Documentary Review
King Leopold’s Ghost is documentary
produced by Pippa Scott to present a narration of the Belgian King Leopold II
and his abuse of power in the African colony. The African colony was named as
the Congo Free State at that time (Scott, 2006). The documentary shows a wild
and unpleasant narration of a man’s ability for peculiar and evil demonstration
of it. In presentation of the story, King Leopold committed worse actions by
importing rubber and ivory leading to a controversy across the globe (Scott,
2006). However, Leopold wants a colony to offer his position some power. On
that note, Leopold felt that possessing more than just his minor nation would
somehow make him an authorized king.
Since the king noticed that the globe is
flying by him very fast with new technological advancement and developments,
Leopold just want to gain his piece (Scott, 2006). The feeling gets squeezed
out by the rising power of the French, British, and Germany empires. Regardless
of these powers, King Leopold uses lies and political influence to attain
anything he wants. The king could have everyone deceived that he is charitable
and he was in Congo for the better but that was not the real scenario. Instead,
the king claims that civilizing Congo would keep out slave traders from the
Arabs. However, such a claim was to help Leopold gain support of people for him
to gain something else.
An
aristocrat named Edmund Dene Morel gets sent to Belgium from his business in
Congo to watch the unloaded ships (Scott, 2006). Morel is capable of noticing
many things that others failed to see. As Morel investigates, he noticed that
hardly any trade was being substituted for the rubber and ivory from the Congo.
After that, Morel makes a conclusion that it had to be definitely some types of
slave labor. As Morel begins to examine, he realizes his inference is well
established and correct (Scott, 2006). After Morel carry on looking into the
arising matters, he discovers that King Leopold possesses more power over Congo
Free State than he initially believed (Scott, 2006). Thus, Morel starts to see
for himself what was going on in the Congo and begins to inform other officials
by writing many essays regarding the existing events. Morel plans to make the
world aware of events going on through the essays. However, Morel is attacked
immediately from the Royal Palace.
When morel begins his writing, he starts
gaining a lot of attention. Morel then sends a person named Casement in the
Congo to examine Morel statements (Scott, 2006). Casement finds out that
Morel’s statements are true making them to form an association called the
“Congo Reform”. The association starts to exert relentless and growing pressure
since Morel and Casement became two powerful advocates who understand the
scenario. Morel continues to make
efforts to ruin Leopold. Casement ends up being executed in the London
arms. The works of Morel make the
Belgian government to reform some of the formed policies in Congo (Scott, 2006).
As time moves, the international public turns against Leopold and his practices
in Congo. The attacks make Leopold to
give Congo to the Belgian government. After that, Leopold dies making people in
Congo gain hope for change (Scott, 2006). However, Instead of the Belgian
government to create change, little actually reforms in the manner Congo are
ruled. Slavery and forced labor starts ending when ivory gets diminished.
However, rubber farming takes over with rubber harvesting as the most cost
effective approach.
The documentary is well narrated and could
make any viewer understand the story. The story provides a good summary of King
Leopold’s revolutions and leadership that seems to be wicked. I recommend the
documentary for any audience who might wish to understand some of the colonial
rule stories in Africa. The reason is because the events happened in Congo is
what occurred in almost every part of Africa.
Writing
Assignment 1
Revolution is a situation where
organized and conscious movements contradict about the larger societal
structure and historical situation. In some cases, revolution involves a
situation where social classes or societal orders conflict with an existing
regime. Mostly, a social order or class may perceive that the existing regime
does not provide sufficient governance. Hence, social class protest to demand
better governance. According to Skocpol and Trimberger (1986), a revolutionary
condition happens when a prevailing form of production extents to the limits of
its inconsistencies. The decisive inconsistencies act as economic
contradictions established between the social relations and communal forces of
production (Torres, 2010). Consequently, intensified class conflicts are
created among the existing dominant groups and the rising revolutionary team.
According to Skocpol and Trimberger (1986), it means that revolution is produced
within people or the society when disagreements over certain resources arise. Accordingly,
understanding revolution should combine a concern for the power of the state
with an emphasis on a broad scale social connection that may limit or reinforce
the power of an authority. Further, the focus should not be based on the
limitation of state’s power but also on the relationship between governments
and elite groups, landlords and peasants, and within states competing in the
global arena.
Some people influence
revolutions through songs. An example is the revolution by the Beetles. The song talks about the need to promote
peace in a political approach. In connection to revolution, the song demands
peace and tries to guide political events to strategize on how to avoid harmful
practices (Torres, 2010). The Beetles aim at proving how
harmony could be promoted without violence or war. In stanza two, the Beetles claim to be
counted out when people involve in destructions. To the Beetles, harmful
practices are not their actions but could still drive positive changes. According
to the Beetles, change could be brought without causing destructions. The
Beetles also speak about the needed change throughout their songs. Such changes
involve promotion of peace, harmony, avoidance of wars and negative
consequences, and thinking positively before making decisions. Further, the Beetles try to explain that there
are proper ways of creating change and there is no need of using harmful ways.
In an example, the last stanza claims that carrying pictures of leaders in demonstrations
could not help in achieving anything. Instead, people could still strategize
and make everything right. Further, in stanza five, the Beetles claim than it
is useful for people to free their minds when making decisions such as changing
the constitution. On that note, it means that some people fail to make good use
of their minds leading to formation of poor decisions.
The message of the Beetles
concurs with the theories on revolution. The Beetles held that there is need
for positive changes that happens without destructions. In a similar way, as
the Beetles oppose destructions in revolution, Skocpol and Trimberger
(1986) also claim that revolution should result to situations that are suitable
for economic developments. Marx also held that revolution should enable change
of states to a structure that is more centralized and bureaucratic. Other than
having a common goal, the Beetles also try to pass information that
revolutionaries could have passed using their own strategies.
Revolution begins when the
organized and conscious movements challenge each other or an existing authority
and end after one part has achieved the target. According to Skocpol &
Trimberger (1986), revolution starts when there is a contradiction in the
larger societal structure and historical situation. The contradiction lead to
disagreements that make some people demand for what they feel or think is
right. Revolution could also begin when there are disagreements between people
belonging to different social orders or class conflicts. Specifically,
revolution starts when one group feels dominated and undermined by the other.
In an example provided by Skocpol & Trimberger (1986), peasants may
struggle in attaining their needs making them to rise against dominant landed
classes or colonial regimes. Such
contradictions and disagreements trigger revolution where one party target to
achieve success in what they claim to be their rights. Revolutions end by
marking transitions from one mode of production to another. Accordingly, the
resultant transitions transform the relations between social classes leading to
situations that are suitable for more economic development. Additionally, Skocpol
& Trimberger (1986) claimed that revolution end by changing state
structures and class relations production and surplus adoption.
Writing Assignment#2
Mao Zedong described a
case for the extensive use of an irregular type of conflict where a minor group
of soldiers use mobile military strategies such as raids and ambushes to fight larger
and less movable armed official forces (Mao, 1939). According to Mao (1939),
Guerrilla Warfare involves a powerful special weapon that the Chinese used to counterattack
the Japanese and without which they could not defeat them. Regarding the
Guerrilla Warfare in history, Mao considered a bevy of wars from various
continents to support his argument that guerrilla warfare is essential to
dismiss more powerful and possible defeaters (1939). Further, guerrilla warfare
is associated with many political problems. According to Mao (1939), there are
indisputable political features of guerrilla warfare and any rivalry in general
that makes the battle to be considered as problematic. In reality, guerrilla
warfare uses military action as a strategy to attain political goals. While
political affairs and military actions are not matching, it is difficult to
separate one from the other. In the Chinese case, Mao noted that guerrilla
soldiers must be committed and self-disciplined to the revolutionary cause to
avoid failures (1939). Without commitment, revolution could easily become
ineffective.
Continuous
revolution theory is the essential element of the thought of Mao. The
philosopher founded the theory on thoughts concerning the nature of
contradictions. Contradictions within society, between reactionary, and
revolutionary elements could be anticipated to last for a long period, it is
important to work endlessly toward the progressive contentment of the radical
program. According to Mao (1937), contradiction is essential than everything
especially when it does not yield reactionary forces. Thus, Mao, in his
continuous revolutionary theory try to put emphasize on the fundamental
understanding of the nature of contradiction (Mao, 1939). In specific, Mao
suggested that a revolution could not be over since contradictions would remain
growing, such that it becomes important to always resolve the evolving
conflicts in favour of the radical program while counterattacking the
possibility of slipping back into reaction (Mao, 1939). Therefore, continuous
revolution theory rejects any idea of insurgency that is once and for all,
because it is difficult to eliminate contradiction element from the fabric of the
environment. Mao’s insight on contradiction is entirely dialectical making it
closer to the Marx’s original thought as indicated in typical works such as the
Communist Manifesto (Mao, 1939).
Communist
advocates for changes that they need. Accordingly, the communist fights to
transform their countries of residence into their own colony or semi-colony. Considering
the case of China, imperialism and feudalism had formed the chief enemies of
the Chinese and the communist revolutions. The imperialism and feudalism were
carried out by the imperialist countries and the landlord class of China (Mao,
1939). Thus, the communist noted that the two, imperialism and feudalism are
major oppressors and obstacles to their progress. Therefore, the communist
worked to eliminate the obstacles that hinder their economic progress.
Politically, the communist made every effort to eliminate dictatorship,
reactionaries, traitors, and opposes the conversion of Chinese society into a
community under bourgeois autocracy. In the economic perspectives, communist
aims at nationalizing of every big enterprises and capital of the traitors,
reactionaries, and imperialists. Additionally, the communist wanted the
nationalization of the distribution between the peasants of the land held by
landlords and preserve the private capitalism without removing the rich peasant
economy.
There are many
actors involving in the Chinese and Communist revolution. According to Mao,
Japan armed invasion of China is the chief enemy forming the main actor of the
revolution. Armed Japanese have participated in revolutionary struggles such as
the present War of Resistance against Japan and the Northern Expedition.
Further, a section represented by reactionary clique within the Kuomintaang
collaborated with imperialism to form a reactionary alliance with the landlord
class to betray friends that helped in the Communist party. These friends
include proletariat, peasantry, and other section of the bourgeoisie. In the
War of Resistance, some people in the big bourgeoisie and the landlord class
represented by Wang Ching-wei also turn to be traitors. Political participation
also forms part of the actors in the revolutions. Most governments including
the Japanese, Chinese, Chileans, and French administrations have widely
involved in revolution practices. All these members form significant actors in
the Chinese and Communist party revolution.
Revolutionaries
include people that participated in insurgency. Revolutionaries could also
involve a definitely organized society that acts by limiting its ideas of
civilization to the growth of abundant elements of success, and its notion of
justice focus on the equitable distribution among people. Accordingly,
revolutionaries have contributed to impacts on the societies through their
demand for proper governance. As noted in this discussion, revolution occurs to
create changes that favour further economic developments and citizens of a
particular country. Therefore, the fate of revolutionaries depends on the
success of the revolution. Once a revolution become successful, the advocates
may end up in power to lead other people. In some instances, revolutionaries
settle just like other citizens to enjoy the outcomes of the insurgencies. In
cases where revolution fails, the advocates may remain protesting to ensure a
continuous preservation of independence or work towards making the insurgency
successful. In an example, Cubans’ radicals still consider that they are in a
revolution to ensure protection of their independence. Some revolutionaries end
up being forgotten since the existing government ban people from talking about
them. In an example, it is not allowed to praise Vasconcelos in Mexico in the
current days (Vasconcelos, 1997). He noted that any
mention of his name and actions led to the recollection of his writings. The exaltation
of Catholicism was perceived as a personal offense by the intellectual elites
in Mexico. In some instances, the revolutionaries could be arrested and judged (Vasconcelos,
1997). Vasconcelos was judged as an indignant politician and as one of the most
negative attitudes of Mexico (Vasconcelos, 1997). In few words, successful
revolutionaries join other citizens to enjoy the outcomes of the revolution.
Others may end up in power to lead people after a revolution and some may
remain in a fight until they achieve their planned target.
Marx
established conflict theories of revolution. In his philosophy, Marx noted that
revolutions could not be consolidated until transformed or new coercive and
administrative organizations are securely established in the place of the old
system (Qureshi,2008). In other words, no consideration of revolutions would be
complete without achieving the planned target. Consequently, it makes sense to
emphasize that driver of revolutions such as political leaderships, military
cliques, and other actors play a central role in the insurgency process. In
cases where states are extractive administrations that are in a position of
deploying resources, they could produce possibilities for breakthroughs in both
economic and political classes. Such features are true for most revolutions
including the occurrences in Russia, Japan, and China. Skocpol & Trimberger
(1986) noted that the end of revolution could only be realized depending on the
world-historical and international economic constraints and opportunities that
are specific to every case.
Maoism is a
concept developed by Mao Tse Tung as a doctrine to capture state’s power
through amalgamation of armed insurgency, strategic alliance, and mass
mobilization (Mao, 1939). Maoism could also use disinformation and propaganda
against state organizations as other constituents of their revolution doctrine.
China involve in a potential unification
with others to gain the respect it had in the past.
Writing
Assignment #3
It is true to say that Mexico
and Chile had revolutions. In the clip, the
rise and fall of Mexican revolution, the insurgency begun in 1910 when the
liberals and intellectuals started to challenge the Porfirio Diaz’s regime. The
Mexicans are fed up with Diaz’s dictatorship, the president that has been in
power since 1877 (Reid-Pharr, 1999). The 34 years
of power made the Mexicans consider that the president is violating the ideals
and principles of the Mexican constitution. Accordingly, the revolution in Mexico
succeeded in ending dictatorship in the country and led to the establishment of
constitutional republic. Additionally, the article by Benjamin (2008) explains
that Mexican revolutions were numerous and diverse. Some Mexican revolutions
were immediate while others impossible to understand.
In the case of Chile, according
to the movie, The Battle of Chile, there
are signs of revolutions. First, as discussed by Skocpol & Trimberger (1986),
revolutions occur when there is a contradiction between the larger societal
structure and a historical situation. Therefore, in the case of Chile, Skocpol
& Trimberger (1986) description is portrayed by the documentary that shows
how Allende’s colossal socialist government goes against the old right wing of
Chile as well as the secret interests of the U.S and the CIA. The first part of
the documentary indicates that Chile’s population was cleaved by half and
several structures of power were confronted. Additionally, the international
doors were closed leading to magnification of internal pressure. The situation
seems as if Allende’s government was doomed from the beginning. The internal
pressure made Chileans to fight against their own. Qureshi (2008) noted that
Allende was a person of poor political judgment and lacked sufficient skills
concerning economic matters. With Chile so divided, Allende continues to fight
with his life to advocate a Marxist model of government. Additionally, Winn
(1988) noted how the workers of the Yarur cotton mill seized their factory to
demand immediate socialization by Allende’s government. Before, the rise of
Allende to power, several farms in Chile attempted seizures where many peasants
anticipated land reforms and squatters claimed homes.
The revolutions in Chile were
successful based on the outcomes observed. The revolution in Chile contributed
to the election of Salvador Allende. The election was a reflection of the more powerful
staffs at the Yarur meal. Further, the revolution led to the employment of younger,
better educated, and urban workers. Such achievements make the revolutions in Chile
successful. Similarly, it could not be denied that the revolution in Mexico was
successful. Importantly, Mexicans made a distinction regarding the concepts of
revolution (Marx & Engels, 2005). Thereafter, Mexican
government applied concepts in exhibiting, disseminating, and performing
revolution and thus to inspire and educate its citizens. Such outcomes mean
that the revolution in Mexico was successful. Further, according to Benjamin
(2008), the La Revolution in Mexico
was so effective, powerful, and enduring.
Cuba undergoes many challenges
including the political blockades and economic impediment caused by the U.S.
Additionally, Cuba faces internet challenges. However, Cuba is not so much
stuck because the nation constantly preserve its independence, as well as
ensuring its citizens get their most basic requirements. In other words, Cuba
has never stopped fighting for its independence. In that state, the Cubans
still consider it is in a revolution.
Skocpol & Trimberger (1986)
portrayed revolution as a situation where one party rises against another one
to demand what they feel is better. In such a definition, there is an
indication that all the revolutions occurred in Mexico, Chile, and Cuba due the
fight of poor social classes against the economic classes. Even though the
revolution in Mexico and Chile stopped, the one in Cuba remain unique since the
Cubans have never stopped fighting for independence. Tocqueville also perceived
the French Revolution as different from others (Tocqueville, 1986). He founded
his argument on the notion that the French revolution destroyed the laws,
practices, and power of the old aristocracy related to feudal society (Tocqueville,
1986). Further, French revolution managed to destroy class privileges while
others aimed at creating differences. According to Tocqueville (1986), the
French revolution is different because of destroying class privileges and
setting every man as the same before powerful groups, revolution.
All the revolutions relate to
each other. A common condition for all the revolution in France, Cuba, Mexico,
and Chile is an ineffective government. These revolutions occurred as a result
of government failing to meet some specific needs of its people. Therefore,
citizens become unhappy with the actions of the states making people protest to
attain a better condition for development.
Writing Assignment #4
In the near future,
revolution could end since many countries and people are gaining social,
political, and economic stabilities. According to Marx, revolution occurs when
the existing form of production reaches the bounds of its disputations. The
contradictions get solved by people protesting against the ruling government or
party to attain what they want. However, in the present and the coming future,
technological advancement is becoming dominant in leading most events and
changes (Tocqueville, 1986). On that note, it means that countries and people
would be transformed and most conditions will be newly appropriate for more
economic advancements. Therefore, revolution aimed at improving production
would be minimized as a result of technological advancements that would make
nations develop. However, in the future, revolution may still remain the
characteristic of developing nations that lack improved technological
inventions to drive changes.
Understanding
the nature of revolutionaries has become exciting. In this semester, I have
learned that it is easier to think about historical changes using revolution
theories. Over the semester, the revolution class has taught me more than just
olden stories. The major thing I have learned this semester is the significant
skills of how to search and analyze primary sources. Further, I am able to
combine the information gathered from different primary sources to form a
single academic document that could be read to provide useful resources. Secondly,
I have learned how many things in the world came into existence. For instance,
I have learned about the beginning and ending of revolutions as well as the
effects. Importantly, I have learned how to cite in APA-style format, as well
as enhancing my ability to write essays and paragraphs easily. In few words, I
am well equipped with academic skills that would enable my application of class
concepts to real life situation.
I understand
that revolution is among those social structures that are difficult to destroy.
In most scenarios, revolution involves the citizens who from the majority and
gain one voice to drive a change. Revolution is used in the society as a means
of conducting community actions in response to unwanted events. Since
disagreements still exist and will not stop, revolution would continue being a
tool for creating change within nations, societies, and people across the world.
However, the methodologies used in future might change due to advancement in
technology. People may shift from traditional revolution techniques and employ
more formal strategies cooperated with technological approaches to drive change (Tocqueville, 1986). Accordingly, technological progress would pose
a significant impact on the nature of work and decisions in the coming years. I
have learned that revolution, in most cases, contribute to positive changes.
Societies get completely changed for the better. For instance, revolution has
been used to create successful transformation in nations such as Mexico, Chile,
and Cuba as described in the readings.
France has
presented more interested in the application of revolution. As explained, that
revolution may be impacted by technological changes, France has already started
using advancements such as substituting the violent overthrow for revolutions.
Consequently, the interest has caused French revolution to become unique in the
historical context. In an example, according to Tocqueville (1986), there is no
great historical occasion that is better calculated that that of French
revolution. It means that France focus on strategizing revolution methods to
ensure effective outcomes. On that note, French revolution is used to teach
statesmen and political authors to be cautious in their theories. French
revolution considered true significance, real nature, and the possible
permanent impacts of any strange or terrifying insurgency. Therefore, the
entire approach considers the social benefits of people as an important
creature.
I find all the
gained information valuable because of the fact that searching and analyzing primary
sources would help me during the coming history and other classes. I would also
apply the gained skills in case I major in a career that is history based. The
concepts of revolutions are also valuable considering the fact that I find it
interesting to learn more about the occurrences of the past. Even though people are working to invent new
information and technologies, history might be important to help trace the
sources of some current issues. At this moment, I am able to link past events
with the present practices and compare the changes occurring. Such knowledge
could be useful in making changes regarding the current practices based on the
previous events due to availability of sufficient information. It is true to
note that past mistakes might help people avoid some events while carrying out
present practices. Briefly, I extend my gratitude to the instructor for the experienced
guidance in revolution lessons.
References
Benjamin.
(2008). La Revolucion: Mexico’s great
revolution as memory, myth, and history. University of Texas Press, Austin.
Mao.
(1939). The Chinese Revolution and the
Chinese Communist Party https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-2/mswv2_23.htm
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (2005). The Communist manifesto: a road map to
history's most important political document. Haymarket Books.
Qureshi, L.Z. (2008). Nixon, Kissinger, and Allende: U.S
involvement in the 1973 coup in Chile. Rowman & Littlefield, 2008.
Reid-Pharr, R. (1999). Conjugal Union: The Body, the House, and the
Black American. Oxford University Press on Demand.
Scott,
P. (2006). King Leopold’s Ghost.
Congo, Linden Production. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6COeZ8_01xg
Skocpol, T., &
Trimberger, E. K. (1986). Revolutions: A structural analysis. Revolutions: theoretical, comparative, and
Historical studies, 59-65.
Torres, S. H. (2010).
Nixon, Kissinger, and Allende: US involvement in the 1973 coup in Chile. Hib: Revista de Historia Iberoamericana, 3(2),
128-130.
Tocqueville, A. D. (1986).
The French Revolution and the growth of
the state. Revolutions: Theoretical, Comparative and Historical Studies
(San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich) pp, 30-31.
Vasconcelos,
J. (1997). The cosmic race/La raza
cósmica. JHU Press.
Winn, P. (1988). Weavers of revolution: The Yarur workers and
Chile's road to socialism.
