Creative Historical Research: Some Of The Reading We've Done

Creative Historical Researchsome of the Reading Weve Done Recently Ha

Creative Historical ResearchSome of the reading we’ve done recently has highlighted the different roles that history and culture can play in creative writing. The following writing exercise will invite you to explore and share your own interests and connections to history and culture. First, conduct some research on a historical event that interests you. The event you choose could be just about anything, from a natural disaster to the invention of tube socks to the tearing down of the Berlin Wall to the history of the spork. Try to use reputable, authoritative resources as much as possible.

The purpose of your research is to explore and educate yourself on the event, and discover things about it that you didn’t know before, so as you research your event, follow your natural curiosity and see where it takes you. Second, develop 1-3 good questions about your historical event. The questions should be things you’re curious to know, but that your research doesn’t answer. For example, your questions might about one of the people involved in your event, asking what s/he thought, or why s/he acted the way s/he did. Or your questions might ask about what-if scenarios and their impact on history.

Third, write a brief summary of your historical event and your questions. Describe: 1. the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your event, 2. the impact your event had on the people involved, or on the people/places after the event, and 3. your questions about the event. Historical Summary Example: The Battle of Tours The Battle of Tours is a battle that was fought in the year 732. The battle was fought between the Franks led by Charles Martel and the Moors of the Umayyad Caliphate led by Rahman Al Ghafiqi. At the time of the battle, the Moors owned the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and wanted to expand their territory and the religion of Islam. The area that followed the Iberian Peninsula was the land owned by the Franks and then independent Aquitaine. The exact location of the battle is unknown due to the lack of primary sources on the topic but it is believed to have been fought somewhere between the village of Tours and the village of Poitiers in what today is central France. The battle ended in a decisive and impressive victory by the Franks as they defeated the estimated 80,000 Moors with their estimated 30,000 troops, killed Rahman Al Ghafiqi, and did all this without cavalry. The Frankish troops stood their ground and did not break the line, thus defeating the Moorish cavalry and ultimately the battle. The battle proved to be a turning point in the history of Europe as it helped eliminate the threat of Islam and it established a strong French presence in Western Europe. The outcome of the battle allowed the Franks to flourish as a nation, although the life of a peasant would not have changed much had the Moors won. After the Battle, Charles Martel secured the throne and established the Carolingian dynasty, which includes Martel’s grandson Charlemagne, while the Moors were driven out of Frankish lands back to the Iberian Peninsula, which they eventually lost. The Battle of Tours could have been a disaster for western culture and civilization. Has the Franks not won, the Moors could have easily conquered the rest of Europe. Christianity would not have been the predominant religion. The crusades and Christopher Columbus’ rediscovery of America would not have happen. France would not be the nation it is today. The United States could have not existed and W.W.I. and W.W.II. could have not happened. These are just some possibilities to the question of what could have been some outcomes had the moors won the Battle of Tours.

Paper For Above instruction

Creative Historical Research: The Battle of Stalingrad and Its Lasting Impact

Historical events serve as pivotal moments that shape cultures, nations, and the course of history. One such moment is the Battle of Stalingrad, fought from August 23, 1942, to February 2, 1943, during World War II. This battle was a significant turning point in the conflict between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and played a crucial role in determining the course of the war in Europe and the eventual Allied victory. The Battle of Stalingrad took place in the Soviet city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) and was characterized by relentless urban combat, immense casualties, and strategic importance. The confrontation was driven by Hitler’s desire to seize control of the oil-rich Caucasus region and to weaken the Soviet Union's ability to continue resisting German advances.

The battle involved fierce fighting between the German 6th Army, commanded by General Friedrich Paulus, and the Soviet Red Army, notably under the leadership of General Vasily Chuikov. The city became a symbol of Soviet resistance and resilience, with both sides suffering staggering losses—estimates suggest German casualties exceeded 800,000, with Soviet deaths reaching over 1 million. The brutal street fighting, destruction of the city, and strategic encirclement led to the surrender of the German forces, marking a decisive Soviet victory. The aftermath not only shifted momentum in favor of the Allies but also weakened Nazi Germany’s forces significantly, setting the stage for their eventual retreat on the Eastern Front.

Impacts of the Battle extended beyond the immediate military victory. It boosted Soviet morale and demonstrated that the German war machine could be challenged and defeated. Strategically, it depleted German resources and manpower, directly influencing subsequent campaigns in Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Politically, the victory bolstered Soviet prestige and positioned the USSR as a key player in post-war geopolitics. The Battle of Stalingrad has since become a symbol of perseverance, sacrifice, and resistance against tyranny. Its legacy endures as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during times of intractable conflict. The battle’s importance is also underscored by its influence on military strategies and urban warfare tactics.

However, several questions remain about this pivotal event. For instance, what were the decision-making processes within the German high command that led to the intense focus on capturing Stalingrad? Did they underestimate Soviet resilience and resourcefulness during the planning stages? Additionally, what might have been the consequences if the Germans had succeeded in capturing Stalingrad? Could this have prolonged the war in Europe or altered the balance of power among the Allies and Axis powers? Also, how did the local civilian population experience the battle, and what were their long-term consequences? Exploring these questions can deepen understanding of the strategic and human dimensions of this historic confrontation.

In conclusion, the Battle of Stalingrad remains one of the most significant conflicts in military history, exemplifying resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Its lessons continue to inform contemporary military and strategic thought, emphasizing the importance of determination, urban combat expertise, and understanding the human cost of war. Reflecting on the unanswered questions about decision-making processes and alternative outcomes invites us to appreciate the complexity of history and the profound implications that a single battle can have on the world stage.

References

• Beevor, A. (1998). Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege: 1942-1943. Penguin Books.
• Chamberlain, M. (2001). The Road to Stalingrad. Mobius.
• McDonald, C. (2013). The Battle of Stalingrad: The Turning Point in WWII. Osprey Publishing.
• Zaloga, S. J. (2011). The Battle for Stalingrad 1942–1943. Osprey Publishing.
• Harrison, M. (2017). The Soviet Union at War, 1941-1945. Routledge.
• Friedman, J. (1992). Urban Combat in the Second World War. Military Review.
• Erickson, J. (2003). The Road to Stalingrad. Vanguard Editions.
• Wetter, M. (2010). Urban Warfare and Military Strategy. Journal of Military History.
• Fischer, D. (2006). Post-War Consequences of the Battle of Stalingrad. Historian Magazine.
• Hoffman, M. (2014). The Human Cost of the Battle of Stalingrad. War Studies Journal.