Modern America vs. Ancient Rome

by bigpapaj

I think it is very fair to compare the great empire of Rome to today’s nation of America. There are a lot of similarities between the two, both internally and pertaining to foreign affairs. Rome had a profoundly dominant military that would spread their borders from all around the known world. They were very clever with their treaties and used as many other countries to their benefit as possible. The United States has also created numerous amounts of treaties and currently have the strongest military in the world. America sending troops into Afghanistan and Iraq and spreading their influence to destroy terrorism is the same thing as the Roman conquest of Spain or Greece. Rome built straight roads that could help them with trade and commerce. America has built highway that aid in speedy travel and modern day trade. Rome had viceroys in different provinces keeping track of the on-goings in other countries. America has embassies and military bases established in a hundred other countries. Both empires had international trading along with a currency specific to them. From 1 to 250 AD Rome had a “Pax Romana” meaning a moment of peace in their country. Starting in 1995 America has been in a “Pax Americana.” There are too many similarities between the two great nations to say they are not a slightly cloned version of each other. The future of America is not doomed for America has only been around for 240 years while the Roman empire lasted for 507 years. All empires must come to an end at some point, but given the modern tendencies, America will not be wiped from the face of the earth like Rome, we will merely be just another country, just not as powerful.

Presidential Leadership In War

by bigpapaj

When a nation is struck by an overwhelming disaster there needs to be that single powerful voice that lifts the country back up. Throughout the sands of time, history has repeated itself, with courageous leaders stepping up to the task of creating a remarkable speech that would return the spirit into the hearts of fearful citizens of their respected nation. In Pericles’ “Funeral Oration” he recognizes the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and implores the people still living to not say but simply do. He draws a comparison between action and words while at the same time challenging the people to make a better life for the country as a whole. Similar to Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” he honors the fallen soldiers and begs people to continue the fight these soldiers have started. Like Pericles, Lincoln adds a religious component in which dedication and faith solidify his point on honoring the lost soldiers. FDR, in his speech after Pearl Harbor, make the Japanese seem like the bad guys and America seem as if God were on our side and going against us would then deem the enemy the ultimate evil. All three leaders add a religious component, inspire people to continue the fight, and honor the fallen soldiers.

Freedom and Conflict

by bigpapaj

Even though the second Persian War happened in 480 BC, which is nearly two millenniums ago, there are still many common themes in the struggle for freedom. The Greeks faced off against a Persian army that outnumbered them 50 to 1. The Persian’s main goal was to eradicate the Greek’s way of life and thrust them into slavery if need be. “First they (the Greeks) will never accept conditions from you (Xerxes) that bring upon slavery to Hellas…they (the Greeks) will fight you whether they have an army of a thousand men, or more than that, or less.” (pg. 60-61) The Greeks had to fight off this existential threat in order to preserve their culture and let democracy and freedom reign. They weren’t going to back down anybody especially a nation that was trying to bring upon the end of freedom in their native lands. This war was a classic battle of eastern values vs western values. This is where geopolitics comes into play. Most wars that have occurred over the years have had similar implications. This is comparable to the “War on Terror” between the United States and the Middle East. Iraq posed a threat to democracy and freedom in the eyes of many Americans. After the bombings of 9/11 George Bush knew something had to be done. “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.” (pg. 223)  This statement by Bush is main reason for the invading of Iraq. It is to uphold democracy and the culture of the United States against a rising threat in the Middle East.

Freedom and Conflict

by bigpapaj

Even though the second Persian War happened in 480 BC, which is nearly two millenniums ago, there are still many common themes in the struggle for freedom. The Greeks faced off against a Persian army that outnumbered them 50 to 1. The Persian’s main goal was to eradicate the Greek’s way of life and thrust them into slavery if need be. “First they (the Greeks) will never accept conditions from you (Xerxes) that bring upon slavery to Hellas…they (the Greeks) will fight you whether they have an army of a thousand men, or more than that, or less.” (pg. 60-61) The Greeks had to fight off this existential threat in order to preserve their culture and let democracy and freedom reign. They weren’t going to back down anybody especially a nation that was trying to bring upon the end of freedom in their native lands. This war was a classic battle of eastern values vs western values. This is where geopolitics comes into play. Most wars that have occurred over the years have had similar implications. This is comparable to the “War on Terror” between the United States and the Middle East. Iraq posed a threat to democracy and freedom in the eyes of many Americans. After the bombings of 9/11 George Bush knew something had to be done. “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.” (pg. 223)  This statement by Bush is main reason for the invading of Iraq. It is to uphold democracy and the culture of the United States against a rising threat in the Middle East.

Honor/Shame Pertaining to War

by bigpapaj

In Tim O’Brien’s “On the Rainy River,” the main character, Tim, is faced with a life changing/very impactful decision to make. He has just received his draft card in the mail and has a reaction that is very emotional. He is outraged at the notion that he and not someone of a lower class might go to war and at the same time he is in a state of denial. Plain and simple Tim does not want to go to war. In an act that many might consider shameful and dishonorable Tim heads up north to Canada to evade the Vietnam War. When he is close to the border reality sets in. He decides to turn back and join the army. Although he makes this decision, it wasn’t made on his own. The idea of people shaming or putting down his reputation makes him turn back. To Tim, running away from the war and sticking up for what he believes in is the more courageous and honorable act. One who does things out the fear of being ridiculed by his or her peers is not an honorable or courageous person. So on the surface a spectator might think that Tim is being brave by joining the war cause. But on the inside it is clear that it takes true bravery to do what one thinks is right. Similar with Hector, he is faced with a life or death scenario. He knows that if he fights Achilles it will most likely end up in his demise. But he has to regardless because of his reputation and the position he holds within his kingdom. He is the prince of Troy, the son of the king, and he has to live up to certain expectations no matter the outcome. Hector is brave and honorable in the sense that he follows through with his duties as a prince and warrior.

Experience of Battle

by bigpapaj

In Homer’s “Iliad,” Ernst Junger’s “Storm of Steel,” and Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan,” war is depicted in fairly similar ways. In the “Iliad” the descriptions of Achilles’ rampage are very fact paced and gets the readers heart pumping a little bit. The descriptions are also extremely detailed and zone in on the body parts in which Achilles runs through with his sword and spear. This scene is depicted as being gory, bloody, and merciless. In “Storm of Steel” war is compared with many metaphors and similes. Junger calls the attacking enemy troops “ghost dancing in the distance” and makes war almost seem like a dream. He describes war like it is a sensory overload. These descriptions include: people dying left and right, it’s foggy, each and every soldier is confused. In “Saving Private Ryan” it is very clear just how brutal and devastating war can be. The opening battle scene focuses on one man as if almost the viewer becomes that single soldier. The viewer then witnesses and horror of war. People’s limps are everywhere, guts are falling out of bodies, everyone is very disorganized, people are praying to God for protection, long story short it is just chaotic. Some of the events that take place in the opening battle of the storming of Normandy beach just do not seem realistic even though veteran World War Two soldiers say that this is the most accurate depiction of what really happened. All three of these works make war out to be an out of this world experience (in a  bad way) and extremely chaotic.

Leadership

by bigpapaj

In Homer’s epic poem the “Iliad,” Sassoon’s “Base Details,” and Stanley Kubrick’s “Paths of Glory” the viewer is presented with a contrasting utilization of leadership. On one hand, there is a good leader, one that most people can identify with or admire for his or her actions. On the other, there is a very distasteful and egregious leader who is hated very much by his or her own subordinates or followers for their brutal misuse of their position of power. Achilles is an extremely experienced and skillful warrior who, because of his actions on the battlefield, has to love and respect of his followers. It is what he does with this power that makes him a great leader. His people love him and he loves his people. Agamemnon, vice versa, is a powerful man who uses his blessings for the benefit of himself. He is greedy, blind, and a coward. When his people are dying from a plague caused by him he does not do anything to stop it. It is Achilles who jumps in to save his people. In Sassoon’s poem it is very apparent that the men on the front lines of battle do not think so kindly of their safe and happy superiors. Similar to “Paths of Glory” how Mireau is a very hated commander of his men and a coward who will not even go on the front lines of battle to fight alongside his men. It is up to Dax to be a hero and stand up for his men even though he is of a lower ranking.