William P. Gonzalez

  “No fortress can be so strong that it will not yield to time and patience.” — Jean-Jacques Rousseau In today's world, the German officers who gave orders that sent hundreds of men to their deaths by hunkering down in the tunnels would face court martial, or there would be a war crimes investigation. The soldiers found a false sense of security in the well-lit, fortified tunnel system. Officers should have been informed about the limitations of the tunnel's protection and how soldiers can survive in them if a bombardment happens. Wolf's letters describe the tunnel system, where he was probably surprised that it became a death trap. Therefore, the lessons learned from this tragedy are ethical, military, and psychological. This signifies how technology cannot replace human intuition.   “No fortress can be so strong that it will not yield to time and patience.” —  Jean-Jacques Rousseau Hundreds of German soldiers were killed because of the military orders from their office...

  Javier Arango was essential to aviation because of his extensive knowledge of contributions to preserving, studying, and promoting historical aircraft and aviation history. Due to him, there will be an everlasting impact where early aviation will be honored and remembered. I wonder what happened to his extensive collection of WW1 airplanes.

  William P. Gonzalez September 26, 2023 at 11:02 PM Each side had periods of perceived air superiority throughout the war, with various aircraft models excelling in different areas, such as speed, maneuverability, climb rate, firepower, and durability. Anthony Fokker and his development of the Fokker D.VII and other aircraft contributed to aviation technology, which was a boon to future development in aeronautical engineering. Reply Henry Ford's trimotor or tin goose had different priorities; therefore, there were different facets in the design and construction, such as wing design, landing gear, and construction materials. Innovations constantly improved a plane's performance based on functions that could help their side win the war. Javier Arango was essential to aviation because of his extensive knowledge of contributions to preserving, studying, and promoting historical aircraft and aviation history. Due to him, there will be an everlasting impact where early aviation will...

  William P. Gonzalez August 22, 2024 at 9:16 AM Photographs help one to understand factual information about the reality of war soldiers faced, such as trench warfare, where they were exposed to the elements. Drawings and paintings, on the other hand, expressed the artist's emotion, experience, and opinion. Symbolism, composition, and color can delve deeper into emotional responses, such as "Gassed" by John Singer Sargent, where one can relate to the artist depiction of horror and suffering. Reply

"This surely is one of the strangest, saddest tragedies that have been enacted out by those dreadful Dardanelles, and the professional golfers may well claim it for the honour of their kind." — American Golfer magazine, 1915 "This surely is one of the strangest, saddest tragedies that have been enacted out by those dreadful Dardanelles, and the professional golfers may well claim it for the honour of their kind." — American Golfer magazine, 1915 The story of the Cottrell brothers is one of sacrifice, bravery, and family honor. Their attitude and professionalism towards the game of golf are displayed on the battlefield. The metaphor "die game," which means in golf, to maintain a competitive spirit and integrity to the end. The same ethics were used on the battlefield by the Cottrell brothers when they were faced with decisions about life and death. They knew they could die in battle, but continued to the bitter end. Therefore, the brothers used the ethics t...

  "Never, in the memory of man, has a race been more difficult and more gruesome; never has it worked more murderous on the mind and body of a rider..." — Karel Van Wijnendaele, pioneer of Flemish sports journalism The Circuit des Champs de Batille was a symbol of hope in a desperate situation. The bicycle race was supposed to heal the wounds of war. Since the race was poorly planned, spectators saw the demolished towns, roads, and the sense of death was still in the air. Society still needed more time to heal and rebuild. The race may have had a better outcome if the event organizer had chosen different routes where demolished towns were being rebuilt, allowing spectators and bicyclists to see a sense of hope. There should have been stops to honor the fallen for both bicyclists and spectators. There could have been ceremonies to honor the families and veterans, allowing communities to heal together. A symbol of hope was needed for France after the devastating effects of war...

  The article deconstructs the July 14 crisis, which was one of the catalysts that propelled Europe into war. The article shows how fragile peace can be within international relations. The question remains: what if the assassination of Archduke Fernand did not take place? Would there be peace? There are many factors that could have driven Europe into war, such as rising tensions between Germany and Russia, the alliance between European countries, militarization, competition, and economic pressure between countries. Similarly The United States was motivated to go to war, such as the Gulf of Tonkin incident in Vietnam. The invasion of Iraq because of the weapons of mass destruction. The Spanish-American war because of the sinking of the USS Maine.

  The article reveals the challenges Germany had with heavy weapons such as the MG08, which played a pivotal role in World War 1. However, the MG08 was difficult to repair and transport. These flaws gave an advantage to the British with their production of the British Vickers gun. In modern warfare, such as the conflict in Ukraine, there has been an improvement in heavy weaponry and accuracy. Ukraine uses the AK74 and the light machine gun, such as the PKM, which is air-cooled and light. Russia uses the PKP Pecheneg machine gun, which is still heavy but more reliable than the MG08 because of the forced air-cooled barrel, which eliminates Reply

  Waiting for Sunrise has a blend of genres such as historical contexts, the human psyche, and reflections on the morality of war. Boyd raises questions on loyalty, truth, and sacrifice during conflict. Therefore, as one delves more profoundly into the novel, one can explore themes such as identity, morality, and historical impact. Reply

  Photographs help one to understand factual information about the reality of war soldiers faced, such as trench warfare, where they were exposed to the elements. Drawings and paintings, on the other hand, expressed the artist's emotion, experience, and opinion. Symbolism, composition, and color can delve deeper into emotional responses, such as "Gassed" by John Singer Sargent, where one can relate to the artist depiction of horror and suffering. Reply

  There are a couple of essential literary devices in the poem The Stretcher Bearer by Robert Service, such as imagery and metaphor. Relating to imagery, Service tries to bring the reader into the sound, sights, and odors of war. Imagery helps evoke emotion from the reader about the horrors Service witnessed. The second literary device that Service uses is a metaphor, which helps to relate emotions and ideas to the reader. Service uses symbolic meanings, such as “My stretcher is one scarlet stain.” These symbolic meanings help reflect the true nature of war, such as burden, chaos, and sacrifice. Consequently, these literary devices, imagery, and metaphors help the reader understand the psychological and physical experiences that the stretcher bearer has to endure. Reply

  Military engagements in the modern army have shifted with rapid deployment, technology, and specialized units that outweigh large standing armies. Modernization is at the cost of the traditions of the regiment, which have historical significance. Money is another factor where the UK government is trying to create a cost effective military structure. Regiments with historical significance can maintain ceremonial roles where they can keep the legacy alive through public events, state ceremonies, and parades. If the UK can be flexible, regiments could be part of the reserve units where the history and legacy continue. Public advocacy concerning the history of these regiments is essential to preserving them for the future.

  The poem "The Hero" brings about reflections concerning the truth about war and how propaganda illusions families whose sons die on the battlefield. Where the stark reality is hidden. There's nothing romantic about dying on the battlefield. Sassoon's poem reflects this emotional and psychological burden of war. Where the thought of sacrifice and heroism is challenged.

  Historical occurrences such as World War I bring about a human input on self-awareness. Emotions, personal experiences, and decisions that are shaped by events such as World War I are able to show how one's life was influenced. Quotes help one have a deep reflection on historical events where the emotional weight can be somewhat understood. An example is Rasputin's quote on how the Tsar counted on him. This clouded the Russian empire with mysticism and instability, which eventually led to its collapse. Rasputin realized that the Tsar had blind faith in him, which caused a power imbalance. Quotes also lead to cultural reflection, where hopes, values, and attitudes of that time period can be reflected. Reply

  As a war artist, Maurice Busset's interpretation of the conflicts he participated in should not be underestimated. Paintings give some viewers a deeper interpretation of the trials and tribulations society and soldiers had to endure during the First World War. Therefore, art can represent the human side of the horrors that were related to the First World War, where soldiers and their society's sacrifice can be felt through his artwork. Busset's Paintings, the major aces, ensure the sacrifice and the heroism that many had to face during the conflict will be remembered for future generations. Therefore, Maurice Busset made an everlasting contribution to the art world that will ensure veterans and society during the First World War will be remembered. Reply

  As a war artist, Maurice Busset's interpretation of the conflicts he participated in should not be underestimated. Paintings give some viewers a deeper interpretation of the trials and tribulations society and soldiers had to endure during the First World War. Therefore, art can represent the human side of the horrors that were related to the First World War, where soldiers and their society's sacrifice can be felt through his artwork. Busset's Paintings, the major aces, ensure the sacrifice and the heroism that many had to face during the conflict will be remembered for future generations. Therefore, Maurice Busset made an everlasting contribution to the art world that will ensure veterans and society during the First World War will be remembered. Reply

  Mort Homme shows the significance of how the French army's 69th and 40th divisions tried to stop the German advance." Ils Ne Passeront Pas" made the battle symbolic where the French continued to stop the advance on Mort Homme because it was strategically significant, where the victors would be able to see the battle from all sides of the hill. The haunting memorial reminds future generations of the human impact World War One had on the world. Therefore, the Mort Homme monument represents the sacrifice and steadfastness men had to make to protect their country.

  “Kein Operationsplan reicht mit einiger Sicherheit über das erste Zusammentreffen mit der feindlichen Hauptmacht hinaus.”- "No plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first encounter with the main body of the enemy."- Helmuth von Moltke Historians continue to debate if the Schieffen Plan was successful, but historians argue that Germany did not follow the exact plan accordingly. German Generals had to make decisions on the battlefield that did not align with the plan, which caused other problems, such as sustaining their advantage on the Western Front because of the transfer of resources to Austria-Hungary. Time was not on the German side, where they continued to bleed manpower and resources at an alarming rate. The Schieffen Plan provided short-term gains, and strategically, it was a deadlock.

  "The First World War was the great seminal catastrophe of the twentieth century….the old world, in some respects a good world, in some respects a bad one, but in any case the world we knew, came to an end."- George Kennan The article "Gentlemans Rifle in the Trenches," shows how World War One changed not only countries but also the fundamental beliefs of individuals. The impact of trench warfare changed aristocratic traditions and brought a new beginning. Traditions such as being privileged by owning an H&H rifle to trying to survive in the trenches. Therefore the aristocrat's image ended, and a more egalitarian era began. The mention of field Marshall Earl Alexander shows how modern warfare and leadership arose because of World War One. Therefore, transformation took place because of the harsh reality of the modern world, where many traditions were replaced.

  Unrestricted submarine warfare raised ethical questions about sinking civilian and neutral ships, which included floating hospitals. Germany had to counteract Britain's strategy of creating a naval blockade because it was destroying their economy. Treaties such as The Hague Convention that were made to protect human life were disregarded. Levetzow fought for policies that would enable Germany to use unrestricted submarine warfare. There is no humanity (Humanitatsduseli) concerning submarine warfare because U-boats were too small to take prisoners. In some instances, deck guns were used to kill any survivors once a ship was sunk. However, these unhumanitarian policies caused an uproar internationally that eventually gave the initiative for America to get involved in the war.

  World War One benefited Switzerland because of its neutrality. World War One helped shape Switzerland’s economic policies. Switzerland was able to become a place of security where it served as a mediator, securing its strategic influence. Secret negotiations and espionage were rampant. The central and allied powers were a boon to Switzerland's economy, where they were able to trade internationally. Switzerland became a leading banking and finance center providing services for all countries. Therefore, neutrality benefited Switzerland and shaped it’s financial, diplomatic and trading policies while the rest of the world was facing economic uncertainty. Reply

  Everyone should enjoy the Medal of Honor series because it will bring to life ordinary people who did the impossible, which springs forth the meaning of resilience, courage, and sacrifice. The graphic novel will relate on difficult situations that are not impossible to overcome. The Medal of Honor series teaches their readers about real-life heroes such as Charles Whittlesey which brings attention to values and historical events. The series elaborates on the significance of duty and how individual actions can help change the world. Batman and other fictional heroes do not ground the reader in reality such as the Medal of Honor series. Being a true hero requires determination, character, and moral strength. Reading the graphic novels will help the reader to adopt those traits which can bring about a sense of responsibility. Thank You, General Dynamics, for sponsoring a graphic novel that relates to the trials and tribulations of real-life heroes. Reply

  The bravery of Campbell and Winslow serving in the 94th Aerial Squadron with limited training against experienced German pilots is beyond the call of duty. Their bravery was a stepping stone in boosting American confidence in air-to-air combat. Military commanders were able to initiate training programs as well as develop innovative aerial combat techniques. Not to be confused with the Lafayette Escadrille, also known as the Harvard Volunteers, the 94th Aerial Squadron was started when America entered World War One. Therefore, the 94th Aerial Squadron was technically the beginning of the United States Air Force. Eddie Rickenbacker was a pilot with the 94th and received the Medal of Honor. Reply

  “Good God, did we really send men to fight in that?” — Douglas Haig “Presented without further comments." The pictures explain to the observer a wide variety of emotions, where one can feel the uncertainty, cold, and friendship within the darkness of war. Viewers, as with paintings, are urged to use their interpretations to find meaning within the picture, where words can fall short concerning the human reality of war. Observers will be able to relate to the human cost of war and how the human spirit prevails. The phrase “without further comment” recognizes the loss of innocence by allowing observers to somehow relate to World War One in their own way. Reply

  The political landscape throughout the world was changing in 1916 because of revolution and political unrest. The new president of the United States must put America in a position of power through their foreign policy decisions. Wilson ran on a campaign promise as a “peace president” but had to change course and enter war with the motto “making the world safe for democracy,” where Wilson championed to uphold democratic and international justice. After the war ended, America became a world power. Wilson was able to create the League of Nations, which was the foundation of the United Nations. However, some historians believe that Wilson's idealism and creation of the League of Nations were flawed and caused the Second World War and Fascism. Hughes was a lawyer and may have had a legalistic approach to world affairs. Hughes may have entered World War One early, saving lives and money according to his political and campaign positions. Hughs may not have supported the Treaty of Versai...

  The Chautauqua women were not just volunteers to help with the war effort. These women laid the foundation for changing America’s social landscape. The Chautauqua women knew how to address social problems such as gender equality, unity, civic responsibility, and education. Realizing that the war was a precedent for the future of American Society, the Chautauqua women realized the importance of civic engagement in rural communities and small towns to teach Americans why America was at war and the importance of national unity. In trying to connect in rural America, the Chautauqua women were able to raise money for the Red Cross and liberty bonds.

  “Every ride was a gamble with death, but the thought of failing our comrades was a far greater fear.”-Raymond Mitchell The despatch riders did not receive the recognition they deserved. However, they were the lifeline of the beating hearts of their divisions. Generals waited anxiously for the arrival of the despatch riders so they can receive orders and make decisions concerning their troops. Through their youthful perseverance, despatch riders continued on their journey mile after mile through shell craters and muddy terrain that was lit by a lonely moon. However, the motorcyclist did not buckle because of the importance of their orders. How could you? When the riders knew hundreds of lives would be at stake. Therefore, the importance of the despatch riders should not be overlooked because they saved countless lives. Reply

  The article about Gulbenkian brings an important issue to light, humanitarian needs, and business ethics. Gulbenkian stayed focused on his business, which raises ethical questions about humanitarian needs during world changing events. Gulbenkian cared about his business and controlling his interest in Ottoman oil. Then after the war he helped the Armenian community with what could be considered blood money that he made from unethical dealing with the Ottomans. Therefore, his reputation was forever damaged by his lack of compassion for the Armenian community during times of conflict.

  There are many meanings concerning the accomplishments of Major Holts life. His battle tour company enabled families to get closure about the relatives that sacrificed their lives during past conflicts. He advocated for the preservation of historic battlefields, which is significant because it helps the public reflect on the meaning of war and sacrifice. One of Major Holt's accomplishments is promoting peace and homage through his books and tours for future generations to recognize the importance of the sacrifice that took place during World War I and II.

  The article World War One Case Studies of Facial Reconstruction relates to the scientific breakthroughs in plastic surgery for wounded soldiers. However, the psychological impact on veterans of World War One must been equally devastating especially when returning to civilian life. Three psychological challenges, such as loss of identity, social rejection, and limited mental health support, I will elaborate on. “Broken Gargoyles” refers to disfigured World War One veterans who were alienated from society. The public did not want to remember World War One, and when they saw disfigured soldiers, there was a public backlash. The unfortunate view made by the public caused disfigured soldiers to isolate with a feeling of worthlessness. Having your face disfigured where one cannot recognize themselves caused a loss of personal identity. These soldiers could gain self-respect and their previous lives back. This caused a loss of self-esteem. Finally, there was hardly any mental health sup...

"I could hear these shells coming over; I really began to know what fear was"- Quiren M. Groessi   The use of literary devices creates a poetic language that enables Lord Dunsany to portray a vivid account of trench warfare to the reader. Through metaphors such as "it is as though a herd of giants… began to play with the hills." Lord Dunsany is able to portray destructive force that no man can control because of the chaotic and destructive use of artillery. Lord Dunsany uses personification in bringing life to artillery shells. An example is "the gas shells" gurgle gluttonously, like animals at a feast. Lord Dunsany tries to relate to the reader the destructive force beyond man's control when a bombardment is underway.

"This surely is one of the strangest, saddest tragedies that have been enacted out by those dreadful Dardanelles, and the professional golfers may well claim it for the honour of their kind." — American Golfer magazine, 1915   The story about the story about the Cottrell brothers is one of sacrifice, bravery , and family honor. The ir attitude and professionalism towards the game of golf are displayed on the battlefield. The metaphor " die game, " which means in golf, to maintain a competitive spirit and integrity to the end . The same ethics were used on the battlefield by the C o t tr el l brothers when they were faced with decisions about life and death . They knew they could die in battle, but continued to the bitter end . Therefore, the brothers used the ethics they learned in golf on the battlefield so they could come to the realization of why they were fighting in times of doubt.  

  William P. Gonzalez April 17, 2025 at 6:24 PM The Eddystone munitions disaster on April 10th is a significant part of American History because it shows the vulnerability that Americans had to experience during periods of conflict due to corporate greed. The more ammunition companies produced the more money they made. Munition manufacturers had lucrative contracts with the allied powers producing millions of dollars. However, these munitions were at the expense of child laborers and women who had to provide for their families. Profits before safety. Munition manufacturers had inadequate safety measures that cost the lives of over a hundred women and children. In commerating the Eddystone disaster, we remember the importance of workplace safety and the women and children who sacrificed their lives to help win the war. Reply

  Aerial photography were the eyes in the sky that pictured a map of death in the trenches below. The innovations of the Great War helped to save lives. Photography helped reveal enemy positions with increased accuracy to direct artillery fire. Aerial photography reshaped how war was fought on all sides, and it improved with faster shutter speeds, and redesigned cameras that can mount on airplanes which included vertical orientation and stabilization features. Film improved from plates to rolls, that enabled the aerial photographer to take continuous photos with detailed enemy positions while being lighter to transport. Aerial photography was a beacon for the development of satellite imagery and drone surveillance. Reply

 Correct because negotiations become trapped between idealism and realism. Idealism is working on a peaceful solution. Realism is the reality of the situation. One example is Hitler and the Munich agreement, which gave him part of Czechoslovakia, where he promised not to take any more territory. Similar to Putin's plans in Ukraine.

  "If I am to play a responsible part in the peace settlement, I must be free to act and free to counsel. I cannot bargain." — Woodrow Wilson, 1919 Wilson's take on Clemenceau's joke and ideology would be dismissive. President Wilson knew that Clemenceau was putting up resistance, especially when he was bringing change in Europe. Europe's leaders would not change their stance easily to a world that has justice and fairness. Europe's leaders feared change because of fears of new ideologies instead of being strong. The strategies that leaders in Europe implemented for generations were ones based on alliances, revenge, and power balances. Self-interest was also a factor that caused resentment because European leaders wanted to protect their property and people.

 "Jellicoe was the only man on either side who could lose the war in an afternoon." -Winston Churchill The fate of the British Fleet rested on Admiral Jellico's tactical decisions to save his battleships in the thick of the night, where there were no radars except the human eye. Being cautious, Jellico saved the British fleet from destruction. If the Germans had won the battle, Britain would not have been able to obtain the desperately needed supplies to prevent starvation. Britain also relied on weapons and medicine. Furthermore, the British would have had to negotiate for a peace treaty. Through fleet deployment strategies, Jellico was able to put the odds of winning in his favor, where he used the "Line of Battle Formation, enabling him to protect his ships and open fire with the ship's main battery. The T tactic enabled Jellico to use the ship's broadside guns, which gave the fleet an advantage against the German firing forward turrets.

 "I know the duty of an officer is to obey, not to reason why, but I have never been able to reconcile the orders I received with the actual conditions existing in Siberia." -General Graves Harsh awakenings were near for General Graves in Siberia. Grave's orders contradicted the realities when boots were on the ground, where his troops experienced violent and chaotic skirmishes because of partisans, which left many American soldiers dead and wounded, while following his orders to protect the coal mines, railways, and helping the Czech legions. Consequently, American conflicts, such as the Vietnam War, where commanders faced the same dilemma as General Graves. Commanders in Vietnam were sent as advisors, but the situation turned into a Pandora's box, where conflict kept on getting worse. Therefore, orders from afar change because of the reality of the situation that confronts the commanders.

  “No single episode did more to poison Soviet-American relations—perhaps to predispose the Soviets to regard the outside world as hostile—than the dispatch of American troops to Siberia.” — From Kennan’s 1984 book on U.S.-Soviet relations. America's involvement in Siberia was the first frost of a coming winter. The newly established Soviet government always remembered how America tried to halt their uprising and overthrow their government, which resulted in the Cold War. President Wilson tested the waters on how America could  be influential in world affairs. If Trump were president during the conflict in Siberia, he may have implemented an America First Policy. Trump would want to control the coal mines for America because he would not want to risk American lives for an unworthy war, causing billions of taxpayers' dollars to be wasted. There are historians who believe that Wilson created a foundation for other countries, such as Korea and Vietnam, creating a quagmire of fo...

  “I am firmly convinced that nothing was ever accomplished in Siberia by Allied military forces except to intensify hatred and suspicion of the foreigner.” —  From his memoir, "America's Siberian Adventure" (1931), Major General William Graves When one enters a situation that is probably safe, but others consider dangerous, it is called a "Briar Patch," which derives from the folk tale "Br'er Rabbit." America's involvement in Siberia was an Irony where they were not supposed to get involved in Russia's conflicts. However, America officially became involved when it protected the railway against communist forces. This caused a contradiction with Wilson's policy of being a peacemaker in Siberia, which was "smoke and mirrors" to the real cause of trying to turn the tide of the war in favor of the anti-Red forces.

  “I am firmly convinced that nothing was ever accomplished in Siberia by Allied military forces except to intensify hatred and suspicion of the foreigner.” — From his memoir: "America's Siberian Adventure" (1931) The "Siberian Briar Patch" is a figurative expression that derives from the folk tale Br'er Rabbit, which means one that feels safe in what others may render a dangerous situation. The irony in America's involvement in Siberia is that they were not supposed to get involved in Russia's civil war. America became involved in protecting the railways, which violated Wilson's promise of making it a peace mission. During geopolitical uncertainty, the White House proved there is a thin line between policy and practice concerning Russia, where America directly helped anti-Bolshevik forces. Being an idealist, Wilson tried to show the world that America was a peacemaker, but sending troops to Siberia contradicted this notion. Therefore, President...

  “I have always felt that the heavy responsibility of command in a fleet action under modern conditions is almost too great for any man. No previous naval battle has ever approached the Battle of Jutland in the magnitude of the issues at stake, and in the immense responsibility resting upon the Commander-in-Chief.” — Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, The Grand Fleet 1914–1916 The book Jutland: The Unfinished Battle by Nicholas Jellicoe should be an interesting read because when tactical success becomes a strategic failure, naval historians will elaborate and hold many different views about the Battle of Jutland's short-term outcomes and long-term strategic consequences. A brutal confrontation, such as Jutland, was strategically unsuccessful for the Germans, as they did not obtain their goal of controlling the high seas. This led Germany to use unrestricted submarine warfare, which eventually was one of the main factors in their losing the war because America was forced to enter the conf...

 " The shells were not there. The men at the front were not to blame. The generals were not to blame. The blame lay entirely with the system, which had governed the supply of munitions." - David Lloyd George, House of Commons Speech, 1915 During the shell crisis of 1915, arms manufacturers were private with limited government oversight. An issue was raised concerning the thirty percent of shells that did not explode. Effective artillery bombardments were vital to winning the war. If a shell did not explode, trenches were not destroyed, which enabled the enemy to regroup and counterattack. Without effective shelling during an attack, troops faced more casualties. An example is the Battle of Loos. The economy was also affected because of the cost of raw materials, including manpower and metals. Additional costs were in the logistics of the war, where the transportation, labor, and handling of shells that were duds cost millions of dollars. Therefore, Britain established the Min...

 " Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies"- Friedrich Nietzsche Kaiser's 1917 Easter speech was a flawed attempt to save his empire. The Kaiser's call for action was a vain attempt to create patriotism and unity when the odds were against him. Societies that become desperate because their country is crumbling will be blind to changes in government that should occur because of untruthful propaganda. The Kaiser uses symbolic gestures in the hope of manipulating his audience by creating a sense of hope through change that would better their lives in the future. Furthermore, the Kaiser tries to reach the emotions of his audience by telling them to be patriotic and turn a blind eye to his opposition.  Flattery was used in the speech by telling the German people that their suffering is patriotic and they will be rewarded. The Kaiser fails to mention when this suffering will come to an end. The lesson learned is not to trust false demagogues who create the...