When re-evaluating the articles I was able to see them through a different light after taking this course. My assertions were accurately interpreted, however I find that they could have been backed up by historical documentation. In terms of looking at Europe’s years of “horror” it is now clear to me that Europe experienced a significant amount of turmoil. Not just looking at the current history (from WWI on) but looking at European history as a whole. From the French Wars of religion to the French revolution it is notable that the French in particular are more apt to sustain from war such as the war on Iraq. I am now aware of the exact reasoning to why Europe has tried to sustain from engaging in war as opposed to having a superficial understanding.
There is more of a basis to my previous claim that Europe will be moving toward a pan European identity. After looking at Europe’s tragic conflicts such as Hitler and his rise to power it is apparent that Europe is trying to abstain from previous actions. Europe is reflecting on their past so that they may prevent tragedy at this level. After looking at my previous claim of Europe wanting to become a hegemonic leader I believe that my opinions on the subject have changed. It seems that Europe perhaps is looking for more of an economical gain as opposed to wanting to be a dominating world power.
I now firmly hold the belief that history will dictate the future. I do still agree with the notion that the US is in a world power dominating role as Pfaff stated. I am now more apt to believe that the US will have its down fall. This is evident with every great empire. The Spanish had their down fall after the Spanish armada went down the tubes, the English had their down fall after they had to give back their colonies, the Germans and the Italians saw their fall after WWII. It is inevitable that the US too will have their downfall. History will dictate the future conditions the question that we must ask ourselves after taking this course is, will we remember the downfalls of the past so that we too may not repeat it. The result of not remembering this past will be tragic because history will repeat itself.