Apr
27
History Symposium: Gender Roles
By astill on April 27, 2009 Leave a Comment
The presentations of this section dealt with gender roles throughout American History. The first speaker had researched the women involved in the life of William Byrd II, a Virginia politician during the 18th Century. The speaker demonstrated how these women, although suppressed by their circumstances, were able to stand up against Byrd’s will. She gave good examples of the dynamics of Byrd’s relationship with his wives, but there did not seem to be sufficient evidence regarding the other women’s significance to Byrd’s demise. It also seems insufficient to suggest that Byrd’s frustrations with his failure as a strong patriarchal figure were what lead to his political shortcomings.
The second speaker talked about the Daughters of the American Revolution, and how they were an example of patriotic feminism. She argued that this group was an example of feminism, much unlike their progressive counterpart, because they used their influence and power as women to uplift men instead of uplifting themselves. I think that her argument was well-founded, and provided a less liberal take on the feminist movement, which is not often found.
The last speaker, presented her thesis on how Disney films have re-invented the gender roles of classic fairy tales to fit their own ideals about a woman’s role and the definition of femininity. Although somewhat interesting, the topic seemed almost too obvious, and has been researched to great length; I feel like the speaker did not add anything to the literature on the subject. However, I do believe it would be important to discuss the role Disney has played throughout American history by perhaps looking into the actual effects it has had on the youths that grew up watching their many hits–perhaps through journals, public opinion polls, etc. This sort of research would provide more meaningful evidence that could better convince the audience of Disney’s impact, rather than relying on supposed common knowledge.
Mar
22
Paper Update
By astill on March 22, 2009 Leave a Comment
My research so far focuses on the initial foundation of the White Rose and the reasons behind it. I am looking into this through the lens of Hans Scholl’s call to resistance. Initially a member of the Hitler youth, Scholl underwent a transformation that changed his view of the Nazi Party and caused him and other students to form the resistanc group. So far, it’s been hard to determine Scholl’s true motivations for resisting the Nazis, since many of my sources are highly biased in favor of his character and so-called selflessness.
My hypothesis is consistent with my original proposal– that certain events caused him to defy Hitler and begin campaigning against him. My research so far has verified that things such as his involvement in an illegal youth group and his witnessing of treatment toward the Jews caused him to break from the Nazi Party. I have not yet decided whether his confrontation with the cadre leader was significant enough to make him rebel. My question: what is the cause of resistance? I hope that I will get more insight as I continue reading.
Jan
23
I am studying how the White Rose stood up in opposition to Hitler’s Nazi regime and how their actions affected German youth. I intend to prove that the White Rose sparked feelings of hope and excitement as German youth began to question their prior dedication to Hitler and his indoctrinations. It’s important to understand that not all of Germany was under Hitler’s spell, and there were those who faced great peril to fight for their freedom. Some unanswered questions are: What events led up to Hans Scholl’s transition towards opposition? Were there any other demonstrations of resistance aside from the distribution of leaflets? How did they distribute the leaflets without being caught?
My research so far has provided a number of primary and secondary sources. I think the most notable primary sources are the translated leaflets of the White Rose. These leaflets served as the main venue for their resistance and represent the core of their beliefs. I have also come across newspaper articles, a radio broadcast transcript, transcripts on the indictment and sentencing of members, the personal diaries and letters of Hans and Sophie Scholl—two main members of the group, and the memoirs of Inge Scholl, Hans’ and Sophie’s sister, recounting her knowledge of the group and its activities. Another great source is the essay of a surviving member of the White Rose, George J. Wittenstein. I am still trying to locate the interrogation records, which I feel would be very useful for to my research.
I have found four journal articles and five books on my topic. One book, Sophie Scholl & The White Rose, by Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn, was written by two German authors who reconstructed the story of Sophie Scholl, a main member of the group. The book contains many important primary sources and had an extensively helpful bibliography. I have also come across the book Shattering the German Night, also written by Annette Dumbach, yet this book is an account of the group as a whole, instead of a focus on one member. A journal article I found, The White Rose and the Definition of Resistance, argues the importance of Hans and Sophie Scholl in German history. This source could be helpful in determining the effects the group had on the German people. This research description is incomplete, but I hope it gives you some idea of the sources I have found thus far.
Jan
15
The White Rose: Description of Topic
By astill on January 15, 2009 2 Comments
I will be researching the activities of a Nazi resistance group, The White Rose, in order to understand how their leaflets describing the evils of Nazism affected students and professors at the University of Munich during WWII. I intend to prove that the group inspired students and professors to question their prior faith in the Nazi regime and to turn toward political activism to ensure a brighter future for Germany.
Through my research, I hope to answer some questions concerning the nature of the group and its effects on the students and professors at the University. Such questions include: What inspired them to unite in defiance of Hitler’s Germany? Were they motivated by religion, politics, philosophy, or guilt? How many members were involved with this group? How did they write and distribute their leaflets without being caught? When were they caught? Were the leaflets their only venue? In discovering the answers to these questions I hope to help others realize that although an overwhelming number of Germans were convinced by Nazi indoctrination, there were those that stood up to the evils of the Nazi agenda, risking their lives to spread truth throughout Germany.
