Effect of Unit of Analysis in Political Research

Effect of Unit of Analysis in Political Research Units of Analysis In social or scientific research, the definition of units of analysis is similar since it is the unit that the researcher will focus on while making his inquiry. According to (Lewis-Beck, Bryman, Liao, 2003), the appropriate definition of the term as developed in research is that it is the basic unit that is to be investigated. This statement implies that the unit of analysis can be defined in the hypothesis of a study or within the topic of the research. In a case where the research is based on an investigation about the truth of a hypothesis, the unit of analysis becomes the main actors in the hypothesis. In political science, it simply implies the level of actors at which a researcher will aggregate the data. In any study, the choice of actors or the unit of analysis has a bearing on the final generalization that is given by a study. In this perspective, the emergence of fallacies on the conclusion of a study will be as a result of not properly identifying the unit of analysis. In a study about the geopolitics of a country, for instance, the focus of the research could be trade relations. The selection of the actors in this study due to the interest and ideas about the actor could lead to a level of complications like cross referencing or fallacies (Babbie 2013). This article examines the possible set of units that relate to a research question about the geopolitics of China and its international partners in trade. Specifically, the units of analysis that relate to the research are discussed in details. It also observes the relevance of the units of analysis that will be selected for the investigation on the topic. Depending on the research question and the motivation of the researcher, the development of the appropriate actors or even the units of analysis could be difficult or just impossible. In this case, the use of cross-referencing is used to create a correlation of the available information to the unit of analysis that has been selected. The difficulty in obtaining the data about the unit of study may also lead to the absence of this ambiguity which seldom happens, the choice of the unit of study is simplified. Problems like the ecological fallacy that results from using data that is meant for a group to make generalization is avoided. In the case of geopolitical analysis of China and the trade relations, the major unit of analysis is the country which is China. This choice is provoked by the fact that much of the data that will be collected on the topic for purposes of analysis will have to do with a perspective of the geopolitics of China or even its partners. Data about international trade of China and the politics that govern regions like the South China Sea are potential units of analysis in this study. The ecological fallacy (Babbie 2013) can also be possible in the development of this study by making generalizations that are not about the group that is the overall country China. For instance, in a study about the preference of the wealthy Chinese businessmen and their preferred destinations of investment, a study could use the country data. In this study if the generalization of the research argues that the businessmen prefer to make trade deals with the west as opposed to the African or Asian counterparts, an ecological fallacy is given in the study. The ecological fallacy in this study will be as a result of observing the overall government bilateral trade agreements and generalizing this at the personal preference level. It is highly likely that the wealthy Chinese business persons can have interests in the African or Asian continents as well. The specific units of study, in this case, are related to the constituents of geopolitical studies or the major aspects that contribute to the subject domain of geopolitics. These units of study could be related to the concepts like demography and trade that is the main area of study. Other units of analysis can be linked to the climate of the regions, the region, natural resources, the use or imbalance of technology, and politics of the region being evaluated. For a study about the geopolitical aspects of trade relations of the Chinese especially if the comparison is inclined towards the American-Sino relations, all these factors are potential actors of the units of analysis which is the country. An imbalance of technology, for instance, is likely to trigger trade to favor the country that is in the possession of a high level of technology. Factors like efficiency could be the silent driving forces behind the success of the high technology countries. Ideas like climate could play a role like in the tourism sector. But while noting that the two countries are subcontinents there is a possibility that the overall impact of the climate more or less remains a constant factor. Despite this great mix and variety of the actors, the main actor therefore in this study remains the regional and global politics and the effects of demographics (Riegl In LandovskyÃÅ'  2013. Justification of the actors The politics of the region being evaluated in a study has a strong relation to the main actors of the economy that is the unit of study. Particularly, aspects of politics include the ability to dominate the regional bodies in a continent and the control of the same. For instance, in a regional union like the European Union, the decisions are negotiated by the members. The ability to martial the allies to vote for the interest of a country in economic affairs would have to do with the regional political influence of the country. In a case like this interests also play a major role. The role of interest is that member states will have to consider their position on the global front and the need to progress. In many instances, the interests of a nation are driven by the fact that there is need to achieve economic growth in the nation. As such any progress that is considered to have a negative impact on the economy is taken as an unwanted position by the block. Therefore aspects of politi cal ideologies and intention have an effect on the geopolitical relations. In demographics, the profligacy of the United States has come under sharp criticism. This idea has become a central potential of exploitation of the Chinese in dealing with the trade with the American public. Leonard (2006) examines the roles of this demographic factor in the relations of trade created between the two partners. Its findings indicate that the American public has become extremely uncaring of their spending habits in the past that even led to the recession that occurred in the nation. As a result, this actor is a significant variable in examining the geopolitical relations that have to do with trade between the nations. The reason for its importance is related to the level of debt that China holds for the United States. This research study also claims that the height of debt that America hold in China is substantial and a major driver in the trade relations between the two states. The selection of the two main actors in this type of research is based on the ability to take a validity assessment and the reliability of a study. In any research, before making a generalization, the review of the measurement is taken. For instance, it would be important to review if all measurements of the information that is contained in the study is properly within the context and requirements of the same study. In this case, main geopolitical factors in the study will have to be tested for their validity and reliability in making generalization of the subject of discussion. This factor means that the actors will have to be listed within the sub-factors that indicate their face or content validity. The face validity of the actors includes factors that the researcher envisions in their study (Babbie 2010). The content validity is deeper in meaning and will cover the major conventional attributes that build or indicate the actor in research. Reliability, on the other hand, deals wi th the replication of the same study (Kibble 2011). Therefore, the selection of these two actors which are important aspects of the unit of study will be a stronger block in generating the sub-factors that will point to a more reliable and valid study. Selected case study The unit of analysis, in this case, is at country level. It would be important to select case studies with the same level of units of analysis. In looking at the geopolitical factors and their effects on the international trade with China, this study will select a case study based in the United States and a Scandinavian country or a developing country. This selection will aim at unveiling the difference in the geopolitical factors that favor or does not favor trade in the two countries. At a more specific level, a comparison of the main actors that are involved will be the main factor. This will aim at unveiling if the two main actors that have been identified by this research are valid or not. The choice of the United States in the geopolitical study is made mainly because the United States is a major trading partner of the Peoples Republic of China. Therefore, a study in the geopolitical aspects of the relation could make conclusive on the facts relating to the same. Another important aspect is to do with the Chinese economic system that is communist and the inclination towards the western democratic nations. It would be important here to see if the political aspects have anything to do with the level of trade that is generated between the United States and the Chinese counterparts. In conclusion, the choice of a unit of analysis has a significant bearing on the outcome of a research process. The main contribution of the fact is based on the identification and selection of the units. In a case of improper selection, the problems that are likely to arise are related to the fallacy of the outcome of the study. In ecological fallacy, the generalization of the outcome and the drivers of the same is the main concern. It would be inappropriate to make group conclusion of results as a representative of individual units of analysis and vice versa. In a study of this character, it is also important to review the validity and reliability issues. References Babbie, E. (2013). The basics of social research. Cengage Learning. Babbie, E. R. (2010). The practice of social research. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Cengage. Kibble, B. P. (2011). Reliability in Scientific Research: Improving the Dependability of Measurements, Calculations, Equipment, and Software, by IR Walker: Scope: review. Level: postgraduate, early career researcher, researcher, scientist, engineers. Contemporary Physics, 52(6), 615-616. Lewis-Beck, M., Bryman, A. E., Liao, T. F. (2003). The Sage encyclopedia of social science research methods. Sage Publications. Leonard, Andrew (2006), No More Treasury Bonds, Thank You, I’m Full: Is China Tired of Propping up the U.S. Economy?, 6 January, online: www.salon.com/technology/how_the_world_works/2006/01/06 /china_bonds> (17 May 2015). Riegl, M., In LandovskyÃÅ' , J. (2013). Strategic and geopolitical issues in the contemporary world.

Cold War :: essays research papers

Cold War My first inclination would be to answer the first question with a clear "YES". But come to think of it, the causes of war really have not changed at all, or at least very little. Rather than changes, there has been a shift in the causes. The cause of war which has dominated the last 50 years was the cause of ideology. However, due to the recent end of the Cold War, this cause of war, has significantly declined and is almost trivial. The causes of war have shifted from mainly ideological ones to economic, ethnic and others. Although these reasons have always played a role as causes of war throughout history, they were in the last 50 years overshadowed by the cause of ideology. Now, with ideology not on top of the agenda anymore, these causes have regained their importance. After the second World War the world was dominated by two superpowers; the USA and the USSR. The Cold War was a result of this division of power and of the important policy of spheres of influence. In the post WWII-era the Americans thought that the Russians were aiming to incorporate Western Europe (the US & British sphere of influence) into their sphere of influence (Eastern Europe) by supporting the communists in these countries. Their fears were enforced when a "coup substituted communist for coalition rule in Prague." (Calvocoressi, p.15)(even though this is an Eastern European Country, the fact that a coup was staged against a democratic government is reason enough to raise their fears). In this ideologically hostile environment the Cold War began. It was characterised by the arms race between the two superpowers who were eager to preserve their spheres of influence. Both developed such powerful weapons which were too dangerous to be used in practice, but which contributed to the feeling of security, because they acted as deterrent. (These weapons could be used "politically"[as deterrent] but not "militarily"[since they would bring complete annihilation].) "Each side armed itself to win a war which it expected the other to begin but for which it had no stomach and no plans." (Calvocoressi p.4) Europe was a very stable area in the post-WWII era. All the conflicts between the superpowers, were never directly between US and Soviet troops, but in these conflicts one superpower supported one side and the other one the other side. These were staged in the Middle-East, Africa, and Asia.

Europe’s Regions Demand `Power-Sharing` over GMO Crop Decision Essay

One of the issues being faced by the food and health authorities not only in Europe but worldwide is related to Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs.   The discovery of Genetically Modified Organisms has created enough waves not only in the scientific but also in the trade and social dynamics in the present era.   It had been the subject of social and scientific studies to determine both the benefits and the possible harm that it can brought about to the consumers. Primarily, the benefits that GMOs offer has enlighten the scientific world due to the fact that it involves the utilization of the genetic processes that were scientifically established.   It involves manipulative changes in the genetic make-up of an organism. These modifications or alterations in the systems of most crops and also animals enhance their ability to better survive in most environments.   Some of the genetically modified products are medicines, vaccines, foods and crops.   The main focus of the study is in relation to the GMOs in crop production and the benefits and disadvantages that it can brought about to the society and the surroundings as a whole (US Department of Energy Office of Science, 2004). In terms of the crops and crop production, GMOs have proposed benefits such as in relation to the palatability of the product.   Based on the study it improves the flavour of the food when eaten.   Another is in terms of the time of harvest GMOs can shorten the turn about time of the cycle of growth.     Thus, the profit generated from the production can be achieved at a shorter period of time which is beneficial to the farmers and the agricultural sector.   The GMOs are also can withstand ailments through their development. This can be equated to higher yield in farming which is also a positive effect to agriculture.   Aside from the abilities of the crops to grow in hard conditions it also lead to the development of new farming practices and methods (US Department of Energy Office of Science, 2004).   With regards to the social attributes the production of GMOs aims to alleviate the shortage in the food supplies and to fill in the market for the sources of products in the trade industries.   This can also mean that the scarcity in terms of the sources of nourishment can be eliminated.   Solutions to this problem can help a larger part of the society. In as much as it can offer these benefits, issues on GMOs arise.   This includes issues regarding different facets of the society, in relation to safety and health of the people, the basis of eligibility of use, the moral and the social aspects.   With regards to any technology introduced in the market, the primary issue reiterated is the security of the consumer in using such product.   Doubts regarding the possible effects of these products when taken in by the population were the major concern. Health hazards are being considered, thus, studies regarding this field are being conducted to established knowledge that can protect the public.   The possible effects in the environment are one of the concerns with regards to the production of these GM crops.   When these crops are grown and reproduced, the succeeding generations of these crops will then have the same altered genetic makeup.   In this case the ecological dynamics of the environmental system will be altered and the possible effects to other organisms will still have to be studied (US Department of Energy Office of Science, 2004; Atherton, 2002).   Having dim and unknown areas in the feasibility of use gives doubt to groups in the society. Due to the fact that the advent of the GMO crops is one of the scientific technologies of our time, questions in the production and use of these products are included in the major concerns of the population.   Like any other technology that is present in the society, it is mainly the industrialised and developed nations with the capability to for the purchase and even production of these GMO crops can use the technology, thus, leaving the developing countries lagging behind in the production of such products with high potential of manipulating the market and trade in particular. The possible effects again include the increased need for these countries for support from the established nation.   One of the supports that can be given by these developed nations is providing the most needed jobs which can be production.   This happens in most cases that the developing countries are the main site of production of large companies in the developed countries.   This causes harm to the resources of the developing nation due to the fact that they serve as the location of manufacture, thus, also wastes (US Department of Energy Office of Science, 2004). The issues related to ethics are another important aspect that is being affected by the production of GMO crops.   This is mainly involved in the interference in the natural conditions of the organism, specifically the crops.   In this case, the natural potential of the crops are not preserved.   This process of altering the genetic makeup of the organisms is beneficial in some aspects, but it is important to consider that the organisms are made with the balance of the positive and the negative traits. In this view, without the balance there would also be changes in the environment.   One issue which is related also caused these changes in the ecosystems is the fact that in most countries that propagate these GMO crops does not promulgate rules with regards to separating the GMO crops with the normal crops.   In this case the transfer of genes by reproduction is not regulated creating a different breed with unknown effects and that can out grow the ordinary crops (US Department of Energy Office of Science, 2004). Due to the fact that the production of GMO crops can propagate profits because of higher yield, the developed nations have increased interest in this technology.   In relation to the increasing effect of GMOs in the society, different advocacies arise with regards to the position that this technology and its potentials.   Most of the organisations move for the equal chances of the GMOs and quality agricultural products in the market.   This most specifically occurs in the European region. They demanded for the right to take part in the resolution of problems and issues in relation to the production and distribution of the GMO product specifically crops.   Due to the fact that GMOs are capable of mass production because of the benefits that was discussed earlier, they have more power in the market as compared to the traditional and natural crops that are produced.   There had been an increasing distribution of GMOs due to the promotion conducted by developed countries but most European countries on the other hand are promoting GMO-free regions. The organisations that are actively moving for the solutions of issues regarding GMOs are the Assembly of European Regions and Friends of the Earth Europe.   Their movement is on the basis of the realized need of the European nation to have equal chances and competition with the GMOs.   This is in relation to the fair competition between genetically modified crops, conventional crops and products of organic farming.   Even other countries are posing for the termination of distribution of GMOs in their respective nations. The main objective of these organizations includes the protection of the environments and every components of the ecosystem.   The in-depth study of the possible effects of the technologies introduced in the public is another concern of these groups.   Upon the study of these effects, the safety of the population and the ways of maintaining security is another.   Objectives of these groups also include the continuous promotion and propagation of the traditional non-GMO crops.   This ensures that the trade of the European products with less competition from the GMOs will propagate.   The production of the genetically modified crops also affected the economy and the market dynamics in Europe, thus, one aim of these advocacies is to prevent any detrimental effect of these products to the progress on the country’s farming industries that receive the hardest blow.    Also, through the participation of the countries in the European region, the organization aim for counteracting the effects of pollution such as pesticides by having the responsible groups to pay for the damage incurred and even the possible profits for the harvest of the crops grown in the conventional way.   The freedom to decide the target market of the crops produced is another aim of the advocacy of these groups.   With this includes the decision making process in the methods to be applied in the propagation of the traditional crops.   This process includes the freedom to deter the growing and farming of GMO crops. And lastly is the determination and safeguarding of sources of crops that are grown.   The seeds that are distributed be identified to be able to separate the GMO and the non-GMO crops.   These objectives deem to lessen if not fully eliminate the propagation of the GMO crops in the market (Friends of the Earth Europe, 2005).   Also, the creation of a unified system is to be able to give reactions to the issues being faced by the European nations.   Having representation for every nation and country in the European nation will enable a faster communication and consensus regarding matters related to the safety, quality of products distributed to the population and the effects in the national economy and that for the whole region. Based on the objectives of the movement the movements that advocate the termination of GMO crop production, there has been a case filed in the WTO regarding issues on GMO.   This is on the bases of the following notions.   First is the request for the increase in the capacity of the consumers to decide on the products that would be purchased.   In relation to this, it is important that the variety of products is available in the market.   In cases wherein the GMO crops have higher yield, it can be related to a higher availability in the market.   This shows an increase responsibility that is given to the consumers to decide on their own. Another notion is the establishment of a main body and authority that can regulate the dynamics that is related to the production and propagation of GMO crops in the market.   In this case, the aside from the responsibility given to the population to decide on their own, there is a standard organization that can show the way to the public and help them in the establishment of the choices that they are making regarding the products, specifically the food supply (Sem, & Andersen, 2003).   It has been viewed that the assault that the US addressed to the EU is on the basis of taking the side of science or the technological view with regards to control in the decision making process on issues relating to GMO crops (Toke, 2004). The trend in the society with regards to the introduction of technologies is based mainly in the scientific field.   In this matter, it can be supposed that scientific decision making process has a great influence in the dynamics of the market processes.   In this matter, a great control of the factors that affect the society can be attributed to science.   This has certain disadvantages because the process in science is mainly based on knowledge that is continuously developing, thus, greater and comprehensive study must be conducted in the introduction of new discoveries in the population, such as GMO crops.   This on the basis, that these products affect every aspect of the society and human being (Lafond, 2001). The decision making process in relation to the scientific technologies such as the production of GMOs can be included in the trend that is occurring in the society with regards to the shifting of the problems in the science being related to politics.   This is exhibited by the need for in organization of the sectors involved in the issues on GMOs.   The position being played by science in the issues of GM crops is in relation to the shifting of the importance of science to the influence in political issues in the society.   The nations in the European nations are seeking to be included in the decision making process regarding GMOs. This can be related to the notion that the dispersion of these products is being conducted by powerful factions and organizations in the society, thus, they seek to have a more democratic decision making process wherein they can participate.   They view on the need for the deregulation of the power of science to introduce technologies on the basis of the possible danger that it can brought about to the population. On the other hand, an opposing notion fights for the position of science as an authority in projects that can benefit the people.   Some on the other hand view, that there cannot be a demarcation that can set the issues straight on the basis of just pro and against the GMO technology.   As any other technology applied and being used by the population, it involves a complex interplay of the different factors such as the effects in the society, in governance, in the trade and commercial aspects and most importantly in the cultural aspects that defined the norm of the people (Toke, 2004). In issues such as this which involves the feasibility of a technological discovery for use by the general population, it is important to consider every possible effect on all aspects of the society.   This is due to the fact that once the knowledge such as the cultivation and proliferation of GMO crops in the society.   There is no turning back.   It can alter every aspect that includes every the genetic composition of the every organism and even human. Based on comparative study on the propagation of the GMO technology in the US and EU it was determined that there are certain factors that affect the differences in the decisions regarding the issue.   One reason is the differences in the view of the two regions regarding the issue.   The US policies are basically more on the promotion of the technological advances in their region while on the other hand the EU deemed that the outlook of the cooperating nations, sectors and population is important with regards to the standardization and use of such technologies.   Another factor is the differences in the impact of the environmental effects to these two regions. The environmental issues of any introduced technology have greater effects to the leaders of the EU as compared to US.   Another important factor is the occurrence of the crisis of BSE that lead to the establishment of the European Food Authority.   With this occurrence, the European region had been determined to prevent another occurrence of a major crisis that will affect the health of the population (Lafond 2001).   Another factor that can be attributed to the non-GMO propagation in the European region is the importance that is being given to the quality of the crops that are being produced in the market.   This is based on cultural aspects of the people and the norms that are set in the region (Toke, 2004). In the move to have a fair consideration with regards to the matters concerning the GMO crops, the Council of the European Communities advices two scenarios.   It is either the termination of the propagation of the GMO crops or their purposeful distribution in the surroundings.   The dispersal of the GMO crops is conducted to be the basis of the research process that will follow. The results of the study will serve as the basis for the decisions regarding GMOs.   This is the case although is divergence in the objectives of the different sectors of the society (Szczepanik, 1993).   This is only one of the possible ways of participating in the decision process regarding the issues in the society specifically that related to the food industry which can greatly affect the health of the population. With regards to any issues in the society, it is an important consideration that there exists an organization that will serve as an authority in the decision making process related to the application of any technology in the society.   Although this is the case, the representation of the different sectors of the society is essential to be able to give the possible effects in relation to their respective regions. The consensus of the member nations is important in such an organization.   The establishment of this organization needs the cooperation of the nations in the European region.   Based on the cases studied though, these region works for a GMO-free nation, thus, the movement that is needed to be made is regarding data gathering that can support the notion that was chosen. The consciousness of the society and the leaders of every nation that belongs in the European Union is important in the establishment and decision making not only in issues regarding the genetically modified organisms but also in other issues that can arise that may endanger the safety of the public and the nature as well.   Thus, cooperation is detrimental in the process. References Atherton, K. (2002) Genetically modified crops  : Assessing safety.   London  : Taylor & Francis. Friends of the Earth Europe (2006) The genetic contamination organic agriculture in Europe.   Biotech Mailout. Friends of the Earth Europe (2005) Safeguarding sustainable European agriculture. Assembly of European Regions.   Available from  : [Accessed 15 June 2006] Lafond, F.   (2001) The creation of European Food Authority  : Institutional implications of risk regulation.   European Issues, 10. Lafond, F.   (2005) Towards a European bioethics policy? Institutional structuring and political responses.   Health governance in Europe: Issues, challenges and theories.   London, Routledge, 2005 Sem, SW & Andersen, L. (2003) Concerting US’ WTO case against the EU moratorium on GMO.   The US Embassy in Norway  : Norwegian Foreign Affairs.   Available online from  : [Accessed 15 June 2006] Stenzel, P. (2002) Why and how the World Trade Organization must promote environmental protection.   Duke University, School of Law  : Gale Group. Szczepanik, V. (1993) Regulation of biotechnology in the European community.   Law and Policy in International Business, 24 (2), p. 617-646. Toke, D.   (2004) The Politics of GM food  : A comparative study of the UK, USA and EU.   New York  : Routledge. US Department of Energy Office of Science (2004) Genetically modified foods and organisms [online].   USA  : US Department of Energy.   Available from  : [Accessed 15 June 2006]   

WWII Death Marches From Concentration Camps

Late in the war, the tide had turned against the Germans. The Soviet Red Army was reclaiming territory as they pushed the Germans back. As the Red Army was heading for Poland, the Nazis needed to hide their crimes. Mass graves were dug up and the bodies burned. The camps were evacuated. Documents were destroyed. The prisoners who were taken from the camps were sent on what became known as Death Marches (Todesmà ¤rsche). Some of these groups were marched hundreds of miles. The prisoners were given little to no food and little to no shelter. Any prisoner who lagged behind or who tried to escape was shot. Evacuation By July 1944, Soviet troops had reached the border of Poland. Although the Nazis had attempted to destroy evidence, in Majdanek (a concentration and extermination camp just outside of Lublin on the Polish border), the Soviet Army captured the camp nearly intact. Almost immediately, a Polish-Soviet Nazi Crimes Investigation Commission was established. The Red Army continued to move through Poland. The Nazis started to evacuate and destroy their concentration camps from east to west. The first major death march was the evacuation of approximately 3,600 prisoners from a camp on Gesia Street in Warsaw (a satellite of the Majdanek camp). These prisoners were forced to march over 80 miles in order to reach Kutno. About 2,600 survived to see Kutno. The prisoners who were still alive were packed onto trains, where several hundred more died. Out of the 3,600 original marchers, less than 2,000 reached Dachau 12 days later. On the Road When the prisoners were evacuated, they werent told where they were going. Many wondered whether they going out to a field to be shot. Would it be better to try to escape now? How far would they be marching? The SS organized the prisoners into rows  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  usually five across  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  and into a large column. The guards were on the outside of the long column, with some in the lead, some on the sides, and a few in the rear. The column was forced to march  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  often at a run. For prisoners who were already starved, weak, and ill, the march was an incredible burden. An hour would go by. They kept on marching. Another hour would go by. The marching continued. As some prisoners could no longer march, they would fall behind. The SS guards in the rear of the column would shoot anyone who stopped to rest or collapsed. Elie Wiesel Recounts I was putting one foot in front of the other mechanically. I was dragging with me this skeletal body which weighed so much. If only I could have got rid of it! In spite of my efforts not to think about it, I could feel myself as two entities  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  my body and me. I hated it. (Elie Wiesel) The marches took prisoners on back roads and through towns. Isabella Leitner Remembers I have a curious, unreal feeling. One of almost being part of the grayish dusk of the town. But again, of course, you will not find a single German who lived in Prauschnitz who ever saw a single one of us. Still, we were there, hungry, in rags, our eyes screaming for food. And no one heard us. We ate the smell of smoked meats reaching our nostrils, blowing our way from the various shops. Please, our eyes screamed, give us the bone your dog has finished gnawing. Help us live. You wear coats and gloves just like human beings do. Arent you human beings? What is underneath your coats? (Isabella Leitner) Surviving the Holocaust Many of the evacuations occurred during the winter. From Auschwitz, 66,000 prisoners were evacuated on January 18, 1945. At the end of January 1945, 45,000 prisoners were evacuated from Stutthof and its satellite camps. In the cold and snow, these prisoners were forced to march. In some cases, the prisoners marched for a long duration and were then loaded onto trains or boats. Elie Wiesel, Holocaust Survivor We were given no food. We lived on snow; it took the place of bread. The days were like nights, and the nights left the dregs of their darkness in our souls. The train was traveling slowly, often stopping for several hours and then setting off again. It never ceased snowing. All through these days and nights we stayed crouching, one on top of the other, never speaking a word. We were no more than frozen bodies. Our eyes closed, we waited merely for the next stop, so that we could unload our dead. (Elie Wiesel)

WWII Death Marches From Concentration Camps

Late in the war, the tide had turned against the Germans. The Soviet Red Army was reclaiming territory as they pushed the Germans back. As the Red Army was heading for Poland, the Nazis needed to hide their crimes. Mass graves were dug up and the bodies burned. The camps were evacuated. Documents were destroyed. The prisoners who were taken from the camps were sent on what became known as Death Marches (Todesmà ¤rsche). Some of these groups were marched hundreds of miles. The prisoners were given little to no food and little to no shelter. Any prisoner who lagged behind or who tried to escape was shot. Evacuation By July 1944, Soviet troops had reached the border of Poland. Although the Nazis had attempted to destroy evidence, in Majdanek (a concentration and extermination camp just outside of Lublin on the Polish border), the Soviet Army captured the camp nearly intact. Almost immediately, a Polish-Soviet Nazi Crimes Investigation Commission was established. The Red Army continued to move through Poland. The Nazis started to evacuate and destroy their concentration camps from east to west. The first major death march was the evacuation of approximately 3,600 prisoners from a camp on Gesia Street in Warsaw (a satellite of the Majdanek camp). These prisoners were forced to march over 80 miles in order to reach Kutno. About 2,600 survived to see Kutno. The prisoners who were still alive were packed onto trains, where several hundred more died. Out of the 3,600 original marchers, less than 2,000 reached Dachau 12 days later. On the Road When the prisoners were evacuated, they werent told where they were going. Many wondered whether they going out to a field to be shot. Would it be better to try to escape now? How far would they be marching? The SS organized the prisoners into rows  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  usually five across  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  and into a large column. The guards were on the outside of the long column, with some in the lead, some on the sides, and a few in the rear. The column was forced to march  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  often at a run. For prisoners who were already starved, weak, and ill, the march was an incredible burden. An hour would go by. They kept on marching. Another hour would go by. The marching continued. As some prisoners could no longer march, they would fall behind. The SS guards in the rear of the column would shoot anyone who stopped to rest or collapsed. Elie Wiesel Recounts I was putting one foot in front of the other mechanically. I was dragging with me this skeletal body which weighed so much. If only I could have got rid of it! In spite of my efforts not to think about it, I could feel myself as two entities  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  my body and me. I hated it. (Elie Wiesel) The marches took prisoners on back roads and through towns. Isabella Leitner Remembers I have a curious, unreal feeling. One of almost being part of the grayish dusk of the town. But again, of course, you will not find a single German who lived in Prauschnitz who ever saw a single one of us. Still, we were there, hungry, in rags, our eyes screaming for food. And no one heard us. We ate the smell of smoked meats reaching our nostrils, blowing our way from the various shops. Please, our eyes screamed, give us the bone your dog has finished gnawing. Help us live. You wear coats and gloves just like human beings do. Arent you human beings? What is underneath your coats? (Isabella Leitner) Surviving the Holocaust Many of the evacuations occurred during the winter. From Auschwitz, 66,000 prisoners were evacuated on January 18, 1945. At the end of January 1945, 45,000 prisoners were evacuated from Stutthof and its satellite camps. In the cold and snow, these prisoners were forced to march. In some cases, the prisoners marched for a long duration and were then loaded onto trains or boats. Elie Wiesel, Holocaust Survivor We were given no food. We lived on snow; it took the place of bread. The days were like nights, and the nights left the dregs of their darkness in our souls. The train was traveling slowly, often stopping for several hours and then setting off again. It never ceased snowing. All through these days and nights we stayed crouching, one on top of the other, never speaking a word. We were no more than frozen bodies. Our eyes closed, we waited merely for the next stop, so that we could unload our dead. (Elie Wiesel)

WWII Death Marches From Concentration Camps

Late in the war, the tide had turned against the Germans. The Soviet Red Army was reclaiming territory as they pushed the Germans back. As the Red Army was heading for Poland, the Nazis needed to hide their crimes. Mass graves were dug up and the bodies burned. The camps were evacuated. Documents were destroyed. The prisoners who were taken from the camps were sent on what became known as Death Marches (Todesmà ¤rsche). Some of these groups were marched hundreds of miles. The prisoners were given little to no food and little to no shelter. Any prisoner who lagged behind or who tried to escape was shot. Evacuation By July 1944, Soviet troops had reached the border of Poland. Although the Nazis had attempted to destroy evidence, in Majdanek (a concentration and extermination camp just outside of Lublin on the Polish border), the Soviet Army captured the camp nearly intact. Almost immediately, a Polish-Soviet Nazi Crimes Investigation Commission was established. The Red Army continued to move through Poland. The Nazis started to evacuate and destroy their concentration camps from east to west. The first major death march was the evacuation of approximately 3,600 prisoners from a camp on Gesia Street in Warsaw (a satellite of the Majdanek camp). These prisoners were forced to march over 80 miles in order to reach Kutno. About 2,600 survived to see Kutno. The prisoners who were still alive were packed onto trains, where several hundred more died. Out of the 3,600 original marchers, less than 2,000 reached Dachau 12 days later. On the Road When the prisoners were evacuated, they werent told where they were going. Many wondered whether they going out to a field to be shot. Would it be better to try to escape now? How far would they be marching? The SS organized the prisoners into rows  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  usually five across  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  and into a large column. The guards were on the outside of the long column, with some in the lead, some on the sides, and a few in the rear. The column was forced to march  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  often at a run. For prisoners who were already starved, weak, and ill, the march was an incredible burden. An hour would go by. They kept on marching. Another hour would go by. The marching continued. As some prisoners could no longer march, they would fall behind. The SS guards in the rear of the column would shoot anyone who stopped to rest or collapsed. Elie Wiesel Recounts I was putting one foot in front of the other mechanically. I was dragging with me this skeletal body which weighed so much. If only I could have got rid of it! In spite of my efforts not to think about it, I could feel myself as two entities  Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã‚  my body and me. I hated it. (Elie Wiesel) The marches took prisoners on back roads and through towns. Isabella Leitner Remembers I have a curious, unreal feeling. One of almost being part of the grayish dusk of the town. But again, of course, you will not find a single German who lived in Prauschnitz who ever saw a single one of us. Still, we were there, hungry, in rags, our eyes screaming for food. And no one heard us. We ate the smell of smoked meats reaching our nostrils, blowing our way from the various shops. Please, our eyes screamed, give us the bone your dog has finished gnawing. Help us live. You wear coats and gloves just like human beings do. Arent you human beings? What is underneath your coats? (Isabella Leitner) Surviving the Holocaust Many of the evacuations occurred during the winter. From Auschwitz, 66,000 prisoners were evacuated on January 18, 1945. At the end of January 1945, 45,000 prisoners were evacuated from Stutthof and its satellite camps. In the cold and snow, these prisoners were forced to march. In some cases, the prisoners marched for a long duration and were then loaded onto trains or boats. Elie Wiesel, Holocaust Survivor We were given no food. We lived on snow; it took the place of bread. The days were like nights, and the nights left the dregs of their darkness in our souls. The train was traveling slowly, often stopping for several hours and then setting off again. It never ceased snowing. All through these days and nights we stayed crouching, one on top of the other, never speaking a word. We were no more than frozen bodies. Our eyes closed, we waited merely for the next stop, so that we could unload our dead. (Elie Wiesel)