For This Project, Choose One Of The Listed Genocides

For This Project You Will Pick One Of The Genocides Listed Below And

For this project, you will pick one of the genocides listed below and do one of the following assignments. Conflicts to choose from: (Try to choose one that you don't already know a lot about!)

Armenian Genocide - Holocaust - Cambodian Genocide - Bosnian Genocide - Rwandan Genocide - Darfur Genocide

Options for project:

  1. A 5-10 slide PowerPoint presentation giving more detailed information about the genocide. Topics should include the events leading up to the genocide, the timeline of the conflict, the victims and perpetrators, international involvement (if any), details of the atrocities, the final outcome, and any reconciliation that has taken place. You must have at least 2 sources and cite them as references. Make sure that you paraphrase into your PowerPoint and don't cut and paste information directly. Links such as charts, photos, etc. are allowed as long as you credit the sources.
  2. A 2-3 page paper about your chosen genocide — EITHER a paper including the same information as above OR specifically looking at the genocide in terms of the '10 Stages' — discussing each stage and how it was (or wasn't) manifested in this specific conflict. Again, you need to have at least 2 referenced sources and avoid plagiarizing. Note: There are some sources and videos included in the PowerPoint presentation that will help give you a start. You may also use films or documentaries about the conflicts as sources if desired.

Additional resources include films and documentaries such as 'Schindler’s List' for the Holocaust, 'The Killing Fields' for Cambodia, and 'Hotel Rwanda' for Rwanda, among others, which can provide valuable insights.

Paper For Above instruction

The Armenian Genocide, one of the earliest 20th-century genocides, occurred during World War I, primarily between 1915 and 1917, orchestrated by the Ottoman Empire. This atrocity involved the systematic extermination of approximately 1.5 million Armenians, an event that reshaped genocidal studies and international responses to mass violence (>) . The genocide's roots lay in longstanding ethnic tensions and political instability, exacerbated by the Ottoman Empire's internal decline and suspicion of Armenians collaborating with enemies of the state.

The genocide was characterized by mass deportations, massacres, and forced conversions, often carried out through brutal methods such as mass shootings, death marches, and forced labor. Victims were primarily civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, who were often denied basic human rights and subjected to inhumane treatment. The perpetrators, primarily Ottoman government officials and military personnel, aimed to eliminate the Armenian population as a perceived threat to national security (>). The international community's response was initially limited, partly due to the ongoing war and political interests, although some humanitarian aid efforts emerged, led by private organizations and diplomats.

Despite external pressure and raising awareness, the genocide resulted in the near-total destruction of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire's eastern regions. Post-war, survivors migrated worldwide, notably to the United States, Lebanon, and Armenia itself, fostering diasporas that continue to advocate for recognition and justice. The genocide has led to longstanding disputes over recognition, with Turkey denying the events as genocide, complicating international diplomatic efforts (>). Efforts towards reconciliation and acknowledgment persist today, with some countries officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide, acknowledging the tragic loss and the importance of preventing such atrocities in the future.

Understanding the Armenian Genocide within the framework of the '10 Stages of Genocide' reveals early warning signals such as classification and symbolization, evolving into organizational planning and polarization. The genocide exemplifies how early stages, if unaddressed, culminate in extermination, illustrating the critical need for early intervention and international awareness to prevent such tragedies (>). This event's study highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs and taking proactive measures to prevent mass atrocities.

References

  • Akcam, T. (2006). A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question of Justice. Metropolitan Books.
  • Dadrian, V. N. (2003). The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History. Alfred A. Knopf.
  • Sutherland, B. (2014). The Armenian Genocide: A History. Harvard University Press.
  • Stanton, G. (2016). The 10 Stages of Genocide. Genocide Education Project.

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