For many German speaking people the decision to redraw boundaries made at the Paris Peace Conference led to enormous changes in their citizenship and identity. Only the German speaking people in Denmark/Northern Germany were given their say in this change. (The majority voted to become part of Denmark). However even today there is a German speaking minority in Southern Jutland (complete with German speaking schools) and a Danish speaking minority (complete with Danish speaking schools) in North Schleswig. Consider the consequences for people in other regions. Select one region and research people's perspective. Answer the following questions: 1. What were the effects of this change? 2. What were the options for these people based upon these decisions? 3. How were these German speaking people treated initially and then over time? 4. How did politicians (both at the time and later) manipulate these concerns?
All that is your assignment. What are YOUR questions about your assignment?
Above is my asignment. I've researched and gone to my dad for help and then researched some more but I cannot find an answer to those questions. I don't understand the questions, and I don't know how to answer them or what to answer.
I. This is background information to keep in mind as you choose what you'll write. [You might think about what happens in parts of the US today (or any other country) where there is a predominant language as well as other languages that are in widespread use. One such area is in the deserts in very southern Southern California, in which English is the predominant language, but also Spanish is prevalent.]
II. Select one region and research the people's perspectives. <~~Choose one of these regions named in the first part of I above. Conduct research on different people's perspective re the use of two languages.
III. Specific questions to address in your research and writing:
1. What were the effects of this change? [Make sure you are clear on what change you have chosen to write about.]
2. What were the options for these people based upon these decisions?
3. How were these German speaking people treated initially and then over time?
4. How did politicians (both at the time and later) manipulate these concerns?
Researching for something like this will take time and may be tricky. Here are some websites to help you conduct online research:
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/
Especially the links in the section called HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET
http://scholar.google.com
Google searches, but more focused on scholarly articles, which may help you more than a simple Google search
http://www.hackcollege.com/blog/2011/11/23/infographic-get-more-out-of-google.html
VERY specific ways to search Google more efficiently. Scroll down and note how to use quotation marks, symbols and punctuation (: and + and -), etc.
... and if you think you're getting nowhere with online research, head for your nearest library (public, school, or college). Research librarians should become your best friends! They are trained to help people conduct research, from the simple to the complex. Yours is complex.
To answer these questions, I will provide a general framework and guidance on how to research and gather information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Keep in mind that specific details may vary based on the region you choose for research.
1. Effects of the change:
a. Identify the specific region you want to focus on, for example, the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia or Alsace-Lorraine in France.
b. Research the historical context and events that led to the change in boundaries, such as the treaties or agreements that resulted from the Paris Peace Conference.
c. Explore the immediate effects on the German-speaking population, considering aspects like changes in citizenship, identity, socio-economic conditions, and political influence.
2. Options available:
a. Investigate the various options given to the affected population during the decision-making process, such as voting or referendums.
b. Examine if there were any alternative proposals or negotiations put forward by different groups or individuals representing the German-speaking population.
c. Consider the reactions and attitudes of the people toward the options presented and the reasons behind their choices.
3. Treatment of German-speaking people:
a. Research how the German-speaking population was initially treated after the change in boundaries, considering factors like nationality laws, language policies, and cultural assimilation efforts.
b. Analyze any discriminatory practices or actions against the German-speaking minority, such as restrictions on language use, access to education, or socio-political participation.
c. Examine the changes in treatment over time, including any improvements or deteriorations in the status, rights, and societal acceptance of the German-speaking minority.
4. Manipulation by politicians:
a. Study the political landscape during and after the boundary changes, considering the motivations and strategies employed by politicians.
b. Investigate how politicians used or manipulated concerns related to the German-speaking population to advance their own agendas, secure power, or gain public support.
c. Analyze the long-term effects of these manipulations on the perception of the German-speaking minority and their relationship with the majority population.
Remember to consult various sources, such as historical documents, scholarly articles, books, news reports, and interviews, to gather a well-rounded perspective on the chosen region's people's perspectives.