Alexander Chen - AP Language and Composition Dialectical Journal by https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1 Guns of August, Barbara W. Tuchman en-us 2016-09-19 17:21:27 UTC 2016-11-10 17:32:13 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png Week 1 (1-30) alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124839674 23 September 2016]]> 2016-09-19 17:28:00 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124839674 Bio - Why Guns of August? alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124840134 After taking AP US History last year, I am interested in learning more about our nation's history. This book is about World War I, and seems to be a very highly regarded book. I hope to gain further insight into one of history's bloodiest wars.]]> 2016-09-19 17:28:56 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124840134 Reading Schedule alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124841038 DUE DATES: (ebook, percents)
9/23 (read at least 30 pages for this first week - schedule the rest for the remaining weeks)
9/30 33%
10/7 49%
10/14 66%
10/21 83%
10/28 100%]]> 2016-09-19 17:30:49 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124841038 "Everywhere he made gracious and tactful speeches about his friendship and admiration for the French, their 'glorious traditions,' their 'beautiful city,' for which he confessed an attachment 'fortified by many happy memories,' his 'sincere pleasure' in the visit...When he left, the crowds now shouted 'Vive notre roi!' (5-6). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124841566 This quote shoes Edward VII of England using praise and appeals to pride to gain the trust of the french population. Edward's quotes exaggerate his admiration for France, and this rhetoric wins over the French. This is a good example of rhetoric being used in diplomacy in order to persuade a country and improve relations. By using this rhetoric, Edward becomes loved by the french peoples.]]> 2016-09-19 17:32:02 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124841566 "Monocled and effete in appearance, cold and distant in manner, he concentrated with such single-mindedness" (21). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124841689 Effete (adj.) - having lost character, vitality, or strength

The effete government began to lose its control over the country, and society descended into anarchy.


]]> 2016-09-19 17:32:19 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/124841689 "Cars raced...with officers standing up in them...shouting, 'Mobilization!' Instantly converted from Marx to Mars, people cheered wildly and rushed off to vent their feelings on suspected Russian spies, several of whom were pummeled or trampled to death in the course of the next few days" (88). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/127434913 This quote describes to atmosphere of Germany prior to mobilization. Thousands of people waited in Berlin for news of Russia's response: would they demobilize their frontier, or would they not back down? As demonstrated by this quote, the German population was hungry for war, and the news that the German military would be mobilized caused celebrations and drastic anti-Russian sentiments. 

Rhetorically, this quote appeals to pathos by using a happy tone to describe the emotions of a country going to war.]]> 2016-09-30 03:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/127434913 "The physical act and moral odium of agression must be squarely left upon Germany" (100). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/127435349 Odium (n.) - general or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions

Trump brought himself into public odium for his distasteful remarks during the debate.]]> 2016-09-30 03:43:54 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/127435349 "'What is the smallest British military force that would be of any practical assistance to you?' Wilson asked. Like a rapier flash came Foch's reply, 'A single British soldier--and we will see to it that he is killed'" (59). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/128672817 The use of "like a rapier flash" strikes an image of a sharp and pointed retort. The statement that follows is powerful in its implications. The Anglo-French alliance stood on shaky ground, and France wanted to see Britain's commitment. This dark quote states that a dead British soldier--proof of their alliance--is all France needs from Britain. ]]> 2016-10-06 01:50:28 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/128672817 "For a hundred years the Ottoman Empire, called the 'Sick Man' of Europe, had been considered moribund by the hovering European powers who were waiting to fall upon the carcass" (161). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/129059338 Europe had little respect for Turkey during this time period. Many believed that, like a sick man, the empire was on its deathbed and would soon decline. This statement justifies the fact that no one had considered allying with Turkey; from their perspective, Turkey was going to die any second.]]> 2016-10-07 09:59:11 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/129059338 "To keep occupied while waiting out the tension, they played bridge over dinner. During the game...Churchill opened it [the box containing the message]...and read the single line on the paper: 'Germany has declared war on Russia.' He informed the company, changed out of his dinner jacket, and 'went straight out like a man going to a well-accustomed job,'" (115). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/129060587 The description of Churchill's reaction to this serious news reinforces the idea that he is a man of formidable character. Even when faced with the prospect of war, Churchill acts calmly and confidently. The contrast between the context of Churchill's situation and that of the world forces the reader to respect his power as a historical figure.]]> 2016-10-07 10:04:51 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/129060587 "In 1900 he had married Elizabeth of Wittelsbach,whose father, the Duke, practiced as an oculist in the Munich hospitals" (123). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/129062365 Oculist - (n) a dated/old-fashioned term for an ophthalmologist or optometrist

The very first oculists only had rudimentary knowledge of the human eye.]]> 2016-10-07 10:14:45 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/129062365 World War I Trenches alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130638573 2016-10-14 03:01:16 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130638573 "'The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime'" (145-146). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130641586 The war had begun. Germany declared its invasion of France. Britain declared its war with Germany. Europe was beginning its descent into years of darkness and despair. Sir Edward Grey recognizes the future at this point and time, and this quote "epitomized the hour."]]> 2016-10-14 03:35:54 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130641586 "The army...marched also, or was borne along, on a crest of enthusiasm, haloed by a mist of illusion. Soldiers, suddenly popular...broke ranks and strolled through the streets...Parents joined their sons to see what war was like. Magnificent limousines...Cheers roared after them" (199). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130642493 Tuchman includes this description of the soldiers on the Belgian front to illustrate just how unprepared they were for the grim reality of war. Rather than being worried for their lives, the soldiers enjoyed a celebration, with even parents happy to send their sons off to be killed. ]]> 2016-10-14 03:45:18 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130642493 "Wilson, who of all the British officers had the most intimate relation with the French and the ear of Sir John French, was considered bumptious and presumptuous" (237). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130643502 Bumptious (adj.) - self-assertive or proud to an irritating degree

The bumptious presidential candidate claimed he could never lose a debate.]]> 2016-10-14 03:58:00 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/130643502 "The two French armies would cleave their way through the middle and lop off the arm of the German right wing at the shoulder" (283). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/131344885 The use of language in this quote personifies the French and German militaries. They act as though they are appendages of a body, moving as a single unit and carving up the opponent. This provides a macro view of the war: the planning was straightforward and clean, but the fighting itself was never so clear cut.]]> 2016-10-18 01:43:09 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/131344885 "As a court favorite Prittwitz had enjoyed a career of rapid promotions because, according to a fellow officer, he 'knew how to get the Kaiser's ear at table with funny stories and salacious gossip'" (321). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/132258660 Salacious (adj.) - lustful; lecherous

With the 2016 presidential election fast approaching, stories of Donald Trump's salacious actions has earned him the scorn of many women.]]> 2016-10-21 02:29:01 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/132258660 One German reserve captain of the IIIrd Corps found himself the only surviving commander of his battalion. 'You are my sole support,' wailed the major. 'The battalion is a mere wreck, my proud, beautiful battalion . . .' "(304). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/132259342 After suffering heavy losses to a frontal British attack, the despair of those who survived is illustrated in this quote. The panicked soldier fears another attack by the British, and thus he begs for support. ]]> 2016-10-21 02:37:30 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/132259342 "When sniping was reported in a town, the hostages were executed. Irwin Cobb, accompanying von Kluck's Army, watched from a window as two civilians were marched between two rows of German soldiers with fixed bayonets. They were taken behind the railroad station; there was a sound of shots, and two litters were carried out bearing still figures covered by blankets with only the rigid toes of their boots showing. Cobb watched while twice more the performance was repeated" (Ch 17). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/132260425 (ebook, couldn't find exact page online)

This quote shows the extreme measures the Germans were willing to go through to gain an advantage. They took one man (or woman, if no man was available) from each household in the town as a hostage. Resorting to these terror tactics, the Germans hoped they could scare off potential attacks.]]> 2016-10-21 02:49:23 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/132260425 "To hasten the assembly of stocks of ammunition, Gallieni requisitioned transport 'by all means available,' including the taxis of Paris, so soon to become immortal" (Ch 20). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133804752 By including the phrase "so soon to become immortal," Tuchman foreshadows the famous Marne Taxis that are remembered today for their contributions during the Battle of Marne (despite their little actual effect on the outcome of the battle).

This quote also characterizes General Gallieni; he is willing to go to extreme lengths to save his city and his country.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fleet-taxis-did-not-really-save-paris-germans-during-world-war-i-180952140/?no-ist]]> 2016-10-28 02:41:25 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133804752 "Up to then the truth of the German advance was concealed by--to use Mr. Asquith's exquisite phrase--'patriotic reticence'" (Ch 20). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133805687 Reticence (n.) - the state of being reserved/restricted/unable to speak freely

Despite your reticence, you should still make an effort to participate in class discussions.]]> 2016-10-28 02:55:21 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133805687 "The end was in sight: the schedule defeat of france by the 39th day in time to turn against Russia; the proof of all German training, planning, and organization; the halfway step to winning the war and the mastery of Europe" (Ch 21). alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133806080 This quote reveals the flawed thinking of the German military leaders. They truly believed that the war would be swift and easy; that everything would fall into place as scheduled. In reality, their arrogance and overconfidence would lead to a war with losses the likes of which the world had never seen.]]> 2016-10-28 03:01:30 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133806080 "People felt the hidden chill of autumn in the air and wondered what would happen if the war were to last through the winter" (Ch 22.) alex_chen_h https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133806304 Tuchman includes this statement to illustrate that the fear of a prolonged conflict was beginning to set in. The sensations associated with a chilling autumnal air adds an ominous feeling to this sentence. The war would  indeed last through the winter, and through the next winter, and so on.]]> 2016-10-28 03:05:26 UTC https://padlet.com/alex_chen_h/APLangJournalTerm1/wish/133806304