Revolution in China

I think that in both of these sources, the people shared a similar goal, to destroy the old ways. In land reform in action, a peasant strikes an official. As the book says, "Not in living memory had any peasant ever struck an official." This is a type of revolution that the people have never seen before, one that involves using violence. This is further displayed in Make Revolution! The Red Guards violently invade the home of the official and one of them begins to smash old cups, which are essentially artifacts from old China. Also, it seems in both of these that Mao is attempting to rile up the lower to middle class. The Red Guards consisted of people from all social classes, however they specifically targeted any "anti-Maoist" elements, which is basically anyone who is rich.

Arc de Triomphe Research Questions

Why is there a gap in between the years that the arc commemorates?  It commemorated the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and the WWI effort, but it completely ignores the segment that connects the two - the colonial era.  Why did France leave out this significant piece of history?  Is it scared that recognizing the full truth will alter the image of France?  What does this show about France?  Because France has changed significantly since these happenings, is L'Arc de Triomphe still a relevant monument that accurately portrays France?

Symbols of Strength

The propaganda posters of Rosie the Riveter greatly increased the role of women in the war effort.  During WWI, women were viewed much differently than during WWII.  Originally, American women were not really seen as involved in the war effort.  When the men left to go fight, the women were left with no choice but to assume the jobs of the men back home.  It was seen as just a temporary thing.  They believed that everything would go back to the way things were when the men got back.  After the war, however, the image of women in society began to shift from being an obedient housewife to being independent and free.  This brought about the 1920's image of the flapper.  During WWII, the image of women continued to change and gain momentum.  For example, Rosie the Riveter was a propaganda poster that portrayed a strong working woman.  This image gave women a newfound strength that allowed them to participate in a wider range of jobs including those that were thought to be traditionally for men.  With new ideals for women, people were now able to freely contribute to the war effort, with out feeling tied back by society.

WWII in Our Culture

Saving Private Ryan

The Sound of Music

The Diary of Anne Frank

A Separate Peace

The Sunflower

Band of Brothers

Valkyrie

Letters from Iwo Jima

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Maus