Theory and Practice of Group Counseling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Theory and Practice of Group Counseling - Essay Example By using theories, we attempt to explain, predict, and master. Generalizations and models come from the observations and this comprises of theories. (Theory, 2008.) Throughout the years, literature and studies regarding the disadvantages and manifestations of the group mind are consistent. Studies reveal that the descriptions and estimates of the group mind are undisputed. However, other areas of the group mind must be examined. Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego (1951, page 32) reports, "There is no doubt that all the phenomena of the group mind which have just been mentioned have been correctly observed, but it is also possible to distinguish other manifestations of the group formation, which operate in a precisely opposite sense, and from which a much higher opinion of the group mind must necessarily follow." What has not been agreed upon is a question that still remains unanswered and according to Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego that concern is, "...how much the individual thinker or writer owes to the stimulation of the group in which he lives, or whether he does more than perfect a mental work in which the others ha ve had a simultaneous share." This book also refers to McDougall, author of The Group Mind. ... McDougall states, "On the whole, therefore, it is not so remarkable that we should see an individual in a group doing or approving things which he would have avoided in the normal conditions of life; and in this way we may even hope to clear up a little of the mystery which is so often covered by the enigmatic word 'suggestion'". (Page 23.) His theory is that the most crucial part in a group is the "exaltation or intensification of emotion" produced in every member of (the group)". (Page 24.) The group gives the individual a sense of unlimited power and replaces the human society, thus the individual will do and approve of things that he/she normally would not do. This theory does, however, state that in a group the minds with lower intelligence bring down the minds of higher intelligence to their level. Lebon states that McDougall's theory goes against a highly organised group's behaviour so he lists five "principal conditions" that must take place in order to raises a group's mental level: 1. There should be some degree of continuity of existence (either material or formal) in the group. 2. In the individual member of the group some definite idea should be formed of the nature, composition, functions and capacities of the group. From this he/she may develop an emotional relation to the group as a whole. 3. The group should be brought into interaction (perhaps in the form of rivalry) with other groups similar to it but differing from it in many respects. 4. The group should possess traditions, customs and habits, and especially such as determine the relations of its members to one another. 5. The group should have a definite structure, expressed in the specialisation

Emile Bronte and Wuthering Heights Essay Example for Free

Emile Bronte and Wuthering Heights Essay Wuthering Heights is one of the most influential novels of 19th century; even though a dark and powerful novel the deeper aspects of life and strong emotions form the pillar of the novel. The novel is intricately weaved with strong emotion, powerful imagery and the conflict of possession. It reveals the most complex love story interlaced with separation and union under most conflicting circumstances. Love has been portrayed as a very evasive powerful emotion where give and take is exercised in complete isolation, just with the individual soul, and in that manner every character is lonely and isolated. It has been critically analyzed that the circumstance and the characters in the book reflects close similarity to the writer Emile Bronte’s personal life and surrounding. Wuthering Heights is the only novel which she wrote and since Emile Bronte’s life was dark and dreary, Wuthering Heights was influenced by her experience of isolation. Emily Bronte was an extraordinary writer of 19th century known for her imaginative and inspiring streak which reflects in her work as well as her life. Emily never married, stood up for her inner convictions and lived all her life at her family’s home in Haworth Parsonage, near Yorkshire Moors in northern England. She loved her home and her surrounding, which was rugged, dreary and wild in landscape, full of storms and harsh and unpredictable weather. Her novel Wuthering Heights is very clear imagery of her home surrounding in manner of exposure to the moors, cliffs and the isolated and dark setting. (Jennings). The early tragedies of loss of her mother and her two elder sisters as a result of terrible illnesses, affected her very deeply being very closely associated with pain and isolation. She lived with her other siblings two other sisters and a brother creating an imaginary world inspired by the toy soldiers which was a gift from her father. Emily seemed to be more overpowered by this imaginary world, even as an adult unlike her other siblings. Her fantasy world was called â€Å"Gondal†, and this private world provided her with immense strength and inspiration. In this world which was ruled by a woman she was in charge and control of her life. The character of Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights reflects this aspect of her personality in imagination, holding on to her past and in her intensity of love, which gives her more pain than pleasure. The intensity and the passion is in proportion of the pain and anguish to save what she has in the depth of her heart fighting with the external environment tormented by harsh winds and storms. Wuthering Heights is in many ways a clear reflection of Emily’s life, and the society in which she lived where women were not treated as an equal with the men of the society. The rules by which women had to live were very strict and allowed for little freedom or independence. Catherine, merges with Emily in her thinking, feeling and intensity. Even the steps she takes to make compromises in her life, is reflection of her courage and strength as it is taken to ensure security for Heathcliff or to ensure that her love thrives in more secure circumstances. Catherine is wild and intense and follows her heart, in sincerity, the main objective of her life is make things better for Heathcliff, who is her other image. Heathcliff and Catherine are inseparable, they are like two bodies with one soul. They cannot live without each other, and all their life they are drawn in relationship, which changes with the change of identity for Catherine from Catherine Earnshaw as a girl and teenager who is madly and inseparably in love with Heathcliff, to Catherine Heathcliff as two inseparable identities merged into one and Catherine Linton who is the regeneration of the Catherine, to keep her alive through her spirit and beauty. The story of Wuthering Heights begins with the introduction of the pages from Catherine’s diary, a love story which is ready to be brought before the world as one of the most intense stories of the time with timeless passion and intensity which begins with life and carries until the grave. There are intrusions but there is always the clarity of focus on who really belongs to whom, in the inner world of heart and soul. This is so closely connected with the conditions of Emily’s life and her close bond with the novel Wuthering Heights, Catherine’s diary can be said as Emily’s diary where she is trying to reveal her inner world to the outside world, it is intimate, personal and deep. She expresses her free and independent attitude thorough Cathy, with similar rebellion and strength of character, to stand up against the injustice done towards Heathcliff. There is a very intimate relationship between the dream and the reality, which is guided through the pages of the diary. The different inscriptions of Catherine’s name are reflective of the movement of the novel from one generation to another linking the key relationships which are covered under layers of hypocrisy. â€Å"When you have processed the information you have been waiting for, you see the point of the order of the scribbled names, as Lockwood gives them: Catherine Earnshaw, Catherine Heathcliff, Catherine Linton. Read from left to right they recapitulate Catherine Earnshaw’s story; read from roght to left, the story of her daughter, Catherine Linton. The names Catherine and Earnshaw begin and end the narrative this is an account of the movement of the book: away from Earnshaw and back, like movement of the house itself. (MW,419-20) (Jacobs 1979) The sequential order of the names as they first appear on the window ledge, then in the diary and elsewhere, connects the story with past and present, interweaving in it the aspect of darkness of the nightmares and the dreams and the powerful influence of nature with the supernatural element, overshadowing the moors and the Wuthering heights. The sinister darkness of the towering Wuthering heights, can be compared to the dark impressions left on her tender mind of the loss of her mother and the sisters, the personal loss and pain have emerged as the source of darkness and the isolation, which the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights have to endure and live day after day without any clear sign of hope and light. The outside physical world is dark and gloomy; the only refuge is in the sanctuary of the heart and soul, which drives the novel from beginning to end in the service of love, regardless of social constraints. The isolation which the characters of the Wuthering Heights experience is beyond imagination. It is sheer inner strength which allows for the characters to emerge from the dreary darkness, just like Emily, whose inner strength and courage made her survive the road of solitary path in the midst of social stigma and environmental control. This isolation can be seen almost all of her characters in Wuthering Heights. This aspect can be seen as the homelessness and the anguish of isolation is experienced by Hindley when he is forced from home, after old Earnshaw’s death Heathcliff is driven away, returning some years later, on the death of Heathcliff finally Hareton has a chance to live who had live almost in destitude and isolation within the walls of Wuthering Heights. Isabella first leaves her home in The Grange for life with Heathcliff, and then is devastated by her marriage with Heathcliff escapes to anonymity with impossibility for return. Her son Linton is first uprooted to his uncle’s home and then to his fathers home. The young Catherine, daughter of Catherins Earnshaw is first taken from Thrushcross Grange as Heathcliff’s temporary prisoner and then is forced to become his daughter-in-law and his permanent prisoner. The ultimate of isolation and exile is the conscious choice made by Cathy(Catherine Earnshaw ) who creates her exile as a conscious act of imagination, just like Emily in her Gonad world: â€Å"If I were in heaven, Nelly, I would be extremely miserable. I dreamt one that I was there. Heaven did not seem to be my home; and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out, into the middle of the heath on the top of Withering Heights; where I woke up sobbing for joy† (Jacobs 1979) The marriage to Edgar fulfils this prophecy of homelessness from which only death promises respite. Yet, Cathy’s death is again another self-imposed exile, as she refuses to get better and wants to die, this scene has amazing similarity with the manner in which Emily died. The manner, in which Emily dies in isolation, is an example which captures the synthesis of the conviction and the courage with which she lived her life. Emily was the strongest and the most sincere of the Bronte family, who had the inner strength to stand for her inner faith and conviction, unruffled by the outside world and its changing influences. â€Å"She was a strong willed person who remained true to herself and her vision, even until her very last breath. † (Jennings). She was very ill, just like the protagonist of the novel Wuthering Heights, Cathy, â€Å"she was suffering from severe lung infection, but she refused to give in to her illness and continued to live as she always had: believing her own strength would help her endure and survive and ultimately overcome the physical limitations of her life. Emily Brontes life and death of courage and independence is a lasting example to us all†(Jennings) Emily Bronte valued life greatly and her novel reflects her close vision about the preciousness of life and the power of the inner self (soul). She had strong conviction that no matter how violent the turmoil outside, as is reflected in many aspects of Wuthering Heights in relationships, weather and social conflict, the human soul had the power to endure and go beyond the barriers and the hardships which inflict pain and suffering as part of our experience in life. Her greatest accomplishment was writing her novel Wuthering Heights, which is the only novel she ever wrote and through which â€Å"she was able to speak her mind able to speak her own mind, make clear the power of her voice, and reveal her entire vision of humankind to the world. It has been 150 years since Wuthering Heights was first published, yet it is still a widely-read book and is studied in many schools. Emily Brontes story of two childhood companions who are unable to remain together once they are adults is powerful and moving. It reminds each of us, no matter who we are, that we are often left alone in the world, and that we all long to be a part of something more than ourselves, but that it is only through love of ourselves that we can truly find love with others. The story is written in one of the most unforgettable, original voices ever heard, and almost everyone who has read this novel has been deeply affected by it. Emily died at the age of thirty, only a year after Wuthering Heights was published, but she still speaks to us through her writing. † †(Jennings) No Coward soul is mine No trembler in the worlds storm-troubled sphere I see Heavens glories shine And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear There is not room for Death Nor atom that his might could render void Since thou art Being and Breath and what thou art may never be destroyed

Community Resettlement Following Residential Care

Community Resettlement Following Residential Care Promporn Dokphutsa Task 1 Explanation of Te Tiriti O Waitangi and its application in the social services Te Triti O Waitangi was signed on 6th February 1840 at Waitangi. It significant to maintain the benefits of Maori people who living in New Zealand. It is concluded 4 important principles which are partnership, protection, participation and permission. These 4 principles are the basic necessary needs for Maori in term of living and culture. Therefore, while Maori people get engage into any social services, it is responsible for social workers to be aware and make sure that Maori clients have been treated with appropriate services. Firstly, partnership refers to working together for agreed outcomes. A a social service organisations must ensure providing policies that the needs of Maori are taken into description when cooperating with Maori client and their family/ whanau. By building trust and rapport with Maori clients and their family/ whanau is the first thing to consider introducing yourself and getting to know more detail of clients by making friendship. As well as involve clients in every processes of care plan such as let them sign the contract to ensure health safety support and fully inform need to be used. Secondly, protection focuses on client’s privacy and safety. The social workers may following the Code of Rights and Code of Conducts to maintain client’s confidentiality while attending social service. As well as respect the right of Maori to enjoy their taonga in social service settings. To be able to make important decisions those are in their best interests. Thirdly, participation is focused on service accessibility for Maori to make sure that their needs are met by asking or allowing them to participate in their care plan until discharge from residential care. Also family/ whanau engagement at all levels of service is another way to practice participation principle. Lastly, permission is important for social workers to be considered while engaging to social service. Maori clients must be free to speak Te Reo Maori and participate in any Maori spiritual or culture practices. To sum up, 4 principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi are using to maintain and promote Maori’s physical and mental well-being and safety. Therefore, social workers have to provide as much as possible resources for Maori clients to make sure they needs are met and bi-cultural perspective by following Te Tiriti. Task 2 Manage the intake process of a person discharged from residential care. Context setting Residential support to Adult(18-65yrs) with an intellectual disability Individual Group Summary of reason residential care was required SH Adult (23) A Maori lady is being discharged from a residential care after she has completed to 6 months stay. SH had diagnosed with Perthes Syndrome (Childhood disease of hip joint) since she was born. But when she is growing up she started showing challenging behaviour included physical and verbal aggression such as throwing, hitting, kicking, spitting, swearing and pinching. Therefore, her family/ whanau suggested transferring her to stay in the residential care facility to develop social skills and to be independent in her environment. Contribution to managing intake process Date Notes/ key of information provided to the person 01/03/14 Receiving and collecting information of SH. Receiving and recording referrals for a meeting. Contacted SH family/ whanau and other key people and gave them access to the information for the meeting. 02/03/14 Service co-ordinator, house leader, CSW, Mother, GP, caregiver and healthcare professional have a meeting regarding to the improvement of SH. 03/03/14 All parties were agreeable that SH is ready to go back to the community. Summary of information provided to the person regarding the role, function, services and legal responsibilities of the social worker and social service provider. The intake process helps to identify and assess a client’s current situation, issues and needs as well as to determine the most appropriate and effective means of helping the client. Social workers and social service provider have to concern about client’s safety and wellbeing first before making any decisions during the process of discharged. Therefore, gathering data (qualitative e.g. interview/ quantitative e.g. number) to get personal information of client is necessary. It could come from the client, family’ whanau, friends, health care professional or other keys people who relevant to the care plan. Also physical and mental wellness of client is important to make sure the client is ready to go back to the community independently. Intake and Assessment is a reverential, organized process of gathering personal information of either clients or clients’ caregivers in order to facilitate service providers as well as clients to make informed decisions about the provision of the programme and/ or services. Social service organisation should make sure that they have progress their own timeline for intake and assessment that suits their programmes which lead in safe environment and suitable for the client/client’s caregiver. Notes/ key points of how you completed intake procedures according to the discharge plan, legislation, ethical practice and in accordance with your workplace standards/ requirements. Roles and responsibilities As a social worker will need to create suitable and focused on working together with clients, taking into account individual differences and the cultural and social context of the clients situation such as understands the concepts of culture, class, race, ethnicity, spirituality, sex, age and disability. Allow client to participate in the processes by motivates and encourages participation. Assists clients to gain their self-determination over their own environments. Provides choices for the client, gives accurate information by which the client can best decide. In working with clients, the social worker uses her/his personal characteristics appropriately. May attends supervision to develop best practice. Written policy and procedure Admission criteria. Intake and Assessment procedures. Documents to be completed and retained. Procedures to follow when a client cannot be assisted /referring on. Information to be provided to clients. Legislation relevant to the organisation. Others notes/ reflections on the intake process. Client’s safety and wellbeing must be the first consideration of the social service provider before completed intake procedures according to the discharge plan. Task 3 Contributions to assisting the person to manage the transition from residence to the community Date Notes/ key points of any meeting or other communication details of actions related to assisting the person. 05/03/14 SH’s family/ whanau was consulted about the discharge from residential care facility. 06/03/14 Discuss with SH about her interests and goals. 08/03/14 Support SH in term of decision-making in her interests and being independence. How did the assistance you provided encourage self-determination and discourage dependency on the social service worker or social service provider? Respect the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals. As well as giving an opportunity for clients to request and ask for their interests or needs, but always have to be considered about safety and wellbeing of client and people around. Social workers should use clear and fully inform clients of the purpose of the services, risks, limits to services, relevant costs, reasonable alternatives, clients’ right to refuse or withdraw consent, and the time frame covered by the agreement. Then, social service worker or social service provider has to be responsible to follow and review of client’s self-improvement after discharge from the residential care. What people did liaise with in the community and how did this assist parties to the plan to contribute to the person’s resettlement? Disability service agency is responsible to provide resources that suitable to the clients by following client’s needs and requests. Also assisting connects the client with plans and resources in order to help them cope. However, relevant factors may include client’s abilities, her resources, her needs, client’s goals, and identify what is important to the client, also any risk factors. What resources did you manage, and what arrangements needed to be made for the transition from residence to community? -Safety is the most important and first consideration for the social service provider to be aware and ensure client’s physical and mental is safe. -As a social service provider has to be aware of â€Å"client’s cultural needs† to practice as a Maori. As well as promoting spiritual practice to maintain client’s customs and beliefs. Additional, cultural assistance should be provided to avoid of cultural conflicts. -Disability needs of client is another factor to be considered. To ensure client is living in safety and friendly environment with her disability. And maintain physical comfort in her daily routine. -Health needs for client may assist by regular visited of health care professionals and assist her with medication needs. -Language and communication should be clear and understandable to client and her family/ whanau. Additional, interpreter may provide if needed. Other notes/ reflections on the transition to community As a social service provider makes sure the client is living in safe environment and surrounding with positive people and activities. Therefore, it may help client to improve her social skills and being independence in community. Task 4 Assist the person to resettle in the community following residential care Date Notes/ key points of any meetings or other communication details of actions related to the person 09/03/14 Provide choices and opportunities for SH in term of her interests. 10/03/14 Allow SH to make her decisions by ensure respectful and confidentiality. 11/03/14 Fully inform to SH family/ whanau regarding to her decisions. Then discuss how to provide service and make her needs to be met. How did you encourage self-determination and discourage dependency on the social service worker or social service provider? Encouraging self-determination: -Outlined agency’s objectives and appropriate legislations, backing up agency orders/kaupapa. Provided information and fully informed SH of the limitations and possibility of the meeting, and allowed her to define the best options and which issues I could help her with. Discouraging dependency on social services: -Allow SH to express her possible solutions and choose her own best options. -Where possible the agency would step away, so that SH could step up. -Allowed SH to figure out so called â€Å"emergencies†. How did you assist the person to identify requirements for life in the community, i.e. set aims and objectives? Organised first meeting to provide intake assessment and referral accepted. Then second meeting had set up to interview with SH to discuss her particular needs at this point in time. Ensure effective communication is being used and document her needs and prioritise what need to be done first into an action plan. Lastly, arrange the key persons who would be responsible to action each of the itemised needs. How did you assist the person to evaluate their participation in the community against their aims and objectives? Identify progress against plan and review. Then asked scaling questions as to where SH felt she was in agreement to her hopes and her interests. How did you assist the person to establish a community lifestyle that focused on both their safety and the safety of others? -We established community supports before her transition such as 24/7 emergencies call if need any help. -Educate basic skills to her family/whanau how to deal with her aggressive behaviour while she is living in the community. -We discussed goals that will motivate her to gain her social skills and make more friends. What progress against the discharge plan was achieved? Her mental health status was unstable, according to the Epilepsy. Therefore, her seizures are managed by medications and need to be observed by health care professionals at all time if possible. What further options (if any) were identified? It is important to note that staffs have to be familiar and consistent with client when giving her social services to avoid of challenging behaviour and accident that may happen. Other notes/ reflections on the re-setting of the person Avoid confrontations with client and do not say â€Å"NO† to her. Do not say â€Å"Don’t do that† try to say â€Å"First you do†¦ (Something she may not like to do), Then you can do†¦ (Something she like to do)†. Task 5 Application of social service theory Maori Model of Practice -Maori model of practice within utilised social work practise research and validated to provide best practise. -Maori models of practise have holistic approach -Wellness of whakapapa focus opposed to individual focus. For example -Te whare Tapa Wha (four cornerstones of Maori health) including: i.)Taha tinana (physical health): healthy eating, sleep, physical activities, safety awareness and proper hygine. ii.)Taha wairua (spiritual health): beliefs, culture religion. iii.)Taha hinengaro (mental health): positive thinking, positive behaviour and healthy lifestyle. iv.)Taha whanau (family health): emotional support, financial and responsibilities. Social work knowledge, skills and values (Te Kaiawhina Ahumahi 2000) was a useful resource for the social workers to be used as a guideline to work in appropriate way and proper practice while giving services to the clients. Social policy theory involves the study of the social relations necessary to promote human wellbeing and things that affect the kinds of life. It can be love and safety, a job and money. References: http://www.polity.co.uk/shortintroductions/samples/dean-sample.pdf http://workplacewellbeing.org.nz/mana-mahi-resource/workplace-wellbeing-guide-6-working-with-te-tiriti-o-waitangi/ http://www.hdc.org.nz/education/presentations/the-health-and-disability-commissioner-act-and-the-code-of-rights-and-methadone-treatment

The Global Feminist and the Transnational Feminist Essay -- Gender Stu

Academic discourse is the means by which new and old theories may be applied to a topic in order to reach a better understanding or challenge a notion raised within the field. It is through discussing and analyzing these concepts that individual voices may be applied to an academic community, allowing for a wider lens of thought to be picked up and further discussed. Grewal participates in this discourse in her article â€Å"'Women's Rights as Human Rights': Feminist Practices, Global Feminism, and Human Rights Regimes in Transnationality†. This paper shall analyze and discuss how Grewal applies previous theoretical concepts related to feminist discourse in order to offer a Transnationalist Feminist critique to the Global Feminist notion of Women's Rights as Human Rights. First and foremost, what are the concepts of Global feminism and Transnational feminism? Charlotte Bunch explains Global Feminism as something which â€Å"has...a way of describing the growth of feminism(s) around the world...† (Bunch 129). The core concept of Global Feminism is that women around the world are united amongst the overarching issue of patriarchy. In this view of feminism, it can be argued, such as theorists Mendoza, Said and Spivak do, that global feminism suffers from a Western perspective, or as Mendoza says, it â€Å"produces a global feminism whereby First World feminists are positioned as saviors of their poor Third World sisters† (Mendoza 319). Transnational feminism, as described by Mendoza, can be understood as a view where â€Å"the term...points to the multiplicity of the world's feminisms and to the increasing tendency of national feminisms to politicize women's issues beyond the borders of the nation state...the position feminists worldwide have taken a... ...Locations; Global and Local, Theory and Practice, edited by Marianne deKoven, pp 129-146.  © 2001 New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press Butler, Judith â€Å"Excerpt from Introduction to Bodies that Matter† in The Gender/Sexuality Reader: Culture, History, Political Economy, edited by Roger N. Lancaster; Michaela de Leonardo, pp. 531-542.  © 1997 Routledge Grewal, Inderpal â€Å"Women's Rights as Human Rights: Feminist Practices, Global Feminism and Human Rights Regimes in Transnationality† in Citizenship Studies, 3:3, pp 337-354.  © 1999 Taylor and Francis Ltd.. Mendoza, Breny â€Å"Transnational Feminisms in Question† in Femnist Theory, 3:3, pp. 295-314.  © 2002 Sage Publications. Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. 1995. â€Å"Can the Subaltern Speak?† in The Post-Colonial Studies Reader, edited by B. Ashcroft, G. Griffiths and H. Tiffin, pp. 24-28.  © 1995 New York: Routledge

Primary Source Analysis of Message Drafted by General Eisenhower Essay

World War II is an infamous event in the history of the world. For almost 6 years, humankind was divided into two wherein one group was in favor for global domination and the other one was for democracy. The West and the East were completely enveloped with devastation and terror during this dark phase of the past. However, if World War II brought out the worse in people, it also proved that humans possessed an innate nature to be good and compassionate. It was just a matter of choice of whether doing the right and morally correct action or standing up for something that truly one believes in. Since WWII became a large-scale military conflict, much of the success of the defeat of the German, Japanese and Italian forces can be attributed to those who have selflessly dedicated their time, efforts and even lives for the restoration of freedom and peace. These people are the thousands of soldiers of the Allied forces. Without them, the liberation efforts in Europe and in Asia would not be successful. The most significant but very high-risk operation that was drafted by the Allied forces in advancing their goal of invading Germany and bringing to an end to the evil ways of Hitler and his supporters was the bold move of penetrating the German stronghold area in the southern coastline of France. This military operation has become known as â€Å"D-Day† which means based on military jargons as the commencement of any military operations. Since this momentous event, the Allied forces were given the opportunity to weaken the formidable military might of Hitler. As a result, the combined forces of the French, Canadians, English, Russian and Americans were able to conquer and defeat many strategic bulwarks of the enemies. Eventually, they were able to reach, seize and free the center of the Axis power in Europe which was Germany. After a year since the amphibious assault at Normandy, the whole of Europe celebrated to the new found democracy and independence. Prior to this relatively happy ending, there were a lot of political and military planning and failed missions that occurred. On the first half of WWII, the US did not take part in any direct efforts to combat communism and autocracy. But when the bombing at Pearl Harbor transpired, the US openly announced their wage in war with the Axis forces. One of the most prominent personalities during this era was an American General named General Dwight Eisenhower. His background in effective organization and implementation of military operations prompted him to be designated as the â€Å"Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces. As the leader of all soldiers from various nationalities, he was burdened with the responsibility of devising a strategic plan that will advance the troops in liberating Europe from German occupation. The idea of orchestrating a large-scale attack on German territories that will have a high probability of victory was very challenging for Eisenhower. Though it was difficult, he was able to formulate a feasible plan together with an equally knowledgeable military man, Field Marsh al Bernard Montgomery. Then, Operation Overlord was born. According to history books, this plan was supposed to be more aggressive than their 1943 plan wherein only 3 divisions were supposed to be deployed in Europe. Because of the diversity in the leadership and manpower, Overlord acquired a multi-level approach in planning, organizing and implementing the invasion. Also, it was emphasized in historical writings that the masterminds of Overlord were confident that the alliance can pull off the plan despite the eminent threat of military resistance among the Germans in Normandy. The high command in the military needed to exude faith and confidence on their plans so that the soldiers who will fight in the battlefield will be motivated to do their respective tasks with peace of mind that everything will go according to plan. However, the second thoughts and doubts about Overlord from political and military officials were left unreported leaving the public at that time clueless about the possible worse scenarios that can happen. Then British Prime Minister Winston Churchill expressed his worries about the invasion in a German fortified beachhead in France. He was concerned about the catastrophic events that could manifest if the plan fails. It could cost thousands of lives of soldiers and tons of resources wasted which could produce a major setback for the Allied forces. Like Churchill, Eisenhower also felt that Overlord was a very ambitious endeavor that could lead to a complete disaster if anything goes wrong. In his â€Å"in case of failure† message dated July 5, Eisenhower expressed his concern over the potential outcomes of Overlord. Actually, it was believed to be written on June 5, a day before D-Day. He mentioned that the â€Å"landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area† were unsuccessful so another amphibious attack could also experience the same plight. But the interesting part about the message was the content and the tone. Eisenhower wanted the reader to feel that Operation Overlord was a plan derived from the only available sources that they could find combined with a situation wherein there was an increase of military troops being killed in German territories and because of that the military can only do so much. He was insinuating that the achievement of victory was not definite. However, he emphasized in his message that he was sole responsible and the one to blame if everything fails. In the last statement, â€Å"If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone,† demonstrated Eisenhower’s courage in accepting responsibility for conceptualizing, executing and remedying Overlord. On the other hand, this message was only read by Eisenhower’s â€Å"naval aide, Capt. Harry Butcher† but he never disclosed it to anyone until modern historians have found about it. Though Eisenhower was not 100% sure that Overlord was going to succeed, he and numeours soldiers proved that anything can be done even the impossible as long as dedication and bravery are present. The end of WWII in 1945 was the fruit of the many sacrifices of thousands of brave and courageous soldiers.

Book review: 1776 by David McCullough Essay

Thesis statement   The year 1776 was the year of battle for the revolutionary war. Great Britain had abandoned slavery many years ago but the revolutionaries had not stopped up until 1862 when they decided to stop it. Book summary The book talks of the revolution in the good year 1776. It was a year that was well started with the barefoot boys and men who came to the farm and the streets to become an army of provincials. According McCullough (1), the old men and the little boys were playing the fife and drum. After chasing the red cots from Boston, later the rag tag revolutionaries of British subjects who had few guns were chased from New York. The book advocates of the ill clad fundamentals and traitors to the top people who fought the legal government that was composed of 13 colonies. On July that year the continental congress took a step forward to dissolve the relationship with Britain. It was considered to be a dangerous move of fighting the most powerful nation of the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   King George was not happy with this and spoke before the parliament to order the revolution to be stopped. The commanders chosen by the king had their own view on this revolution. Lord George German thought that the upheaval had crushed with a critical drive. Edmund Burke was speaking considerably for the pioneers of the revolution but used to term it as their colonies. After 236 years the early part was considered to be a myth and history and the revolution was already forgotten. McCullough (1) emphasizes that the CIA can fight revolutionaries; these are the people who flock behind the populists as Fidel’s and trespass out for Oriented province into Havana. The year 1776 had its Tories who would flee behind the British lines to spy against the Americans and withdraw through the islands of Nova Scotia and common wealth. The black slaves would join the Tories when necessary. Great Britain had abandoned slavery many years ago but the revoluti onaries had not stopped up until 1862 when they decided to stop it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   David McCullough a great story and good record that is an action adventure of a history. He wrote about the myths and stories of the people who would write to the leaders of the nation. However it is believed that the story of David McCullough does not come true. The king, George Washington would always stay brave and straight always as this was a requirement for a leader. Everyone believed in him to lead them in the fights, encouraging and examination of the men in order to learn them. The king was referred as the Virginia gentleman who came after the introduction of the dollar. The English colony or the world power lies on the braveness of this king who introduced the most valuable money in the whole world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However there has been a decline in the nations economy. The revolutionary that took place put the constitution in danger. There was an introduction of a democratic government that was ruled by law and not kings. The formation of a government is the start of having a nation in a country. The king was a brave person and presented his character as symbol that he can solve the problems of the nation. He was elected at the continental congress though he was not sure of his eligibility. The king had a burden of defeat and failures in various areas, people were dead and others were continuing to die. Also he was burdened by the men who could not act on the attack that was heading towards the Delaware River to stop the battle of Brooklyn.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The beginning of august came with the rebel siege of Boston and Washington discovered that the available gunpowder was only 10, 000pounds. This was not enough to fight the experienced British army and hired Hessians who were well equipped with better weapons. Cowley & Beevor stressed that, the army had about nine rounds per man and this was not sufficient to beat the British army and hired Hessians. In December 1776 were the difficult moments for most of the men. Washington was tempted when his army became undisciplined and would go away after their period of service was over. He had difficult times of changing the army in the middle of the battle. The congress had given him a command to handle the army but not enough money. This is what made the army to go away very easily in the middle of the battle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fort Washington and his army were defeated in the disastrous Battle of Brooklyn and this led to the loss of New York City. In this battle the continental Army was the only successful withdrawal and this left their enemies surprised that they are defeated but it did not mean that they would win the battles. The army matched with fear towards Philadelphia where two men became frozen to death during the march. General Nathaniel Green suggested wisely of a trail of goods that were to be taken as long as the British navy and the nature of New York arrive at the port. Washington was seen to continue defending facts that could no longer be defended. He was brave and charismatic and would lead the colonies to nationhood but he was not always right.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fort Washington surrender on the 16th of November and this was a severe blow to the colonists. It was a big blow to the colonists at the time, Two thousand of the colonists were taken to prison, fifty-nine killed, one hundred and forty six guns were lost to the British and Hessians within hours. However, the loss of fort Washington created a new achievement in that a new heroine known as Molly Corbin. She was the widow of John Corbin who came from Pennsylvania. She was a brave colonial woman who accompanied her husband into the battle and after his death she took his position. She continued loading and firing the cannon until she was shot nearly to have her arm removed. This is when her captors allowed her to go back to her home in Pennsylvania.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The story given by McCullough is clearly described with maps and clear descriptions of the forces placement and the landscape. The scene in the battles can be represented by movies of blood, spear and glory. In this book there is good explanation of why Washington crossed the Delaware. The withdrawal from New York was accomplished without losing the army and the war that outnumbered the British and their navy. In order to cross the Delaware, the General with his staff planned to pass above Trenton and New Jersey by three elements of his army. However only one element could succeed in crossing due to the blowing cold wind and snow. The other two elements of flanks would be prevented from crossing by the freezing river.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      On 3rd of August 1776, the soldiers were ordered to prohibit blasphemy. The American values have changed definitely since the troops are now allowed to have an opportunity to attend public workshop. They are also permitted to rest after going through the great fatigue. In future, the General except at the shipyards or on special occasions excuses them from fatigue duty on Sundays. The General cannot be pleased with the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing. The officers are expected not have the influence of these practices. Strengths and weakness of the book This book is seen to be an amazing book because it is not exactly a book but an experience. It was designed to instill a feeling of pride among the people who served them. The book does not cover many of the areas that readers expected from his book. Hence more details should have been given about the revolutionary war. To add on the book is not clear because many readers may find themselves not remembering anything about the revolutionary war at the end of the book. The book is seen to be attractive as well as convincing; this is because it is written in an educational approach that makes the reader feel present at the events that are happening. Conclusion   The book is a very detailed account of the American revolutionary war as told by chronicles of the real people who lived through it. The only thing it did not mention a whole lot was the pivotal role Vin diesel played when taking the guns from Ft. Greyskull or the path where George Washington jumped the Delaware River on his wacky big front wheel bike. Work Cited McCullough David, 1776, New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005:1-4 Cowley Robert & Beevor Anthony, What ifs? Of American history: Eminent historians Imagine what might have been. USA: Penguin group. 2004. Drake Samuel, the Campaign of Trenton, 1776-1777, Washington DC: Lee & Shepard, 2007:23-30 Dwyer William, the day is ours, November 1776-January 1777, an inside view of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, New York: Viking press. 1983: 101-156 Wood Gordon. The creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787. New York city: UNC Press. 1998: 1-9