History and Political Science; A Response to Historical Cases Essay

History and Political Science A result to Historical Cases - Essay ExampleOf particular interest is to understand the implications of the Pericles oration (Thucydides 34) with respect to what is know of capital of Greece. In evaluating Pericles speech, it is imperative to decipher the underpinning points in the speech, as depicted by Thucydides (pp 34-46). First, Pericles begins by acknowledging the need to halt ceremonies for those who dead for the country. He proceeds to assert that all that had happened was necessary. He was in line with the law, as rise up as the democracy requirements. In elucidating his point, he pays tribute to the ancestors, acknowledging them for creating a worth-celebrating history for the Athenians. He cites how the empire and its obstinance would have been without the sacrifice of the ancestors and that it was only justified for him to uphold the legacy. Pericles presents Athens as exceptional, in terms of its laws, justice, hearty equality, mobility and inclusivity of migrants, and that everyone had an equal opportunity to serve the nation. The aspect of Athens to offer social refreshment, such as games is non also overlooked. He affirms Athenian determination to shun all the challenges, as well as respecting the neighbors. He eventually justifies the point that the fallen men should not be the cause of any consolation. Instead, such a point brings comfort to the Athenian community. The crucial question is whether Pericles insight holds any validity. In particular, does Athens correspond into the doctrine of exceptionalism, as presented? Moreover, is Pericles point about the fallen justified? In my view, whereas there are accepted aspects of exceptionalism that could be justified about the historical Athenian society, others cannot. For instance, it is agreeable that the ancestors had a crucial role in creating history for posterity, considering that imperialism was the order of the time. The affirmation of respect of law a nd democracy also reflect the historical reputation of Athens. This is because Athens historical government is widely cited as the mother or even the correlate of the train and desired contemporary democracy. Indeed, one avenue of viewing at Pericles forefather reference could act as a base the role which Athens played in Greek history. Perhaps he was referring to the produce of the government of Athens as well as the role which the forefathers played. Pericles next statement is that the city of Athens was great and served as a symbol of inspiration as the pioneer of true democracy (Halsall 39). Thucydides uses parallelism whereby Pericles talks of Athenian s reputation compared to other armed forces, as well as the Athenian self belief. However, the theme of imperialism cannot be left out of his speech. One questions whether this could also be an aspect of exceptionalism. Doesnt it contravene the affirmation to respect the autonomy of the neighbors? I infer that whereas Pericle s stand reflect the interest of the Athenians, it is sophisticated on the basis of nationalism, which can be dismissed as a thesis of societal selfishness. Response to part two Robert, the Monks account of Pope Urban IIs call to crusade During the 11th century, when states like France and Britain had not emerged, Christianity united the states of Europe. All European states took part in religious wars against Muslims in what was known as the Crusades. two Christians and Muslims committed atrocities against human beings although each side claimed to be fighting for a just course. At the