Security Council please post your position papers here (the one where you answer the questions about your character and your bloc) by commenting on this post. (Please put resolutions in the resolution post)
Questions for the Historic Security Council Bloc
Please answer the following questions about your country’s views in the 1950’s through 1960.
1. Explain your country’s political, economic and social structure at this point in at least two
paragraphs (must discuss all three). Be sure to include any major events your country is
involved in (either domestically or internationally). Also note any international treaties or
allies your country has with other nations (especially nations in the HSC Security Council).
Please do not discuss your country’s feelings about the Cuban Missile Crisis because we will
come to our own conclusions at conference.
2. Discuss your country’s feelings about the Cold War; does your country support nuclear
proliferation and/or testing of nuclear weapons? Does your country support the Eastern or
Western allies more?
3. Explain your country’s views on civil and human rights. How do your country’s political and
social systems reflect these views?
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Jeffrey DeSorbo
ReplyDeleteWestfield High School/YMCA
Historical Simulation Committee
US Ambassador-Security Council
1. During the 1950s, and early 1960s, America was fully engaged in the cold war. Having emerged as a world superpower a decade prior, The United States was in a superior economic standing. This economic status carried over into the 1950s, and gave the American government the ability to increase its budgets across the board; most important of these budgets was military spending. In the late 1950s, a minor recession had come into effect. This influenced the U.S. government’s spending policies. The U.S. maintained its military spending while sacrificing finance for civilian projects and policies. Overall, the American economy during this era was one of the superior economies in the world. The United States was able to finance its cold war requirements while maintaining a high value of living within its borders.
Although America has generally been a symbol of equality and equal opportunity, social issues in the U.S. during the 1950s and 60s displayed different testimony. The Jim Crow Laws, while primarily dominant in the southern states, denied civil rights and liberties to many black Americans. The high population, caused by the ‘Baby Boom’ following WWII, also influenced the mass expansion of infrastructure and business. This mass expansion not only had a large impact of the United State’s economy, but had a large impact on its people as well. Americans were becoming more individualistic, while maintaining unity at the same time. As cultural revolutions, such as art, progressed rapidly, industries were being born. This gave the U.S. population a high level of morale, which would have a large impact on political structure during the time period.
During the 1950s and early 1960s, American politics were heavily focused on the cold war. Because military strength was in abundance, it played a large factor in U.S. foreign policies. America focused on the control of the Soviet Union, and their communist ideals. The formation of NATO, a military treaty between America and Western European nations, exhibited a power of western ideals through military power. NATO would eventually clash with governments under the Warsaw pact to create rivalry on the international scale. The CIA was also created during this time as an agency that used information warfare to combat the Soviets. In total, U.S. political arrangement during this time revolved around the cold war, and the actions of the Soviet Union.
2. The United States was one of the primary nations in the Cold War. As a figure of western ideals and beliefs, America would represent the ‘ring-leader’ of the western allies during the time period. In addition, the United States was produced the greatest amount of nuclear weapons during the time period. The Soviet Union was the greatest competitor for the United States in the race to build nuclear arms. Although political officials worked towards policies that would limit the new nuclear arms race, they still invested heavily into the production of weapons that utilized fission technology, and the development and industrialization of fusion capabilities. By the early 1960s, America had a profound accumulation of Nuclear weapons.
3. The United States has always been a symbol for open opportunity and equality. When compared to its rival, the Soviet Union, America demonstrates this, but when looked into with finer detail, this is not so in many parts of the United States. Specifically, the south displayed this lack of equality with the Jim Crow Laws, which were in full effect during this time period. The theory of ‘Separate but Equal’ is used throughout southern states, and opposes the symbol of freedom that is so often associated with the United States of America. Although basic human rights are respected throughout the entire country, hate crimes run rampant in the south. These social defiance’s of civil rights will set the stage for future breakdown of civil rights policies throughout America.
Works Cited:
ReplyDeleteSchwartz, Richard A. "Postwar Prelude: 1945–1949." The 1950s, An Eyewitness History. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EH50SEssay01&SingleRecord=True (accessed November 24, 2009).
Kohn, George Childs. "Jim Crow Laws." Dictionary of Historic Documents, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE53&iPin=hisdc01317&SingleRecord=True (accessed November 24, 2009).
"Cold War." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2009. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. .
http://decades.sirs.com/decadesweb/decades/do/topic?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BTOPIC%3B0000017921&decadeurn=urn:sirs:US;TOPIC;017814
Tyler McCarthy
ReplyDeleteUnited Kingdom
Security Council Questions
1) The 1960’s was a period of growth and change for the United Kingdom. For years the United Kingdom was struggling to slowly overcome a troubled wartime economy. World War II took its toll on the British economy, as it did with most countries. Once the war ended, the leaders of the UK tried to nurse the economy back to health as well as restoring the country to its normal state after a long a brutal war. Over the years, there was a slow increase in the economy, however, the growth was not too large. At the start of the 1960’s, there was much debate over whether or not to join the European Economic Community. For years, the United Kingdom had remained independent economically. Starting in 1961, many people in Britain began to push the government to join the European Community. In comparison to the United States, they had pretty good economic growth, but they were falling behind compared to the rest of Europe and that was the problem.
The EEC was created in 1957 in the Treaties of Rome. Britain had refrained from joining the EEC because, for the most part, it went against the economic and political beliefs of the United Kingdom. One of the main reasons is that the UK just did not want to join a union of any kind for Europe. The United Kingdom wanted a strong economy for their own country, not a huge political and economical power consuming all of Europe. Even though some citizens of the UK wanted to join, an ultimate decision to join the European Economic Community was not made until 1971, making it irrelevant in the HSC’s time period of 1960-1962.
From 1960 to 1962, the growth in GDP was about 2-3%, the usual solid GDP growth that the United Kingdom had been seeing for the past decade or so. Around this time, growth had actually picked up a bit, but only slightly. Inflation rates were at the usual amount at around 5%. Unemployment was at about 3-4%, also good. You could come to the conclusion that the United Kingdom was in a pretty good condition economically.
During the early 1960’s, Henry Macmillan was the prime minister. He had good relation with the United States, but relatively bad relations with the rest of Europe. Queen Elizabeth II was the monarch at this time. At the time, the United Kingdom was a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Organization for European Economic Cooperation. They were basically allies with the United States and most of Europe. In 1962 Britain and the United States formed the Nassau Agreement. This stated that the United States would create nuclear Polaris missiles for British submarines. This nuclear alliance was a major event, especially during the Cold War.
Another major event that occurred in Britain at this time was the discovery of a Russian spy ring. Two people who worked at the Underwater Weapons Establishment were passing off official secrets to a chain of three other people and they were eventually transmitted to the Russians. One of these official secrets was a photograph of the new British nuclear submarine. Five people were arrested and this became known as the Portland Spy Ring. Obviously, this also built tension between the United Kingdom and Russia.
2) It could be said that the United Kingdom played a fairly large role in the Cold War. In fact they were pretty involved in the Cold War. For example, the United Kingdom had to deal with a Russian Spy Ring that was passing British secrets to the Soviet Union. The Soviets obviously saw the United Kingdom as a pretty big threat. There was really no avoiding the Cold War for the UK.
ReplyDeleteAs for nuclear weapons, Britain was one of the first countries to experiment with them. The UK knew that the United States and the Soviet Union were also experimenting with weapons and began creating their own nuclear weapons to keep up. For many years leading up to the Cold War, the United Kingdom was developing an independent nuclear program. However, in the early 1960’s the UK began nuclear testing along with the United States, basically creating a nuclear alliance. This testing occurred in the deserts of Nevada. In many ways, the years 1960-1962 were building years for the nuclear program of the United Kingdom. With the threat from a huge power very nearby in Europe, the UK felt that it needed nuclear weapons as a source of protection. When the United Kingdom began to experiment with the United States, it is safe to say that nuclear experimentation greatly increased and progressed. At this time, the thought of nuclear nonproliferation did not cross the minds of UK leader. Of course, the world would be better without nuclear weapons, but the United Kingdom considered them a necessity in a world where nuclear weapons were being developed left and right.
You can probably tell by now that the Britain supported the western allies much more. In fact, they might be considered one of the largest allies to the United States during the Cold War. The Soviet Union also obviously saw the United Kingdom as a threat because they had a spy ring within the country, channeling information straight to the Soviet government. Britain had always been allies with the United States, especially after World War II. The Cold War was no different. Also, Britain was part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, so the were obligated to aid the United States in times of war. The United Kingdom shared many of the same views as the Americans and they were very strong allies.
3) Britain was very similar to the United States when it came to civil and human rights. They were mostly tolerant and accepted a mixture of people into their society, but there were certain groups that were definitely discriminated against in Britain. Mostly, they were African Americans, Irish, and some other colored races such as Indians. Of course, they cannot be compared to some of the atrocities against humanity like the cases of Hitler or genocides in Africa. Overall, human and civil rights were valued and respected.
ReplyDeleteProblems with civil rights could be compared to the problems in America, but they were not on as large a scale. In other words, the problem was not as bad in the United Kingdom as it was in the United States. Like the US, however, there were several civil rights problems with African Americans. Slavery was abolished in Britain in 1833, but discrimination surely existed. When many blacks emigrated from islands in the Caribbean, racial violence began to increase. As this got worse, the Britain changed its immigration laws and only allowed immigrants with work permits or family in the United Kingdom to move to Britain. Similar to America, these immigrants received low-level jobs and were treated poorly. African Americans were always the first to lose their jobs, and if they did not, they received less pay for the same amount of work. There were also civil rights activists in Britain who stood up for human rights. For example, Paul Stephenson organized a bus boycott that eventually lifted a color ban against blacks. There were other people like this who fought for their rights in Britain. Soon, laws against discrimination were made and discrimination slowly drifted away like in the United States. Smaller groups that were discriminated against were Irish, with who Britain had been fighting with for many years. This was mostly religious. Other than these cases, Britain had no problems.
Life in the United Kingdom was fair for most people. Human and civil rights were not very large problems in the 60’s and if they were, they were being settled during this time. Britain was among the safest and fairest countries at this time. They had a fair government that represented the people reasonably and there were no troubles with the government. Conditions in Britain were very similar to conditions in the United States.
Works Cited
1) Floud, Roderick and Johnson, Paul, eds. The Cambridge Economic History of Modern Britain. 1st ed. Vol. 3. Cambridge: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 2004. Print
2) “NATO Member Countries.” North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO, 2009. 12 Dec. 2009. < http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/nato_countries.htm>
3) Ocana, Juan Carlos. The Treaty of Rome. Web. 1 Dec. 2009.
4) “ 1961: Five Britons accused of spying for Moscow”. BBC. 1 Dec 2009. .
5) “Harold Macmillan.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 2 Dec. 2009
6) “1962: America to Sell Polaris to Britain”. BBC. 2 Dec. 2009
7) “Britain Goes Nuclear.” Atomic Archive. 10 Dec. 2009.
8) “Civil Rights in the UK.” Civil Rights Movement. 11 Dec. 2009
Just a bit of confusion: the PDF of the assignments says that encyclopedias aren't welcome as sources, but some of the sources referenced on some of the papers are listed as encyclopedias according to the Facts on File citations. So Facts on File is accepted then?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm not a fan of the layout here because the text block is skinny =(
And should I get a blogspot account to post on here?
~Laura Wasserman
RVRHS
United Arab Republic
ReplyDeleteAlicja Cygan
Historic Security Council Bloc
Please answer the following questions about your country’s views in the 1950’s through 1960.
1. The United Arab Republic was a short lived union between Egypt and Syria that existed from 1958 – 1961. Syria had only been recognized as an independent republic for ten years and the fledgling nation suffered from rampant political instability following a 1954 coup of President Shishakli. Politically, the Ba’th Party (Syrian Socialist Renaissance) and Syrian Communist Party were quickly gaining importance in the nation. In 1955, Syria recognized a pact with the Soviet Union for increased economic assistance. The United States quickly became apprehensive over the nationalist and pro-soviet tendencies that Syria was exhibiting. A potential pro-Western alliance was virtually impossible after Syria’s rejection of the Baghdad Pact. Moreover, Syria seemingly became even more leftist after learning of an apparent US plot to overthrow the regime in 1957 under CIA director Howard Stone. The United States and its NATO ally, Turkey, feared Syria would eventually become a “victim to international communism” and another satellite the Soviets could add to their arsenal.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser was quickly becoming an influential leader of both Egypt and the entire Arab world. He declared the institution of “Arab socialism” and was relentless in his promotion of complete Arab unity and nationalism. Nasser negotiated an arms deal with Czechoslovakia and other eastern bloc/Warsaw Pact countries, ending Egypt’s reliance on western military supplies. In May of 1965, he formally recognized the People’s Republic of China, angering the United States to the point of its withdrawal of all funds from the Aswan Dam. Nasser responded by nationalizing the Suez Canal and detrimentally weakening the British economy. Nasser was hailed as a leader of the Arab world and looked upon positively by many of the Syrian people.
The US fear of Soviet domination of Syria was not initially shared by Nasser. He was assured by the Syrian leadership that its apparent sympathy for the USSR was only motivated by Syria’s support for Arabism and neutralism. This attitude quickly changed and Nasser eventually agreed to unify with Syria and crack down on the communists. The union between Egypt and Syria was finalized on February 1, 1958. The United Arab Republic was a symbol of Arab nationalism and unity during a period of time when many Arabian countries feared becoming pawns of the Great Powers or potential battlegrounds. The union was hailed as a “prelude to complete Arab unity”. However, it also signified a weakening of the US’ power in the Arab world.
Politically, Nasser and the Egyptian government essentially controlled the UAR. Political parties other than Nasser’s Arab Socialist Union were dissolved in both Syria and Egypt. Economically, the country was in poor shape. The fledging union was supported by Iran but had to eventually turn to the USSR for military supplies.
2. The United Arab Republic tended to support the Eastern allies more because Nasser tended to support the views of the communist Soviet Union more than the pro-democratic states. The Arab Socialist Union that claimed political power in the nation set out an agenda of nationalization and extensive taxation of the upper class. These views allied the UAR more so with the USSR. Moreover, Kruschev dispatched large arms shipments to the UAR and other third world countries in order to penetrate the borders and promote communism. However, the UAR was NOT a definitive supporter of either side. The UAR, above all else, was concerned with complete Arab unity and strength and weary of the dominance of the Great Powers. The UAR did not support the proliferation of nuclear weapons as proliferation would surely only give even more power to the Great Powers as opposed to Arabic countries.
ReplyDelete3. The United Arab Republic supports basic human rights although it was not a vocal supporter of increased human care. However, not all opinions are respected in the UAR. For example, there is no freedom of speech or expression. Nasser’s government banned all political parties besides the Arab Socialist Union. The citizens’ political views could not be expressed vocally in the country.
http://www.faqs.org/cia/docs/84/0001173825/THE-UNITED-ARAB-REPUBLIC-MISSILE-PROGRAM.html
http://www.bc.edu/research/cjl/meta-elements/texts/cjrelations/resources/education/Israel_Palestine/cold_war.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/02/world/the-cold-war-from-containment-to-commonwealth.html
http://books.google.com/books?id=LD124dX33sEC&pg=PA51&dq=united+arab+republic+communism&ei=790qS9-sMpmYyATx07DVDg&cd=2#v=onepage&q=united%20arab%20republic%20communism&f=false
http://books.google.com/books?id=WYK8BPymVV8C&pg=PA46&dq=united+arab+republic+communism&ei=790qS9-sMpmYyATx07DVDg&cd=4#v=onepage&q=united%20arab%20republic%20communism&f=false
Emily Collopy
ReplyDeleteCouncil Rock High School - South
UN Security Council - Romania
1. The political structure of Romania in the 1950’s was strictly a communist government. The communist regime was installed in Romania with the support of the Soviet occupant, after King Michael was forced to abdicate at the end of 1947 (Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations). Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej of the Romanian Communist Party became the leader of Romania one year later. Gheorghiu-Dej was a Stalinist and under Soviet control, all of Romania’s political changes had to be pre-approved by Stalin. One political trend approved by Stalin was anti-Semitism or prejudice and hostility against Jews. However, Gheorghiu-Dej was not an anti-Semite himself. Anti-Semitism set the tone for many issues such as the Prague trials of 1952 in which 13 communist leaders, 11 of them Jewish, were convicted of participating in a Zionist conspiracy and executed in Czechoslovakia. One third of the Jewish population in Romania had left by 1951. As much as anti –Semitism affected the communist countries, Romania exhibited more nationalism than anti-Semitism. When Stalin died in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev became premier of the Soviet Union. Gheorghiu-Dej was speculative of Khrushchev’s new reforms and De-Stalinization. These reforms were mainly on foreign policy with the West. Gheorghiu-Dej became the architect of Romania's semi-autonomous foreign and economic policy within the Warsaw Pact of 1955 (All Experts). The Warsaw Pact declared friendship between Romania, Poland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Albania and the Soviet Union. In the time after this, Gheorghiu-Dej used Stalinism to point out flaws with the Soviet Union’s leadership (All Experts).They also strengthened their relationship with China. Romania also was admitted into the United Nations in 1955 although they requested to be admitted in 1946.
After Stalin’s death, Gheorghiu-Dej slowed industrialization, increased consumer-goods production, closed Romania's largest labor camps, abandoned the Danube-Black Sea Canal project, halted rationing, and hiked workers' wages (Country Studies). He created heavy industry, going against Soviet orders. Gheorghiu-Dej continued to lead his country with Stalinism. This defied Khrushchev and now the more liberal Soviet Union. As for the social makeup of Romania, Romanian and Soviet cultures were meshed. These cultures combined were called Soviet-Romanian or SovRom. In 1958, the Red Army withdrew their last troops that were stationed in Romania and the Romanian government began to encourage anti-Soviet culture. Also, before WWII, less than 25% of Romanians lived urban areas. The population was mostly agricultural and lived in the countryside. Due to an awful famine in 1946 caused by the destruction of the countryside in WWII and the industrialization of Romania in the 1950’s, much more people lived in the cities.
2. Romania actually defied Nikita Khrushchev and Soviet policies after the Warsaw Pact in 1955 and the removal of the Red Army’s troops in 1958. Without the U.S.S.R. breathing down Romania’s neck, they were able to establish a stable economy and a new foreign policy in 1960. They began trading with Western Democratic countries including the U.S. and also China. They developed a “peaceful coexistence” with capitalism. This is why Romania’s loyalty is debatable. The Western Allies were trading with Romania and helping their economy grow. This is especially important because Romania’s industrialization as of 1960 was still a baby concept being only around 6 years in progress. However, Romania was still under Soviet control and also vulnerable because of the defiance exhibited on the Soviet foreign and economic policy. They also did not abandon the Warsaw Pact due to the political, economic and social semi-independence they received from it.
There was definitely more influence by fear than success however. Romania supported the Soviet Union after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 especially. Hungary had been practically obliterated by the Red Army. The Hungarian Freedom Fighters were outgunned in the streets of Budapest. There were thousands that were put on trial, imprisoned and executed and thousands who died from gunshot wounds. Many had to flee the country and the revolution’s leader, Imre Nagy, was even killed on Romanian soil. This is clearly enough to remain loyal to the Soviet Union. As much as they did support the Soviet Union, they were in favor of nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and against testing them as well.
ReplyDelete3. Although Romania was an anti-Semitic and communist country, which are not parts of human or civil rights at all, this was merely because they forced to by the Soviet Union. As mentioned in question one, Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej was not anti-Semitic. Of course, how can you not be anti-Semitic yet confirm that your country supports anti-Semitic views? Fear is the only reason. Romania, when confirming they were an anti-Semitic country, was really doing it for the sake of their national security rather than individuals. You can look at it almost like a hostage situation. The country Romania is held hostage, and the Soviet Union is the captor. Gheorghiu-Dej was actually doing the right thing for the country but had to sacrifice the right thing for humanity. In a hostage situation, you must do everything the bad guy tells you to do and nobody will get hurt. This is what Gheorghiu-Dej did for Romania. The Jewish population had left because of this and not to mention the Holocaust which occurred only six short years ago. However, Romania, the country, was still safe from a harsh Soviet punishment. Romania defied many Soviet policies but really all the countries in the Warsaw Pact excluding the Soviet Union did. Hungary went too far and too fast and as a result, they were nearly obliterated. So arguing that Romania didn’t have regard to human or civil rights is unreasonable. Romania only supported anti-Semitism out of fear that the Soviet Union would come down on them. Romania’s political and social structure definitely represents defiance. Firstly, the new economic policy in 1953 and new foreign policy in 1960 completely went against Soviet policies by trading with the U.S. and China. Secondly, as soon as the Red Army left, they instantly yet quietly began “De-Russification.” Romania may have not supported human or civil rights on the outside but may have very well supported it on the inside. In-keeping with the mood of the 60’s, they were just secretly fighting the man.
Works Cited
American Memory from the Library of Congress - Home Page. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
American Memory from the Library of Congress - Home Page. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
American Memory from the Library of Congress - Home Page. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
"Cold War International History Project." Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
"Diplomacy.ro :: Brief history." Diplomacy.ro :: Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations - New York. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
"Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej at AllExperts." Expert Archive Questions. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
"Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej Party Gheorghiu-dej Romania Leader." Business, Economy, Market Research, Finance, Income Tax Informations. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
ReplyDelete"Hungarian Revolution." Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
"Razboiul rece in romania - Bacalaureat." Bacalaureat 2010 - Bacalaureat. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
"Russia - The Khrushchev Era." Country Studies. Web. 18 Dec. 2009. .
UN Treaty Database. Web. .
Julianne Toia
ReplyDeleteCouncil Rock North
HSC Security Council
Secretary General – U Thant
1. Explain your country’s political, economic and social structure at this point in at least two
paragraphs (must discuss all three). Be sure to include any major events your country is
involved in (either domestically or internationally). Also note any international treaties or
allies your country has with other nations (especially nations in the HSC Security Council).
Please do not discuss your country’s feelings about the Cuban Missile Crisis because we will
come to our own conclusions at conference.
Politically my nation, Burma, has grown in a very short period of time, despite major setbacks in the past decade, such as oppression and civil war. We gained our independence after decades of British rule, and, after WWII, several years of Japanese rule, on January 1, 1948. The current president of Burma, Ba U, is associated with the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League, a political party founded by the Communist Party of Burma. The opposing party, the National United Front has lost both presidential elections since our liberation. Although the Communist Party of Burma formed the AFPFL it was more of a collection of many political factions, and did not have one definitive set of beliefs or characteristics. In fact at this time the original communists have been expelled from the AFPFL due to idealistic and internal conflicts. Burma also formed a democratic bicameral parliament when it gained independence. Economically Burma has been functioning under a “mixed economy” that offers both capitalistic and socialistic ideals and features both private and state control of the market. Unfortunately, our first prime minister, U Nu’s attempts to transform Burma into a welfare state failed miserably and our exports have greatly decreased. This plan was financed with superfluous printed money, the effects of which may be seen in the future. Under British rule Burma was one of the wealthiest nations in our hemisphere, the political leaders are constantly working to rectify this situation.
Our biggest internal issues are social conflicts. The government is constantly subduing rebel groups who are a threat to Burma’s growth. These groups include communist and ethnic separatists who are attempting to gain political prominence. This has been seen as a civil war involving many different factions that reside within Burma, however the image of the situation has been exacerbated compared to the truth. If it were true, how has the AFPFL managed to control the situation and secured its power for so long? The Burmese foreign policy has been an attempt at neutrality, which can be seen in our support of the Afro-Asian (or Bandung) Conference in 1955. Burma opposes colonialism and imperialistic nations (including the new neocolonialism policies of the United States and Soviet Union interference with developing nations). Although Burma was enthusiastic to meet with the Bandung Conference, we refrained from joining the South-East Asia Treaty Organization, which critics say may have barred us from allied opportunities; however, nations such as the United States have already shown their allegiance to the Kuomintang (KMT) - great enemies of Burma. The conflict with these Chinese Nationalists that occurred earlier eventually ended when the KMT was driven out. Burma’s neutrality has made the nation a part of the 1955 Non-Aligned Movement, increasing its intensity by declaring that Burma will not be formally aligned or against and major powers.
Julianne Toia
ReplyDeleteCouncil Rock North
HSC Security Council
Secretary General – U Thant
2. Discuss your country’s feelings about the Cold War; does your country support nuclear
proliferation and/or testing of nuclear weapons? Does your country support the Eastern or
Western allies more?
It is in Burma’s and my own personal interest to defuse the situation between the United States and Soviet Union as quickly as possible. We only wish that our non-aggressive policy could be adopted by these major powers. In response to my election to the office of Secretary General John F. Kennedy said, “[t]he election of U Thant is a splendid achievement in which the whole world can rejoice.” My relation with the United States has been good, and more prominent than the one with the Soviet Union (they initially attempted to redistribute my power between a total of three secretary generals, although eventually backed down). Burma’s own interest (or disinterest) in communism was easily seen in the expulsion of the members from the Communist Party of Burma from the AFPFL. However, these relationships will not affect my decision making throughout the mediation. My-and Burma’s-only goal is to secure peace and equity. I maintain an unbiased approach when it comes to leading the United Nations.
3. Explain your country’s views on civil and human rights. How do your country’s political and
social systems reflect these views?
Burma’s involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement reveals many of its view on civil and human rights. This is once again a reference to Burma’s neutrality, and as I mentioned earlier disapproval of colonialism and imperialism. Burma believes in avoiding aggressive behavior, respect for the sovereignty of other nations, peace, and international equity. All of these values are evident in Burma’s foreign policy. Burma’s views on these rights can be traced back to its own history. Being a victim of colonization and oppression and recently liberated it is natural Burma would support the sovereignty of other nations. Burma’s non-aggression and wish for international peace is also a reflection of its experience with war. The British and Japanese fought for control in Burma throughout World War II, and after the war had concluded. Burma has also been tormented by social unrest that has led to violence among its own people. Ever since a democratic government has been instilled in the nation, attempts to secure more human rights have increased. It is Burma’s dream to end all oppression within its own boarders, but unfortunately must first deal with the threat of civil violence.
Sources:
http://www.un.org/Overview/SG/sg3bio.html
http://www.uthantinstitute.org/
http://asiatours.net/burma/info/history04.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/2798187.stm
http://www.nam.gov.za/background/background.htm#1.2%20NAM%20Summits%20at%20a%20glance
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/viewarticle.cfm/u-thant-reexamined-12433
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,897671,00.html
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35910.htm#history
http://www.cfob.org/HistoryofBurma/historyOfBurma.shtml
http://www.drugtext.org/library/books/McCoy/book/29.htm
http://www.google.com/search?q=burma+history&hl=en&safe=off&client=safari&rls=en&sa=X&tbo=p&tbs=tl:1,tll:1900,tlh:1999&ei=LwcsS5eQAo6llAfvzqygBw&oi=timeline_histogram_main&ct=timeline-histogram&cd=10&ved=0CBIQyQEoCg
http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_346.shtml
http://www.hpol.org/jfk/cuban/
Position Paper:
ReplyDeleteKelsey Hannah
Ireland – Security Council
Council Rock High School South
Historical Simulation Committee
1. After Ireland gained freedom in 1921 from Great Britain, following the Government of Ireland Act. With that is also established Northern Ireland which consists of 6 counties which would continue to be under Great Britain’s Rule. The newly established government Cumann na nGaedheal decided to maintain the government established by Great Britain instead of changing everything at once. It refused to directly intervene with economic issues except for that it support the hydroelectric industry. However Ireland was still mainly a agricultural country. For foreign policy Ireland started to build small diplomatic groups in Europe and America. Internally though Ireland was having border issues with Northern Ireland until 1925 when the borders of the two countries were permanently decided. Also Ireland dealt with a possible mutiny in 1924 and the threat of republican sedition even with the defeat of the IRA in the civil war the country was very much in turmoil. The creation of the Fianna Fail in 1926 by Eamon de Valera led to a change of political power in 1932 when the Cumann na nGaedheal lost power to the Fianna Fail which started to spread more radical views throughout the government.
After de Valera took over he took the opportunity to suspend land payments due to the British government which led to the “Economic War” which was centered around protection steps from both Ireland and Great Britain, this lasted for six years but during this time de Valera also decided to begin switching Ireland’s industry to the main focus instead of trying to correct the already bad economic issues of Ireland. Along with the increasing hardships of the economy switching to industry also hurt the agricultural sectors of Ireland which was one of Ireland’s greatest assets at this time. In 1937 the constitution of Eire replaced the treaty that was in place from 1921, in 1949 British Government’s Ireland Act that people Ireland were to be considered aliens and that Northern Ireland would always be part of Great Britain and not of the Republic. It gave back several Irish ports back to Ireland instead of being in the control of the Royal Navy. Also In the late 1930s social development especially areas of education policy started to change. When WWII broke out Ireland took on military neutrality (Emergency as it was known in Ireland). Even as Ireland was pressured from both allies and Nazi-Germany, However the government of Ireland leaned towards the Allies they still officially maintained the status of neutral. Around this time economic issues hit an all time low because of the stance of neutrality made Ireland more isolated than ever before in international trade. The 1940s and 1950s in Ireland were categorized by Political unrest and instability. Three different government parties tried and failed to correct the problems facing Ireland. In 1949 social and political views came to a head with the multiple crises the most talked about being the Mother and Child debacle of
1951 which centered on the issue of health care. Huge amounts of people were leaving Ireland because of the countries failure to provide the basic standard of living in Ireland. In 1955 Ireland formed the ICEM a branch of the international European Movement, Which lets Ireland to interact with other European Countries EEC in 1959 and th also in 1955 Ireland joined the United Nations which some people thought was a bad decision because of its neutral stance in almost all global issues. This stayed in place until 1959 when Ireland was opened to external influences, making the next few years for Ireland would be the time of Social changes and economic strides.
2. Ireland comes from a long history of making sure they stayed neutral in all of the major global issues. However when it came to the Cold War Ireland stayed neutral even though the actual stance of Ireland was not very clear. This is due to the location of Ireland and other factors. Since Ireland is such a small country on the outskirts of Western Europe much of Ireland’s views and opinions of the Cold War were lost in the grand scheme of things. On the stance of Nuclear proliferation and testing Ireland was against it. Primarily because of the incident in 1957 where a nuclear testing plant in Scotland that had a leak caught fire and the gases spread throughout Europe and the UK which made Ireland against Nuclear proliferation and testing. When it comes to the Western Allies and the Eastern Allies, Ireland favored the western allies more because of they offered Ireland security and protection. Also Ireland had just gained its independence from Great Britain so it supported the self-rule of other countries and almost feared the Eastern Alliance for this reason because they did not want to be controlled by another power instead of themselves. Because of its close proximity with Great Britain it probably favored the Western Allies because they still had economic dependence on their trade with Britain so siding with the Western Allies kept relations good between these two countries.
ReplyDelete3. The civil rights in Ireland were an interesting concept in the 1950’s even though it had no specific civil rights issues of its own it was affected secondary by many surrounding countries. Northern Ireland which consists of a section of the actual island but is under British rule had many problems at this time with Civil Rights. These issues had a big affect on the Republic of Ireland because of its close proximity to each other. Most of the issues stemmed from the ever changing religious powers. As it switched from Catholic to Protestant control the other group suffered unjust treatment. Also because of these rules people were treated as second class citizens. However Ireland wasn’t actually affected by these rules, they didn’t discriminate against religions even though the different parties of their political structure had distinctive religion views and ways to handle things. Even without the stress of Northern Ireland, Ireland had its own problems again to do with the religious factors. Ireland censored all works of literature that catholic priests thought weren’t appropriate enough for the general public of Ireland. So even though Ireland didn’t discriminate against a particular race of people they controlled very closely what the citizens of Ireland could and couldn’t do. So Ireland believed in human rights for everyone and equal opportunities for everyone. Ireland had very closed minded views of civil rights because the government believed that they should control what their citizens should know about and what they should learn about also.
Works Cited
Coakley, John. Politics in the Republic of Ireland. 4th. New York: Routledge, 2005. 431-438. Print.
Duffy, Sean. Atlas of Irish History. 2nd. Derbyshire, England: Arcadia Editions limited, 2000. 114-124. Print
“Ireland in the 1950s and early 1960.” 05 Dec. 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2009.
“Irish Council of European Movement.” UCD Archives 2009. UCD, web. 13 Dec. 2009.
Kee, Robert. The Green Flag. England: Weidenfeld and Nicholson, 1972. 748-752. Print.
Country: Kenya
ReplyDeleteCommittee: HSC – Security Council
Delegate: Jo Speranza
Delegation: Community YMCA
Position Paper
1. At the 1885 Berlin conference, at the height of European colonialism, the European powers arbitrarily divided Africa among themselves. Germany was to get Tanganyika (Tanzania) and Britain was awarded Kenya and Uganda. The British were more interested in controlling Uganda (because of the Nile River) than Kenya, but needed Kenya in order to do that. The Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC) was authorized to set up commercial operations in Uganda and Kenya, but when it failed its mission, Kenya and Uganda were made a direct British protectorate in 1895.
Several factors led to African resistance against colonization. After decades the British had taken the bulk of the land suitable for farming – especially the highlands which were declared solely for whites - pushing aside the original inhabitants, such as the Kikuyu, or turning them into squatters without rights. The British introduced taxes, but because money did not exist, Africans were supposed to pay them through labor.
World War I proved that Europeans were not as civilized as they appeared to be. The British lost a lot of prestige in the eyes of Africans. As a result, several movements began to rebel against colonization. They became more aware of their own Kenya history. Interestingly enough, they were generally started by Kenyans, which had attended missionary schools where they had learned about justice, freedom, and love. One of them was Harry Thuku, who was sent to prison for 11 years for organizing mass protests in 1921 with the Young Kikuyu Association that he co-founded. This organization went over into the Kenya African Union (later renamed Kenya African National Union or KANU), led by Jomo Kenyatta.
The famous Mau Mau rebellion, which occurred from 1952-1960, was the culmination of these anti-colonization movements. This was led by the Kikuyu, who suffered heavily from British land politics as they had lived in the highlands before colonization. In 1952, the secret Kikuyu guerrilla group known as Mau Mau began a violent campaign against white settlers. A state of emergency was consequently declared. Jomo Kenyatta, the president of KAU, is arrested for the actions of the Mau Mau. As a result, the KAU was banned. After a few more years of fighting, the Mau Mau rebellion was put down after thousands had been killed—mainly Africans who pledged loyalty to the British. In 1959, a full six years after being jailed—and seven years after the Mau Mau rebellion started, Kenyatta was released from jail, but under house arrest. The next year, the state of emergency in Kenya ended. Britain then announced plans to prepare Kenya for majority African rule. In preparation for this, the Kenya African National Union (KANU) was formed by Tom Mboya and Oginga Odinga. In 1961, Kenyatta was freed from house arrest and assumed presidency of KANU.
On December 12th, 1963, the British granted full independence to Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta, the leader of KANU, became Kenya’s first president. This was the first period of freedom in Kenya history for a long time - at least formally, because the Cold War ensured plenty of Western grip in the next phase of Kenya history. Although the British had sentenced Kenyatta for his role in the Mau Mau rebellions, Kenyatta followed a course of reconciliation. Although he had been strongly anti-British and anti-colonial, Kenyatta always warned of the dangers of communism, and as a result, wanted to reconcile with the British and the West. He called on white settlers to stay in Kenya, allowed former colonial civil servants to keep their government jobs, and ensured Kenya’s entry into the British Commonwealth of Nations. Kenya then enjoyed an international reputation for being politically stable. Foreign investments also flew in because of Kenya’s relative stability and Kenyatta’s political influence throughout Africa. However, Kenyatta was criticized because of authoritarian politics and favoritism; during his land reforms the best pieces of land went to his relatives and friends, and Kenyatta himself became the nation’s largest landowner. Nevertheless, a relatively prosperous phase in Kenya history began at this point.
ReplyDelete2. Kenya was just one nation within the global power struggle. Until 1963, Kenya was a full British colony, and because the British were the strongest US ally, automatically on the Western side. After independence, Kenya continued this course under it’s first president Jomo Kenyatta. Although Kenyatta had been strongly anti-British and anti-colonial, Kenyatta always warned of the dangers of communism. Kenyatta wanted to reconcile with the British and the West. He called on white settlers to stay in Kenya, allowed former colonial civil servants to keep their government jobs, and ensured Kenya’s entry into the British Commonwealth of Nations. As an ally of the United States of America, Kenya supports its efforts to end communism. However, Kenya does not support nuclear weapons. Although Kenya does not support the use of nuclear weapons, it wouldn’t want to be perceived as a country that will get in the way of other’s pursuit of nuclear weaponry and testing. In an extreme situation, Kenya will support its allies.
ReplyDelete3. As a newly independent nation, Kenya was just beginning to develop its practices dealing with human rights and civil rights. Kenyatta is controversial in Kenya even today. He pioneered a one-party political system, and though he greatly increased Kenya’s wealth during his presidential years, much of that wealth went directly to his family and cronies. He did not seem to regard his citizen’s rights altogether. This may be due to the fact that Kenyatta felt an obligation to legitimize his country and “put it on the map.” Between working toward becoming a British Commonwealth and maintaining the economy, Kenya was not as concerned with rights. Concerning war, Kenya wanted to remain with the Westerners, for previously stated reasons, but did not participate directly in the warfare.
ReplyDeleteSources
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1026884.stm
http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2953%3Abackground-information-on-human-rights-violations-of-the-samburu-people-of-kenya&catid=55%3Aafrica-indigenous-peoples&Itemid=77&lang=en
http://www.scribd.com/doc/15498499/Kenya-History-Culture-Environment-Chapter
http://africanhistory.about.com/od/kenya/Kenya.htm
http://crawfurd.dk/africa/kenya_timeline.htm
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLaura Wasserman
ReplyDeleteLiberia
Rancocas Valley Regional Highschool
1.
Liberia is a country nestled between Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, and Guinea which was founded by freed American slaves in the United States. Our government is modeled after the American system, with a president; the office of which currently being held by President William V.S. Tubman, who is now around his fifteenth year in office. Before Tubman’s presidency there was a drastic separation between the descendents of the Americans, termed Americo-Liberians, and the tribal peoples that the Americo-Liberians viewed as inferior. The Americo-Liberians live on the coast and in the capital of Monrovia. Though only at most 5% of the total population of roughly one million inhabitants the Americo-Liberians and the majority of the wealth and political power of the nation. By contrast, the many of the native peoples live farther in-land, and have retained autonomous tribal lifestyles subservient to the Liberian government. There are around twenty separate and distinct tribes in Liberia, and most of the tribal peoples have had little contact with the settlers on the coast until recent improvements in transportation which have increased interaction between the two spheres of society. Prior to the addition of new roads and telephone and telegraph lines, the extent of communication between tribes and the Liberian government was the collection of taxes and acts pressing tribesmen into work. In Liberia, the Americo-Liberians have long oppressed and discriminated against the tribes. President Tubman has been the most inclusive president thus far in Liberia’s history and has made national unification and socioeconomic integration between the tribal peoples and elite American-Liberians into a priority. He has extended suffrage to tribal tax payers has promoted many people of tribal heritage to government positions. Tribal regions are expected to be divided into legislative districts for representation in the Liberian House of Representatives in upcoming bills.
Part of the reason why integration is an important aspect of the society is because of economic policies. Liberia has a wealth of natural resources, including timber, iron, diamonds, and an environment conducive for the growing of rubber plants. Since its inception, though, it had taken on deeper and deeper loans from western countries and had never managed to gain solvency. In 1926, Liberia allowed Firestone Tire and Rubber Company to gain a large portion of land to grow rubber trees to make cheaper rubber in exchange for another loan that allowed Liberia to pay off other debts and improve infrastructure. Although still a poor nation, this investment eventually made Liberia able to get out of debt. President Tubman has then expanded economic growth with an open-door policy that attracts many companies from other nations to do business and invest in Liberia. In order for the iron reserves to be tapped, there had to be better roads and communication inland, which lead to more contact with the tribes and became the catalyst for unification. The growth has let us gain valuable commodities such as telephone services, roads, and improved ports, which has only increased our living standards and productivity.
The economic and social strides President Tubman has made for Liberia have made him very popular, but he and the True Whig party does have some opposition. Many other Americo-Liberian elites feel that there is now too much foreign influence in Liberia, despite the fact that the foreign interests have been what has made Liberia a stronger nation. Also, despite comparatively large strides over the course of almost twenty years, Liberia still exhibits strong classism and the wealth that the recent economic prosperity has brought prosperity to a few Americo-Liberian elites, with much of the rest of the nation still dredged in poverty. Americo-Liberians are also the only ones to have a strong impact on government.
In terms of foreign relations, Liberia historically has seen itself apart from the rest of Africa. Americo-Liberians were heavily influenced by America and American culture, and the Liberian government reflected this undercurrent as opposed to feeling any bonds or kinship to African, or tribal, culture. With countries such as Ghana gaining its independence from their European colonists, though, Liberia felt it would be wise to commence in relations and diplomatically aide the nations. Liberia has conducted meetings with Ghana and Ethiopia regarding the future of African affairs. Liberia wants to build a coalition of independent African nations that would be able to help advocate with the collective economic plights that all African nations have suffered. (in 1963 Liberia will help found the OAU, the Organization of African Unity, which would work towards the liberation of all African countries peacefully while advocating courses of action that would resolve conflicts in a nonviolent manner)
ReplyDeleteIn a less agreeable event that involved international intervention, the League of Nations investigated allegations regarding Americo-Liberian relations with the tribal population in 1929. The government was cited as blatantly abusing the tribes and coercing them into working for Firestone or the government itself under deplorable conditions. Also, government was also found to have been capturing tribal people to work for another nation, essentially trading them for a fee as slaves.
2
Economically, Liberia has strong ties to Western European businesses. Politically, Liberia has even stronger ties to America; Liberia uses the dollar as currency, the political system is based off the American system, the US has provided financial support to Liberia, and the official language is English. Also, Liberia has an American military base which helped increase revenue in the 1940s and during WWII America provided military protection for Liberia. Therefore, Liberia fully supports the Western allies, although it would be valid and appropriate to blame any scandals on subversive communist activists dispersed about the country.
In terms of nuclear policy, Liberia does not support nuclear proliferation and the escalation of nuclear technologies with testing and research. Liberia would not want to possess a weapon of such a magnitude itself; likewise, we believe that no other nations, other than those already possessing nuclear technology, should gain access to it. Liberia recognizes the need for the United States to protect itself from threats, though, which might call for an expansion in its nuclear arsenal.
3
Liberia was founded by a group of people who were subject to the worst conditions one human being can inflict upon another. With this in mind, ideologically, Liberia was founded under the principle of equality. Since Liberia’s inception, though, we have practiced a policy against the tribal peoples in which the tribes are viewed as inferior, savage, and not part of Liberian culture. Until recently, they were not allowed to vote nor did they have a say in government. Liberia is in the process of rectifying these disparities between what Liberia should support in theory and what Liberia should support in practice.
Citations:
ReplyDeleteAmerican University Foreign Area Studies, ed. Liberia: A Country Study. 3rd ed.
N.p.: United States Government as represented by the Army, 1985. Print.
Area Handbook.
Kohn, George Childs. "Charter of the Organization of African Unity." Dictionary of Historic Documents, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE53&iPin=hisdc01873&SingleRecord=True (accessed December 18, 2009).
El-Ayouty, Yassin, ed. The Organization of African Unity after Thirty Years. New York: Praeger, 1994.
Nyangoni, Wellington. Africa in the United Nations System. London: Associated University Presses, 1975.
United Nations. Cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity, Annual Report by the General Assembly. New York: United Nations, 1998.
Davis, R. Hunt, ed. "Liberia, 1860 to 1960." Encyclopedia of African History and Culture: The Colonial Era (1850 to 1960). vol. 4. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE53&iPin=AHCIV0320&SingleRecord=True (accessed December 17, 2009).
Davis, R. Hunt, ed. "Liberia, 1944 to present." Encyclopedia of African History and Culture: Independent Africa (1960 to Present), vol. 5. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE53&iPin=AHCV0315&SingleRecord=True (accessed December 17, 2009).
Davis, R. Hunt, ed. "rubber in colonial Africa." Encyclopedia of African History and Culture: The Colonial Era (1850 to 1960). vol. 4. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE53&iPin=AHCIV0466&SingleRecord=True (accessed December 17, 2009).
Delegate: Krystal Vuong
ReplyDeleteCommittee: Security Council (HSC)
Country: Ghana
1. British colony of Gold Coast became independent and got the name Ghana in 1957. The name Ghana was assumed at independence for about three reasons. The first reason would be the founding fathers of Ghana argued that the Akan of the Gold Coast was descendents of the ancient Ghana Empire that flourished from the 9th to the 13th Centuries. Another reason is that the spectator’s example of ancient Ghana was in building in a great African empire that endured for three centuries was by equaling the emerging nation. One last reason is that the name was not an ethnical name specific to any ethnic groups. So therefore, “…engender the spirit of national cohesion and consciousness.”
Ghana is about 20 million highest population densities on the urban areas. Ghana is also made up of many ethnic groups. The total land area Ghana owns is about 238,538 square kilometers.
At a period of time Ghana lost its “innocence”. It was a change that was irreversible. This was a currency that was highly backed by and convertible in to sterling and a generous toleration of imparts. It was usually a risk of inflation because there was increase in government spending. The country’s private investments were usually based on large exports that proceeds or from accumulated reserves of export earnings. Import was also high, and there wasn’t much restrictions on the freedom to import.
2. Ghana supported the Eastern allies the most. They made every effort to participate in or if possible to control trade with Europeans. The Europeans arrived in late 15th century and in these efforts in turn influenced state formation and development. Ghana approves of nuclear weapons. Only when it is truly necessary and of use peacefully. There was a Treaty to attempt to de-link of the tripods that under pins its spirit and letter. Also saying that the peaceful use of nuclear weapons.
3. Ghana had a racial discrimination reputation; blacks were denied opportunities and often harassed, mistreated and abused by the government. There were no reliefs through the courts or political action. The quote once said in court “your brothers and sisters in color”—were “fired” by Africa’s independence crusade.” Ghana believed that everyone should have equal right and most importantly, equal respects. The government system was no help to the racial discrimination. They often took advantage and many times denied opportunities given to the non-whites. The judging on the court was no better than the government’s ruling.
Sources:
1. http://www.ghana50.gov.gh/history/index.php
2. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/11/INGJ7O0L4O1.DTL
3. http://www.jstor.org/pss/159413
4. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/11/INGJ7O0L4O1.DTL
Delegate: Julia Bontempo
ReplyDeleteCountry: Ceylon Security Council Committee: Historical Simulation (HSC)
Delegation: Community YMCA-Monmouth County
1)During the mid-twentieth century, Ceylon was caught in a time of political strife. England colonized the small island since 1796. The British East India Company established numerous plantations of important trading goods, such as tea, coffee, and sugar. The Trading Company brought indentured servants from the Tamil Nadu state in India to work on these plantations. During WWII, Ceylon served as a popular pit-stop for Naval and Areal allied forces. Colonial authorities caused the people to revolt and in 1947 Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, gained its independence and became a socialist nation.
Ceylon's socialist government dismantled plantations and attempted to gain economic equality that had been badly skewed by British colonization. However, independence led to a civil war because of the divided interests of Tamils and Sinhalese. Many Tamils were left without plantations to work on and were left disenfranchised and not granted citizenship. Solomon Bandaranaike became Prime Minister and started a wave of anti-Tamil sentiment that ultimately exploded into riots when Tamil representatives opposed the majority Sinhalese political decisions. These riots left 300 Tamils dead and many displaced. Prime Minister Bandaranaike was assassinated by a Buddhist monk and succeeded by his wife.
2) This civil war kept Sri Lanka from forming any international relationships with countries other than Great Britain. Ceylon's agricultural background and war-torn economy kept the nation from becoming affiliated with any allied power or forming a specific opinion on the development of nuclear warfare. At this time period, Ceylon aligned, although not formally, with the eastern Allies because of their similar political structures and ideals, such as socialism.
3) Ceylon had a bad reputation for civil rights violations, especially in crimes committed against the Tamil minority. The government often incited anti-minority riots and enforced legislation restricting the rights of the tamils.
Sources:
1) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1166237.stm
2) http://ipsnews.net/srilanka/timeline.shtml
3) http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE53&NewItemID=True
TJ Rubin
ReplyDeleteSomerville High School
Republic of China (Security Council)
Historical Simulation Committee
Position Paper
1. Taiwan, at the moment, is suffering from political chaos. Many of our denizens have fled from mainland China to be here. The People’s Republic of China still believes that they have control over Taiwan and the Republic of China, but we refuse to recognize that. Our country is governed by a party-state dictatorship. The ruling party is the Kuomintang. We are currently under martial law and controlled by one-party.
In terms of our economy, we have suffered many slights, but we are working to retrieve our prior economic status. After World War II, many of our materials have been lacking. Our national government helped increase our agriculture and our economy started to pick up. We also have decided upon a new policy where we use what we earn from agriculture to help support our industrial sector. It has been heading upon a steady path and hopefully it will continue to grow.
Socially, society is very run by the government. Many of the workers are government workers and are required to be a part of the Kuomintang. The social status of the agriculture workers moved from that of a moral economy to a political economy. Many of the industrial workers are working for the government as well. All of the economy is being controlled politically, rather than for one’s benefit at home.
Other countries, specifically the United States, believe that Taiwan should remain neutral. There was a peace treaty signed called the San Francisco Peace Treaty, but we were not invited, nor was the People’s Republic of China. Naturally we were very angry, but just hours before the treaty went into effect, we agreed upon the Treaty of Taipei with Japan. Japan gave up all sovereignty over Taiwan and all peoples of Chinese descent in Taiwan were granted their Chinese nationality. We are allies with the United States and the United Kingdom and their allies. Essentially we are allies with the rest of the Security Council. We are not very associated with the Soviet Union right now, but seeing as they are enemies with the People’s Republic of China we are not passing the opportunity to tighten relations.
2. The Republic of China strongly opposes any form of Communism and we believe that is should not exist in this world. We fled from mainland China because we were being forced to go against our beliefs. We believe we do not have complete control to go and intervene between the Soviets or the Americans and, in honesty, we should not. We are very weak and disorganized at the moment and to rush into worldly matters would be very unwise. Instead we seek help regarding our own issues at hand.
We do believe in nuclear proliferation, but the United States does not want us to have nuclear weapons. We think that we need to prepare to fight against the People’s Republic of China and many countries are trying to stop us. We do not appreciate this, we believe we should be able to develop our own weapons when we would like.
The Republic of China certainly supports the Western Countries more. These are the countries that share similar beliefs with us. We also understand that they are trying to preserve world peace, so they may sometimes intervene in our government. Despite that one little fact, we do support the Western Countries.
3. We strongly believe in human rights, but at this moment our country is suffering from severe political repression. We do believe in capital punishment, but for the most part our citizens enjoy a moderate standard of living. Also, we are slightly autocratic, but that is partly based on our values and customs. Despite any discrepancies among the people of Taiwan and the Republic of China we strongly oppose Communism and the muffling of basic human rights.
Works Cited:
http://www.coldwar.org/articles/50s/taiwan_crisis.asp
http://huang.cc.ntu.edu.tw/pdf/CCB1308.pdf
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/news/19991020/
http://www.taiwandc.org/hst-1624.htm