whether the heart is muscle is contracting (systole) or relaxed between beats (diastole). Normal blood pressure at rest is within the range of 100-140mmHg systolic (top reading) and 60-90mmHg diastolic (bottom reading). 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Pressure ulcers is also known as pressure sores or bed sores, these sores occur when an individual is not being repositioned for some time, causing constant pressure to an area. Some of the etiology of pressure ulcers statedRead MoreMeningitis : Causes And Symptoms1194 Words   |  5 Pageswith the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment (Huether, S., 2012). Bacterial meningitis are primarily placed to attack by an infection is in the Pia mater and the arachnoid (Huether, S., 2012). The Pia mater and the arachnoid are located in the innermost layer of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The cause and symptoms are the main scare of bacterial meningitis because it can be easily spread from person to person and have symptoms just like a common cold. Bacteria meningitis

Greece A Country with a Rich Cultural Free Essays

Greece is a country characterized by a remarkable history and a rich cultural heritage.   In ancient times, Greece played a crucial role in early civilization that proved to be monumental in shaping both European and world history.   At present, it successfully maintains its distinct culture in the dynamic modern society. We will write a custom essay sample on Greece: A Country with a Rich Cultural or any similar topic only for you Order Now Greece is a country with the land area of 131, 957 square kilometers (â€Å"Countries† 302).  Ã‚  Ã‚   Its capital is Athens, which is also one of its major cities (â€Å"Countries† 302).   Other major cities include Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Patras, Iraklion and Larissa (U.S. Department of State).   In 2005, the Greek population was estimated at 11,104,000, ten percent of which consists of immigrants (U.S. Department of State).   Three million of the said population is situated in Greater Athens (U.S. Department of State). In terms of religion, the majority of the Greek citizens are members of the Greek Orthodox Church (â€Å"Countries† 302).   Other religions present in Greek society include Islam, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism (â€Å"Countries† 302).   Greece is characterized by an interesting and diverse culture which is established on customs and traditions, religion, food and wine, and music.   Religion and traditions are closely linked, since the latter is usually based and anchored on the former.   Ironically, the Greeks also believe in superstitions. One of the Greek traditions still honored today at is the name day celebration (Greeka).   The Greeks give more importance to name days than birthdays; those who share a name with a celebrated saint also celebrate in a particular day of the year.   During a certain person’s â€Å"name day,† family and friends visit to give wishes and gifts.   At the house, the hostess provides food for the guests (Greeka). Another Greek tradition is the Carnival or the â€Å"Apokries† (Greeka).  Ã‚   This feast occurs within a two week period; it starts on Sunday of Meat Fare and ends on â€Å"Clean Monday† or Kathari Deutera (Greeka). â€Å"Clean Monday† or Kathari Deutera is the first day of Lent; at this time, families usually gather for a picnic and kite flying.   The Carnival is believed to have originated from paganism, and is derived from the merrymaking associated with the god Dionysus (Greeka).   This tradition is characterized by people in costumes partying in the streets.   A Carnival parade is held in Patra, where the festivities take place from day until night (Greeka). Easter is also significant for the Greeks.   In fact, it is considered more important than Christmas (Greeka).   Easter is a celebration that brings Greek families together.   Greek women are tasked to color the eggs red using dye; Godparents also give the children new things, such as shoes and clothes (Greeka).   Even the houses and streets are prepared for this occasion, as both are whitewashed for Easter.   In addition, the Greek family gathers for a feast of roasted lamb, wine and appetizers (Greeka). Music also plays a crucial role in Greek culture.   Music in Greece began as early as Antiquity, as it was an essential part of Greek civilization (Greeka).   The best example would be that of Greek tragedy, in which music was one of its key elements.   The demise of Ancient Greece also resulted in the decline of Greek music.   Fortunately, Greek music reemerged in the 19th century (Greeka). Folk songs also play a large role in Greek history.   The folk songs originated from ancient times (Greeka).   These songs are categorized into two: akritic and klephtic styles of music.   The former originated in 9th century AD. This kind of music conveyed the experiences and hardships of the â€Å"akrites,† or the Byzantine Empire guards (Greeka).   The latter was produced by â€Å"kleftes† or those who fought against the Ottoman Empire. Even though music is an expression of the gruesome period in Greek history, it also included love songs.   This style of music was believed to have originated between the latter part of the Byzantine era and the early part of the Greek Revolution (Greeka).   Instruments that accompanied the folk songs include the bagpipe, tambourine and lute, just to name a few.   Other important elements of the Greek musical tradition are cantadha, nisiotika and rebetiko (Greeka). Food and wine are also significant in Greek culture (Greeka).   Greece is known for their appetizers and wines.   Mezedes, or Greek appetizers, are crucial in Mediterranean culture, as it promotes friendship through the sharing of food.   Some of the recognized Greek appetizers include the Greek salad or Horiatiki Salata, Tiropitakia, Htapodi and Feta cheese. Greece also produces wines. It is therefore no surprise that Greek alcohol such as Tsipouro and Ouzo are a main component in Greek culture.   Also, meat is almost always present in Greek main dishes, while their soups are very much preferred during the winter season.   The Greeks are also famous for the herbs and spices used in their dishes (Greeka). The history of Greece is extensive and thorough.   Greek culture began in the classical era, and proved to be a crucial element in the development of civilization in general (Pounds 326).   The Greek island of Crete was the location for the Minoan civilization, the earliest in Europe (â€Å"Countries† 303).   Greece is also home to the city-states, whose prosperity brought the development of culture in aspects such as philosophy, literature, politics, architecture and art (â€Å"Countries† 303-304).   Greek civilization was at its peak under the control of Philip II of Macedonia and his son, Alexander the Great.   However, the Greek civilization declined when the Roman civilization emerged (â€Å"Countries† 304). Greek history also includes several wars. Civil War erupted following the occupation of German forces from 1941 to 1944 (â€Å"Countries† 304).   Then, under the leadership of Prime Minister Eleutherios Venizelos, Greece officially became a part of World War I in 1917 (Pounds 328). The history of Greece was also marked by the constant change in form of government.   From 1925 to 1935, Greece was a republic (Pounds 328).   Then, Greece became a constitutional monarchy (Pounds 328).   In 1967, the monarchy was deposed by a military coup (â€Å"Countries† 304).   The republic was restored in 1973, which lasted for only a year.   In 1975, democratic elections were held once again.   Six years later, Andreas Papandreou became the first socialist Prime Minister of Greece.   Then, in 1990, a Democratic Party member named Constantine Mitsotakis was elected at the same post (â€Å"Countries† 304). With its extensive historical background, Greece remains a crucial part of world civilization.   With its customs and traditions, Greece keeps its diverse and unique culture in modern day society.   Indeed, Greece remains relevant at present through its history and culture. Works Cited Bateham, Graham, and Victoria Egan, eds. Illustrated Guide to Countries of the World. Australia: RD Press, 1996. Greeka. 17 March 2008 ;http://www.greeka.com/greece-culture/;. Pounds, Norman J.G. â€Å"Greece.† Lexicon Universal Encyclopedia. 21 vols. New York: Lexicon Publications, Inc., 1992. U.S. Department of State.   17 March 2008 ;https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3395.htm;. How to cite Greece: A Country with a Rich Cultural, Essay examples

I hate routine, I do try to make the best of it Essay Example For Students

I hate routine, I do try to make the best of it Essay Although I hate routine, I do try to make the best of it. School, sports, friends, work, love, family, internet, food, and sleep pretty much sums up my life. I skip to school and I play volleyball like its the last time Ill ever play. I make many jokes until my friends stomachs hurt from so much laughter and sing She Works Hard for the Money on my way to work. I smother my boyfriend with as much affection I can muster and annoy my family until they want to smother me. I become superwoman multi-tasker when I write blogs about my day while; talking to five people online, two over the phone, and doing my homework at the same time. Then I enjoy a fattening meal as if it were my last and then fly in a world no one knows of I like to live life to the fullest, one step at a time. I lived in the suburbs throughout most of my childhood. River Forest is a wonderful suburb for a youngster, but I didnt get to experience it as a teenager. My mother and I moved back to Chicago and have been here ever since. I wouldnt want to live anywhere else. So many memories have formed here, good as well as bad ones, but memories that will never be forgotten. I went to two different grammar schools here in Chicago and one in River Forest. As nervous as I was to move from school to school, it didnt take me long to settle and make friends. One thing I have learned about myself through the years is that I adapt quite easily to new settings. High school was a new battlefield, but thanks to grammar school and the neighborhood park, familiar faces were not hard to find. High school is an exciting episode in life and to experience it at Mather has made it even more enjoyable. I would have to say my favorite part of Mather is the prominent athletic teams. There is nothing like being a Mather Ranger. Being on the volleyball team, the basketball team, and the softball team has taught me a lot about teamwork, leadership, competition, and self discipline. I was made team captain for both volleyball and softball. Over the years I have won three most-improved awards and a team spirit award an award specially made for me and one other girl on my team, for being the ones to keep the teams spirits up even when we were losing. Beside my sports, I consider myself an average student academically. I like to take honors classes because of the challenge so I take one every year. I participate in class quite often; Im always ready to read out loud or act in the class play. My biggest downfall seems to be tests, but that seems pretty common. I believe I just need to change my study habits or create some. Another extracurricular activity I have participated in is yearbook. I love photography and everything that goes with it. I was so excited to join and to make my last year most memorable. One of my most exciting memories will be my recent victory of Homecoming Queen. When I look back on this year, I want to have a big smile on my face. I would like to be the first generation to graduate from college. I want to make a difference in childrens lives when I get my teachers certification for Early Childhood Education, and later on in life my Bachelors in Psychology. I hope you will give me that chance after reading this essay. I know I can exceed if I try and I know I can succeed if I believe. At the end of this school year, when I receive that acceptance letter from the college of my choice, Ill know there is someone who believes I can succeed too.