PDP5 - The People's Democratic Dictatorship

Author Bio: Mao Zedong (or Mao Tse-Tung), the newly declared leader of the Chinese Communist Party, had working class roots and experienced China's recent struggles firsthand. This chaotic path of his life almost certainly led to his pursuit of political power, and his "understanding" for the working people drove his political leanings, which veered significantly to the left. He regarded Stalin and Lenin, and the systems that they created, very highly, and he saw himself in them.

Historical Context: Post WWII, the world began to see a steady rise and distinction between the west and the east; the capitalists and the communists. There had been many important communist figures who had shaped the landscape of Asia, which led to China's working class growing desperate for communism. They were unaware of what they might have been getting themselves into, but this didn't stop radical leaders, and in this case, Mao Zedong, from coming into power and establishing a system to modernize their countries at the expense of the workers.

Summary: The information presented here was originally spoken by Mao Zedong on June 30th, 1949, to celebrate the 28th anniversairy of the Chinese Communist Party. right away, Mao rushes to alienate those who oppose China and their working class; particularly the "imperialists", and specifically the U.S. & Britain. He mentions that, while he understands that the country wants democracy, that it is simply not possible and that a strict authoritarian state is required to maintain control of themselves and not succumb to the imperialists. Mao also details the responsibility that comes with being a member of Communist China; he seeks to remove anybody who does not show upmodt loyalty to their system from their society, indicating that the state could be afraid of rebellious information reaching the common people. Additionally, Mao makes a strong attempt to appeal to the working class; he notes their selflessness and willingness to be revolutionaries, and their ability to lead their country to great prosperity. Despite this, he refers to the working class as petty and needing of government control in other parts of his speech. Lastly, going against what one would think he would say, he mentions that true progress/"victory" is not possible without international unity, which seemed to be him calling to the "imperialists" to abolish their ways of life and to assume theirs.

Key Quotation: "The Communist Party of the Soviet Union is our best teacher and we must learn from it. The situation both at home and abroad is in our favor, we can rely fully on the weapon of the people's democratic dictatorship, unite the people throughout the country, the reactionaries excepted, and advance steadily to our goal."

PDP Unit 5 - "The Constitution of the Empire of Japan"

Author bio: The Constitution of the Empire of Japan was written by the new leaders of Japan in 1889.
Historical context: The Constitution was written in 1889, this was after the Land Tax Reform and the numerous rebellions. It was before the the Sino-Japanese War.
Summary: The constitution outline the way the government will be run. It's main points include the system of government, and Emperor who is in charge and two houses, one that is elected, and one that is passed down the family and nobility. The Emperor has similar powers to the US president, he is in charge of the navy and army, and has executive powers. The people in Japan are subject, but they do hold some rights and responsibilities. The subjects are allowed to live freely unless they break a law, and are responsible to pay taxes to the government. Overall, the government system in Japan is very similar to the American government.

PDP5 - Analects

Author Bio: Confucius created the most influential philosophy in world history, Confucianism. He lived from 551 B.C.E. to 479 B.C.E., and his family was most likely of the knight class. Not much is known about Confucius's life, although he taught the sons of the nobility his own philosophy. Many of his students went on to have distinguished careers in government. During his life, Confucius created the Analects which are his teachings of Confucianism, which is more of a moral rather than religious philosophy. Confucius believed that people should respect their elders and try to possess Goodness. When Confucius died, he was elevated to the status of Divine Sage. 

Date/Context: The Analects were created around 500 B.C.E., and emerged around a time in China when many religions, like Buddhism and Daoism, began to be practiced. The Analects are the teachings of Confucius, and demonstrate his morals and philosophies. They demonstrated the most influential philosophy in history, so people use them to create morals to follow. The Analects are very important to how people want to behave and live.

Summary: The Analects say that people should look up to their elders and be respectful to them, and possess Goodness in their life. The teachings say that one who rules with moral force is respected and followed by others. The "Master" starting at age fifteen started learning and by age seventy could follow his heart. People are supposed to never disobey their parents and never cause them to have anxiety. A gentleman should practice something himself before demonstrating to others. One should try to possess Goodness, but no man has learned to be completely good. No man has been completely wicked either. Wealth and rank are desired by all men, but should only be received through work. One should look to a good man, and turn from a wicked man. Moral is never alone and will always be accompanied by friends. People should demonstrate Goodness, respect their parents, and be gentlemen/gentlewomen.

Key Quotation: "One who really cared for Goodness would never let any other consideration come first. One who abhorred wickedness would be so constantly doing Good that wickedness would never have a chance to get at him."

PDP5: Te-Tao Ching

Author Bio: There is much discrepancy over who was the author of the Te-Tao Ching although many believe that it was Lao-Tzu. Lao-Tzu was an ancient philosopher and author. He lived in China during 500 B.C.E. and is noted for founding Daoism.

Date/Context: The exact date of when this passage was written is unknown although one can presume that it was in between the dates 570-490 B.C.E. This time was around the founding of Daoism and this passage contains significant information in correlation with this belief system. In addition, during this time many different religions circulated around Eastern Asia and the world which no doubt made the publication of this passage at least slightly controversial.

Summary: In summation, this passage describes the beliefs of those following the faith of Daoism and what they must do in order to achieve happiness. To begin, the passage describes that "the way" as being how one will live their life and the outcome of it in the end. The passage described that "the way" is not something that is easily grasped nor should it be questioned. Followers of this faith must trust their life to "the way" even though "the way" may not be the best for them in the end. The passage also describes finding a constant within your life. One can presume that a constant is the tranquility and peace that one finds which, those of this faith believe, will fulfill their lives. In addition, the passage describes a supernatural being whom they do not believe themselves worth of giving a name and so call "mother of Heaven and Earth." Finally, the passage describes that if one is to fulfill their true plan then they must not become too much like worldly things or they will be punished.

Key Quotation: "If you use the rays to return to the bright light, You'll not abandon your life to peril. This is called Following the Constant."

Rq- Eritrean–Ethiopia War

How does the Eritrean–Ethiopia War continue to affect the World today. (Include events that led to this event, what happened during the event, and what problems still linger after the event.)

RQ - Globalism

How has globalism shaped both developed and developing countries across the world, and how should it be managed in the future to ensure that everybody affected by it prospers?

RQ-Cuban Missile Crisis

What political and social concerns did the Cuban Missile Crisis pose on the world

RQ - The French Revolution's Impact on the Haitian Revolution

What social and political changes occurred during the French Revolution that caused the Haitian Revolution?

RQ - The French Revolution's Impact on the Haitian Revolution

What economic, social, and political changes occurred during the French Revolution that caused the Haitian Revolution?

RQ - Migration's effect on ISIS and Syria

Consider "The Rise of ISIS" in the context of "International Migration." Is the mass flight of civilians helping ISIS consolidate its hold over Syria?