Living Memory Disappears Having Read the Second Research Paper

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Living Memory Disappears

Having read the second slide in the Power point presentation concerning the deaths of the last French veterans of World War I, what difference do you think it makes to our appreciation of history when those that actually experienced it die?

The appreciation of history is intensified when the living connection to the event is extinguished. That particular time in history cannot be revisited through the stories and tales from the people who actually lived through it, but can only be accessed via books, magazines, newspapers and photos. For this reason, the event actually becomes more significant because it is historical and there is no way to retrieve details of it anymore through the people who experienced it firsthand. The difference in appreciation of history comes from the knowledge that a closure to an event has arrived.

Question 2

Belle Epoque and World War I

If you had lived during the Belle Epoque period, how would the different innovations and aspects of this period have influenced your life, which do you think would have influenced your life the most: the new monuments (Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Alexander III Bridge, the Garnier Opera, the reparations to Notre Dame (Paris' Cathedral), the Sacre Coeur); the technological innovations (cinema, electric lights, the Metro); art (Impressionism and Art Nouveau); the development of an entertainment industry (Moulin Rouge and other cabarets, for example); an improvement in the economy, quality of food and sanitation.

If I had lived during the Belle Epoque period, the most significant changes in my lifestyle would have been brought about by Technological Innovations. Being able to watch movies with friends in the cinema would have been a treat. Similarly, being able to easily take the metro and have no problems of conveyance (in case of having no car) would have greatly enhanced my standard of living. Apart from this, improvement in quality of food and sanitation would also have ensured that I had more options and fell sick less often.

Question 3

Belle Epoque and World War I

In what ways did technological advancements and economic expansion play a role in the Belle Epoque and World War I? (Pay particular attention to video 4 "The Realities of War).

How does the mood of the people and soldiers towards the war change from the beginning to the end? (See video 2 for the answer to the last part).

Technological advancements in the form of industrial revolutions and innovations in materials ensured that there was prosperity and wealth being generated during the Belle Epoque period. From expanding railroad tracks and engineering sophisticated weapons, there was a sense of achievement that contributed to the carefree attitude as well as pride. It contributed to the initiation of World War One because people were angry at the loss of Alsace-Lorraine in the Franco-Prussian war as well as growing Xenophobia on the German front fueled desires to settle scores via another war. Thus it resulted in a long and bloody World War One.

.In the beginning, everyone is in high spirits and riding high on the motivation coming through enthusiastic supporters. As the war comes to a close, the sense of despair is evident and the soldiers seem to be disappointed. Disheartened with losing the war and coming home with crushing defeat is a huge burden on them as many of them realize they will forever be scarred and haunted by the bloody war that ravaged their lives. There is a stark difference in the morale and mood of the soldiers as well as the general populace towards the war as it deteriorates from the beginning to the end.

Question 4

World War I

Identify some of the causes of World War. What role does the rise of nationalism play? What are the effects of the war on the people and on Franco-German relations? (Videos 1, 2 and 3 should help here).

Some of the major causes of World War one are as follows: Mutual Defense Alliances which pulled countries into war; Imperialism which made the countries desire more territories under their control; increased militarism through the arms race; and nationalism whereby each country wanted to prove their dominance and power. The most immediate cause of the war is cited to be the assassination of the Archduke of Austria-Hungary.

Nationalism plays a pivotal role in the World War one initiation as countries were increasingly becoming aware that their same ethnicity, language and history should entitle them to form independent states.

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The effects of the war on the people were severe as their pride was gravely injured and the relations between France and Germany were to be permanently severed as each reeled from the aftermaths of a bloody conflict.

Question 5

World War I

Which countries were allied with France in World War I? Which country changed sides? Which country entered the war in 1917? Why was this war called "The Great War" or the "First Modern War"? (Videos 2, 3 and 5 should help you with these questions).

Britain and Russia were allied with France in World War One.

Italy Changed sides from supporting Germany to extending support to France.

United States entered the war in 1917.

It was called the "Great War" because for the very first time chemical weapons on a massive scale were employed. The sheer appalling death toll was the direct result of technological advancements in warfare and hence it was the very first time that the innovative shooting guns and other armaments were utilized.

Question 6

Question 6 can be answered from the first two video clips on World War II

World War II and France -- "The Defeat of France"

France declared war on Germany in September 1939. After World War I, and based on their experiences in that war, the French government built long defensive reinforcements along the German/French border. The reinforcements were like a long trench with underground barracks for the soldiers and eating and washing facilities. France had built a long barrier known as the Maginot Line between them and the Germans, but this was not enough to hold back the Germans. Germany had invested in tanks and smashed into France through Belgium completely avoiding the Maginot Line. German troops swept the British and French back to the sea or back to their homes -- in the case of the French.

What are some of the major differences between France and Germany's military attitude? Do the Germans seem more progressive and the French more traditional? Give examples to back up your answers.

The French seemed to be taking a defensive as well as offensive approach having experienced huge bloodshed in World War 1. The idea was to guard the border with a line of defense and also mobilize army for an offensive in case there was any threat. Germany on the other hand was well progressive and went ahead with a completely different plan which took France by a complete shock as they were attacked via Belgium. Germany utilized an innovative idea of using its massive tanks to bulldoze Belgium and attack the frontier of France where it was most defenseless.

Therefore, it is safe to say that France had a more traditional strategy while Germany was certainly progressive.

Question 7

Question 7 can be answered from the video clip and the web site under the heading "The Occupation Begins." The clips are from the documentary The Weapons of the Spirit

In watching this particular documentary and in thinking about films and World War II in France, here is what I wrote:

"I always find it extremely moving to see these old people talk about their experiences. I try to make the connection between these old faces and what they looked like during the war when they were younger. We often kind of dismiss old people, but they truly are often our real connection to the past."

"I have spent many hours watching films and documentaries to show you insights into this period. I would strongly recommend watching any of the following films, which feature World War II:

The Longest Day -- a classic Hollywood epic of the D-Day landings Band of Brothers -- HBO's very moving documentary series that reconstructs the actions of a group of American soldiers making their way from the beaches of Normandy to Berlin during the liberation. Saving Private Ryan (D-Day) the first half hour is particularly good on the beach landings. The Sorrow and the Pity -- a French documentary -- banned in France in the 1960s and 1970s -- the documentary paints a mixed picture of collaboration with the Nazis and Resistance. Au revoir les enfants -- a beautiful film exploring the relationship between a Jewish and a catholic schoolboy during the occupation. The priest takes the Jewish boy into the catholic school in order to hide him. A Self-Made Hero -- an interesting film about creating an identity in the aftermath of World War.....

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