This can also be seen in the book If you Give a Mouse a Cookie. Had the boy said no to the mouse and then taken the dislike from the mouse, he might not have had a big problem. Sure the mouse could potentially eat your house down from the inside out, once you get rid of him (probably with the help of an ally; a cat (possibly France) or an exterminator (the U.S.A.)) then your problem will be over, sure you may be a few dollars down, but there would be no mess in your house and you would then get to enjoy two delicious cookies with two glasses of milk.
Instead of taking Germany out as soon as they started to create their air force, or when they started to build up their army, then they would have put down a weaker opponent than after they have given them this military power and positioning. Once the other world powers allowed them to get a few things, air force, army, and the Rhinelands, then it becomes increasingly hard to say no, one because they could say well you gave us these, and the other because they now have an army, air force, and more land. Unfortunately this becomes a tragic cycle until they have so much power and want something so ridiculous, to the other countries, that now a bigger problem will erupt.
It is important to look at what the other party is getting and wether it is a better choice than if they had not given it to them. Although there are times when just giving something is a better choice, because of creating better relationships or stopping skirmishes, when in the long run, a whole bunch of seemingly little things build up and cause an even bigger problem than before, it is hard not to regret your decision giving them that first thing.
I thought this was a really strong argument. I definitely agree about the constant cycle of tension that gradually builds, because of the choice to appease rather than confront the situation.
ReplyDeleteI like how you talked about how alot of little concessions added up to a major concession. Clearly, then, the European powers were not being responsible when they bended to Germany's will.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point about how easily things can spiral out of control when you just try to appease people. I completely agree with you and Megan that sometimes it is better to confront the situation since that is the only way to resolve it.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you weaved in what we read in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, it helps created a strong basis for your argument that everyone can understand.
I like how, in the beginning, you start off with a very clear statement of your argument- makes it easier for readers to follow along.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you used those little metaphors to connect the characters of "If you give a mouse a cookie" to the major players of World War II.
Very nicely done.
I agree with Kevin in that you made great metaphors connecting World War II to "If you gave a mouse a cookie."
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that a lot of small things can make one really big thing. So a lot of little lenience can lead to giving the other great power.
You had a really good point about how appeasement leads to worse situations, because if you continue to appease, it continues to get harder to say no and draw the line.
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