Conference Presentations by Wallace Sagendorph
Aeschylus and His Updated Tragedy Although Greek playwright Aeschylus died about 2500 years ago, ... more Aeschylus and His Updated Tragedy Although Greek playwright Aeschylus died about 2500 years ago, in 456 BCE, his work remains alive and relevant. Aeschylus is perhaps best known for his three-part drama entitled The Oresteia, first produced in Athens about 458 BCE. The Oresteia is a three-part dramatization of Mycenean King Agamemnon's departure for and return from the Trojan War. Over the millennia countless spectators have seen it, countless critics have commented on it, and countless other dramatic works have been based on it. Among the latest works to revisit this Aeschylus legacy is a 2015 film entitled Eye in the Sky, 1 starring British actress Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman. The film even opens with an Aeschylus quotation: "In war, the first causality is the truth." Aeschylus's Agamemnon Aeschylus's play opens with sentries watching the sea for signs of the returning Greek fleet. Signal fires confirm that after 10 years of war, Greek armies have finally conquered Troy and have embarked for home. The chorus now dominates the drama. In Greek tragedy the chorus, comprised here of some 12 older males, plays an integral role in the drama by expressing community consensus regarding onstage events. In a flashback the chorus recounts how 10 years previously the invasion armada, gathered to invade Troy and to retrieve the famous Helen, gets off to a tragic start. The infamous Paris, son of Troy's King Priam, carries Helen off to Troy. But Helen is married to King Menelaus of Sparta, Agamemnon's brother. Agamemnon and Menelaus are descendants of the infamous House of Atreus, memorialized in Greek myth and well-known to 4th-century BCE Greek audiences. Paris stole Helen away while a guest at King Menelaus's palace. In so doing Paris violated xenia, the most sacred duty of guests to honor their hosts. Zeus demands recompence; he commands Agamemnon to assemble a fleet, 2 sail to Troy, and retrieve Helen. But as the fleet prepares to sail, some 1 Hood, Gavin, "Eye in the Sky," (United Kingdom: Bleeker Street (U.S.), 2015). 2 Agamemnon quickly assembled the invasion fleet because of an earlier agreement among the nobles of the Greek city-states. About every nobleman in Greece sought Helen's hand. Tyndareus was Helen's putative father. (In Greek myth, Zeus, while in the form of a swan, fathered Helen and her sister Clytemnestra; thus Helen's divine father apparently arranged that Helen would be the world's most beautiful woman). Given the intense competition for Helen, Tyndareus feared chaos if he selected one suitor over another. But the wily Odysseus wanted to marry fair Penelope, daughter of a different family. Odysseus suggested to Tyndareus that if Tyndareus helped him win Penelope, Odysseus would help Tyndareus persuade Helen's suitors to swear an oath to come to the aid of the chosen
In October 1517, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses invited scholarly debate over the efficacy of papal in... more In October 1517, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses invited scholarly debate over the efficacy of papal indulgence. The ensuing theological tumult led to his reformed Christian faith and to one of the historic upheavals in western civilization. But the Reformation’s success depended on Luther’s faith, widespread dissatisfaction in German lands with the Roman church, the printing press, and the protection of Luther’s prince.
By the early sixteenth century, people in German lands began to view the clergy as a privileged class oblivious to parishioners’ needs; tithes and indulgence sales resulted in much of the people’s money going to Rome. Yet the Church taught clerical mediation was essential for salvation. Luther, however, after a spiritual crisis, concluded that salvation did not depend on the clergy or good works; people only needed faith founded on scripture.
By 1517, printing had been available for some 70 years. Luther’s Latin Theses were translated into German and widely distributed. Luther’s treatises and books also spread his messages throughout the Holy Roman Empire and into other European lands.
The Church sought to bring Luther to heel. But in 1521 Luther, accused of heresy, vowed his reading of scripture required strict adherence to his beliefs—he could “do no other." And under the protection of Duke Frederick the Wise, who had the power to defy both emperor and Church, Luther’s writings furthered the Reformation.
But for Luther to succeed, his faith and tenacity, popular discontent with the Roman church, printing technology, and Duke Frederick’s protection were all essential.
Drafts by Wallace Sagendorph
Aeschylus and His Updated Tragedy Although Greek playwright Aeschylus died about 2500 years ago, ... more Aeschylus and His Updated Tragedy Although Greek playwright Aeschylus died about 2500 years ago, in 456 BCE, his work remains alive and relevant. Aeschylus is perhaps best known for his three-part drama entitled The Oresteia, first produced in Athens about 458 BCE. The Oresteia is a three-part dramatization of Mycenean King Agamemnon's departure for and return from the Trojan War. Over the
French and German armies fought the Battle of Verdun between February and December, 1916. Many hi... more French and German armies fought the Battle of Verdun between February and December, 1916. Many historians view the battle among the bloodiest and most important of any battle fought anywhere, at any time. Over 300,000 French and German soldiers died, another 400,000 sustained life-altering injuries. Because the battlefield remains so dangerous, some 100,000 of the dead still lie there, and visitors must walk only on well-marked pathways. As the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War passes, the most iconic battle of that war should not be forgotten.
French and German armies fought the Battle of Verdun between February and December, 1916. Many hi... more French and German armies fought the Battle of Verdun between February and December, 1916. Many historians view the battle among the bloodiest and most important of any battle fought anywhere, at any time. Over 300,000 French and German soldiers died, another 400,000 sustained life-altering injuries. Because the battlefield remains so dangerous, some 100,000 of the dead still lie there, and visitors must walk only on well-marked pathways. As the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War passes, the most iconic battle of that war should not be forgotten.
The Battle of Verdun, fought between French and German armies from February to December 1916, cla... more The Battle of Verdun, fought between French and German armies from February to December 1916, claimed over 300,000 lives and another 400,000 wounded. Millions of artillery shells fell on both armies --- a day never went by that artillery explosions did not shatter the sleep and indeed the bodies of French or German soldiers. As November, 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the Great War's end, it is well to remember also Verdun, what many call the bloodiest battle ever fought.
The Battle of Verdun raged from February to December, 1916. Fought exclusively between French and... more The Battle of Verdun raged from February to December, 1916. Fought exclusively between French and German armies, the battle claimed some 300,000 lives and another 400,000 wounded. Over 1 million artillery shells fell on the trenches of both armies. For France. Verdun remains the iconic WWI battle.
Papers by Wallace Sagendorph
ABSTRACT
In the late nineteenth century Japan emerged from its feudal past. Japan won a signal vi... more ABSTRACT
In the late nineteenth century Japan emerged from its feudal past. Japan won a signal victory in a 1904 war against Russia and gained a foothold on mainland China. By 1931 Japan began a protracted war against Nationalist Chinese forces in an effort to conquer all of China. Although the brutality with which Japan pursued the war prompted international censure, for the U.S. the growing Nazi menace in Europe took precedence. The United States demanded Japan withdraw from China, but continued to sell it scrap metal and oil, believing it could deter Japanese aggression by gradually restricting the sale of those commodities. In 1940 the U.S. furthered its deterrence effort by moving its Pacific-based naval vessels from California to the Hawaiian Islands’ Pearl Harbor.
In 1940 German armies conquered France, overran the low countries, and began the Battle of Britain. Japan recognized that the resource-rich French, Dutch, and British colonies in Southeast Asia could free it from U.S. demands. With Germany’s help Japan occupied northern French Indochina, which prompted the U.S. to freeze Japanese assets in the United States and embargo future oil sales. Japan had only a one and one-half year’s oil supply and no alternative sources. Still, rather than accede to U.S. demands, Japan chose to invade the Southeast Asian colonies. But the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor stood in its way.
This paper traces how the United States civilian and military authorities underestimated and misinterpreted Japanese signals and actions. The United States failed to “expect the unexpected,” leaving Pearl Harbor and the Philippines prone to attack.
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Conference Presentations by Wallace Sagendorph
By the early sixteenth century, people in German lands began to view the clergy as a privileged class oblivious to parishioners’ needs; tithes and indulgence sales resulted in much of the people’s money going to Rome. Yet the Church taught clerical mediation was essential for salvation. Luther, however, after a spiritual crisis, concluded that salvation did not depend on the clergy or good works; people only needed faith founded on scripture.
By 1517, printing had been available for some 70 years. Luther’s Latin Theses were translated into German and widely distributed. Luther’s treatises and books also spread his messages throughout the Holy Roman Empire and into other European lands.
The Church sought to bring Luther to heel. But in 1521 Luther, accused of heresy, vowed his reading of scripture required strict adherence to his beliefs—he could “do no other." And under the protection of Duke Frederick the Wise, who had the power to defy both emperor and Church, Luther’s writings furthered the Reformation.
But for Luther to succeed, his faith and tenacity, popular discontent with the Roman church, printing technology, and Duke Frederick’s protection were all essential.
Drafts by Wallace Sagendorph
Papers by Wallace Sagendorph
In the late nineteenth century Japan emerged from its feudal past. Japan won a signal victory in a 1904 war against Russia and gained a foothold on mainland China. By 1931 Japan began a protracted war against Nationalist Chinese forces in an effort to conquer all of China. Although the brutality with which Japan pursued the war prompted international censure, for the U.S. the growing Nazi menace in Europe took precedence. The United States demanded Japan withdraw from China, but continued to sell it scrap metal and oil, believing it could deter Japanese aggression by gradually restricting the sale of those commodities. In 1940 the U.S. furthered its deterrence effort by moving its Pacific-based naval vessels from California to the Hawaiian Islands’ Pearl Harbor.
In 1940 German armies conquered France, overran the low countries, and began the Battle of Britain. Japan recognized that the resource-rich French, Dutch, and British colonies in Southeast Asia could free it from U.S. demands. With Germany’s help Japan occupied northern French Indochina, which prompted the U.S. to freeze Japanese assets in the United States and embargo future oil sales. Japan had only a one and one-half year’s oil supply and no alternative sources. Still, rather than accede to U.S. demands, Japan chose to invade the Southeast Asian colonies. But the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor stood in its way.
This paper traces how the United States civilian and military authorities underestimated and misinterpreted Japanese signals and actions. The United States failed to “expect the unexpected,” leaving Pearl Harbor and the Philippines prone to attack.
By the early sixteenth century, people in German lands began to view the clergy as a privileged class oblivious to parishioners’ needs; tithes and indulgence sales resulted in much of the people’s money going to Rome. Yet the Church taught clerical mediation was essential for salvation. Luther, however, after a spiritual crisis, concluded that salvation did not depend on the clergy or good works; people only needed faith founded on scripture.
By 1517, printing had been available for some 70 years. Luther’s Latin Theses were translated into German and widely distributed. Luther’s treatises and books also spread his messages throughout the Holy Roman Empire and into other European lands.
The Church sought to bring Luther to heel. But in 1521 Luther, accused of heresy, vowed his reading of scripture required strict adherence to his beliefs—he could “do no other." And under the protection of Duke Frederick the Wise, who had the power to defy both emperor and Church, Luther’s writings furthered the Reformation.
But for Luther to succeed, his faith and tenacity, popular discontent with the Roman church, printing technology, and Duke Frederick’s protection were all essential.
In the late nineteenth century Japan emerged from its feudal past. Japan won a signal victory in a 1904 war against Russia and gained a foothold on mainland China. By 1931 Japan began a protracted war against Nationalist Chinese forces in an effort to conquer all of China. Although the brutality with which Japan pursued the war prompted international censure, for the U.S. the growing Nazi menace in Europe took precedence. The United States demanded Japan withdraw from China, but continued to sell it scrap metal and oil, believing it could deter Japanese aggression by gradually restricting the sale of those commodities. In 1940 the U.S. furthered its deterrence effort by moving its Pacific-based naval vessels from California to the Hawaiian Islands’ Pearl Harbor.
In 1940 German armies conquered France, overran the low countries, and began the Battle of Britain. Japan recognized that the resource-rich French, Dutch, and British colonies in Southeast Asia could free it from U.S. demands. With Germany’s help Japan occupied northern French Indochina, which prompted the U.S. to freeze Japanese assets in the United States and embargo future oil sales. Japan had only a one and one-half year’s oil supply and no alternative sources. Still, rather than accede to U.S. demands, Japan chose to invade the Southeast Asian colonies. But the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor stood in its way.
This paper traces how the United States civilian and military authorities underestimated and misinterpreted Japanese signals and actions. The United States failed to “expect the unexpected,” leaving Pearl Harbor and the Philippines prone to attack.