Senior paper
Genetically engineered seeds should be illegal to patent because they are a form of life, in the act of these patents, many farmers have been sued and charged with illegalities and other mistreatment's, and they have the ability to harm the environment. These patents on seeds allow big corporations to make even more money off of patent infringements that the farmers had no choice in making due to natural transporters. The use of genetically engineered seeds will lead to the loss of natural organic seeds that we where originally give to us by this planet. These seeds lead to losses in the honey bee population and killing of many other organisms that may or may not be able to mutate an immunity. The continued use of genetically modified seeds will create a new balance in nature that may be unsuitible even for us if we are not careful.
What is an genetically modified seed? Well, genetic modification is defined by the using of genetic m-aterial from any living thing and the insertion of the genetic information into the subject. Genetic modifications have been seen in seeds, sheep, pigs, fish ,tomatoes, potatoes, and thousands of other living organisms. The scary part is that these genetically modified organisms are being patented and released into the environment at quite alarming rates. According to the Berne Declaration, ”There are already around 1000 patent applications pending that are connected to the conventional breeding of plants. Around 100 new applications were filed in 2011, more than a dozen patents were granted in this field. Another dozen patents were granted in connection with farm animal breeding claiming breeding material, sex selection, marker assisted selection, cloning or genetic engineering. All in all, by the end of 2011, nearly 2000 patents on plants and around 1200 patents on animals were granted by the EPO, with and without incorporating genetic engineering.”
Genetically engineered seeds are created by finding the genetic code for a desired trait, like a resistance to a certain poison or pesticide found in a living being. Once this trait is found the genetic code is isolated by the use of DNA cutting enzymes. The organism wanted to express this desired trait to is isolated down to a few cells, and the nucleus of these cells is disrupted. Then the DNA of this organism is similarly broken, and the new genetic code is inserted into the DNA. There are many ways of doing this process, some include enzymes and others include neurotoxins which are known highly toxic carcinogens.
The benefits of genetically modified seeds can be immense, Monsanto engineered a seed that can survive their potent pesticide called round up. This enables farmers to plant Monsanto’s seeds and spray their entire crop in round up effectively killing all the weeds that are growing in the crops. this saves time and crops and leads to larger crop yields at the end of harvest. It is more economically sound to use these seeds due to the fact that natural organic seeds will die with the use of highly potent pesticides. Other benefits include: these seeds are usually cheaper, they lead to larger net profits of farmers, they are used widely around the world thus making it easier to access them, the seeds grow into food and by design seem to have no negative effects on the human body when consumed, they are the biggest example of how the use of genetics in the world today can help millions of people, and the wide spread use of genetically modified seeds can help end widespread famine and starvation in countries that cannot grow traditional plants well enough to feed their people.
Yet there are many disadvantages. For starters, eventually there will be a weed that mutates to be immune to round up, and if that weed is allowed to reproduce its “children” will forever be immune to round up. So eventually we will need a new weed killer and a new seed that is genetically modified. This cycle will continue until we have completely immune weeds or we run out of weed killers to use. Essentially we are trying to solve a short term problem that will only result in a larger long term problem and be extremely expensive. Genetically modified seeds also have been blamed as one of the causes of the loss in honey bee populations. The continuous use of these seeds also create fear in the loss of natural organic seeds that have been used for millions of years.
Genetically modified foods have been around for thirty plus years. It can be traced back to the 1980’s when scientists figured out that DNA can be transferred between organisms. shortly after in 1983, the first genetically modified plant was born. It was an antibiotic resistant tobacco plant, this was a great accomplishment by science. In 1994 the tomato was genetically modified to delay ripening till after it was picked from the plant. This allowed for fresher plants at markets and stores. Later in 1995 Monsanto created the round up ready soybean. Also in 1995, the BT Potato was approved safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. It was first pesticide producing crop to be approved in the USA. In 1996, the first genetically modified Canola bean was available on the market. In 2000, scientist discovered that they were able to genetically modify foods to increase their nutritional value. As of 2011, the U.S. is the leader of multiple countries in the production of genetically modified crops.
There are many legal issues surrounding the idea of patenting a life form and if a seed counts. By definition of a patent no one can technically patent a living organism. Yet there have been opened holes in these regulations to allow genetically engineered seeds to be patented. The idea of patenting plant material was first presented before congress initially in the early 20th century. Lawmakers rejected the idea saying it would make the saving and sharing of seeds and research illegal. but they continued to receive pressure on creating some form of seed protection. In 1970 congress passed the Plant Variety Protection ACT (PVPA), this allowed a plant breeder to get a Certificate of Protection for their new variety or strain. This COP allowed the owner to control the sale of that variety for twenty years. Yet any consumer would have legal rights to save the seed of the planted COP seeds on his farm and there is permission for unrestricted research on the COP seed (this is the difference between a seed patent and COP protection). Then in 1985 the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allowed the patenting on a sexually reproducing plant. This allowed for seeds and plants to be patented. This decision was based upon a ruling by the supreme court in 1980 that allowed the patenting of a genetically engineered microbe. These patents have never been approved by the supreme court but they don't allow the small scale sale of these seeds, any research to be permitted without payment to the patent holder, and prevents the farmer from saving his seed. This patent is viable in court because the supreme court hasn’t made a law that makes it illegal for the patenting of seeds. The owning of a patent like the one Monsanto has gives them lots of power. They can decide how their consumers must use their product, and have the ability to sue and win in court if their regulations are broken.
Monsanto has many rules and regulations surrounding the use of their genetically modified seeds. When a farmer purchases a patented seed variety they have to sign an agreement that states that they will not save and replant seeds that are produced by the patented plants. Over 275,000 farmers purchase from Monsanto a year, and each of these signs this agreement. Prior to the 1985 patent decision, farmers could save and even sell their seeds to other farmers without fear of being sued. Now companies like Monsanto who have been granted these patents now have the right to sue any farmer who saves their seed, either intentionally or unintentionally. Using this situation to their advantage Monsanto has made millions from farmers, some of which have had Monsanto’s seed unwillingly put on there land. Monsanto has gone after hundreds of farmers who have been found to have patented seeds on their land as a cause of nature like, pollination by animals and other natural transporters. Monsanto has the ability to make trillions of dollars using their patents simply because even their patented soybeans are 94% of all the circulated soybeans. This
is a problem for farmers who don't want to use Monsanto based products because, these farmers can receive these seeds without the knowledge of what they are.
There are also many concerns about the effects of Monsanto’s genetically altered seeds. One major effect is the loss in bee populations around the globe. Monsanto put clothianidin in their seeds to help reduce the attacks from root worms on their corn seeds. Clothianidin is a highly toxic pesticide especially to bees, yet Monsanto claimed that since its was a seed coting and the seeds would be in the ground, it wouldn’t hurt the bee population. Now these poison-coated seeds are being plated all around the globe. In July, 2007, a German corn crop was infested with rootworms and the German government allowed clothianidin to be used in response. After the planting of these poison-seeds approximately 330-million bees died. And according to the German Research Center for Cultivated Plants, 29 out of 30 of these deaths where due to direct contact with clothianidin. If these seeds are being used everywhere, (which they are) think of how many bees are dropping dead due to this lethal pesticide. Imidacloprid is another neonicotinoid that has drastic effects on bees and is widely used in the U.S., yet banned in France and Germany. These poisons are getting into our air by abrasions in the seeds and the process in which they are planted. According to a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Clothianidin has the potential for toxic chronic exposure to honey bees, as well as other non-target pollinators, through the translocation of clonianidin residue in nectar and pollen. The fate and disposition of clothianidin in the environment suggest a compound that is a systemic insecticide that is persistent and mobile, stable to hydrolysis, and has potential to leach to ground water, as well as runoff to surface waters." These chemicals are so toxic that they can kill 50% of populations honey bees by acute contact at amounts greater than 389mg/kg. When these chemicals don't kill they can have extremely dangerous effects on sub-lethal effects on larvae and can cause reproductive problems for the queen bees. Another effect of these poisons is the disorientation of bees. When they don't kill on contact these chemicals interfere with the bees ability to navigate back to their hives. Yet a bigger problem is caused when the bees can make it back to the hive and bring their contaminated pollen with them. In the hive the pollen gets concentrated and exposed to the entire colony. This can cause the repression of the bees’ immune system and help spread infections throughout the hives. In the last two years, beekeepers have been reporting unexplained losses of hives and bee populations of thirty percent and upward. it was considered a phenomenon called colony collapse. scientist have discovered that the widespread use of genetically engineered seeds, specifically seeds that protect themselves from predatory insects are a major contributor to this problem. Bees pollinate approximately one-third of our diet. these widespread losses in the bee population are creating drastic effects on our food supply and they will continue to increase drastically.
Most of the people who support the use of genetically modified seeds are those making big dollars from the companies who make these deadly seeds. These include Monsanto and many other big corporations. they of coarse support the spreading of their product around the globe to increase their profit. While many of the “anti-seeders” are organic farmers, and other organizations like Green Peace who’s goal is to end the alteration of nature. many of these organizations have “popped” up in the last five to ten years to help try and express peoples opinions. They fight the spreading of these seeds by helping educate people on their negative effects on organisms and our planet, and by banning genetically modified products and helping natural and organic companies maintain consumers. Many countries have banned these seeds and their
continued use, yet in America we continue to hurt our land and fellow organisms.
This has to end! Everyone can do their part by not buy products that come from these seeds. We can also talk to our representatives and tell them our points of view over this controversial subject. We must act now or continue to hurt ourselves just so we can save money. Is the genocide of an entire species worth saving $1.40 a bushel in corn? As history has shown humans are great at destroying what we are given and we have stumbled into the ability to change nature forever. This may seem like a great benefit to us, and it is, yet we tend to not think of the consequences on other organisms and the planet as a whole. This type of self serving thinking will lead us to our demise and we must change and uses what has already been given to us.
Pro Medical Marijuana.Gabii Wescott. 9/14/11.
Medical Marijuana is a often debated subject. People disagree about the illegality of marijuana. They disagree about whether it is addictive. They disagree about its medical benefits. They disagree about it leading to the use of other drugs. Clearly there is very little agreement about legalizing medical marijuana, and uncovering the truth is difficult. But i have discovered some facts that prove it should be legal.
First of all there is an overwheming amout of evedence that proves medical marijuana relives pain for people who have multiple sclerosis, cancer, and aids, it is also less toxic for these people then most of the drugs on the market today. Even goverment officials have stated that “ It would be unreasonable for the DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance in light of the evidence in this record.” Also there is very little evedence that supports the fact that smoking marijuana is a health risk, in the past four decades there has been no reported cases of lung canser. Did you know that less then 10% of all marijuana smokers develoup psychological dependence to maujuana. Finally the gateway affect, the people who are predisposed to use drugs and have the opportunity to use drugs are more likely than others to use both marijuana and harder drugs the only reasion marijuanan comes first is becuse it’s more avalible.
The statements shown prove that Medical Marijuana is not addictive, it has many medical benefits, is not as addictive as even a cigarette, and it not proven to be a gateway drug. Whitch side will you choose?
Medical Marijuana is a often debated subject. People disagree about the illegality of marijuana. They disagree about whether it is addictive. They disagree about its medical benefits. They disagree about it leading to the use of other drugs. Clearly there is very little agreement about legalizing medical marijuana, and uncovering the truth is difficult. But i have discovered some facts that prove it should be legal.
First of all there is an overwheming amout of evedence that proves medical marijuana relives pain for people who have multiple sclerosis, cancer, and aids, it is also less toxic for these people then most of the drugs on the market today. Even goverment officials have stated that “ It would be unreasonable for the DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance in light of the evidence in this record.” Also there is very little evedence that supports the fact that smoking marijuana is a health risk, in the past four decades there has been no reported cases of lung canser. Did you know that less then 10% of all marijuana smokers develoup psychological dependence to maujuana. Finally the gateway affect, the people who are predisposed to use drugs and have the opportunity to use drugs are more likely than others to use both marijuana and harder drugs the only reasion marijuanan comes first is becuse it’s more avalible.
The statements shown prove that Medical Marijuana is not addictive, it has many medical benefits, is not as addictive as even a cigarette, and it not proven to be a gateway drug. Whitch side will you choose?
Pro Medical Marijuana.
Gabii Wescott. 9/9/11.
Intro.
Medical Marijuana is a often debated subject.People disagree about the illegality of marijuana. They disagree about whether it is addictive. They disagree about its medical benefits. They disagree about it leading to the use of other drugs. Clearly there is very little agreement about legalizing medical marijuana, and uncovering the truth is difficult. But i have discovered some facts that prove it should be legal.
Pros About Medical Marijuana.
Physician Perspectives on Marijuana's Medical Use
"The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS -- or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day."
-- Joycelyn Elders, MD
Former US Surgeon General
Editorial, Providence Journal
Mar. 26, 2004
Medical Organizations' Opinions
"ACP urges review of marijuana's status as a schedule I controlled substance and its reclassification into a more appropriate schedule, given the scientific evidence regarding marijuana's safety and efficacy in some clinical conditions...
ACP strongly supports exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or professional sanctioning, such as loss of licensure or credentialing, for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state law. Similarly, ACP strongly urges protection from criminal or civil penalties for patients who use medical marijuana as permitted under state laws."
-- American College of Physicians
"Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana," acponline.org
Feb. 15, 2008
US Government Officials' Views
"The evidence in this record [9-6-88 ruling] clearly shows that marijuana has been accepted as capable of relieving the distress of great numbers of very ill people, and doing so with safety under medical supervision. It would be unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious for DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance in light of the evidence in this record."
-- Judge Francis L. Young
DEA Administrative Law Judge
Administrative ruling on Petition to Reschedule Marijuana
Sep. 1988
Health Risks of Smoked Marijuana
"There is very little evidence that smoking marijuana as a means of taking it represents a significant health risk.
Although cannabis has been smoked widely in Western countries for more than four decades, there have been no reported cases of lung cancer or emphysema attributed to marijuana.
I suspect that a day's breathing in any city with poor air quality poses more of a threat than inhaling a day's dose which for many ailments is just a portion of a joint of marijuana."
-- Lester Grinspoon, MD
Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
"Puffing Is the Best Medicine,"
Los Angeles Times
May 5, 2006
Addictiveness of Marijuana.
"For some users, perhaps as many as 10 per cent, cannabis leads to psychological dependence, but there is scant evidence that it carries a risk of true addiction. Unlike cigarette smokers, most users do not take the drug on a daily basis, and usually abandon it in their twenties or thirties.
Unlike for nicotine, alcohol and hard drugs, there is no clearly defined withdrawal syndrome, the hallmark of true addiction, when use is stopped."
-- Colin Blakemore, PhD
Chair, Dept. of Physiology, University of Oxford (U.K.), and
Leslie Iversen, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology, Oxford University
Editorial, The Times (U.K.)
Aug. 6, 2001
"Gateway" Effect
"We've shown that the marijuana gateway effect is not the best explanation for the link between marijuana use and the use of harder drugs.
An alternative, simpler and more compelling explanation accounts for the pattern of drug use you see in this country, without resort to any gateway effects. While the gateway theory has enjoyed popular acceptance, scientists have always had their doubts. Our study shows that these doubts are justified.
The people who are predisposed to use drugs and have the opportunity to use drugs are more likely than others to use both marijuana and harder drugs. Marijuana typically comes first because it is more available."
-- Andrew Morral, PhD
Researcher, Rand Corporation
Press release discussing his study published in the U.K. journal Addiction
Dec. 2, 2002
Support.
Medical marijuana is a recognized treatment for many of the complications associated with serious medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes and AIDS. It's also a viable pain-treatment alternative for those barely surviving on conventional narcotic therapies like the highly addictive morphine, vicodin and oxycodone. As far back as 1997, the American Medical Association publicly supported the right of doctors to freely discuss marijuana as a possible therapy.- Denver Post
Example of Law Already Instated on Issue.
“Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution reads: "It shall be an exception from the state's criminal laws for any patient or primary care-giver in lawful possession of a registry identification card to engage or assist in the medical use of marijuana ... ."-Colorado Constitution
Outro
The statements shown prove that Medical Marijuana is not addictive, it has many medical benefits, is not as addictive as even a cigarette, and it not proven to be a gateway drug. Witch side will you choose?
Gabii Wescott. 9/9/11.
Intro.
Medical Marijuana is a often debated subject.People disagree about the illegality of marijuana. They disagree about whether it is addictive. They disagree about its medical benefits. They disagree about it leading to the use of other drugs. Clearly there is very little agreement about legalizing medical marijuana, and uncovering the truth is difficult. But i have discovered some facts that prove it should be legal.
Pros About Medical Marijuana.
Physician Perspectives on Marijuana's Medical Use
"The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS -- or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day."
-- Joycelyn Elders, MD
Former US Surgeon General
Editorial, Providence Journal
Mar. 26, 2004
Medical Organizations' Opinions
"ACP urges review of marijuana's status as a schedule I controlled substance and its reclassification into a more appropriate schedule, given the scientific evidence regarding marijuana's safety and efficacy in some clinical conditions...
ACP strongly supports exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or professional sanctioning, such as loss of licensure or credentialing, for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state law. Similarly, ACP strongly urges protection from criminal or civil penalties for patients who use medical marijuana as permitted under state laws."
-- American College of Physicians
"Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana," acponline.org
Feb. 15, 2008
US Government Officials' Views
"The evidence in this record [9-6-88 ruling] clearly shows that marijuana has been accepted as capable of relieving the distress of great numbers of very ill people, and doing so with safety under medical supervision. It would be unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious for DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance in light of the evidence in this record."
-- Judge Francis L. Young
DEA Administrative Law Judge
Administrative ruling on Petition to Reschedule Marijuana
Sep. 1988
Health Risks of Smoked Marijuana
"There is very little evidence that smoking marijuana as a means of taking it represents a significant health risk.
Although cannabis has been smoked widely in Western countries for more than four decades, there have been no reported cases of lung cancer or emphysema attributed to marijuana.
I suspect that a day's breathing in any city with poor air quality poses more of a threat than inhaling a day's dose which for many ailments is just a portion of a joint of marijuana."
-- Lester Grinspoon, MD
Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
"Puffing Is the Best Medicine,"
Los Angeles Times
May 5, 2006
Addictiveness of Marijuana.
"For some users, perhaps as many as 10 per cent, cannabis leads to psychological dependence, but there is scant evidence that it carries a risk of true addiction. Unlike cigarette smokers, most users do not take the drug on a daily basis, and usually abandon it in their twenties or thirties.
Unlike for nicotine, alcohol and hard drugs, there is no clearly defined withdrawal syndrome, the hallmark of true addiction, when use is stopped."
-- Colin Blakemore, PhD
Chair, Dept. of Physiology, University of Oxford (U.K.), and
Leslie Iversen, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology, Oxford University
Editorial, The Times (U.K.)
Aug. 6, 2001
"Gateway" Effect
"We've shown that the marijuana gateway effect is not the best explanation for the link between marijuana use and the use of harder drugs.
An alternative, simpler and more compelling explanation accounts for the pattern of drug use you see in this country, without resort to any gateway effects. While the gateway theory has enjoyed popular acceptance, scientists have always had their doubts. Our study shows that these doubts are justified.
The people who are predisposed to use drugs and have the opportunity to use drugs are more likely than others to use both marijuana and harder drugs. Marijuana typically comes first because it is more available."
-- Andrew Morral, PhD
Researcher, Rand Corporation
Press release discussing his study published in the U.K. journal Addiction
Dec. 2, 2002
Support.
Medical marijuana is a recognized treatment for many of the complications associated with serious medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes and AIDS. It's also a viable pain-treatment alternative for those barely surviving on conventional narcotic therapies like the highly addictive morphine, vicodin and oxycodone. As far back as 1997, the American Medical Association publicly supported the right of doctors to freely discuss marijuana as a possible therapy.- Denver Post
Example of Law Already Instated on Issue.
“Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution reads: "It shall be an exception from the state's criminal laws for any patient or primary care-giver in lawful possession of a registry identification card to engage or assist in the medical use of marijuana ... ."-Colorado Constitution
Outro
The statements shown prove that Medical Marijuana is not addictive, it has many medical benefits, is not as addictive as even a cigarette, and it not proven to be a gateway drug. Witch side will you choose?
World Dictator, Adolf Hitler.
Gabrielle Wescott-Shamis, March, 20, 2012.
Hitler's life
Adolf Hitler was responsible for starting World War II and for killing more than 11 million people during the Holocaust. Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889 in Braunau am Inn, Austria. Adi, as he was known in his youth, spent his childhood in Austria. His father, Alois, retired from civil service in 1895, when Hitler was only six, which created a tense, strict atmosphere at home. When Hitler was 13, his father passed away and his mother, Klara, had to care for Hitler and his siblings by herself. Times were tough for the Hitler household. In 1905, at age 16, Adolf quit school and never returned.
Hitler dreamed of becoming an artist, so in 1907 he applied to the painting school at the Vienna Academy of Art. He did not pass the entrance exam. In 1908 he again tried to apply to the Vienna Academy of Art but this time was not even allowed to take the test. Two months later, his mother passed away from breast cancer.
To avoid military service in the Austrian army, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany in May 1913 but as soon as World War I broke out, Hitler asked for and received special permission to serve in the Bavarian-German army. Adolf Hitler quickly proved to be a courageous soldier. On October 13, 1918, a gas attack caused him to go temporarily blind. While recuperating in a hospital, Hitler heard the news of the end of the war and of Germany's defeat. His anger and feelings of betrayal shaped his and the world's future.
After the war, many in Germany felt betrayed by the German government for their sudden and unexpected surrender. The subsequent inflation made even finding a job and day-to-day living difficult for the average German citizen.
Hitler ran for presidency in 1932 but lost the election the his opposing canadate. A year and a half later the opposing canadate passed away leaving hitler to become the supreme leader of Germany. After legally gaining power in Germany, Hitler quickly began solidifying his position by putting those that disagreed with him into concentration camps. He created massive amounts of propaganda that strengthened German pride by blaming all their problems on Communists and Jews. The concept of pan-Germanism inspired Hitler to combine German peoples in various countries in Europe as well as look east for lebensraum.
Since the world was extremely sensitive about the possibility of starting another world war, Hitler was able to annex Austria in 1938 without a single battle. But when he had his forces enter Poland in August 1939, the world could no longer stand aside and just watch and World War II began. In 1938 Hitler slowly removed Jews from German society. However, with the cover of World War II, the Nazis created an elaborate and intensive system to work Jews as slaves and kill them. Hitler is considered one of the most evil people in history because of the Holocaust.
How did Hitler come into power, and how did he get people to follow him?
Hitler was a brilliant speaker and a good organiser and politician. He was a driven, unstable man, who believed that he had been called by God to become dictator of Germany and rule the world. This kept him going when other people might have given up. His self-belief persuaded people to believe in him. However, I do not think it was solely the brilliance of Hitler's leadership which brought the Nazis to Power. Germany had just been through a war and had lost. The Treaty of Versailles made a contract for Germany which made living in Germany very hard. The people of Germany were poor and were upset with the Treaty. They wanted someone to help them out of the hole they were in. Hitler offered them everything they wanted, the people of Germany were brainwashed with posters, radio, newspapers and leaflets. Hitler's speeches were strong and effective, the Germans liked the idea of having one strong leader.
What were the circumstances within a society ruled by Hitler?
When Hitler gained power, the economy stimulated and many jobs were provided. Hitler began working at stopping any possible internal threats. Hitler slowly began encouraging the discrimination of the Jewish people. Hitler began invading and taking over surround countries, many of which were previously Germany but were lost after World War I. Hitler's territorial demands grew and grew, even though he made promises to end them. These countries were under-developed and didn't stand a chance. Some of them just gave up, and as in the case of Austria, cheered the invaders more like a parade than a new occupying force. Meanwhile, Hitler was not interning Jews in death camps, although he was not purposely killing them yet. They often died of being overworked, starvation, malnutrition, or various other reasons. Jews from conquered countries were also placed in concentration camps. But soon after that the Nazis began killing off the Jewish people on purpose. Death chambers were established. Prisoners were told they were going to take showers, then killed by the hundreds by poisonous gas. The German people remained strong, as Hitler was ruthless against any comments but 100% patriotic ones. When the German troops became outnumbered and started becoming defeated, they began killing as many Jews as possible. They even tried destroying documents of proof of what happened. However, it was clear when the troops liberated the camps what had been going on. The German view at this point was generally very depressed. They felt defeated, and the nation was split in half with the counterpart Soviets. Hitler committed suicide on May 1, 1945.
Gabrielle Wescott-Shamis, March, 20, 2012.
Hitler's life
Adolf Hitler was responsible for starting World War II and for killing more than 11 million people during the Holocaust. Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889 in Braunau am Inn, Austria. Adi, as he was known in his youth, spent his childhood in Austria. His father, Alois, retired from civil service in 1895, when Hitler was only six, which created a tense, strict atmosphere at home. When Hitler was 13, his father passed away and his mother, Klara, had to care for Hitler and his siblings by herself. Times were tough for the Hitler household. In 1905, at age 16, Adolf quit school and never returned.
Hitler dreamed of becoming an artist, so in 1907 he applied to the painting school at the Vienna Academy of Art. He did not pass the entrance exam. In 1908 he again tried to apply to the Vienna Academy of Art but this time was not even allowed to take the test. Two months later, his mother passed away from breast cancer.
To avoid military service in the Austrian army, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany in May 1913 but as soon as World War I broke out, Hitler asked for and received special permission to serve in the Bavarian-German army. Adolf Hitler quickly proved to be a courageous soldier. On October 13, 1918, a gas attack caused him to go temporarily blind. While recuperating in a hospital, Hitler heard the news of the end of the war and of Germany's defeat. His anger and feelings of betrayal shaped his and the world's future.
After the war, many in Germany felt betrayed by the German government for their sudden and unexpected surrender. The subsequent inflation made even finding a job and day-to-day living difficult for the average German citizen.
Hitler ran for presidency in 1932 but lost the election the his opposing canadate. A year and a half later the opposing canadate passed away leaving hitler to become the supreme leader of Germany. After legally gaining power in Germany, Hitler quickly began solidifying his position by putting those that disagreed with him into concentration camps. He created massive amounts of propaganda that strengthened German pride by blaming all their problems on Communists and Jews. The concept of pan-Germanism inspired Hitler to combine German peoples in various countries in Europe as well as look east for lebensraum.
Since the world was extremely sensitive about the possibility of starting another world war, Hitler was able to annex Austria in 1938 without a single battle. But when he had his forces enter Poland in August 1939, the world could no longer stand aside and just watch and World War II began. In 1938 Hitler slowly removed Jews from German society. However, with the cover of World War II, the Nazis created an elaborate and intensive system to work Jews as slaves and kill them. Hitler is considered one of the most evil people in history because of the Holocaust.
How did Hitler come into power, and how did he get people to follow him?
Hitler was a brilliant speaker and a good organiser and politician. He was a driven, unstable man, who believed that he had been called by God to become dictator of Germany and rule the world. This kept him going when other people might have given up. His self-belief persuaded people to believe in him. However, I do not think it was solely the brilliance of Hitler's leadership which brought the Nazis to Power. Germany had just been through a war and had lost. The Treaty of Versailles made a contract for Germany which made living in Germany very hard. The people of Germany were poor and were upset with the Treaty. They wanted someone to help them out of the hole they were in. Hitler offered them everything they wanted, the people of Germany were brainwashed with posters, radio, newspapers and leaflets. Hitler's speeches were strong and effective, the Germans liked the idea of having one strong leader.
What were the circumstances within a society ruled by Hitler?
When Hitler gained power, the economy stimulated and many jobs were provided. Hitler began working at stopping any possible internal threats. Hitler slowly began encouraging the discrimination of the Jewish people. Hitler began invading and taking over surround countries, many of which were previously Germany but were lost after World War I. Hitler's territorial demands grew and grew, even though he made promises to end them. These countries were under-developed and didn't stand a chance. Some of them just gave up, and as in the case of Austria, cheered the invaders more like a parade than a new occupying force. Meanwhile, Hitler was not interning Jews in death camps, although he was not purposely killing them yet. They often died of being overworked, starvation, malnutrition, or various other reasons. Jews from conquered countries were also placed in concentration camps. But soon after that the Nazis began killing off the Jewish people on purpose. Death chambers were established. Prisoners were told they were going to take showers, then killed by the hundreds by poisonous gas. The German people remained strong, as Hitler was ruthless against any comments but 100% patriotic ones. When the German troops became outnumbered and started becoming defeated, they began killing as many Jews as possible. They even tried destroying documents of proof of what happened. However, it was clear when the troops liberated the camps what had been going on. The German view at this point was generally very depressed. They felt defeated, and the nation was split in half with the counterpart Soviets. Hitler committed suicide on May 1, 1945.