BONUS: WWW.KIVA.ORG

Going onto kiva.org online I have read many people seeking for microloans. However, the one that really caught my attention was a man who needed $1,225 to expand his vegetable production. I really think that this man, Sr. Alfonso, should receive the loan. Looking at his picture of him and reading his story made me think of how hard it might be to work on farmlands. He is working for his family everyday. His only reason is to feed his wife and kids and send them to school for a better education. This is the main reason why Sr. Alfonso should receive the money. The working area and environment that he works might not be sanitary. Also we do not know how this man is treated at his workplace and if he is receiving the minimum wage. If he is not this is a problem and according to the Catholic Teaching every workers must be treated fairly.

Chapter 24 pg 747-755

Reflection:

Continuing with Chapter 24, it goes over the transformation of the global environment. Number of people were increasing vastly worldwide. As we see an increase in human population, we also see people tapping energy potential of fossil fuels (19th century-coal & 20th century-oil). These energy sources helped transform the environment. People were changing the world in both negative and positive ways. In a negative way, people were polluting the environment, killing many plants and animals, and many more. In a positive way, people were increasing the number animals, bringing/making more technological items & materials to society, and many more. As society was getting more advanced it caused an increase of poor people as well as increase of rich people. People were getting smarter and use this to build more technological products (such as nuclear weapons) that contributed to global warming. The environment was changing in a very bad way where it caused the weather to act abnormally and bringing in health problems to the people worldwide. People were protesting and trying to prevent nuclear energy such as the Green Party. People in South Korea have protested in opposition of nuclear energy, not only in Korea but other countries as well. As we can see from this chapter how the world was changing in good and bad ways. 

Ch 24 Religion

Reflection:
Continuing with chapter 24, it goes over the importance of religion and how it started to spread worldwide. Several types of religions were spreading...Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. From these religions ideas and practices were being used in many countries. Buddhist spread more in India, Christianity spread more in non-Muslim Africa and South Korea and less in India. In every major religious tradition "fundamentalism"(militant piety-defensive, assertive, and exclusive) took shape in some way. This become a religious response. "Fundamentalism" looked to the past for ideals and models. This term came from the United States where religious conservatives were mad by the scientific approach to the Bible. This emerged recently in Islam (Osama bin Laden and the World Trade Center). This showed an increase of Muslims to create a new political/religious order centered on the teachings of Islam. We see that religion and politics ties together...In the Islamic world militant fundamentalism was not the only religious response. There are many people out there that have acted peacefully. We see in this chapter how from religion people help other countries and addresses political issues to the people. Religion connects people and helps the people in need.

Ch 24 pg 734-739 role of feminism

Reflection:
Continuing with chapter 24, it continues on with the importance and change in feminist roles. Women were receiving more opportunities and favors. Not only in one country but all countries around the world, women were being treated differently. Women were granted more freedom than before. "Women's rights were human rights". There were many protests from women..women were speaking for themselves. During this time, women were acting strong and brave. That is why women's roles are what they are today. If women during that time did not do anything would women be acting the way they are now and would their roles have changed? Thanks to those women back then women today are aggressive. There has been changes and it has been shown by many countries. For example, there are even women presidents in some countries. This shows much change.

CHAPTER 24 pg 724-735

Reflection:
In Chapter 24 it goes over the growth of international economic transactions and how this continues till this day. In this economic globalization, technology played a big role in the development. Internet came out, several services such as air express shipping, oil tankers, and much more. Throughout the world goods, people, and capital were accelerating. Investment funds were flowing around the world within the U.S., Japan, Europe, and other major countries. Countries were communicating within one another and making money. During this time credit cards were introduced and many were using this worldwide. Credit cards brought ways in which people can transfer money. The world was advancing in ways were now there are telephone and mobile lines, air travelers, foreign exchange, bank loans, international trade, transnational companies, and much more. The world was getting busy, complex, and expanding. As everything was accelerating, people were wondering and questioning about American power..."American Empire". After the world wars people see U.S. as an informal empire, like how Europeans practiced in China and the Middle East. Economically and politically America has increased in profit and expanding numerically both with military and companies. By looking at this it brings up the question whether America is the leading country?

Putin's Challenge

In this article it goes over how Circassian tribe was treated by Russians. Russia decided to get rid of this tribe by death or deport. To the Circassians, this was their first genocide. The population decreased and now Youghar and his people are finding human remains by digging the ground. Until this day there are many conflicts one in which President Putin said in his speech for the 2007 Olympics, to secure Russia's bid, that Sochi was a land inhabited by the ancient Greeks. These conflicts is upsetting to the Circassians because the tribe's land was once famous and well known to the world, but now? Not only were the Circassians proud of the history but also their religion, as Muslims. Russia, in the past brought much impact towards the Circassians such as using military force. We see how power can cause other countries damage. When the Soviet Union had collapsed the Circassians rejoiced and were happy to have their freedom back. Now it comes to Putin's challenge to extend human rights and dignity to others for a "new Russia". We have to see Putin's actions and words he takes towards the Circassians in order to see Russia changing and going into the direction that will be beneficial to them.
Going over the SND hallmark review...

We proclaim by our lives and even more by our words that God is good.
We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person
We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world
We commit ourselves to community service
We embrace the gift of diversity
We create a community among those with whom we work and with those whom we service.
Develop hollistic learning communities which educate for life

Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta:
involved rallies on immigration
violent movements made her kept moving
tough fighter/a  mother

Gandhi sometimes we need to create conflict...
stand for human rights/justice
support women
treat women equal

Obama:
child development
bill passed in congress have early childhood education...President Nixon vetoed this bill

feminist...immigrant right, environment, LGB rights, etc...

pass immigration reform

we are all different shapes and colors

KKK, vice presidential counsel, tea party...your'e all "Africans"
people are coming together for justice (wolzalee)

CHAPTER 23

Reflection:

In this chapter it goes over how Africa and Asia were trying their best to earn for freedom/independence. One of the methods that were used to help these countries to be independent was having the United Nations conduct anti colonial agitation. This helped the political independence. The first country to gain independence was India. India showed a great example and role model to other countries. This brought hope to the people. From this we see how people were trying hard to get back up from the whole damage that was brought upon from the wars. In India the people worked hard by forming an association of English-educated Indians in 1885 named Indian National Congress (INC). These were people who were either lawyers, teachers, or businessmen in higher class Hindu families. This association was like a new political protest. From this association their main goal was not overthrow British rule but rather gain inclusion within political, military, and business life of the British Indians. An important figure during the time was Ghandi. We see from here that people tried to things in ways that would be beneficial to them (win-win situation). In South Africa the people took things differently than India. The people their were granted independence that was controlled by white settler minority however, the blacks did not have any right. Since this was not like India the blacks had a hard time gaining any independence because their struggle was against this internal opponents. In  Africa, like India, an association was formed called African National Congress (ANC) in 1912. IN Turkey women were gaining more authority compared to the past. We see that countries were changing, developing, and advancing within technology, economically, and politically.

Chapter 22 pg 675-689

Reflection:

In the continuing chapter of 22 it goes over how from the wars separated countries. From this it launched a global conflict that restructured international life. In the chapter it goes over not only WWI & WWII, but also the cold war. The cold war was Europe where American and British clashed with Eastern Europe. In Asia: China, Korea, and Vietnam also globalized the cold war. Another part of the world that had many conflicts was in Afghanistan where a Marxist party had taken over. We see how the world had many problems during the time. Country after country were fighting for this "power". As this the whole world has been impacted greatly. Many people had died and suffered, countries separated, and weapons had advanced such as nuclear weapon and missiles. These wars has shown a global superpower. During this time communism arose and from this we end up seeing an end to it as well. We see the world get corrupt as well as trying to revive back up from the mistakes that had once happened.

Massaro, Section 5 (Property Ownership in Modern Society) and Section 6 (The Dignity of Work, Rights of Workers, and Support for Labor Unions)

Reflection:

Section 5-

     The section goes over the importance of the things that are given from God. The Catholic Church shows this to the people that everything God has made here on Earth is available for every single person. This is letting us know that there is no specific belong to one specific person, we must share. Although, in life we see people working hard and others not as much compared to them. There are people who are wealthy and there are people who are poor. The Catholic Church is trying to tell people that those who are wealthy should help those in need. We should the wealthy sharing goods and materials to the poor/workers. 

Section 6-

     In this section it goes over the labor union. Within the labor unions the people would fight back exploitations such as inhuman labor, insufficient wages, and unsanitary working conditions. However, there is always someone that goes against others. In this case, corporate owners are the ones that have different opinions and goes against people in the labor union organization. Although there are two different sides and seeing people having other opinions, but from this we see people helping one another. This shows how technology and working supply started to become advanced throughout the years. 

CHAPTER 22

Reflection:

In this chapter goes over the global communism that had formed. Its roots came from Karl Marx, the whole idea/philosophy. Communism spread through Russia, China, and more came in Eastern Europe from World War II. This shows how the world from politics, economy, and much more was changing, affecting the people. Following with the French Revolution, the idea of ruling a country was different...military dictatorship. In Russia, the ruling was different. During the revolution activists hired/recruited members in their organization, organized demonstrations, published newspaper, and plotted revolution. Russia was in a single year.  In China the revolution was long...many years took place caused many people to suffer. These two countries came together and tried to build socialism by making it more powerful. This meant going backward all the modernization and industrialization. These communists formed women's liberation having women participate, within the countryside estates and lands were redistributed, industries developed, and much more was being changed.

Chapter 21

Reflection:

In chapter 21, it goes over the crisis within Europe. In the years between 1914 to 1918, Europe had their first world war. The country had advance technology and weaponry. First world war really shows a significance during that time, since it changed so much within countries. Territories changed and expanded, power was brought to countries that won, mass amount of people suffered and died. War brought compromise with other countries as well as separation. This chapter is very important to history because it lets people know now when the first world war was and why did this happen. These events show history repeats itself. War was never predicted happened unexpectedly and led to unexpected consequences. This war lasted very long but no one would have ever thought it would last that long. The war brought great impact to the people and the country itself. The first war led the great depression..many people suffering from the economy because of the war. Countries made alliance with one another which shows how much each country wanted to survive that badly. This makes me wonder if this was all worth it? Was it really necessary? All these question just make me think when reading this part of history.

Living Excerpt

Reflection: Section 1&7

        These two sections goes over the importance of human rights and equality. The Catholic Church goes over these topics to the people. The church's viewpoints is very strong and straightforward. Catholic Church points out that in God's eyes everyone is equal and should not be discriminated against because of one's background. Church is telling us to do the same, look at others just the same as we look at ourselves. Although people's backgrounds maybe different, everyone is still the same in God's eyes. The pope addresses to the people how poor countries need help and that others should support those in need. The Catholic Church has evidence and books that prove the church's convictions. 

Strayer CH 20 (pg 589-606/ pg 607-614)

          In the beginning of the chapter goes over the European conquests and its expansion. From this the impact that was brought to other countries such as Africa, Asia, Spain, Britain, Portugal, France, Australia, U.S., Germany, and Belgium. From these conquests many died in certain countries and many survived. Countries were affected by these expansions and conquests that rebellion occurred and from this many cooperated. During this time there were racism that went around as well as financial needs.

         Towards the end of the chapter goes into how much value and important it is if one has an education. The book refers to education as a social mobility and elite status. Many people who have a good education get better paying jobs and better respect. Not only was education very important during the era but also religion. During the era in many countries many people converted to Christianity. Christianity was widely spread during the time and from Christianity countries' culture was changing. The chapter goes into "race" and "tribe" during the time. It goes over the African tribe and people and comparing with the Europeans. This chapter really shows how much change has been brought to many countries compared to the past.

Chapter 1 Bourgeois and Proletarians

Reflection:

This reading goes over the different classes and the struggles that each endure throughout the time. The epoch simplified antagonism. Serfs to burghers bringing bourgeoisie, first element. America became a place where bourgeoisie occurred. This brought an increase to the economy by having more trade with colonies and an increase in the industries. The feudal system of industry no longer needs new markets. However, markets kept on rising. From markets rising came along Modern Industry which was industrial middle class by industrial millionaires. Modern industry has given a more established/well-formed world market. Classes started to advance politically and economically. Bourgeoisie has decreased family relation to money relation instead. Society has started to change and become more complex with classes. Bourgeoisie played an important role to improvement of production, scattered population, rule of towns, exchange, property, and much more. Also another classes....proletariat which is the middle class. This increased more class of labourers. From the reading we see the roles of different classes and how this has changed society and the world. Things getting more complex as well as getting more advance economically and politically from technology/production.

CH 15 pp527-556

Reflection:

Chapter 15 goes over the Industrial Revolution. During this time period, technological innovation grew and was getting more advanced. Energy was being used and new sources were coming out to society for people to use such as petroleum and coal. This shows how society was becoming more and more advanced through technology and the economy. Worldwide, countries were being competitive and trying to gain power whether it was through the economy or politics. From all these goods and services companies were being able to have the opportunity to build airplanes, automobiles, and other services for society. Each country had their own specialty. India was known for having great cotton textile production and China was known worldwide as the technological innovation compared to other countries. Britain was known for being highly commercialized. Scientific Revolution helped Britain in a way that adopted technological innovation. During this time people were making railroads and trying to form a convenient society. As culture, economy, political views were advancing and were getting competitive, society started to form classes: middle class and labor class. Within these classes people started to protest and riots occurred causing conflicts between people. Countries were getting more and more competitive and the economy was advancing worldwide. This chapter shows how society was getting more complex and technological. People started to form classes. This chapter shows how society back then became to be what is today.

Ch 17 pp 507-524

Reflection:

        Continuing on with chapter 17, it goes over the Haitian Revolution. From this we learn the racism happening and the poverty that emerges. Another revolution is shown within the chapter and that is the Spanish American Revolution. From this revolution we see nationalist leaders leading wars in order to gain freedom for the people. I enjoyed reading this part of history because it shows how each nation are trying to fight to make a difference. Slavery was continuing but was trying to come to an end. Governments within each nation were seeing that now they need to take responsibility and that loyalty is needed. The chapter goes over the feminist movement and how now there is a change. Women are opening up and are speaking. Women's roles were changing and we see them standing up for who they are. This chapter really focuses on the change of nations and shows a part of climax in history.

SND

Reflection:

         SND refers to Sisters of Notre Dame. The reading goes over the history of Francoise. It goes over the obstacles she had faced throughout her life and the experiences she had. The reading goes into the education she had done and from that what she had learned. From the people/ sisters she had met her life had changed as well as her perspectives towards life.
        The reading also goes over another important figure, Julie Billiart. In this reading as well it goes over her life story and the obstacles she had faced. Towards the end of the reading it talks about how these two figures met in Amiens. These two helped each other and guided one another throughout their life. Francoise's path in life led her to a monastic life. Julie ended up becoming Francoise's advisor. She helped and guide Francoise's life.

Strayer Ch 17 pp 504-507

Reflection:


       Continuing with Chapter 17, Strayer goes into talking about the history of the French Revolution. From reading this part of history I realized how countries had tensions with one another. From what Thomas Jefferson had said about France..."being awakened by our revolution" shows how this in a way made the French realize about their issues. Meaning the french were on the brink of bankruptcy. From this France started to raise tax trying to fix things. All these little things added up causing a revolution within France. The French Revolution was different from the American Revolution. American Revolution was more of tensions on colonial relationships. From reading this it really shows the audience how the French were more intense compared to the Americans...in a way more aggressive. During this revolution war was going on with each other in the same country...France. From this I just feel sorry and disappointed because one would think if your all living in the same country people should help and support one another since its your neighbor and people. However, during this revolution it did not show that which really makes me "nod my head".

Strayer Introduction Part 5 Ch 17 pp491-504

Reflection:

         In part 5 of the introduction Strayer goes into talking about hoe Europe received continental status during the time. It goes onto talking about how Europe rose by international context...this means, for example, because the Chinese fleet left Europe got the opportunity to take over the Indian Ocean. Strayer goes into explaining that it was not an easy task for Europe to become what it is now. It took a lot of work and progress to get to country it is.

     In Chapter 17, Strayer goes over how the Atlantic Revolution came from European Enlightenment. From this it was shared to others through newspapers, books, and pamphlets. During this time new ideas, free trade, religious tolerance, human rationality, and much more were being opened up. From this the Atlantic movement was being known as democratic revolution to people. To me this era/time was when countries were being advanced and more opened to new things. This was also the time when countries were competing with one another and many battles were fought. From these battles, countries' politics were changed and countries becoming more powerful. This part of history showed to me a turning point for countries and time where regions/countries were trying to find place/stability/secure.

Strayer Ch 16 pp477-488

Reflection:

         In this chapter, Strayer talks about how science brought great impact to people's religious beliefs and practices, especially in the West. Science started to spread all around the world causing a disconnection with European culture. Science has brought a division between Europe and the Islamic world. From science cam scholars, scientists, universities, and much more. The whole culture was being changed and technological developed. As science started to rule over the world people started see science more than God. Now, God is not at the center of people's eyes due to the new perspective towards science. I, personally, think that this is not right. Because of science God is being pushed away. I think that science is only good for learning to solve people's questions and curiosities, however, I do not believe that science is such a big deal to the point where religion gets pushed back and God is no longer the center of people's lives. It is also somewhat a good thing that science has developed...from this we learn about our bodies, the bacteria that lives around the world, and much more.

Strayer Ch 16 pp461-477

Reflection:

          In this Chapter Strayer talks about the cultural transformation within regions and how this connected people from afar. Cultural transformation involved science and religion. Science ended becoming to some people a religion. Science brought change to people within regions. During this time Christianity spread. During this time the Protestant Reformation came in and ruined the unity of the Roman Catholic Church. This started out with Martin Luther. Martin Luther was against to many of rules within the Catholic Church. From there he started this whole Protestant Reformation. Many people started to like and follow this Protestantism. However, this did not do much within the church and/or society. Protestantism spread throughout regions. From this the Catholic Church started to correct abuses and corruption within the church bringing renewal in the Catholic Church. I like how this chapter goes into the religious history giving us an idea of how Protestants came to be and what went wrong within the Catholic Church that brought Protestantism. Christianity played an important role during that time by helping the spread of politics and economics in Europe and visa versa. This shows how the church and a country mutually benefited each other during that time and till this day. Every region encountered Christianity differently. Religion was important to Africans as well. African religion brought slaves to the America. However, Europeans viewed their religion as witchcraft and evil. India and China, both, during that time and still till this day have different types of religion and beliefs. From these different religions brought cultural differences as well.

Strayer Ch 15 pp 449-458

Reflection:

             In continuing with this chapter, Strayer explains how the Atlantic slave trade helped the idea of buying and selling slaves throughout the regions. From the Atlantic slave trade there were some region that benefited and others regions corrupted. This shows how slaves were spread worldwide and expanded. Slavery in America and Atlantic slave trade represented buying and selling humans. I, honestly, do not like how people are given the right to buy and sell human beings. This makes me look back at history in a very negative way. In the chapter the Europeans go around regions to buy gold but also buy slaves that were on "sale". This makes me mad at the fact that slaves are being viewed and treated as like some clothes you buy at a store that is for sale. This just seems wrong to treat any human this way. This shows how during this time human value was not really viewed and thought of importantly when buying and selling slaves. Throughout the years slaves just increasingly grew rapidly. From this slave trade it really impacted the growth population in Africa while other regions such as Europe, China, and other regions grew/expanded. This shows discrimination...because of color (black) you are most likely a slave. Although there not anymore slaves, that we know of, there is still discrimination against color (black) like the past.

Chapter 15 433-448

Reflection:

           The chapter goes over the importance of slave trade throughout countries. Europe, Asia, Western Europe, North America, and Siberia, all, were involved in trade. Some of the items were silver, fur, slaves, and many more. Europe was growing and its national monarchy. In the Indian Ocean spice trade was a great importance and value. Indian Ocean was a way for Europeans to gain access to new and more materials. Trade not only brought happiness but also concerns to the Western newcomers during this time period. Trade was not just a way for people to gain new items but also brought power to the countries that had the most and valuable item. Power and money led to war and competition. During this time period silver was an important item that was traded worldwide. This was because of the value silver had, not only silver but also fur. Fur was mostly useful for the Russians due to the temperature. I like how this chapter begins telling the audience the great importance during the modern era giving the reader information.

Chapter four Sweet Nexus Sugar and origins of the Modern World

Reflection:

          The chapter goes into talking about trade and how important this was to society. Through routes people would trade new items/materials. Some of these items were rare that only upper class would have the opportunity to buy. Trade and other factors have brought the economy of countries advanced. From these economies would bring together commercial, military expansion, and colonial conquests. How? Well, by exploiting natural resources and much more. The chapter really gets into the detail and explains the background very well for readers to bring out their feelings/emotions when reading. The text also goes into sugar and how it was used in certain countries (South Asia to Caribbean). From sugar everything interconnects from consumers -> merchants -> manufacturers -> laborers -> etc... (commodity chain). The author provides letters that pertain to sugar and how sugar is portrayed...negatively and positively during this time period. I like how the author put these letters in the chapter. It gives the reader an understanding that sugar was not all that great and that there were not any beneficial sides to have sugar and what not. The pictures provided as well gave the reader an idea of how plantation was like and the living during the time period.

Strayer Chapter 14 pp 417-430

Reflection:


            Continuing with chapter 14, the Russian Empire expanded. The expansion was not only the size of land but as well as culture. After finishing the reading I realized how Russia become strong and powerful till this day. Russia built their military by forming and gaining more weaponry. From this people (natives) had to give oath to the Russian Empire. This made me a little frustrated to see that native so weak against the Russians. People who lived in Siberia had to pay a lot of amount of cash or fur. People also had to convert to Christianity no matter what. During this time people had no choice but to follow instructions. As people traveled and moved around, the Russian Empire became a multi-ethnic empire and remained politically dominant. During this time Western Europe and Russia were the same...meaning exploitation, religious conversion, settlement, and much more. These empires during the time felt the superiority over others. There were many ways that Western Europe and Russia were similar, but there were also many ways that Russia was different from Western Europe. Russia expanded over territories that were adjacent to them. Not only Russia but also China as well expanded toward central Eurasia. China, Russia, Mongols, and the Ottoman Empires reached out but in an old historical development. The mongols and Ottoman Empire was expanded due to warrior groups which shows that they used physical power/strength to expanded. This chapter shows how worldwide countries/empires were growing and trying to gain power/superiority over one another. I do not like the way how these empires used people to get what they want however, this shows how these countries grew till this day.

Strayer Chapter 14 pp 403-417

Reflection:

          Chapter 14 goes over how the European colonial empires claimed the Western Hemisphere. From this diseases spread and Europe expanded to a great extent. As Europe become large there was more trade and society become more advance. In Europe sugar was being brought out into society. From this people started to make medicine, spice, sweetener, preservatives, and much more. Compared to the past this shows how society was advancing. People stated to trade sugar with other countries having other countries advancing as well. This shows how people are discovering new materials and from these new materials they are using it many resourceful ways. As Europe expanded further towards the Western Hemisphere, Europeans came into contact with the Spanish which introduce more new items/materials. Europeans also came into contact with America where Europeans stayed and found new resources and land. This chapter shows how society and culture were advancing and become more and more modern throughout time.

Strayer, Introduction to Part 4 (pp 397-401)

Reflection:

        Within the reading of Introduction Part 4 goes over the characteristics of two different eras. An Early Modern Era goes over the expression of globalization in the oceanic journeys of European explorers and colonial and conquest of the Americas. This era talks about the trade and route, cultures, and religion. During the modern era there were several diseases that occurred. During this time different cultures went around trading such as plants, animals, and people. Religion such as Christianity spread throughout Europe, Asia, and south central Africa. Another era that this introduction goes over is the late Agrarian Era. During this time trade routes were developed and more complex. Religion such as Hinduism spread and other scholarly values. Part 4 gives a short overview of what the following Chapters will be going over. This gives me an idea of what I will be learning in the next few months in this class.