Much To Learn From History - Essay Example

Much To Learn From History History is something I always enjoyed studying. Even when I was little, I thoroughly enjoyed studying and reading aboutU.S. History. Especially the time period of 1865 to the present. If I could get my hands on different topics of history, I would sit down for hours and get a grasp of the period of time. It was this passion for history that led me to take this subject matter. I decided to enroll in this History course and intended to do just that. As I took the course I continued to develop my understanding of the period and came closer to better understanding the time period. I felt I really grew as a historian and as a result am very grateful that I made the initial decision to enroll in the course to begin with. History can be a subject that has many layers in which people can learn and grow as human beings and never once did I feel that my growth was hampered in any way by studying the history from 1865-present. Rather, I felt my growth as a historian, as well as a human, was greatly influenced and advanced by the time I spent studying the numerous documents that are in existence. Out of all of the courses I took this semester, I really enjoyed taking History. When I first started the course, I found the work somewhat easier than I had expected it to be, but I knew that it would become more challenging as I went along. However, looking back it was those earlier assignments that helped me develop the important skills that I needed to be successful at completing the future assignments. I was also worried that the course might be a little boring. However, I soon found this not to be the case. The course was full of interesting assignments and I felt they were challenging. I really enjoyed how the course was put together and always felt like I was learning something important and relevant, unlike some of the other courses which I have taken. I have learned so much about history while taking this course. I have learned of such things as the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, as well as these other wars; World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, Gulf War I and presently the US-led operation Iraqi Freedom that has been operating since March 2003 as a US response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and those who lost their lives also when the jetliner went down in a Pennsylvania field. Not just that but also the opportunity to learn about the 1960s in which the world saw the advancement of the womens movement, as well as the push for rights for African Americans. To be able to read about the falling of the Berlin Wall, which for many signaled the end of an era in which one nation was physically divided by that which they felt made them different. Also in regards to the 1960s, I had the chance to learn about people such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. Two men who believed in hope and change for mankind, but were gunned down by assassins before they could see their goals for the country fulfilled. The same year that saw the assassination of Dr. King also saw the murder of Senator Robert Kennedy as he had left the Los Angeles hotel where he had won the Democratic Primary in his quest for the nomination of his party to be President of the United States. What was most striking to me about these three men was the sacrifices in which they were forced to make while staying true to their own convictions. Such drive and dedication is something which stands out very clear in my mind. What also would strike me is how easily and swiftly these three men were wiped out of the picture by assassins that clearly did not appear to want the change in which all three appeared through my reading to desperately want to enact for all. What stood out most to me while taking this course was the amazingly diverse nature of history that Americans, as well as the world, have at their finger tips to read. A history that was built upon so many facets of the human motivation and as an avid student of History, I found this period of History to be an eye opener of great proportions. To be able to read about the struggles of African Americans and women for equality, or the wars that were fought, as well as the technological revolution that was waged at the beginning of the 20th century, is something that I consider to be very relevant for anyone that wishes to observe history as it is supposed to be. The impact for me of historical study is the greater understanding of where we came from as a civilization. The advancements made in order for the betterment of all, not just a few. The sign of great material is the way in which it seeks to influence the reader that is going to read it. The influence of key people that chose to step outside of whatever their comfort zone may have been with the hope off making a difference in their world. Such impacts have in many ways have served as a way for me to work towards the kind of person that I want to be moving forward. An influential group of people that paved the way for revolutionary thinking towards other people and issues. I myself have found great influence in such a notion and have been impacted by how much work was put in by so many to advance such amazing causes over the course of history. On many levels through my historical observation of such readings, I have been forever impacted by the diverse fibers that have made up the collective historical record. With my thirst for knowledge, I found very early on that history would be the right subject matter for me to study. The chance to enter the historical record through the written works of many other historians had and continues to have a great impact on me as I continue my quest for an increased understanding in everything that has to do with history. In many ways it is quite empowering to me to be able to read such instrumental works that, in considerable ways, have aided in the formation of an understanding about that which happened between 1865 until the present day. To have the chance to read these works and have the resulting imagery painted in my mind from the words I have read, has meant so much to me as a historian and as a person as I seek to learn more about historys offerings. From everything that I have learned personally, I feel that any student in school, or someone who wishes to learn outside of an organized setting, can take away many great things from studying this issue. A student of history can take away a great appreciation and exposure to the many things that have occurred throughout time that paint a bigger picture of understanding the vast nature of intricacies which are intertwined with each and every historical event that has occurred between 1865 until now. The unique chance to haver the opportunity as a student of history to enter the mind, motivation, as well as the circumstances, of so many great people and events that have formulated the greater history. Read More