Dean Caravela

History in the Fleet

To this day, the Roman Catholic Church is one of the most powerful churches in the world. Christianity is also the most practiced religion in the world today. This was not always the case however. In ancient Rome, the idea of Christianity was at first very scary and thought down upon. It was a religion in which the Romans wished to run out of their city and for their people not practice. As written in the Voyages textbook, “In addition to ordering that Christian scriptures be destroyed and churches torn down, he called for the punishment of practicing Christians,” (Voyages 150). At the time, new ideas that went against current values that were known and successful posed as a big threat to civilization. The Roman people were not very accepting of these foreign values at first as a result. As time went on however, Christianity proved to be a religion that was not a threat. More and more people began to worship the faith and eventually it became one of the most widely celebrated religions in the area. The Roman Catholic Church eventually formed, and Christianity in the west became a very highly regarded and popular religion. The eventual acceptance of these foreign values shows why it is important to be open to new ideas and ways of life. In the fleet as an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps, one will be in charge of many different people. All of these people will be from different places, most likely of different ethnicity, and possess different upbringings. As a result, these people will have their set of values that may or may not different from that of my own. Understanding and accepting these values will be an important component in leading towards success as a unit. If I were to dismiss these values at first should they differ from the values I am accustomed to and have brought me personal success, like the Romans did at first with the Christians, I will not be held at a high regard as a leader. My subordinates will not trust my decisions or believe I have their best interest. If I were to dismiss one’s way of life, then the overall relationship I have with that person will tarnished. This also applies to the other officers I will be working with. If they view me as one who is closed minded and hard to communicate with, then among these other leaders I will have a bad reputation. As an officer in the military, a positive reputation among colleagues is very important. Thus, learning from the quick dismissive judgement of the Romans towards the Christians is useful to me as an officer in the fleet.

 

Sources: Voyages textbook: The Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity (150)

Word Count: 472

Dean Caravela

Modern Crusaders?

The term “crusade” carries weight to it. Those that have a knowledge on history and the events associated with The Crusades certainly feel very passionately about the term. However, the word has gained popularity in recent times. For instance, the term is used in modern times to describe things. This is the case with the article regarding the College of Holy Cross’s potential mascot name change. The term is used in the article title to describe the situation as, “Two sides to the crusade to change the Holy Cross nickname,” (Shaughnessy). In the title, “Crusade” is used as a way to document the journey of the name change, rather than the actual Crusades themselves. In reading the article, the bias the author has towards using the term in this way is instantly seen as he makes mention that he was, “a Holy Cross Crusader for four years in the 1970s. [He] was a Groton High School Crusader for four years before that. [He] made [his] bones in the newspaper field as sports editor for the Holy Cross Crusader student paper. [He] feel[s] like a Crusader for life,” (Shaughnessy). Due to his personal attachment towards being a “Crusader,” it seems fitting that he used the term as a way to describe the “endangered” mascot name as he calls it in the article. He saw his chance to create a clever title out of this term he feels so near and dear to, and took it. A bold strategy that may have paid off for him since it can indeed be a fair way to describe this dilemma. He is possibly trying to convey that the situation’s events towards change is as a whole a “crusade.” His personal anecdotes may also be in reference to the hurt this change may cause alumni like himself, and the passion they have on one side of the argument versus the other. This idea would further solidify his classification of this as a crusade. However, one that feels very passionate about the Crusades themselves may think otherwise. That person may argue that it is a sacred term based on the events and history it represents, and is not to be used in a title pun to try and draw in more viewers to their article. That argument may be true, since this case is extremely different from the actual Crusades. The College of Holy Cross is not fighting to claim Holy Lands. Lives are not being lost over this matter. It is a simple mascot banter. One who feels very passionate about the term would agree with this idea in that it is not fair to describe this simple decision making process as a crusade. A different term that could have been used “battle” or “fight.” Both of those terms have the potential to cover the ideas of this issue. Both of those words also relate to “crusade,” however do not carry the same weight as it due to historical significance.

 

Word Count: 500

Sources: https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/colleges/2017/12/06/two-sides-crusade-change-holy-cross-nickname/9lmI6mQzuTKy3CFj9HUDpL/story.html

Dean Caravela

Strategy Wins

There are many ideas incorporated into Sun Tzu’s Art of War. The piece covers a wide variety of aspects and features Sun Tzu’s opinions on the matter. These opinions are not direct, however described and laid out for the reader to determine. His take on these aspects of war in his work lead for his philosophy to be interpreted as to always have an ordered plan and well executed strategy when dealing with warfare. His ideas in the text feature many examples of the importance of strategy and having a level head in war. He states that the, “Skillful Strategist defeats the enemy without doing battle, captures the city without laying siege, overthrows the enemy state without protracted war,” (Tzu 16). This is a layout of the benefits Sun Tzu believes a skillful strategist has in warfare. These positive factors contribute to the over-arching philosophy of his piece in that it supports the importance of having a good strategy. Comparing this to the Naval Academy, there really is no difference in the techniques and tactics taught. At USNA, strategy comes into play every day. It is something can be related directed to the mission statement, “….to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically.” On the moral side of the statement, having a strategic plan in developing skills of leadership throughout the four years here is very important. Being able to strategically choose to partake in opportunities that will aid in moral development is something all midshipmen should strive for. This strategy will ensure that midshipmen are morally ready to be leaders in the fleet. Strategy is almost most important in the mental aspect of the statement. This is because this aspect relates to academic success. Students will not thrive or sufficiently gain a beneficial education without having strategies for success or a plan of attack to tackle the rigorous academics at this institution. There is even a learning skills course at USNA dedicated to help create these strategies for academic success. Too often than not do students at USNA fall short of their academic goals or requirements due to poor planning. It is also pertinent to have a strategy when dealing with the physical side of this school. The Physical Readiness Test is something that haunts many midshipmen and creates an extra burden to the already busy life of the academy. Having a good strategy of work outs and even execution of the exercises on the test proves to be very beneficial in passing. This also applies to athletics. Division 1 athletics is no joke at all. Thus, a dedicated athlete must be strategic in their preparation and performance in order to gain success in their respective sport. An athlete that slacks and does not plan properly for their upcoming practices and events will certainly not find triumph and fall behind their teammates and demands of the sport. Based on these comparisons, to the Art of War and USNA, the close similarity they share shows the importance of strategy. Hence, I think the most effective way is to have a good strategy. It is tough to find failure in a poor plan. Even if a good plan does fall through, more often than not will a follow up plan close to the same lines of the original be beneficial for success. So whether it is war, or the daily rigors of the US Naval Academy, strategy wins.

 

Sources: Sun Tzu’s Art of War

Word Count: 579

Dean Caravela

Throughout history, nations were built and run on certain systems that were trusted and proven to pay off after certain trials. The people of these nations, though some differed in ideas, also took comfort in ideals and ways they have known and have known, for generations. However, in history there have been times of unrest when different ideals and ways of life came about within a nation. This is the case when Christianity spread throughout Rome. The idea of a new and powerful religion on the rise was scary to the very traditional Roman Empire. They had a fear that this religion would threaten the way of life they were used to along with their system of running the nation.

Change is never something one gets used to easy. This is especially true when trying to hold order of an entire nation. To the Romans, this idea of the spread Christianity was something that had the potential to tarnish everything they worked so hard to achieve. Christian ways were different than that of other religions. As Jesus taught and said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 5:3). Many in the past did not view the poor in this way. They did not care for the poor or praise them in any way, and this new ideal along with many others associated with Christianity was very threatening. The Roman Empire was also opposed to challengers. Thus, when, “Jesus wanted to reform and challenge the abuses he saw,” (Voyages 145), the Roman Empire felt this as a threat. Thus, followers and supporters of this idea in large numbers were believed by the Romans to up rise against the empire. This was another idea that instilled fear in the Roman government, so Jesus was convicted and sentenced to death by the public. Christianity was also a powerful religion, being that, “on the third day after [Jesus] died, Christians believe and the gospels concur that Jesus was resurrected, or raised from the dead,” (Voyages 145). The resurrection of Jesus was very powerful for Christianity as it instilled great faith in its followers.

The fear of Christianity as a threat to the stability of the empire was a valid fear. The unfamiliarity of the religion, the believed threat of its ideals against the Roman Empire, as well as the strength of the faith in its followers aid to it being a valid fear. An unknown religion having grown as much as Christianity did in a short period of time is enough to pose questions as to whether or not it would ruin the stability the empire accumulated over many years. The Romans, with this threat in mind, had the right to try to label Christianity as a dangerous new cult. In an effort to end this quick rising religions due to the empire’s built fears, they had nothing else to label Christianity as other than something negative. In the past, other nations saw foreign ways of life and beliefs that posed threats to their comfortable system of living. With this idea in mind as well as their fear toward Christianity, the Roman Empire reacted as they saw fit to try to preserve their current empire.

 

Sources: Voyages textbook reading (10/12)

 

Word count: 550

As time goes on, society grows and develops to meet standards and events occurring at a certain time. This is especially true in politics. The earliest political systems date back to the B.C. era. Today, modern governments in the world are based off of these systems, but modified to fit the demands of the world and people of the current era. Ancient Athens contained a government built off of a certain hierarchy, but more importantly, the basis of the government was built on opinions of the people. People with the same opinions grouped together and their ideas clashed. This is similar to the current political party system in the United States government. Republicans, whether they are moderate or conservative share similar views. This is also the case with Democrats. The main rivalry in the U.S. government is focused around these two parties. However, the Independent parties and smaller groups like the “Tea Party” also play a role in the current issues of society today. American government and Athenian government are similar in this way, being that both political systems revolve around groups of people with different ideas.

This idea is seen most apparently in the debate series held in class recently. In the debate, the class was assigned with arguing the issues the Athenians debated in the ancient times post war. The basis of the debate was made around the split of the class into the political groups that existed at that time. One of the debate issues was whether or not to pay Assemblymen and jurors. The radical democrats, one of the parties in the debate, supported the argument that they should be paid. (Threshold of democracy gamebook). This is because they view that participation in government is pertinent and no one, no matter their social status, should be denied this opportunity. Other groups in the debate, like the Followers of Socrates for example, viewed that this should not be passed with the interest of the economy in mind. (Threshold of democracy gamebook). They viewed the economy as already in a struggle from the war, and this would further damage it. This argument among the parties illustrates the idea that in Athenian government, similar to that of American government today, is strongly influenced and similar due to the existence of political parties.

In American government today, the Republican and Democratic parties are the center of the race for Presidential, Senate, and House representation, debate and banter on issues within society, as well as how the public people participate in politics. Depending upon the strengths of one’s political views, the clash of Republicans and Democrats has had the potential to be ugly. The two parties have different views on many different issues within the American society. One of the most controversial and heated differences the two share on a certain issue is taxation. Democrats view that lower and middle classes should receive tax cuts, while the upper class receive a tax raise (republicanviews.org). Republicans view that there should be no tax raise on the wealthy nor a tax cut on the lower and middle class (republicanviews.org). This issue also allows for the public to voice their opinion, being that the issue revolves around the plans for their finances. In a way, this argument relates to the debate above from the Athenian government. The Athenian parties were debating issues that not only affected finance, but also how the people interacted in government. The issue today on taxes relates to this in that is also about finances, but the decision on who to tax also has the potential to sway how people participate in the government. Thus, this serves as another example of how the Athenian and American governments are similar.

To sum up, throughout the course of history, politics underwent changes, but served as a basis for how governments are set up and run today. The Athenian and American governments share a few similarities, but perhaps the biggest impact is the political party. Although the Athenians did not refer to them as parties, groups of people with similar views clashed together on differing ideas. American politics have set parties that also debate and differ in opinion on the issues of today. Since the setup of these parties deal with issues of the nation as well as the overall well-being of the people, it is an important similarity for the two governments to share.

 

Sources: Threshold of Democracy gamebook (on Blackboard)

https://www.republicanviews.org/democratic-views-on-taxes/

 

Blog Post 1: 300

Ancient history is depicted today in many forms. One of the most popular forms of a modern representation of the ancient world is film. Movies based off of ancient history are either depicted very well or miss the mark in some capacity. The movie 300, is an example of a modern representation of western Europe’s ancient history. The movie highlights the Battle of Thermopylae, which took place in 480 B.C., as it tells the story of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fighting the Persian army of 100,000 (Imdb.com). This battle was a result of the Persian Empire’s invasions to conquer ancient Greece. The movie covers much of Spartan and Persian culture on top of the story itself to give the reader an idea as to what life was like there at the time. Some of these scenes showing this culture is accurate, but some are also inaccurate.

In the very beginning of the film, the Spartans are seen inspecting newborn infants to deem if they are fit for life. Should they be rather small or deformed, then the infants are discarded into what is called “the place of rejection.” This scene is questioned by many for its accuracy as it seems hard to believe that people would simply “discard” of newborns not up to a certain standard. However, the depiction of this practice is accurate as the Spartans actually did get rid of infants not up to their standards (Historyvshollywood.com). Another questionable depiction from the film is if the Spartans actually faced the Persians by themselves. In the movie, the culminating battle scene shows the force of 300 Spartans face the large army of Persians alone. This scene is inaccurate as the Spartans received aid from other small groups of Greek armies in the Battle of Thermopylae (Historyvshollywood.com). This false representation was most likely featured for dramatic cinema affect. Being that the title of the movie is 300 and the Spartans are shown alone as an army of 300 the entire time, it is perhaps assumed the most effective way of creating the battle scene was to feature the 300 Spartans alone. Tampering with history is never the best choice to make, however, it is only a small detail the filmmakers excluded in their motivation to drive the film home to the viewers. Thus, the argument can be posed that this is a valid choice.

This film on a major historical event portrays the story well overall. Despite some inaccuracies in the representations of people as well as the history, the film as a whole stays close to the actual story. Movies based on historical events will not always follow the history exactly. In order to please the audience and critics, certain aspects of the truth may be omitted or altered to achieve the cinema quality film makers strive for. The movie 300 serves as an example of modern media containing both inaccurate and accurate representations of history.

Works Cited

Historyvshollywood.com. HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, 2018.  http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/300spartans.php. 7 Sep 2018.

Imdb.com. IMDb.com, Inc, 2018. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/plotsummary. 7 Sep 2018.