Final Essay: The final essay should be approximately 2.5 pages (double spaced) and will require students to connect topics discussed over the course of the semester, to current events. Students must incorporate several of the sources read for class (both secondary and primary.) No additional sources are allowed. Sources must be cited using parenthetical citations or footnotes and a works cited. Students will be graded on their ability to form and sustain an argument, on their grasp of the material and on the quality of their writing (grammar, sentence structure, organization The legacy of the past continues to affect current events. First, I want you to discuss current international events and issues and explain how they relate to the themes and events discussed over the course of the semester (for example-we discussed racism, gender, nationalism, tensions in the EU, imperial expansion and decolonization, etc.- explain how these themes still affect society today.) You must connect these themes to the primary and secondary sources read for class. This section should be approx. 1.5 pages. Then find a current news article (within the last 6 months) that demonstrates one of the events or issues you discussed and connects to one of the primary sources read in this class. Provide a synopsis of the article, provide a link to the article, and clearly show how it connects to the theme and the primary source. This section should be approxiametly 1 page. Sources attached below you can choose from. https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/Kipling.asp https://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/111wollstone.html
Introduction
Throughout history, Western civilization has left a profound mark on the world, shaping societies, cultures, and political systems (Kipling 1). The themes and events discussed in our course, including racism, gender, nationalism, tensions in the EU, imperial expansion, and decolonization, continue to reverberate in current international events and issues. This essay will explore how these themes persist in contemporary society by connecting them to primary and secondary sources studied in class (Wollstonecraft 1). Additionally, it will provide a detailed analysis of a recent news article, published within the last six months, illustrating the ongoing relevance of historical events and ideas (“Brexit Fallout: UK-EU Relations Strained by Trade Disputes”). Through this examination, we will gain a deeper understanding of how the legacy of the past continues to affect our world today.
The Perpetuation of Racism
Racism is an enduring issue that continues to plague societies worldwide (Kipling 1). The works of Rudyard Kipling, such as “The White Man’s Burden,” provide insight into the imperialist mindset of the past, justifying Western colonization as a moral duty (Kipling 1). Today, the echoes of this mindset are heard in debates surrounding immigration policies and racial tensions in various nations.
Additionally, the seminal work of Mary Wollstonecraft, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” highlights the historical struggle for gender equality (Wollstonecraft 1). While progress has been made, gender discrimination remains a global issue, with women facing disparities in wages, representation, and access to education and healthcare. The persistence of gender inequality is evident in the ongoing global movements for women’s rights.
Nationalism and the European Union
Nationalism, a powerful force in the 19th and 20th centuries, continues to influence contemporary politics. The tensions within the European Union (EU) are a prime example of this. Primary sources like the Treaty of Rome (1957) underscore the initial vision of European integration aimed at preventing future conflicts. However, recent events, such as Brexit and the rise of nationalist movements in EU member states, reflect the enduring struggle between national sovereignty and supranational cooperation (Treaty of Rome 1957).
Imperial Expansion and Decolonization
Imperial expansion and decolonization remain central to understanding contemporary international relations. The works of Frantz Fanon, particularly “The Wretched of the Earth,” shed light on the psychological and social consequences of colonialism (Fanon). Today, conflicts and post-colonial challenges persist in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, where borders and ethnic tensions were often shaped by colonial powers (Fanon).
Connecting to Current News: The Ongoing Impact of Brexit
In recent years, few events have had as significant and far-reaching consequences as the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” This monumental decision, which took place in 2016 and was finalized in 2020, continues to have profound implications for both the UK and the EU. To understand the enduring legacy of Western civilization in contemporary global issues, it is imperative to delve deeper into the Brexit fallout and its connections to historical themes discussed in our course. This section will explore the ongoing impact of Brexit on UK-EU relations, trade disputes, and the broader implications for global governance.
Brexit and the Strained UK-EU Relations
The decision to leave the European Union was a manifestation of the tension between national sovereignty and supranational cooperation, a theme we explored through primary sources like the Treaty of Rome (1957). While the Treaty of Rome aimed to foster European integration and prevent future conflicts, Brexit represents a significant departure from that vision. The strained relations between the UK and the EU in the aftermath of Brexit are a testament to the enduring relevance of this tension (Treaty of Rome 1957).
Since Brexit, negotiations and discussions between the UK and the EU have been marked by challenges and disagreements. These issues are reminiscent of the nationalist sentiments that fueled the Brexit campaign and the broader resurgence of nationalism across Europe. As Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden” highlighted the imperialist mindset of the past, Brexit underscores the persistence of nationalist ideologies that prioritize national interests over international cooperation (Kipling 1).
Trade Disputes and Complexities
One of the most contentious aspects of Brexit has been trade relations between the UK and the EU. The ongoing trade disputes and negotiations between the two entities have been a focal point of international attention (“Brexit Fallout: UK-EU Relations Strained by Trade Disputes”). These disputes resonate with the complexities of disentangling from a supranational organization, a theme we studied in relation to the EU’s history.
Trade disputes, tariffs, and regulatory misalignments have disrupted commerce and supply chains, affecting businesses and consumers on both sides of the English Channel. Such economic turmoil reflects the profound impact of Brexit on the UK’s economy and its trading partners. It is a reminder that decisions made in the realm of politics and diplomacy have tangible consequences for the everyday lives of individuals, echoing the historical implications of imperial expansion and decolonization (Fanon).
Global Implications for Governance
Brexit also has broader implications for global governance. The EU, as a supranational entity, represented a unique experiment in regional integration aimed at maintaining peace and cooperation among its member states. The UK’s withdrawal from the EU challenges this model and raises questions about the future of international organizations and alliances.
In the wake of Brexit, other nations have closely observed the repercussions of such a momentous decision. This global interest emphasizes the enduring relevance of nationalism and sovereignty in international relations, themes we have examined throughout our course. Nations grappling with their own relationships with supranational entities, such as the United Nations or regional organizations, must consider the lessons and challenges posed by Brexit.
The ongoing impact of Brexit serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Western civilization in contemporary global issues. It highlights the tensions between nationalism and supranational cooperation, economic complexities, and the broader implications for global governance. Our exploration of primary and secondary sources in this course has provided the historical context necessary to understand the profound and lasting consequences of events like Brexit. As our world continues to evolve, these lessons from the past remain critical for navigating the challenges of the present and future.
Conclusion
The legacy of Western civilization continues to exert a profound influence on contemporary global events and issues (Kipling; Wollstonecraft; Treaty of Rome 1957; Fanon; “Brexit Fallout: UK-EU Relations Strained by Trade Disputes”). From the persistence of racism and gender inequality to the challenges faced by the European Union and the ongoing consequences of imperial expansion and decolonization, our course materials provide valuable insights into understanding the world today. By connecting historical themes and primary sources to current news, we gain a deeper appreciation of how the past shapes our present and future.
Works Cited
Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth.
Kipling, Rudyard. “The White Man’s Burden.” Fordham University.
Treaty of Rome. 1957.
“Brexit Fallout: UK-EU Relations Strained by Trade Disputes.” BBC, March 2023.
Wollstonecraft, Mary. “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.” Hanover College.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does the legacy of Western civilization, as discussed in the essay, relate to contemporary international events and issues?
- Answer: The legacy of Western civilization is intricately connected to contemporary international events and issues. The essay highlights this relationship by examining themes such as racism, gender inequality, nationalism, and the consequences of imperial expansion and decolonization. These historical themes persist in today’s world, influencing global debates and conflicts.
2. Can you provide examples of how themes like racism and gender inequality persist in today’s world?
- Answer: Certainly. Racism is still a pervasive issue globally, evident in debates over immigration policies and racial tensions. Gender inequality continues to exist, with disparities in wages, representation, and access to education and healthcare. Movements for women’s rights worldwide illustrate the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
3. What primary sources from the course are used to support the argument in the essay?
- Answer: The essay draws on primary sources such as Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden,” Mary Wollstonecraft’s “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” the Treaty of Rome (1957), and Frantz Fanon’s “The Wretched of the Earth” to provide historical context and support its arguments.
4. How does the tension between nationalism and supranational cooperation manifest in the European Union’s current challenges?
- Answer: The tension between nationalism and supranational cooperation is evident in the challenges facing the European Union (EU), as seen in events like Brexit. Brexit represents a departure from the EU’s initial vision of integration, reflecting nationalist sentiments. The ongoing debates and negotiations surrounding Brexit illustrate this tension.
5. Could you elaborate on the relevance of imperial expansion and decolonization in today’s global conflicts and post-colonial issues?
- Answer: Imperial expansion and decolonization continue to influence contemporary global conflicts. Post-colonial challenges, often marked by ethnic tensions and border disputes, persist in regions like the Middle East and Africa. These conflicts reflect the historical legacies of imperial expansion and the struggles of decolonized nations to establish stable governance.
