Monday, July 18, 2011

W.A.R: Wasting All Resources

In your opinion, how has war evolved from the past to present? Please use examples to justify your opinions.


"War, war never changes."

In my humble opinion, I believe that war has never changed. Since the dawn of man, war has existed alongside famine, pestilence and death. War turns father against son, brother against brother, a friend against friend. For the want of land, resources , labor, power or even ideology countless tribes, kingdoms and empires have gone to war. Below are a small slice of the various wars that have occurred throughtout humanity's terribly short history.

The First Crusade 1096 ~ 1099

"...military expedition by Western Christianity to regain the Holy Lands taken in the Muslim conquest of the Levant, ultimately resulting in the recapture of Jerusalem."

Russio-Persian War 1722 ~ 1723

"... the Persian campaign of Peter the Great, was a war between Russia and Persia (Iran), triggered by the tsar's attempt to expand Russian influence in the Caspian and South Caucasus regions and to prevent its rival, Ottoman Turkey, from territorial gains in the region at the expense of the declining Persia."

Taiping Rebellion 1850 ~ 1864

“…was a widespread civil war in southern China, led by heterodox Christian convert Hong Xiuquan, who having received visions, maintained that he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ against the ruling Manchu-led Qing Dynasty. About 20 million people died, mainly civilians, in one of the deadliest military conflicts in history.”

The Vietnam War 1955 ~ 1975

“…The U.S. government viewed involvement in the war as a way to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam and part of their wider strategy of containment.”

The Gulf War 1990 ~ 1991

“…following the conquest of Kuwait, the Iraqi army was within easy striking distance of Saudi oil fields. Control of these fields, along with Kuwaiti and Iraqi reserves, would have given Hussein control over the majority of the world's oil reserves.”

Mexican Drug War 1990s ~ Now

“…The Mexican Drug War is an ongoing armed conflict taking place among rival drug cartels, who fight each other for regional control, and Mexican government forces who seek to combat drug trafficking.”

As we can clearly see, recent wars are shockingly similar to those of the past. Humankind really has a lot to learn if we are to taste true progress and compassionate for his fellow man. War still exists although governments and politicians try to cover it up with excuses as they have done for so many years. Perhaps one day, the world will know peace.

*All information has been sourced from Wikipedia.org.


5 comments:

Gtan said...

I do agree with the fact that war has not changed in that sense, but you can't run away from the obvious, that war has indeed changed in one way or another. It may be technology, with the V2 rockets, tanks and the invention of cannons and guns. Tactics change with the times. Don't forget communication.

I would also like to add on that, some wars can simply be avoided if the leaders were not egoistic men who are petty over snide remarks from another country. If leaders could settle disputes with just the use of discussion, the world will be a much peaceful place.

Walteroi said...

Hi Sean , I agree that wars have been started because of the greed of mankind .The examples you have provided are also very convincing. However , I must say that the First Crusade is not really a war , more of a conquest like you mentioned .

In the First Crusade , the groups of crusaders did not take along any weapons as they believed that God would knock down the walls of Jerusalem . However, war is defined as "a state of armed conflict" , thus I believe that the First Crusade does not really qualify as a war.

Maybe you would like to also show how wars were sparked off ? Was it the senseless actions done by one country or because of the want for more land and resources ? Or was it a fight for emancipation ?

Otherwise , this is a rather concise post ! Good job !! :)

-Lam Sze Tung 2O310

Stanfy said...

Hi Sean,

I agree with your post. However Gregory has a point. War has changed with the technology used from the past to the present. With the invention of the B2 Stealth Bomber and AC-130 Gunship, technology has definitely prevailed in modern warfare. There will be two sides to this topic and war has changed in a way while remaining the same in another.

Stanford Kong 2O309

darrel said...

Hi Sean, you have definitely given another method of defining this blog prompt. I do agree with you that war have not changed as the bloodshed and pain being brought to people is still the same. However, maybe your post would be much improved with the evolution of weapons and technology, torturing methods etc are mentioned. Thanks!

Tan Hui Sheng said...

OKAY I agree with Sean ultimately war has at changed at all. War can be seen as a game.A game where there are terrible consequences, risks to be taken and lives lost.Over time war may have changed like a game with better utilities and functions but still the rules are the same so are the objectives.Lets make an example, in call of duty the game keeps having its sequels with better missions and nicer graphics and weapons and objectives , War is somewhat like that. So i agree with Sean as the essence of war have not changed just the features to make it much more deadly, nerve wracking and much more risky but in war risks are meant to be taken to know if you are right you have to see if you win. Great post Sean !!!