America the New Rome

by bigdaddy0123

To compare America as the new Rome, one must take into consideration the thousands of years separating these two empires. There are countless similarities that enable us to conclude America is the modern day Rome. But yet, due to the vast differences in society with thousands of years apart, there are numerous differences between America and Rome. The most notable similarity comes from military prowess; both empires are the most dominant and influential military power of their time. They are both masters at making alliances, using the influence of their power to convince nations to make alliances, ensuring backup for the nation and some sort of strategic advantage for America or Rome. As well, America has copied many aspects of Roman society, such as citizenship, the idea of cognomen, religious tolerance, and aspects of government most notably the likeness of their consul and our congress, and much more. Another huge similarity comes on a much larger scale, simply the overall influence of each empire. Still today there are aspects of Roman Civilization all over the world, as well all over the globe it is easy to find aspects of American culture and influence. These two were and are the nations that everyone looks to, a great example is the extreme interest other nations take in the election, all over the world citizens are more tuned in than many Americans. Since the great time between the reigns of these two empires, obviously come many differences. The United States is not savagely conquering nations and trying to expand our nation geographically. Another difference, the United States is not declining and will not collapse soon like Rome. It was a much different time period and many factors contributed to Rome’s collapse. Although America is the new Rome, we will not collapse anytime soon, internal decline and outside factors lead to the collapse of Rome, but yet there is not the same internal decline as in Rome. Their political system and social systems began to fail while they had simultaneously stretched their empire too large where they couldn’t control. In closing, America is the new Rome of our generation with countless similarities but due to the different times of reign, there are some obvious differences.

Leadership During Times of War

by bigdaddy0123

A Greek orator during the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides gave an ageless speech that provided a template for political leaders during times of war. Thucydides made sure to pay respect to the living and dead who struggled during the war. He honored them while staying focused on his main goal, which was reigniting, the war effort vs. Sparta. He outlined to the citizens, the greatness of Athens, reminding them it was worth it to fight because there is no other place like Athens. Also Thucydides brings himself down to the level of the citizens, making a connection with them, which helps make his speech more powerful. By honoring the dead and trying to renew the war effort, Thucydides created a template that political leaders have used and continue to use. One example can be seen in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address; Lincoln speaks upon many of the same values and ideas as Thucydides. He addresses the greatness of America and our ancestors, illustrating these men died for something special which we must keep alive by dedicating ourselves to the war. A very clear similarity between the two speeches can be seen by juxtaposing these two quotes, “So died these men as became Athenians. You, their survivors, must determine to have as unfaltering a resolution in the field. “(81). Compared to this quote by Lincoln,”- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” (150). Both Thucydides and Lincoln, address the dead and their sacrifice made, but then use their sacrifice to call for more dedication towards a war effort. Another key similarity between Thucydides, Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, in his speech after Pearl Harbor, all three of these men bring religion in some way, essentially assuring the public God is on their side. In closing, Thucydides gave a phenomenal wartime speech, that had an everlasting impact on anyone writing these types of speeches, like Abe Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt

Defending Democracy

by bigdaddy0123

Since the beginning of time countries and empires have been battling over the same ideas we still fight to this very day, “freedom”. The similarities between wars in 300 BC and 2016 are striking. The geopolitical reasons for battle are the same today as they were thousands of years ago. We can see this by juxtaposing the war between Persian Empire and King Xerxes against the Greeks, to the United States and our “war on terror”. Although in the United States we match up with many of the same ideals as the Persians: worldwide empire, wealth, tolerance, multicultural, and many more. But we as Americans like to align ourselves with the Greeks, fighting for democracy and our own idea of “freedom”. Both the Greeks and the United States, in Bush’s words, are fighting to defend a way of life, democracy and freedom. In a speech President Bush uses the fight for freedom to justify the United States involvement in the Middle East, “We believe in the values that uphold the dignity of life: tolerance and freedom and the right of conscience. And we know that this way of life is worth defending.” (223) In a few powerful sentences, Bush sums up why the U.S is fighting in the Middle East, to defend our way of life. Very similarly, the Greeks are fighting to defend their way of life from being eradicated by the Persians, Herodotus explains to Xerxes the drive to fight and the courage of the Spartans, “First, they will never accept the conditions from you that bring slavery upon Hellas; and second, they will meet you in battle even if all other Greeks are on your side. “ (102.2) Herodotus shows here that the Greeks fight to avoid slavery and defending their values, comparing here Herodotus illustrates the similarities between two wars thousands of years apart. It is important to study the geopolitics of Herodotus because the issues he presents are still relevant today, the Greeks fight to defend democracy and freedom can be seen in modern times with the likes of the United States and others.

Role of Honor/Shame Culture

by bigdaddy0123

In “On the Rainy River,” a short story by Tim O’Brien he depicts a young mans struggle on whether to fight in Vietnam. O’Brien ends the story with a very powerful line, “I was a coward. I went to war.” (197) There is great irony in this line, the general conceives going to war as courageous and manly thing to do, yet here O’Brien calls himself a coward for not standing up in his beliefs and going to war. In reality, he had no choice, like all the other men who were drafted to serve or have been called into duty. The shame of not going to war would be far too great on the practical level he would be arrested for draft evasion. As well, the scrutiny from his peers and loved ones would be tremendous, with hundreds of thousands of men going to serve their country it is extremely difficult to be part of the minority who refuse. The fear of shame and what others might say motivating peoples decisions still exists today, for example even at Brunswick when they read out who has detention to the whole school, it is aimed towards embarrassing those who receive detention in order to deter them from mistakes. The Honor Roll and Headmaster’s list are posted for the whole school to see, as a way of honoring those who work hard and achieve success in the classroom. The Honor and Shame culture can even be traced back thousands of years to the Trojan War, when Hector chose to fight a hopeless battle against Achilles. Like Tim O’Brien and the Vietnam War, Hector was left no choice, he must honor his family and city by stepping to fight All the citizens of Troy would consider him a coward if not therefore losing respect in him. It is interesting to see how throughout time individual’s decisions are influenced by not wanting to feel shame, fearing the thoughts and the set standards of society.

Battle Scenes

by bigdaddy0123

Throughout literature authors use various tools and writing styles to depict battle scenes. Their main goal is to make the readers feel as if they are right there in the battle using sensory overload. By mentioning items of sound, smell, touch, sight, and taste, it enhances the reader’s imagery of the scene. Another common theme used in battle scenes is references to nature, authors making comparisons from the battle to something in nature. For example in the Illiad, during a battle scene where Achilles kills ten people, “Their dying groans rose hideous as the sword smote them, and the river ran red with blood.” (21-22) By including the river “running red” it enables the reader to really put a clear picture in their head. Even including another common element in battle scenes color imagery, the color red paints a very clear picture. More nature similes from homer come earlier in the passage, “As a fire raging in some mountain…. of fire in every direction” (490-493). Homers comparisons greatly enhance the imagery. Ernest Junger in Storm of Steel, thousands of years later uses similar techniques as Homer, “The immense desire to… a red mist in our brains.” (21-22). Junger like Homer implements comparisons to nature as well as color elements, proving that such techniques are still successful years later. These are just a few examples of how writers try and put the readers inside the battle and create a electric battle scene.

Toxic Leadership

by bigdaddy0123

Throughout history there have been many examples of successful military leadership as well as countless examples of toxic leadership. Soldiers look up to their superior commanders to be courageous and fair leaders. Bad leadership can spark many problems inside a smaller military unit or an entire army. This problem has been occurring for thousands of years, dating back to the Trojan War. After nine long years of war, Achilles calls an assembly and calls out Agamemnon the leader of the Achaens. During this speech Achilles attacks his man hood, calling him a bad leader and many other insults. For example Achilles says, “King who devours his people!” (231) Although Achilles actions can be questioned, there is no doubt Agamemnon is a bad leader. Similarly General Moreau in the film “Paths of Glory” embodies many of the same characteristics as Agamemnon. They are both extremely selfish; they treat their men as pawns, essentially casting their lives to be meaningless. The two men are perfect examples of the opposite characteristics you want in a leader. Both Moreau and Agamemnon are depicted as greedy, lack of courage, while taking advantage of their men. In “Base Details”, Siegfried Sassoon, a former soldier, sums up the ideals of a poor leader. He makes many of the same claims that soldiers attack Moreau and Agamemnon with. In his poem he states, “You’d see me with my puffy petulant face, Guzzling and gulping in the best hotel,” (4-5) Sasoon is discussing how the leaders stay back, do not fight, and enjoy great amenities much like the commanders talked above. Another characteristic Sassoon highlights is the carelessness with which these men discuss the death of their men, “Reading the Roll of Honour. ‘Poor young chap’ “. Agemmnon and Moreau provide great examples of how not to be good leaders, all of which Sassoon brilliantly put into a poem.