Criteria of American Rebels John Reed, Joseph Freeman, and Louis Fischer Used in the History Evaluation - Research Paper Example

Every evaluation of a historical event requires the use of criteria for distinguishing good and bad, right and wrong,progressive and reactionary. What criteria do John Reed, Joseph Freeman, and Louis Fischer use in their evaluations of the Mexican Revolution (Reed), World War I (Reed), and the Bolshevik Revolution (Freeman and Fischer)? How do the criteria used by these American rebels compare with the ones Kropotkin used in his plea for rebellion (“An Appeal to the Young”)? The Mexican Revolution (1911) Criteria of John Reed The American rebels employed many strategies to reflect on a number of historical events that took place in the past few decades. Despite these rebels applying different criteria or techniques to reflect on the happenings along with their individual opinions, it is apparent they had major concerns about the distinctions between good and bad, progressive and reactionary, and right and wrong (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). The developing stories of World War I, the Mexican Revolution, and the Bolshevik Revolution show the various stages through which the world has evolved before accomplishing its status. Apparently, the universe has been through series of social, economic and political transformations for the longest time since the introduction of the industrial revolution followed by series of inventions and discoveries that have shaped the world to what it is today (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). Many people recognize the contributions of John Reed in the analysis of the Mexican Revolution as well as the happenings of the World War I that have influenced international relationships between countries across the globe. Despite the raging debate over the contributions of World War and the infamous Mexican Revolution to the current status, it is important to recognize the views and opinions of the John Reed that have also illuminated understanding of many learners across the globe (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). In particular, Reed focused on the positive and negative aspects of Mexican Revolution of 1911. He used unique criteria to create a clear and more comprehensible understanding of the Revolution, which has influenced the social, economic, and political dynamics of the current Mexico as well as the neighborhood (Reed 63-78). The Americans (USA) did not understand the 1911 Mexico Revolution. However, the revolution found a soft landing in short stories, silent films and American novels. The novels have particularly displayed a comprehensive analysis of the stages through which the country went through before attaining political, social and economic independence. Today, the United States and Mexico share fundamental similarities, which have immensely helped the process of shaping up understanding of the relations between the two countries. Stereotypes about Mexico dominated American films during the 20thcentury (Reed 63-78). The first criteria that John Reed used was to examine and analyze whether or not the people of Mexico engaged in fierce fight for the sake of it or because they wanted things they could not afford through the alternative option. This kind of analysis seeks to unravel the underlying reasons that might have sparked the outbreak of conflict. John Reed argues thatthe revolution signified the dire need for change among the citizens especially in terms of political composition and situation of the country. Mexicans seemed to feel exhausted by the leadership hence saw the need to break and begin a different kind of life (Reed 63-78). The forces that preferred intervention and Annexation of Mexico went on record as spreading news that Mexico Revolution was simply a comic opera revolution. In his criteria, Reed attests to the need to go through the country trying to look at the various aspects that might have led to the outbreak of the revolution. In particular, Reed proposes a comprehensible study of the Constitutionalist army, which involves asking people what they are fighting for as well as assessing whether the people like revolution as a way of living. Apparently, a number of people in Mexico and many others around the world seem to be engrossed into revolutions as a way of living. In essence, may people do not have tangible reasons for participation in various forms of revolution the world has witnessed in the past few decades. According to the criteria, it is apparent that most people who engaged in the revolution do not enjoy thirst, starvation, cold, wounds, and nakedness. In addition, the loss of women as well as their children did not appeal to them (Reed (b) 74-111). John Reeds confirms that most people engaged in the fight during the revolution because fighting in a way creates some fun. The people feel relieved and elated by the developments rather than sitting back and working in the mines or as slaves. Apparently, the fight was in itself a relief to many people from the intimidations, sufferings and brutality that characterized most of the activities they engaged in to earn a living. Reed surveyed the genesis of all happenings during the revolution. Apparently, the Mexican Revolution play significant role on the road to attainment of independence. At the end of the revolution, the country successfully graduated and gained a new status (Reed 63-78). In essence, the country was declaredMexican Republic in 1914. It was actually the last in a series of revolutions alongside coups that had rocked the country since Francisco Madero (a wealthy landowner) overthrow the once dictator, General Porfirio Diaz. The new leader after Gen. Diaz government was overthrown failed to implement the land reforms so urgently. Reed took another step by going directly to Ludlow (Colorado) upon leaving Mexico and took up arms on the side of the striking miners (Reed 63-78). The novels have particularly displayed a comprehensive analysis of the stages through which the country went through before attaining political, social and economic independence. Today, the United States and Mexico share fundamental similarities, which have immensely helped the process of shaping up understanding of the relations between the two countries. Stereotypes about Mexico dominated American films during the 20th century (Reed 63-78). The first criteria that John Reed used was pertaining to examining and analyzing whether or not the people of Mexico engaged in fierce fight for the sake of it or because they wanted something they could not afford through the alternative option. This kind of analysis seeks to unravel the underlying reasons that might have sparked the outbreak of conflict. Apparently, the revolution signified the dire need for change among the citizens especially in terms of political composition and situation of the country. Mexicans seemed to feel exhausted by the leadership hence saw the need to break and begin a different kind of life (Reed, Insurgent Mexico 63-78). World War I Criteria of John Reed During the outbreak of World War I, Reed (accomplished journalist) made his way to the battlefronts in Germany, Turkey, France, Russian, and Italy (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). In order to reflect the bad feeling he had due to World War I, Reed championed for even much stronger fight notwithstanding the dangers to which he was exposing himself. His criteria to travel to different places across the globe to determine the intensity of the fight helped him file a more informed report about the ills that continue to happen in society (John Reed’s Selected Writings 74). He would then return to the United States of America after conducting a comprehensive analysis of the dangers and reporting the reality as regards war. In his criteria, John argued that the imperialist unleashed the war with an intension to increase profits at the expense of the ordinary people (John Reed’s Selected Writings 74-158). He used his anti-war information to woo the masses including the law enforcement agencies. Even after the arrest and arraigned before a court of law. He however managed to challenge the judges citing a right and responsibility to fight for the rights of every citizen in the country. Since his speech impressed everyone, he many people accorded him much respect. In attempt to stem up his quest to get information, Reed applied a different system. Reed would later travel to Russia where he realized the victory of workers in that country was fast approaching (Reed (b) 74-111). Bolshevik Revolution Criteria of Freeman and Fischer The Russian Revolution (1917-1918) had a major impact in America, Europe and the world at large (Bunyan and Harold 1-139). The revolution centers on two main events namely the February Revolution and the October Revolution. The October Revolution (Bolshevik Revolution) played a critical in the formation of a stable government in Russia. Apparently, the October Revolution paved way for the establishment of an interim government. The Soviet Union as commonly referred to by the radicals. The Bolsheviks realized that they could not maintain power in an n election based system. By 1920, many people had adopted the democratic process. The Russian Civil War would then break out in the summer of the last year. According to the criteria, it is apparent that most people who engaged in the Bolshevik revolution do not enjoy thirst and starvation. In addition, the loss of women as well as their children did not appeal to them. John Reeds confirms that most people engaged in the fight during the revolution do saw because fighting in a way creates some fun (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). The people feel relieved and elated by the developments rather than sitting back and working in the mines or as slaves. Apparently, the fight was in itself a relief to many people from the intimidations, sufferings and brutality that characterized most of the activities they engaged in to earn a living. Reed surveyed the genesis of all happenings during the revolution. Apparently, the Mexican Revolution play significant role on the road to attainment of independence. At the end of the revolution, the country successfully graduated and gained a new status. In essence, the country was declared Mexican Republic in 1914. Comparing the criteria used by these American rebels compare with the ones Kropotkin used in his plea for rebellion According to the criteria used by the America rebels, it is palpable that most people engaged in the revolution do not enjoy thirst, starvation, cold, wounds, and nakedness (Kropotkin 260-280). In addition, the loss of women as well as their children did not appeal to them (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). John Reeds confirms that most people engaged in the fight during the revolution do saw because fighting in a way creates some fun (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). The people feel reassured and comforted by the developments rather than sitting back and working in the mines or as slaves. Apparently, the fight was in itself a relief to many people from the intimidations, sufferings and brutality that characterized most of the activities they engaged in to earn a living (John Reed’s Selected Writings 76-158). Reed surveyed the genesis of all happenings during the revolution. Works Cited James, Bunyan and Henry, Fischer Harold. Bolshevik Revolution, 1917-1918. London: Stanford University Press, 1934. Print. Kropotkin, Peter. Appeal To the Young. London: Kessinger Publishing, 2006. Print. Reed, John. Insurgent Mexico. New York: International Publishers, 1914. Web. 09 May 2013. Reed, John (b). Ten Days that shook the world. New York: International Publishers, 1989. Print. John Reed’s Selected Writings. The Education of John Reed: Selected Writings. New York: International Publishers, 1995. Print. Read More