https://padlet.com/epurdysouth/m18fbsc7q1ipmo92 AIH107 Assessment Task 1B en-us 2021-05-06 15:14:38 UTC 2021-05-11 05:23:46 UTC hello@padlet.com https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTU3ODc3NjU4MzU4MjYxNDcx/this-day-in-history-01181919---post-wwi-peace-conference.jpg epurdysouth https://padlet.com/epurdysouth/m18fbsc7q1ipmo92/wish/1508807546 Self determination also known as 'autonomous development' - the concept that groups of people will be able to determine their own future and governance. A simple enough definition, however it has been interpreted a number of ways, perhaps most famously by Woodrow Wilson (28th U.S president) and Lenin. Even though Wilson never uttered the phrase 'self determination' in Paris he brought the concept with him to the 1919 Paris peace conference as the last point on the 14 point address he had created. Wilson envisioned a world where select colonies would be free from overseeing powers (as soon as they were stable enough to survive such a change). It was with this supplementation of self determination for oppression that he hoped to promote change and lower the risk of revolutionary action. With this call he garnered the attention of smaller powers that despite being deemed not vital enough to be at the head table as a part of the 'supreme council' were still affected by the war; and therefore were justified in attending the conference. In order to fulfil his plan of instating a world government of sorts; his idea that will bring 'peace everlasting'. The League of Nations. ]]> 2021-05-10 12:38:19 UTC https://padlet.com/epurdysouth/m18fbsc7q1ipmo92/wish/1508807546 epurdysouth https://padlet.com/epurdysouth/m18fbsc7q1ipmo92/wish/1509211801 Japanese delegates Marquis Saionji, Viscount Chinda and Baron Makino set off towards the 1919 Paris Peace Conference intent on addressing a pressing issue of contention; racial equality. Operating under the logical assumption that Japan would be awarded the German territories in the Pacific region; the delegates focused on the issue for racial equality, having the support of advisors back home. They were seeking affirmation that the 'High Contracting Parties' (of the League of Nations would) 'agree that concerning the treatment and rights to be accorded to aliens in their territories, they will not discriminate, either in law or in fact, against any person or persons on account of his or their race or nationality'

Under the impression that America was favourable to their cause Japan's delegates drafted a declaration and allowed American Edward House to view it, under the guise of gaining support for their cause. House rejected the draft but was open to receiving another, provided it added the loophole of nations affording aliens equality 'as far as it lies in their legitimate power'.

Trying everything he could to push the equality bid through Makino appealed to the shared wartime experience of the representatives at the conference. He miscalculated the response and rather than adding the racial equality amendment to Article 21, the entire article was abandoned.


]]> 2021-05-10 14:01:59 UTC https://padlet.com/epurdysouth/m18fbsc7q1ipmo92/wish/1509211801 epurdysouth https://padlet.com/epurdysouth/m18fbsc7q1ipmo92/wish/1511634489 At the height of Wilson's popularity worldwide the Chinese and Indian populous believed he had both the power and intent to create new international relations founded on a principle of self determination. They held the hope that with Wilson's power a the future would be bright with passage into the west on an understanding of equality and mutual respect.

Wilson's vague use of the term 'self determination" led the Chinese and Indian people to believe that he was angling for progress in their governance. In reality Wilson was referring to the territories that Germany owned and were relinquishing in adherence to the reparations ordered. He cleverly avoided explicitly vocalising whether he meant to free all countries from their colonial ties or simply Europe. He meant Europe. Wilson, albeit advocating for self governance believed it only on his terms. When the decision affected him and his people he believed stringently that colonialism was required for the benefit of both parties. The coloniser acquires materials and trade opportunities whereas the colonised receives protection. This mentality can be seen when he supported the conquest of the Philippines claiming that before they can entertain the idea of self governance they must first go through a 'period of American trusteeship' This was his opinion of any non - European people wishing to become independent.

India and China believed exactly what Wilson intended them to, in order to garner their support. His choice of words led the China and Indian people to believe that he was angling for self governance in all countries which allowed them to focus on their own ideals and needs. Their idea of self determination was very much straightforward one, similar to Lenin's without the violence. Where Lenin was mysterious, and settled on national self determination, unconcerned by the struggles of other oppressed classes; Wilson appeared transparent in his ideals and goals for the world. China and India were happy to gain independence politically with the aid of someone who had successfully overthrown the British rule. They wanted to choose who led them, and answer to their own choices. 

Having their new idol ignore their needs crushed the spirit of India and China. They realised that they were going to have to help themselves, this led to protests in both countries each with horrific fatalities. In a sense Wilson's proposal of self determination did in fact bleed into China and India; just not in the way or timeframe that they expected.]]> 2021-05-11 01:12:09 UTC https://padlet.com/epurdysouth/m18fbsc7q1ipmo92/wish/1511634489