What Role Should European Nations Play In The 21st Century Essay
1) In this 21st century, can European nations (both individually and collectively) speak meaningfully about moral duties to other nations and their populations? Consider the changes that have taken place in Europe during and following the Second World War when you respond to this question. How has the role of Europe evolved over the latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century? What role should European nations play in the new remainder of the 21st century?
In the 21st Century, I believe that European nations can and should speak meaningfully about moral duties to other nations and their populations. In the postwar and cold war eras, this was not possible due to the tensions between nations. Although all nations do not get along …show more content…
The continent was divided into the capitalist West and the communist East, and the two sides often conflicted with each other during the Cold War. Aside from the obvious political differences, the two sides of Europe clashed in many ways.
Economically, the West did much better than the east. Hoards of people were tasked with rebuilding, thus creating jobs. The Marshall Plan boosted recovery with American dollars and created an increase in food, consumer goods, automobiles, and luxury appliances. In the East, Stalin collectivized agriculture and nationalized private property. Although this did good for the USSR in the long run, the short term consequences of his decisions were brutal.
Socially, the West had much more freedom than did the East. Differences could be seen all over Europe, but the differences between East and West Germany were so stark because their citizens used to be one nation, but now were separate. People in West Germany, as well as Western Europe, people could travel freely, dressed more provocatively, and became more involved in the popular culture associated with radio and television. East Berliners were prohibited from travelling into West Berlin, because it was feared that they would not returned. One way in which Eastern Europeans had more freedom is when it came to gender roles. In Western Europe, postwar women returned to housewife roles, whereas in the East, women remained in the workforce and many times outnumbered the
In the 21st Century, I believe that European nations can and should speak meaningfully about moral duties to other nations and their populations. In the postwar and cold war eras, this was not possible due to the tensions between nations. Although all nations do not get along …show more content…
The continent was divided into the capitalist West and the communist East, and the two sides often conflicted with each other during the Cold War. Aside from the obvious political differences, the two sides of Europe clashed in many ways.
Economically, the West did much better than the east. Hoards of people were tasked with rebuilding, thus creating jobs. The Marshall Plan boosted recovery with American dollars and created an increase in food, consumer goods, automobiles, and luxury appliances. In the East, Stalin collectivized agriculture and nationalized private property. Although this did good for the USSR in the long run, the short term consequences of his decisions were brutal.
Socially, the West had much more freedom than did the East. Differences could be seen all over Europe, but the differences between East and West Germany were so stark because their citizens used to be one nation, but now were separate. People in West Germany, as well as Western Europe, people could travel freely, dressed more provocatively, and became more involved in the popular culture associated with radio and television. East Berliners were prohibited from travelling into West Berlin, because it was feared that they would not returned. One way in which Eastern Europeans had more freedom is when it came to gender roles. In Western Europe, postwar women returned to housewife roles, whereas in the East, women remained in the workforce and many times outnumbered the