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goals if they work hard -> success stories: Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama (first black president) Oprah Winfrey is a good example for a success story because she pursued her American Dream despite her humble background. She was an orphan who was raised by her grandmother in poverty. Her story is really one of going from rags to riches. Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved his American Dream because he had a successful career and is a famous politician. - free education for everyone - it's about equality of opportunities not equality of rich and poor -> equal opportunities still don't mean that everybody will succeed because you have your own responsibility and self-reliance - endless opportunities - pursuit of happiness (many immigrants came to the USA to have a better life and future) - independence (right to wear arms/weapons -> second amendment) - freedom (freedom of speech) - equality (equality of opportunity) - co-existence of many different cultures (melting pot, salad bowl) - daily immigrants and many people show that the American Dream exists - American Dream is no promise of success because it depends on effort and hard work Contra: - the thousand who don't succeed go unnoticed - not only work matters but also luck and destiny -> Rihanna - if incapable of working hard (e.g. handicapped/inherent disabilities) you will not receive as much financial help as you would in Europe -high quality schools/universities are expensive -> the rich become richer and the poor stay poor - limited chances to climb the career ladder when there are not enough well- paid-jobs - many ethnic minorities get paid less -> Afro-Americans have a lower median income than e.g. Asians - deportation of immigrants (they have to go back to their old land -> border control) - many immigrants are separated from their families and are punished an arrested - public shootings/much gang violence -> ongoing debate about gun control - gap between rich and poor (same opportunities but often depends on money) - is more a dream for people who live in the upper class - most will not reach their dreams and other reach it but with the risk that you can lose everything quickly - not only success stories but failures; limited social mobility in the US - social inequality; reason: education permanent financial risk, worse social insurance → The definition and the achievement of the American Dream can't be generalized but must be individualized Critic: - only accessible to a minority - lack of social mobility - not everybody has the same chances (discrimination) - American Dream makes it look like all poor and needy are self-responsible for their situation Barriers: - Inequality between men and women or blacks and whites - Racism and discrimination - Poverty trap -> poor education, poor healthcare, unemployment or disability - Economic crisis -> American Dream is still achievable but not everybody has the same opportunities to become successful Phrases: The American Dream is something that most citizens of America want to achieve in their lives. The dream may include to have a safe country or to find your place in life but your own American Dream can be different or similar. Question: Many Americans want to live the Dream but is the American Dream today still attainable or has the dream been lost or even turned into a nightmare? The Declaration of Independence from 1776, created by Thomas Jefferson and four other Founding Fathers shows the important things like natural rights, pursuit of happiness, consent of governed people and the unalienable rights. In the past they didn't have all the opportunities we have today, mostly because they were divided in classes that can't be changed. In contrast to 1931 a social progress is clearly recognizable because there is more equality than to this time. Furthermore today America is also much safer from crime and government protection. Additionally, the educational system is more extensive which is beneficial for the realization of ones "American Dream". Most people think the pursuit of happiness is possible in America, for example many immigrants came to the USA to have a better life and future. The American Dream can turn into a nightmare because it's more a dream for people who live in an upper income household than for once who get lowed paid. That's the reason why it's almost impossible for poor people to live their dream because they have to add money. Some people believe that the American Dream is unattainable because they suffer from poverty, oppression and discrimination regarding their race, colour, religion and gender among others. American Dream over time: - 19th century: conquering and owning your own land, people were happy with everything they had because they knew that they made a great future for their children and everything is alright - 20th century: homeownership and starting a family -> pursuit of happiness, people became more materialistic over the time - nowadays: material dream, people save less money and buy more stuff for themselves, don't save money for their children or they don't even have children The American Dream today: - nowadays: very critical and negative view of the American Dream - many values are not reflected - "hard work will pay off/social standard is changeable": huge gap between rich and poor, different social classes, no welfare system - "heritage is irrelevant": racism is directed against the black population (Black Lives Matter) - "education is the key to success": costs of higher education leave many no choice but to stay where they are - the American Dream is projected mainly on material prosperity -> main idea has changed, mindset is consistent Historical background: - America is built on immigration - after Columbus had discovered America in 1492, the first settlers came to the first colony Jamestown (Virginia), most people from British Isles, Spain, France and Holland because they were poor and were looking for work and land - 1620: Pilgrim Fathers, members of the English Separatist Church (a radical faction of Puritanism) fled from Great Britain to escape religious persecution, political oppression and poverty at home - they sailed across the Atlantic on the Mayflower and found the second permanent colony, the Plymouth Colony (Massachusetts) - many others were also sent there for criminal offences and other were given land there - many Native Americans lived in America before the pilgrims arrived -> instead of integrating in the Native's culture, they stole their land and started to kill thousands of them -> the Pilgrim Fathers formed a society based on bloody fights - they had permission as God's chosen ones: Americans have the right to guide the whole world and to overspread it completely - "e pluribus unum": people from many colonies, states or ancestries came to America, lived their together and became a unity - problem: "no taxation without representation" (only the parliament can charge taxes) -> solution: Declaration of Independence: the basic democratic idea and the American Dream were summarized in the Declaration of Independence - a document created by Thomas Jefferson and 4 other Founding-Fathers (Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, John Adams and Roger Sherman) - was published on July 4, 1776 - the Americans were no longer under British rule - it declared the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain -> purpose to announce and explain separation from Great Britain - important phrases: pursuit of happiness (trying to find joy and contentment), consent of governed (people agree to be governed), unalienable rights (rights that can't be taken away like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." - possibility to pursue your own dream and happiness under an equal and fair democracy - America gets more attractive to people who hoped for a better life -4 parts: Preamble, Declaration of natural rights (government is there to protect the rights of the people - life, liberty and property), list of grievances, Resolution of independence Details: - proclaims that all men are created equal (not black slaves, woman at first) - proclaims that their creator gives them rights that can't be taken away -> rights to life, freedom (liberty) and pursuit of happiness (poverty/wealth) - unalienable rights - proclaims the governments are created to protect these rights -proclaims that governments have power only if the people they are governing agree they do Context of the "Old World": Society was separated into different classes: - King (GB): monarch, powerful, rich (luxurious life), money was important -> rich people do politics for rich people - society (GB): upper, middle and lower class -> expensive events, poor people had to keep up, reality different lifestyle, no movement between classes -> Declaration of Independence gave hope (especially for lower classes) -> first American Dream created (lower class often didn't have the money to leave) -> America as the "New World": no class system, everyone could live freely Bill of Rights: - first ten amendments to the American Constitution - written because some delegates feared that the new American government would threaten the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence - guarantee inalienable rights like freedom of religion, freedom of speech etc. + right to bear arms (2nd amendment) The American Frontier (a myth): - border between the populated country of the European settler (civilization) and uninhabited land (wilderness) - the advancing border that marked those lands that were settled by Europeans - characterized by the West Expansion of European settlers from their original settlements on the Atlantic coast (17th century) to the Far West (19th century) - white settlers poured into the territories of the Native Americans and had the ambition to push this boarder further west - rough living conditions, dangerous: unknown areas, furious Native Americans - the more people arrived, the more land was needed -> they turned wilderness into urbanized, civilized society - lines of frontier in history: -> First Frontier: old Britain colonies, people took the first step of becoming an American by the continent -> Second Frontier: reached deep into the inland, new states were founded -> Third Frontier: complete Extension until the Pacific Ocean, first come-first- served ideology - Frontier Spirit: -> formed by the simple life at the Frontier -> new beginnings brought complete life changes -> spirit that everything is possible (living a complete free life in every way) European colonization: - 1492: Christopher Columbus reached North America - 1607: predominantly English people went to Virginia interested in gold and adventure -> West Expansion started - 1621: Puritans and Pilgrims came interested in establishing a better society West Expansion: 1776: Declaration of Independence expansion of the transport system (railway, river navigation) started to prosper Gold Rush 1848/49 in California population growth -> Immigration Homestead Act 1862 1803: Lousiana Purchase admission of the last few western territories -> End of the Expansion (1890) -> the frontier and people moved more and more forward into the west because of different reasons: Manifest Destiny, Louisiana Purchase, Gold Rush, Oregon Trail Frontier Spirit in the past: - feeling of unlimited opportunities (self-reliance/Individualism, Optimism, Simplicity, pursuit of happiness, ethnic background did not matter (in the most cases), equality, social mobility, prosperity for (almost) all - self-image of brave people conquering the Wild West - success depended on how much effort you put into your work -> Californian "Gold rush" Influence on the modern society: - widespread optimism and urge for freedom - unleashed Capitalism -> do not want the state of interfere - pioneer spirit of immigrants (willingness to endure hardship in order to explore new places or try out new things) pouring into the country -> lack of opportunity in the "old country" - basis of the "American Way" and the "American Dream" - birthplace of western democracy but: waste of natural resources, fierce competition and greed, widespread injustice -> state does little to improve the situation, almost no welfare state Ambiguity of belonging: - independent national identity was formed (Wild West experience, independent from European culture, equality, freedom, democracy and optimism) - Americans identify with these values and lifestyle and Frontier spirit deeply rooted in the American society - frightening to see that the USA's commitment to democracy and freedoms only applies to its own people, they don't mind depriving other peoples of these very freedom Manifest Destiny (God-given-mission) - definition: the idea that white Americans were divinely ordained to settle the entire continent of North America -> belief in superiority of white people - were convinced that they were destined by God to conquer North America - was coined by the American journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1839 - stands for the belief that America has been chosen by God to: -> expand from east coast to west coast (from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean), spread democracy, American belief and western way of living across the globe - America = a country that is superior to all other countries as it being the "promised land" - "I'm proud to be American" -> strong national pride because they see themselves as the chosen people Beliefs and values: - freedom: everyone can participate, individual freedom, no oppression - equality: no class distinctions, equality in court - individualism: idealization of the independent individual - mobility/flexibility/optimism: social mobility (upward and downward) on the "ladder of success" - hard work: heritage is not important if you work hard, key to prosperity - education and self-improvement: education is the key to individuals realizing their full economic, social and personal potential - progress: desire to progress personally by making use of opportunities - patriotism: patriotic symbols e.g. national holiday (Thanksgiving), a lot of flags -> main American/ national values: freedom of the individual, self-reliance, self- discipline, self-sufficiency National Symbols: are used to represent what is unique about the nation, reflecting different aspects of its cultural/political life and history Freedom: The Statue of Liberty - given to the USA as a gift from France in 1886, to celebrate the first 100 years of American independence from Britain - shows Libertas, the Roman goddess of Freedom - located in New York Harbor - national monument since 1994, called "Lady Liberty" - millions of immigrants in the 19th century saw Lady Liberty as first sight when they arrived in America by sea - a robed woman holding a lit torch in her right and tablet in her left hand, showing the date of the Declaration of Independence - symbolizes enlightenment, independence, liberty and freedom - torch: symbol of enlightenment -> it lights the way to freedom showing us the path to liberty - crown: contains 25 windows that symbolize gemstones and heaven's rays shining outward to the world. - tablet: represents the book of law and features the date America declared independence from Britain (Declaration of Independence) - robe: wears a stola and palla (gown and cloak) which are common in depiction of Roman goddess of liberty - foot/feet: has a broken chain at the feet to remind oppression and slavery -> liberty: the state of being free from excessive restrictions placed on one's life by a governing power -> freedom: the state of not being prisoner or a slave; the power or right to act, speak The New Colossus: - sonnet from Emma Lazarus - was chosen to be inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty and it remains a most moving and eloquent expression of an American ideal: "Give me your tired, your poor" - first quatrain: contrast to the colossus of Rhode - second quatrain: welcomes people; symbol of hope - 2 tercets: appeal to the old world to let poor, homeless people come to the new world; offers opportunities ("heaven on earth" -> golden door) -> America as a sanctuary or refuge for immigrants - symbols: "lighthouse" = guidance; orientation for ships; power, "mother of exiles" = protects people; cares about them; offers shelter, home and family, "torch and flame" = freedom and hope; promise for the future -> the statue of liberty stands for America's promise of hope; universal message The Star-Spangled Banner: -nation anthem written by Francis Scott Key as a poem in 1814 after he witnessed the British Navy bombarding the ships during the battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 - the melody was "borrowed" from the tune of a popular British song - the song became the official national anthem in 1931, replacing several other songs commonly sung at public events - controversial because of its war-related imagery and the challenge that the music poses to singers Flag of the United States: "Stars and Stripes" or "Old Glory" - 50 stars: current 50 United States, symbol of the heaven/goals to which humankind aspires -> blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice - 13 stripes: original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, symbolic of rays of light from the sun -> 6 white stripes (purity, innocence) -> 7 red stripes (valour, bravery) The Confederate (Battle) Flag: - in February of 1861 many of the states in the southern part of the United States decided to form their own country (the Confederate States of America) - the northern states didn't agree that these states had the right to leave and started the Civil War 1861-1865 - they created their own flag, called the Confederate battle flag or "Southern Cross" or cross of St. Andrew - described either as a proud emblem of Southern heritage or a shameful reminder of slavery, a time of terror, torture and oppression - has also been used by the Ku Klux Klan and other racist hate groups; so the flag has a bad meaning The Great Seal: - bald eagle: national bird of the US and symbolizes power - eagle is holding an olive branch with 13 leaves and olives in his left crawl which symbolizes peace and bundle of 13 arrows in his right crawl: representing the power of war - shield: shows that the USA is (always) ready to defend themselves, America stands together in times of peace and war - 13 stars: representing the 13 founding states - a scroll with the motto "E pluribus unum": out of many states (13) a new united nation (USA) was born /is emerged -> today the Great Seal refers to the many ethnic groups that make up the population of the US (diversity) Liberty bell: - for the abolitionists the bell was a symbol of their struggle to abolish slavery Uncle Sam: UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU - his image appeared during the war of 1812 - old man with a beard & clothes that represent the national flag - symbol of the U.S. government - used in political cartoons and advertising Other symbols: acorns/oak leaf (awarded to holders of certain military decorations), monarch butterfly (first worm than cocoon and then a beautiful butterfly -> immigration: they came to the US and became super big), dollar (currency in USA), fast food (burger, pommes frites, hot dog), football( sports, Superbowl), national rose (cultivated in all states), rocket (NASA) CHRISTOPHER CAPOZZOLA National identity and stereotypes National identity: "a sense of a nation as a cohesive whole, as represented by distinctive traditions, culture, and language" The American Creed (Defining element of American identity, first phrased by Thomas Jefferson) - visible almost every day in American life through symbols like the flag and rituals like the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem - the idea of freedom and to be equal - "Liberty and justice for all" Barack Obama: "In no other country on Earth is my story even possible" In the speech he told his story because a lot of people were nervous about the idea of a black president, he wanted to show that they had nothing to worry about. America is a nation of immigrants and every story can be possible. "Out of many we are truly one" -> Approved as ,,motto" in the United States 1771, points to diversity, everybody should be a part, America is formed of all the individuals Americana: - Things typical of America - Characteristics of the United States → social habits (college sports), traditions (Thanksgiving), Brands (Coca Cola) Common American Stereotypes: - American are fat -> a lot of fast food chains - patriotism -> education system & TV media are US centric, many American flags - gun lovers (right to bear arms): debate about stricter gun laws because of several mass shootings, the control lies with the NRA - loud people -> think they should be heard, freedom of speech - wealthy -> powerful global economic standing, many cars, big house (materialism) - optimism -> American Dream, pursuit of happiness - Stereotype of the American Cowboy-> freedom, courage, strong will, Cando spirit American Dream - Stereotypes are represented by Republican voters Donald Trump Disadvantages from stereotypes: prejudices, generalizations, racism and sexism The Cultural Iceberg: - surface culture (how we do things here): language, eating habits, religious practices, behaviour, law, politics, traditions - underlying (why we do things this way here): history, religious beliefs, values and mindset, perceptions and attitude -> People make assumptions based on what they see without really understanding the values and beliefs behind the culture or individual Immigration - History of Immigration: First immigrants - colonial period (1607-1776): - British settlers founded the first colony and started growing tobacco - 1620 the second colony was founded by the people called Pilgrim Fathers Old immigration (1790-1890): - immigrants came from Northern and Western Europe and predominantly from Britain, Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia to the USA Ellis Island: an island of hopes - a federal immigration station from 1892-1954 over 12.000 poor and politically persecuted people or people who were excluded through their religion arrived there daily and dreamed of a better life in the USA - they had to go through strict controls, medical test and had only 60 seconds to answer lots of questions -> if they failed they were detained there for legal or even sent back to their home countries; is also called "the isle of tears" New Immigration (1890-1930) -> people from Asia and Latin America entered the country Internal (Im)migrants (1920-1965): - black and white people migrated from the southern states to the northern states -> searching for work, for freedom of racial segregation The latest immigrants - revision of the immigrant laws (1965) -> new immigrants enter the country (e.g. Caribbean) - work and economic, political and religious freedom → war of their home countries (Vietnam, Iran, Cambodia) Different groups of immigrants: legal immigrants and illegal immigrants (unauthorized and immigrating without permission) - undocumented immigrants, especially from Mexico cross the border by crossing the Rio Grande - the number of illegal immigrants increases - not difficult to find a job because they are cheap workers - they work in agriculture and private homes - immigrants apply for better paid jobs - the increase worries people Problems: - 12 million people live in the shadows - hundreds of people die during their way to the USA - general rejection of immigrants, acceptance depends on political party (Democrats: pro, Republicans: con immigration) Policy: - Trump: restrictive policy, against immigration - Biden: supporting immigration, "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals", "Dream Act" Current situation: - terrible circumstances at the Mexican Border, very dangerous to reach the USA - Covid 19: harder for immigrants to gain roots (for example: closed schools), higher risk of ecause of the poor lifestyle Immigration today - "Nation of immigrants" → has more immigrants than any other county (15% of the population) - Citizens: were born in the US or have become "naturalized" - there are still many immigrants coming to the US - most immigrants are Asian and Latin American rather than European - education, culture and economic opportunities attract - Residents: have a green card - Non-immigrants: legal immigrants on a temporary basis - Undocumented: illegal immigrants -> most illegal immigrants come from Mexico -> not likely to get an asylum or a green card, sent by parents as a child -> illegal border crossing, staying after VISA expires -> fear of getting caught, difficult to find a job and roots Ethnic groups 1. Hispanics (12,5%) 2. Blacks (12,3) 3. Asians (3,2%) 4. Native Americans (1,6%) - largest origin group is from Mexico with 25% of all US immigrants - more Asian than Hispanic immigrants since 2009 → fast population growth Push factors: - not enough jobs - poverty and poor medical care - political fear - natural disasters - war, crime, violence Pull factors: - better living conditions and less crime - join their families - political and religious freedom - better education and school system, college, university - economic opportunities and better jobs ➜People have immigrated in the past for the same reasons as today Prejudices/myths - take away jobs/don't want to work - share different values - foreign culture might be too dominant - don't want to integrate - might be terrorist or bring their problems and crime from their old country to them Reality/facts - do jobs nobody else wants - make people more open-minded - some work hard to fulfil their dreams - don't commit more crimes than others - Integration is difficult -> The majority of Americans have a positive view of immigrants Still a country of immigration? Pro: - long tradition of immigration for over 4 centuries - still immigrants coming - immigrants shaped the culture and the country is built up by immigrants - economic relies on immigrants - the majority of Americans are originally immigrants - rich history of diverse immigration Contra: - welcomes just well-educated immigrants - Trump builds a wall at the boarder to Mexico - attitude towards immigrants has changed - strong feeling of distrust towards muslim (because of 9/11 the fear of terrorism got higher) - America don't regard themselves immigrants anymore - becomes less valuable because of less taxes Naturalization in the US: there are main steps a legal alien takes to become a citizen of the US through naturalization: 1) Live in the US for five years 2) Apply for Naturalization 3) Interview and Citizenship Test 4) Oath of Allegiance Wall to Mexico - a border of more than 3.000 kilometres separates the USA from Mexico - it is defined not only by physical barriers made of concrete and steel but by an immigration policy which is failing to address the issues behind illegal migration - Democrats are against the border wall and the Republicans are in favour - problem when people come to the US through the desert: most of the immigrants haven't been in the desert and are mentally and physically defeated - Trump wants Mexico to pay for the wall but in reality America pays for the wall - his priority was to reduce illegal immigration and drug income -> the asylum rules have tightened - wall wasn't useful because there are still people crossing the border illegal, he used fake facts and made wrong promises, only used it for his election but after that nothing really happened - a wall doesn't make that problem disappear, instead of it, it gets bigger and America should be a country which shows possibilities for immigrants and welcome and not judge (e.g. teach them the language) -> they should also change something on the Mexican side to make people stay Donald Trump - 45th president of the United States - "Make America Great Again" - slogan for his presidential election of the United State, often used) - doesn't use fair means for the elections, insults rivals and calls journalists' liars - stands against Hillary Clinton of Democrats when he was president - as a president he spreads fake news - "America first" - slogan: for him only the interests of the US are counting - wants to build a wall between US and Mexico -> he has the opinion that Mexicans are rapists and are people who bring crime and drugs - he tries to deport everyone who doesn't have pure American blood Multiculturalism - diversity of ethnic within a community - culture: set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices: -> hard factors (language, race, religion), soft factors (social behaviour, interpersonal actions) -> culture shapes the sense of belonging and thus also the ambiguity of belonging Multicultural society (ways of integration): a society where various ethnic groups and their cultural heritage are accepted in their own right Salad bowl: - the different cultures form one nation but hold on to their own culture: "unity in diversity" - mostly strong cultural ties are kept to home countries - problems: racism, discrimination, ethnic disadvantages -> multiculturalism Melting Pot vs. Salad Bowl The "Salad Bowl theory basically calls for us to celebrate our diversity along with our oneness The Melting Pottery requires that immigrants asmen AMERICAN - advantages: individuality, high acceptance toward different cultures - disadvantages: risk of isolation, lower degrees of integration (because immigrants don't have to assimilate as much as in a melting pot society) -> strengthens ambiguity of belonging Melting pot: - the various ethnic groups (different cultures) melt into one nation (common culture) - immigrants give up most of their national identity, way of life, language & culture -> became part of a unified, monocultural American nation (assimilation) - advantages: shared values and customs, united, cohesive community, less potential for conflict - disadvantages: individuality gets lost, no proportional representation of different cultures in the resulting culture Roots Cultural origins of the US: - primarily: western origin - America's past with its large-scale immigration, indigenous tribes and cultures and also Afro-American slavery led to ethnic and racial diversity - influences: African Americans, European Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans, Native Americans Cultural exclusion - racism: - big problem in multicultural societies - US have a racist history - scars of segregation are still present - deep racial and ethnic inequities as a direct result of structural racism Main problem: intentional exclusion and oppression of PoC - current evidence, why the US have a problem with racism: BLM as a reaction, border wall to Mexico - Americana = characteristics for the US and its citizens -> not to mix of with stereotypes! - brand (Coca Cola), people, historical events, concepts, social habits, cuisine (apple pie), traditions (Thanksgiving) -> US traditionally called a melting pot society because over the time the different cultures melted together and formed one nation - nowadays salad bowl is the more appropriate term to describe the situation because of the different cultures which don't mix that intensively -> salad bowl is more politically correct Slavery - 1619-1808: Triangle Trade Raw materials US Europe Manufactured goods slaves -> slaves came to America, provide rust material for Europe, Europe shipped products to Africa in exchange with slaves for America Africa - started in the 17th hundreds: African slaves were transported on ships over the Atlantic from Africa to America (South) in horrible conditions and many died on the way -> being tied together with chains, long walks on the coast, some chose death rather than to endure the degradation (Erniedrigung) -slaves were treated like animals and had no rights - ways to resist: violent rebellion, subtle acts of resistance, e.g. working slowly, pretending that they didn't know how to do something, accidentally breaking equipment - Northern states: more industrial (slavery was not essential for labour, work was mostly done with modern machines) -> didn't support slavery - Southern States: more agriculture (slaves were needed for plantation work (harvest sugar, tobacco etc.) -> did support slavery 1775-1783: American Revolutionary War - Abolitionist ideas start to flourish in the North 1783: the slave population increased with the development of the cotton gin because they could clean the cotton 5 times faster than with their hands -> that's the reason why more slaves were needed to pick and haul the cotton 1789: first free slaves in the North 1861: president Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery law in all states but the Southern states were unsatisfied because slavery was important for their economy -> 11 Southern States founded their own nation "Confederate States of America" 1861-1865: American Civil War: Northern Union States -> all men are created equal and Confederate Southern State (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas) -> right to property -> lead into war with northern states, southern states lost and had to give up their nations and slavery law (official end of slavery 1865) -> lead to economic rise in the whole country and is the reason why America became a superpower - Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863): abolished the slavery and liberated all slaves, guaranteed the freedom of African slaves (13th amendment: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.") -> in theory black and white people were equal now - after the 13th amendment in 1865: they soon discovered that life meant more than just having simple freedom without economic support and that's the reason why many were forced to go back to the old plantations and to contract with their owners for work -> right to vote, racism continued, separation, brutal abuse, impossible for free slaves to create a new independent life Important things: underground railroad: was an informal smuggling network consisting of opponents of slavery (including whites) that organized the escape of enslaves African Americans from the southern states of the USA to the safer northern states or to the province of Canada Harriet Tubman: -> Abolitionist Movement (1830-1860): - she escaped from Maryland Plantation in 1849 and became familiar with the roads, hiding places and depots that were used to conduct runaways to freedom in the north - she concerned herself about people of all races and her method relied on secrecy and surprise - for those who determined that they were going to turn around, she told them go forward or die during her trips to the South, she became known as the Moses of her people because she successfully conducted over 600 slaves to freedom including her own family - case of Dred Scott: He was a black slave who brought suit against his owner on the grounds that he had legally become emancipated while traveling through the free soil state of Illinois. The Supreme Court ruled against Dred Scott declaring that as a black man, he was not a United States citizen and had no right to bring a suit in a federal court. The court ruled that a slave didn't automatically gain his liberty by entering a free state. - the promised land: Canada is the promised land for the slaves and in Canada slavery was denounced in 1793 and formally abolished in 1834 - Uncle Tom: is applied to Afro Americans and the character was seen as a humanistic portrayal of a slave, one who uses nonresistance and gives his life to protect other who have escaped from slavery Racism in the past and the present DEFINITION ,,Racism means that groups of people are defined by their differences (skin colour, culture, appearance) and that, because of these differences, one group is seen to be better than the other." -> reason it exists is simply that the prejudice that blacks are dangerous is still there slavery 1619 - 13th Amendment: illegalization of slavery - Ku Klux Klan 1863 1865 1870 Emancipation Proclamation: slave liberation (Abraham Lincoln) RACISM IN THE PAST SLAVERY Tulsa Race Riot - 15th Amendment: right to vote for all - Jim Crow Laws 1921 segregation of blacks end of racial segregation (John F. Kennedy) 1954- 1961- 1968 1963 Civil Rights Movement racism has been around since the 1700s black people = properties, not people 1865: 13th Amendment - illegalization of slavery ➜there was still a racial segregation - death of Trayvon Martin - Black Lives Matter 2008 2013 election of the president: Barack Obama KU KLUX KLAN didn't accept that slavery has been abolished -> formed a community that was based on racism oldest terrorist organization in the USA including veterans of the Confederate Army 1865: wanted to intimidate the slaves who were set free from slavery with scary masquerades goal: terrorize the whole population with lynchings on black people or civil rights activists JIM CROW LAWS 1870: 15th Amendment - right to vote for everyone laws made it impossible for blacks to be seem equal and feel accepted legalized racial segregation and existed for about 100 years blacks had to pass math and spelling test in order to vote racial segregation in public facilities (restaurants, cinemas, hotels, transportation and sport facilities defying these laws -> arrest, fines, jail sentences, violence and death CONSEQUENCES OF RACIAL SEGREGATION WAITING ROOM FOR WHITE ONLY BY ORDER POLICIODEPT because of injustice and brutal violence -> African Americans moved in the north to get better jobs and more protection for their families wherever they went, the racism was already there more subtle and less violent in the north but still effective formation of civil rights organizations with black and white activists 1964: Civil Rights Act signed by Lyndon B. Johnson → Jim Crow Laws were abolished and the racial segregation ended but racism persists still in people's minds existing ghettos and more black people living in poverty RACISM IN THE PRESENT the situation of the black population in the slums is characterized by violence and a lack of access to education, jobs and living space there are many anti-racism programs and initiatives in the northern states but racism is still in reality POLICE BRUTALITY CASES increased since the 1980s examples: AM TRAYVON 1991: African American Rodney King is victim of disproportionate police violence, he is hit and kicked by a police officer 2013: shooting death of Trayvon Martin → Black Lives Matter Movement was founded 2020: African American George Floyd was choked to death by a police officer in the street when it was not necessary ➜ his death sparked protests across the country like the Black Lives Matter Movement HAS RACISM IMPROVED ? it has improved but there are still many things we need to improve on society we don't have slavery and there isn't a separation between black people and white people anymore ➜doesn't mean that racism is gone it's still there but more hidden and still anchored in many people's minds idea of white supremacy and systematic racism is still part of the society AMBIGUITY OF BELONGING not everyone has the feeling of belonging because of unequal educational opportunities and unequal punishments black and white people stand up against racism through protests or movements → black people are given the feeling of belonging can't feel that they belong when a president like Trump spreads racism again Martin Luther King - 15th January 1929-4th April 1968 - leader of the CRM in the 50s and 60s - he was born in Atlanta which is in the South of the US where they have a bigger problem with racism than in the North - he grew up in a society in which segregation was still normal - his dad started to fight against racism and injustice - as a teenager he started to preach in his community (most times about racism) - got priest, had a wife and 4 children - his main goal was an equal society - he was the leader of the bus boycott -> the racial segregation ended in buses because of the boycott - he gave speeches, organized demonstrations and attended protests - got often arrested (29 times in total) - King wanted every action to go nonviolent -> following the example set by Gandhi - slowly his actions had success - King was and still is because of his engagement the face of the movement - brought diverse groups which are all against racism together -> to negotiate and demonstrate together - he exerted pressure on the politics so they had to bring changes - got the Nobel peace Prize in 1964 - got shot in Memphis while he stood on a balcony to talk to another person on 4th April 1968 Famous speeches: - 28th August 1963 at the "march on Washington for jobs and freedom": "I have a dream..." -> he claimed for justice and freedom, is a vision for blacks and whites - September 1964 at the Berlin Wall: during a visit to Germany, he wanted to bring the people together, tried to give everyone hope again and wanted to show that everyone has the same value and that a wall couldn't break that Dream: freedom, equality in society and law, justice, a human community, no judgement Reality: prejudices, racism, segregation, violence, restrictions, inequality, discrimination, suppression Civil Rights Movement: struggle for social injustice that took place during the 1950s and 1960s for blacks to gain equal rights under the law in the US Means: non-violent protests, civil disobedience and boycotts - a national effort to eliminate segregation and to gain equal rights for Black Americans 1776: Declaration of Independence 1961: Freedom Rides ¹ 1963: "I have a dream" speech by M.L King 1776-1865: Slavery in USA 1960: Sit-ins Boynton vs. Virginia 2 1964: Civil Rights Act 1865: 13th Amendment (end of slavery) 1955: Montgomery Bus 1965: Freedom Summer (1964) 1876: Jim Crow Laws -> segregation 1954: Brown Decision -> no segregation in schools Voting Rights Act (1965) ¹ freedom riders tested the Supreme Court's decision 2 no segregation in public transportation 3 outlawed discrimination and banned segregation in public places and employment practices 4 increase of Black voters in Mississippi Rosa Parks: Montgomery Bus Boycott On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks found a seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus after work she refused to give up her seat for a white woman and gets arrested as a reaction to the arrest the National Association for the Advancement of coloured people called a boycott of the Montgomery City Bus Lines System -> the Boycott lasted 381 days until segregated seating was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court Emmett Louis Till: while visiting some relatives in Mississippi Emmett talked to a white woman, when buying candy in an immoral way the husband of the woman later kidnapped him his body was found in the river connected to a 30 kg heavy object on his bare neck, he lost one eye and had a broken nose the trial against his killer was regulated by 12 white judges, several witnesses disappeared -> the killer was discharged -> protests of people increased The Brown Decision (1954) - the Supreme Court decided racial segregation in public schools was unequal -> supremacist groups as the Ku Klux Klan acted violently Civil Rights Act (1964) - Outlawed segregation in public areas -> "Freedom Summer" blacks try to register for voting -> Voting Rights Act (1965) gave voting rights to Blacks -> more radical and violent groups were formed (Malcom X) From Slavery to the Black Lives Matter Movement: 1863 - abolition of slavery - realization of freedom and equality - equal opportunities dream Reality - Southern states: advocates of slavery for the - Northern States: black people opponents of slavery -> Civil War - Emancipation Proclamation: legal abolition of slavery but discrimination, segregation and social exclusion were still prevalent key Abraham Lincoln with the figures Emancipation Proclamation 1963 - "inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (Declaration of independence) - social mobility - justice - brotherhood - segregation: white and black by Jim Crow laws -> black people had the worst jobs and lowest standard of education - discrimination and oppression - poverty Martin Luther King: CRM and I Have A Dream (1963) Rosa parks: Montgomery bus Boycott 2016-today - better education programs for all - tolerance and acceptance - execution of existing laws and constitutional rights (justice and equality) - still unable to participate in the American economy- persistent racial disparities - poverty -> less home ownerships - police brutality (George Floyd in 2020) -> not much has changed since 1970 Barack Obama: former president of US as proof of black people's power Police violence - police brutality has become one of the biggest problems in the USA - there have been many cases of police brutality in the past and it has increased enormously since the 1980 -> including the death of the African American George Floyd, who was choked to death by a police officer in the street when it was not necessary -> his death sparked protests across the country like the Black Lives Matter Movement - > while this was one of the few cases that was filmed, there are daily cases like this. - another important point is that through the persistence of racism, especially Afro-Americans are affected by this brutality. - #Blacklivesmatter #Alllivesmatter -> because more blacks are affecting by police passes and controls, they were hurting and need to life a live in danger -> Racial-confidence gap (racial = black and white, confidence = confidence in police work and police officers) Social issues (inequality) Equality is when individuals are not treated differently because of their race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. Inequality is an unfair situation in which some people have more rights or better opportunities than other people. General arguments (Equality) Pro: - the nation has progressed because all citizens have the right to vote, the right to many basic freedoms, right to free speech and to get educated - equality is therefore a big goal that the country is still striving forward Con: - social equality still hasn't arrived for many people, especially African- Americans or Latinos -> they are more often in police custody or have less opportunities from the beginning, even though they have the same civil rights - there is still racism, discrimination against religion, nationality etc. - less foreigners are offered a job and also earn less Education inequality Significance of education: responsible for the chances of your personal American Dream → important for economic, social and cultural development of every individuum Student loans: gap between poor and rich -> 83% from high income families, 63% from low income families (college) -> better quality schools = better chances -> schools in low income neighbourhoods: need for financial aid and minority students live in low income neighbourhoods (worse schools) -> white teachers have lower expectations of black students and different treatments and Influence of race: still clusters of black and white in school/ university; unequal distribution - Welfare gap between blacks and whites since decades financial wealth determines chances of education Geographic differences Rich state - good education: example New Jersey School types: -> Germany: three different types -> USA: Highschool for everyone Asian American White 2010 entry average: 60% Hispanic or Latino Black 40% American Indian/Alaska Native 39% 54% 64% Poor state - bad education: example New Mexico -> especially southern states have problems - many problems get together Comparison Germany and USA: Universities: -> Germany: free (better chances for everyone) -> USA: Unaffordable costs 74% Ways to prevent: free colleges, more support for poor students, stop discrimination, invest more in public schools, more support for different levels of thinking ability Gender inequality: It refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender. It arises from differences in socially constructed gender roles. Men and women are not viewed as equals and instead discriminated against each other Common issues: -gender stereotypes: -> women: kind, emotional, passive, supposed to look after their children and do household -> men: aggressive, independent, active tough, have to be successful and care for their family - the gender wage gap: smaller wages for women - lack of women in leadership roles (politics, business positions) - health: safety protection in cars are made for men, women are 3 times more likely to experience violence in a partnership - society: smaller participation and representation of women in politics, women products are more expensive (7% higher), men are more often shown in sports then women, sexual harassment Affection: It continues to persist in many forms, including the disparity in women's political representation and participation, occupational segregation and the unequal distribution of household labour Causes: Pay gap: - women have less work experience than men (14% of gender wage inequality) - 50% can be explained due to gender differences in the industries (17%) and occupations (33%) - the man is still regarded as the main provider from the past even if the image is outdated in society Solutions: - the government should make it illegal for companies to pay men more than women - give women flexible work, better maternity - reduction of gender gaps in the labour market Current situation due COVID-19: - Covid-19 left millions unemployed women are more affected - mothers had more homeschooling and childhood responsibilities → increase of women in the household Obamacare and Health System Health System: - by the 21st century there were still 48 million Americans without any health insurance - access to health care as a free right Obamacare - signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010 - gives Americans more rights and protections - aim: make health care more available and affordable for everyone by lowering costs - health care in U.S. extremely expensive - pro: Obamacare contains many benefits - more Americans have health insurance, health rance is more affor many people - cons: some obstacles & higher costs - many people have to pay higher premiums, uninsured must pay a modest fine, higher taxes, today, 55% of Americans support the law Poverty Trap: mechanism that makes it extremely hard to escape poverty Lack of: education, access to health care systems, well-paid jobs, emotional attitude (you can't change anything) Causes: most people are born into poverty Life shocks: - marriage -> divorce - unplanned pregnancy -> dropping out of school - bankruptcy - foreclosure -> can't pay loans Reasons why you can't escape: - people would need a certain amount of money - if you have no savings, you fall back down - You can't afford the most important solutions - Factors: not enough education, teen pregnancies, emotional bias Ways to break the cycle: Help the people obtain: education, health services, child care, emotional and financial support, better paid jobs -> for this you need: external help/financing Gun Control OR HEALTH POCONDITIONS UNING VING CON EDUCOF UCATION POVERTY AND LACK OF EDUCATION FORM A VICIOUS CYCLE OPPORTUNITY Gun Control is the regulation of the sale and use of weapons. It's used to protect our fellow Americans from any violent crime. But it can come up the question if the control of weapons can solve the problem of violence or if it even creates a problem? In the following I wo like to explain why gun control i affective/not affective. What do guns mean to Americans?: - a gun is giving them safety and they are less scared because they can defend themselves - they also have the pressure to have one because so many have one and that's why they think they also need one Problems: - gun violence (mass/school shootings) - accidental shootings (among kids) - high mortality rate Pro: - gun violence is becoming more common - guns are barely used for self defence - decrease in suicides - decrease in mass shooting - guns in families can end up being accidentally used by children - violence is reduced - Bill of Rights - is written there don't change it - politics try to make safer rights and decisions - crime happenings increase -> protection and safety - safety for crime -> make them insecure - 2nd Amendment: old history, needs to be adapted to modern life Con: - guns are used for self defence - guns cannot be controlled - impossible to prevent criminals from getting guns because many would be stolen - impossible to confiscate all the existing guns - cultural and traditional tradition to own a gun - the death rate isn't higher because of the gun Guns don't kill people - people kill people. Bans on guns won't keep criminals from committing crimes. Criminals will always find access to weapons, legal or illegal. banning guns might give criminals new business models (gun trafficking etc.) "The right to own a gun must not be infringed." (= Das Recht eine Waffe zu besitzen, darf nicht verletzt werden.") Bill of Rights: articles in addition to, and Amendment of Constitution of the United States The Second Amendment grants: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed" -> Americans have the right to protect themselves, their families and property 2nd amendment: doesn't apply to individuals, only the state has the right to have weapons only applies to some individuals, every soldier has the right to keep arms during the soldier carrier, they only keep arms if the government fails to provide firearms all individuals are allowed to carry and buy a weapon - things that aren't in the Constitution could be interpret from people - militia is a trained and armed group of people outside the army of the state and they also can do good or bad things to people -> Does the word militia limit the right to keep and bear arms to military or is every citizen allowed? Does the mention of militias result in a purpose? Which weapons are meant? While the federal government is therefore subject to restrictions on legislation regulating the carrying and possession of weapons, legislation can be passed at the state and local levels without restrictions. In summary it can be said that gun control is affective/not affective... The solution to gun control is to have good gun laws that are not strict but flexible. Great Britain (United Kingdom) Should the UK dissolve? independence is rather detrimental than beneficial, no complete independence but also no total unity! - flag: Union Jack - three flags in one 米 + England: a red cross on white background Scotland: a white (diagonal) cross on blue background X Ireland: a red (diagonal) cross on white background Britishness Britishness (by Robin Cook): British is not a race, but a gathering of diverse people and communities (-> 30 ethnic communities) United Kingdom (UK) = England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland Great Britain (GB) = England, Wales, Scotland Multicultural Britain: - Chicken Tikka Masala: a true British national dish -> perfect illustration for the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influence -> Chicken Tikka: originally Indian, Masala sauce: British taste -> British society has integrated external cultural/typical habits in their lives/routine, so this adaption enriches the Origen community, also: integration of new communities # loss of the original community and values British character: open-minded, polite and friendly, sociable and tolerant British humour: strange, silly, dry, dark, love to see people fail, like puns and quiz nights British stereotypes: - Fiction: emotionless, rainy weather all the time, top hats and tails (English) or kilts (Scottish), Nannies (Mary Poppins) and Au pair - Facts: love tea (Afternoon Tea), love talking about the weather, pale skin (pale is the new tan) MR/MRS AVERAGE - drinks three Cups of tea and talks about the weather - believes in God and says "sorry" million times on a lifetime - own home + two children and drives Ford Fiesta - are wearing an England football shirt and knows every word of "God save the Queen" - humour John Bull (= personify Englishness) Briton a citizen of the UK surnames for instance McCarthy, O'Brien, Jones, Smith Ethnic diversity: - different religions: Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindus - ethnic groups: white British; Asian; Mixed black/African Multiculturalism in the UK (-> British Empire) Roots: - the British began trading African slaves in 1562 and slavery in the UK was abolished in 1833 - the whites benefited from slavery and it became part of British society - Africans were transported to work unpaid on sugar cane and cotton plantations - being a slave in the UK meant that you will also die as a slave and that you will never experience freedom because you get treated like an animal - "We are here because you were there" -> it meant War and should remind Britain of its historical economic and social ties History of Immigration in Great Britain: - people from the colonies immigrate to GB, trying to become a part of British society - during World War II people flew because of the Nazis -> especially Jews immigrate to GB after WW2 - after WW2 there was a big growth of industry and many workers were needed - because of the EU many people came especially from eastern Europe as workers to GB, high salaries Example of Multiculturalism: Liverpool different ethnics -> big black community: Liverpool was one of the main harbours, many slaves entered GB -> big Asian community: good trade relations to Shanghai Problems: religious/cultural conflicts, language barrier (people can't communicate - causes isolation), fear of foreign influence on their traditions Pro: - more peaceful and colourful society -> less segregation and racism - cultural exchange and input -> exchange of knowledge, cultural values - different music, art, food, fashion, traditions and religions -> people can experience variety of cultures in one country -> enrichment for society, broadens the horizon - linguistic variety makes GB a preferred location - variability of products because of ethnic diversity -> multicultural character of British food (Chicken tikka Masala) - greater and skilled workforce -> rising economy -> cultural and economic vitality - supports the concept of tolerance and respect towards each other -> break down barriers, learn how to accept differences and how to sole conflicts -> creating an open-minded national identity and sense of belonging Con: - "Britishness" might get lost when suddenly greater ethnic influence -> Britons could become a minority in their own country -> foreign countries suppress the native one - members of ethnic minorities experience growing number of social disadvantages -> exclusion, racism, xenophobia, prejudices -> divided society/parallel societies emerge - language barrier: big problem -> complicate the integration - no integration = radicalisation, segregation, suppression, depression Brexit = "Britain" + "Exit" -> it refers to the withdrawal or exit of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) - reasons for leaving: they always felt kind of left out Timeline: 1973: The UK becomes an EU member state 1975: first referendum regarding their stay in the EU 2014: European Parliament election -> UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) 2015: United Kingdom general election: David Cameron pledging to hold a new referendum June 23, 2016: Brexit referendum -> 52% Brexit, 48% Bremain (turnout: 72,2%) A majority in the UK voted to leave the EU, but a majority in Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain in the EU, especially older people voted for leaving June 24, 2016: David Cameron declares his resignation March 29, 2017: Theresa May hands in the request to leave the EU (two-year negotiation phase until March 29, 2019) ➜Brexit was extended three times in 2019 due to no agreements May 24, 2019: Theresa May declares her resignation -> 2016-2019: negotiations and votings without results January 23, 2020: UK's EU Withdrawal bill becomes law January 29, 2020: EU Parliament approves Brexit deal January 31, 2020: Brexit (first member state leaving the EU), UK officially leaves EU February 1, 2020: Begin of the transition phase December 30, 2020: EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was signed (entered into force on May 1, 2021) December 31, 2020: End of the transition phase January 1, 2021: The UK is no longer part of the EU-internal market and the EUCU (European Union Customs Union) Consequences of no deal (Brexit): For the UK: - end of membership in EU single market and customs union - new taxes and custom controls for goods - border controls for travellers - big companies leave and unemployment increases - Pound Sterling loses worth - external boarder between Northern Ireland and Ireland For the European Union: - EU loses second largest payer - new taxes and custom controls for goods - border controls for travellers - imported goods get more expensive Especially for Germany: - higher payments to the EU which means an additional burden for Germany's economy - 40 finance companies move to Frankfurt am Main For EU citizens: - Eu settlement scheme for EU-citizens and non-EU-citizens - changes in freedom of movement and settlement - free movement of labour is restricted (EU Blue Card) Pro (Brexit): - Britain can still have access to the European market without being bound by EU rules -> Britain could then negotiate trade agreements on their own - Great Britain could free itself from restrictions imposed by Brussels and become economically more successful - being independent from the EU and its decisions - euro-sceptics believe that Europe's principle of free movement means too much immigration into the country and insecurity (and terrorism) -> Brexit could improve border security - proponents of a Brexit claim that Great Britain should get its sovereignty back -> unelected officials in Brussels make rules that elected politicians like the local MP can do nothing about it - better economic possibilities (for hospital and the clinical care and staff) - they have control over the borders (because immigration is a big topic) - the EU costs the country 350 million Pounds per week -> no payment to the EU-household - too many European rules and regulations seem to influence the daily British life in a negative way - better trade with other country for example with China - own laws for example the labour market -> Trade, EU budget, Regulation, immigration, influence Con (Bremain): - Europe is Britain's main trading partner -> less exports to the EU - increasing unemployment because 3 million jobs are linked to trade with Europe - free trade among member states benefits Britain (no trade barriers) - financial advantages outweigh the membership fees Britain has to pay - international banks are already thinking of leaving London -> the consequences of Brexit would be unpredictable - membership in the EU allows free movement between Great Britain and EU countries -> hundreds of British expats living in Span and France might not have easy access to health services there anymore - as an EU member Britain has much more influence - travel and food could become more expensive - makes it easier and cheaper for UK companies to sell products - it keeps the cost of living down - entitled to free our cheap healthcare in other EU countries - increased opportunities -> right to live, work or study across the EU but also guarantees employment rights Controversial topics: - "divorce bill" = Brexit financial settlement: series of payments the UK has to pay the EU as it leaves, due to remaining EU budget contributions and their participation in some EU programmes - border between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (because Northern Ireland is also a part of the UK and thereof affected by the Brexit)-> conflict over Good Friday Agreement - Scottish Independence Prime Minister during Brexit: - David Cameron: 2010-2016, Conservative Party (Tory Party), reason of resignation: he wanted the UK to stay in the EU - Theresa May: 2016-2019, Conservative Party, reason of resignation: she failed multiple times to get the EU to agree with the wishes of the Conservative Party and lost majority support of the Parliament - Boris Johnson: 2019-still ongoing, Conservative Party, Pro Brexit, was even willing to do a "Hard Brexit" Current situation: - British economy suffers very badly (impact of Brexit is supposedly worse compared to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on their economy) - majority of Scottish population still wants to be part of the EU -> fighting for Scottish independence (but Boris Johnson doesn't agree to a referendum for Scotland) - different conflicts about border issues and trade rules -Lorry driver shortage= leading shortage of food and other supplies that become more expensive - strong decrease in trade with the EU - London wanted renegotiation for some parts of the Brexit agreement, but Brussels refused India History of former colony (British Empire) - at the beginning of the 17th century: global expansion of British Empire started - European countries began to take in colonies early, England especially north american areas but also areas on the cost of South America, Africa (India), Australia and New Zealand -18th century: British East India company became the dominant force - 1857/1858: India began a rebellion against the British -> The British took over the Mughal emperor and India was in the hands of the British Crown officially (not British East India company) -> was now called: British India or British Raj (rule of the British crown) until 1947 -> India became Britain's "Jewel in the Crown" - British modernized the country but forgot about food shortages, mismanagement, diseases -> death of millions of people and anger against the colonial power India's independence of Britain - 1920: Gandhi started an Independence movement like the Salt March against the discrimination of the lowest cast and also the British rule while World War II (peaceful way) - after World War II (1939-1945) Britain was no longer a superpower and lost its influence - 1947: British government announced to end the British rule: India Independence Act was signed by King Georg VI -> Britain handed India their formal independence -> consequence: the subcontinent split into two independent countries based on religious beliefs: Hindu- dominated India and Muslim-dominated Pakistan divided India (division of territory: the Partition) -> since this event they have really tense relationship -> Indian society was so divided that they couldn't unite against the British and the British encouraged the division with the caste system - Commonwealth of Nations: union of independent states of the former British Empire -> peace, freedom and prosperity - in the 1970s: high unemployment rate because of economic crisis, made immigration more critical - today: the colonies which were part of the British Empire have today the same system Impact of the British Empire Positive impact - the British earned money - they created trade links - they received natural resources - people speak English all over the world - big influence on many countries - economic impact: rapid transformation of India's economy into economic colony of the industrialized England - independence state Negative Impact - they had a racist way of thinking and had slaves - the colonies lost their culture because British culture, values, traditions and language were represented -> caused the feeling of displacement and rootlessness on the part of the colonized - even after independence: difficult task of re-creating their own identity, bridging the gap between their country's native traditions and values and British ones the British Empire was spread all over the world and ruled by Britain - "The Empire in which the sun never sets" -> they had many colonies all over the world, when the sun sets in one of the territories, is rises in another, so there was light anywhere at any time India today: - land of contrasts: a lot of millionaires but one third is poor and it's the worlds largest democracy but millions are illiterate -> ambiguous Strengths: - densely populated, second-most populous country - attractive country for outsourcing: more jobs, cheap source of imports, well- educated technology workers, many Indians speak English, huge profits in the film industry "Bollywood" - more than 1000 languages (English and Hindi are mostly used) Challenges: - economic growth low - poverty and high unemployment rate - 600 million Indians face acute water shortages - half of the women are illiterate - almost 50% of the children are undernourished - rapid population growth - gender inequality and unequal distribution of wealth - climate conditions (droughts and floods in some areas) - conflicts because of the caste system and crimes - ongoing fight between Muslims and Hindus Economic superpower: - isn't a superpower yet but is developing towards one and is a big export partner - fourth-largest economy in the world and it produced $9.4 trillion in goods and services in 2017 (China $23.2 trillion; EU $20.9 trillion; US $19.4 trillion) - high growth rate -> reduced poverty by nearly 10% - mixed economy: half of the workers rely on agriculture, one third employed by the services industry (e.g. call centers) The legacy of the British Raj Advantages - biggest democracy - independent judiciary and free press - warm climate and people immigrated from other countries Disadvantages - under British rule diseases led to death, lack of food, displacement of Hindus, Muslims and there was sectarian violence between them - relation between India and Pakistan is still tense - India = land of contrast and paradoxes because of its history - 1/3 poor Terms: - Indian subcontinent: Mauryan Empire is the first and largest empire on the Indians subcontinent - Colonial power: In the 12th century Islamic invaders conquered northern India. During the Mughal period the target was the unification of large parts of India - The Raj: Raj is the term for the British Rule in India until 1947 - The Jewel in the Crown: The British took over the Mughal emperor and were turning India to the most profitable colony of its empire - Independence: The Indian had a lot of problems, for example food shortages and also that India was divided into a Hindu - dominated India and Muslim dominated Pakistan - Partition: Between the two groups, Hindus and Muslims, was a sectarian violence and a lot of tension because of the displacement Short timeline: 2500-1600 BC: Harappan civilisation 1526-1858: Mughal period 1858-1947: The British Ray 1947-present: Independence Mahatma Gandhi and civil disobedience Indian freedom fighter no violence or weapons Wanted peace he has changed the world until today activist in action of India's independency - born in Porbandar in Gujarat in 1869: lived in the third cast -> social upper class, he lived strictly (no violence, alcohol, meat) - went to school in Britain (London) but returned in 1891 to India to practice law - 1893: moved to Durban, South Africa and worked for an Indian law firm -> he was shocked how Indians were treated there -> became actively involved in fighting for the rights of Indians and developed his philosophy of non-violence - 1914: Indian people were oppressed by the British, Boycott (non-violence resistance) -> had to go to prison - 1915: returned to India, still fighting against colonial rule in India by organizing peaceful walk of protest for the Independence of India - he went to England to win India's independence -> stayed with working class and wore Indian clothes - he teamed up with a Muslim leader in Calcutta to stop the War between Hindus and Muslims - 1947: India became independent on 4th of February 1947 - 1948: he was shot by a young Hindu fanatic because of his anger against Muslims -> Gandhi inspired the whole world with his philosophy and his courage, will- power, strength and determination Nobel-peace-prize-winner Salt March (1930 in India) - Act of civil disobedience led by Gandhi - Thousands of Indians followed by Gandhi from his religious retreat - Distance of 240 miles -Demonstration against Indian citizens being forced to buy the vital mineral from their British rules -Arrest of nearly 60.000 people Civil disobedience - Passive resistance - Gandhi: one of the Indian leaders - Without resorting to violence - Success because of a sufficient amount of followers - Tactic and philosophy of nationalist movements in Africa - Refusal to pay taxes, illegal boycotts, sit-ins, draft dodging Freedom saviour - He chose a non-violent strategy - He had many followers - He had clear goals he wanted to achieve - He never got tired of making his dreams come true Caste system: it splits up Hindus into different societal groups - everyone is born into a specific caste - Hindus can't change their class/rise up the "social ladder" because they are born into a class and intercaste marriage was forbidden - it defines the job you will do some day, who you can marry, what you wear, ... Brahmins (spiritual guides, priests, philosophers) Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) Vaishyas (artisans, farmers, trading, commerce) Shudras (manual workers, labourers, craftsmen) Untouchables (tribal people, the Dalits) - since 1949 the constitution of India has granted all its citizens equal rights -> change has been slow -> the caste system is losing its influence in cities -> democracy gave untouchable more power to defend themselves and fight for their rights Advantages: - the elite benefits from privileges - gives orientation (job search, peer groups) - gives stability Disadvantages - it divides the society - there are losers of the system - upward mobility is impossible - people are not judged fairly - promotes discrimination Vocabulary (religious) persecution - religiose Verfolgung Assimilation - Integration/Angleichen To blend in- integrieren/sich einfügen segregation - Rassentrennung desegregation - Aufhebung der Rassentrennung boycott - Aussperrung, Abschnürung opposition - Widerspruch abolition- Abschaffung disparity - Ungleichheit naturalization - Einbürgerung welfare Fürsorge welfare system - Sozialhilfesystem prosperity - Wohlstand attainable/reachable - erreichbar aspireerstreben contradictory- wiedersprüchlich loss of identity - Identitätsverlust suppression/oppression - Unterdrückung