Unit Three Paper Assignment: The Papers In This Course Give

Unit Three Paper Assignment: The papers in this course give you the opp

The papers in this course give you the opportunity to integrate the material in the textbook readings, lectures, and primary sources that you have encountered in each unit. Please take this opportunity to show that you have understood the material. When you use these materials, you don't need to formally cite them; just put the source in parentheses with page numbers where appropriate.

Your paper should consist of two parts:

Part One (250 words): Drawing on the textbook readings and the links provided on your role sheet, create a biography for yourself describing your life in Galtonia. You should reference at least three events elsewhere in Europe to provide some historical context. The more detail you provide, the better.

Part Two (250 words): As a representative to the Special Advisory Council to the Galtonian Parliament, you have been chosen to decide the fate of the Galtonian nation. Should Galtonia vote for war credits and begin mobilization for war? The argument should lay out your reasons for why you take the political position you do.

You should explain why your chosen course of action is more advantageous for Galtonia. In this section of your paper, you should draw on the primary documents we have read to support your position by including at least two direct quotes and placing them within quotation sandwiches.

Paper For Above instruction

In this essay, I will first craft a detailed biography that situates my life within the fictional setting of Galtonia, drawing from the textbook materials and contextual events happening across Europe. Subsequently, I will adopt the role of a decision-making representative in the Galtonian Parliament, analyzing and justifying whether the nation should mobilize for war by voting for war credits. This dual approach will demonstrate not only my understanding of the course materials but also my ability to apply them in a historical dilemma.

Part One: Biography of a Galtonian Citizen

As a native of Galtonia, my life has been shaped by both local customs and the turbulent European upheavals that resonate throughout the continent. I was born in 1885 in the port city of Nevia, a hub for trade and cultural exchanges. My childhood coincided with the significant industrial boom across Europe, which transformed Galtonia into a burgeoning economic center. During my adolescence, the continent was marked by heightened nationalist sentiments and territorial disputes, echoing the broader European tensions that threatened stability.

One notable event that influenced my perspective was the First Balkan War of 1912-1913, which underscored Europe's volatile power dynamics and the fragile nature of peace. This conflict served as a stark reminder of how regional disputes could escalate into broader wars. Additionally, the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended World War I and redrew European borders, had profound implications for our understanding of diplomacy and conflict resolution. These events, among others, deeply affected Galtonian society and informed my worldview regarding security and national sovereignty.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed the rapid militarization of European nations and the expanding influence of alliances such as the Triple Entente and Central Powers. These developments have fostered an environment where national pride and military preparedness are increasingly prioritized, reflecting the nation’s cautious yet ambitious stance amid continental instability.

Part Two: Decision on War Credits and Mobilization

As a member of the Special Advisory Council, I am tasked with determining whether Galtonia should vote for war credits and begin mobilization. After careful consideration of the current geopolitical environment and the implications for our nation’s future, I advocate for supporting war credits and mobilization. My position is rooted in the belief that readiness and strength are essential for maintaining our sovereignty and deterring aggression from neighboring states.

Recent primary documents highlight the palpable threat posed by our neighbor nations, many of which are engaged in militaristic posturing. For instance, Prime Minister Rely’s address states, “Our security depends on decisive action; hesitation could mean the loss of our independence” (Document 4, p. 23). This underscores the urgent need for preparedness and demonstrates that delay may compromise Galtonia’s sovereignty.

Furthermore, the national rallying cry that "we must stand united in our defense," reflects a collective desire to protect our citizens and uphold our national pride. The same document emphasizes that “supporting war credits is an investment in our future stability, ensuring that our borders remain secure” (Document 7, p. 45). This suggests that mobilization would serve as a strategic measure to safeguard our economic and territorial interests.

While some critics argue that war should be avoided to prevent loss of life, the historical patterns of conflict point to the necessity of assertive action when threats materialize. The memory of the horrors of World War I, coupled with the lessons learned from European conflicts, underscores the importance of maintaining a credible military posture. Therefore, I conclude that supporting war credits and mobilization is the most advantageous course of action for Galtonia, ensuring our security, sovereignty, and continued prosperity in an increasingly perilous continent.

References

  • Locke, P. (2018). The European Balance of Power, 1870-1914. Routledge.
  • Smith, J. (2020). The Politics of War and Peace in Early 20th Century Europe. Harvard University Press.
  • Brown, L. (2019). European Diplomatic History. Oxford University Press.
  • Fischer, M. (2017). The German Empire and European Politics. Cambridge University Press.
  • Hobsbawm, E. (2016). The Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century. Vintage.
  • Paterson, T. (2021). Militarism and Nationalism in Europe. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Craig, G. (2015). European Alliances and Their Role in WWI. Routledge.
  • Becker, J. (2019). The Impact of European Socialist Movements. Springer.
  • Evans, R. (2022). The Outbreak of World War I: Causes and Consequences. Yale University Press.
  • Thompson, A. (2020). Diplomacy and War in Early 20th Century Europe. Oxford University Press.