Rachel’s Post

QUESTIONS 1 AND 2

I've been a soldier in the Alexander’s army for 12 years. It has caused me to be away from my family for years at a time, but it’s been worth it. Alexander is a brilliant general and has helped to strengthen Macedonia’s empire and military.

I fought for 7 years as a soldier. It is always difficult to be in the army, but Alexander makes it as rewarding as possible. He is the best military figure to be under. He strategized so that the least amount of soldiers possible would perish.  The main way that he did this was the phalanx formation. Philip created this, but Alexander continued this military tactic. A phalanx formation is when Macedonian men would line up armed with long battering rams. He would charge the enemy, causing them to panic. Then he would follow with cavalry. The 7 years that I was a soldier were an amazing experience.

But the years that would follow were even better. I was moved to a post as a guard for the city of Alexandria. Alexandria was a cultural melting pot. Whenever he conquered a land or country, he would let them keep their current culture. This is what created Hellenistic culture. Hellenistic culture combined Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian cultures. This was the cultures of all the countries that Alexander has conquered. Hellenistic culture was the most prominent in Alexandria, where I was fortunately stationed. Trade increased and this helped the city. The blending of cultures that took place was truly remarkable. Alexander is the only leader to have accomplished this, which is why he is truly great.

The blending of cultures helped Alexander to expand his empire. It also made it much easier on the soldiers. Alexandria became an international community. The diverse population reached over half a million. I got to see all of this first-hand as a soldier guarding the city. People were drawn to Alexandria because of this, therefore allowing other countries to be willing to be part of Alexander’s empire.

Alexander is a truly great leader. He blended the cultures of lands he conquered in a way never done before. I witnessed this and can attest to the fact that he is truly remarkable.

QUESTION 3

            Alexander is one of the most influential historical figures of all time. This is why he is referred to as “Alexander the Great”. However, many other historical figures had just as much influence as he did. Hitler was one of these leaders.

            Hitler was considered a great leader, but time has changed this opinion. He was considered great because he was able to get the entire country of Germany and many other surrounding countries to believe that Jews were dirt and filth. He was able to ship them off to work camps and do with them whatever he wished with little protest from citizens. He was the man of the year in Time Magazine in the year of 1938. He was able to control and lead people as well as Alexander.

            Time has changed this opinion though. We can now look back and see that he cost millions of people their lives in labor, work, and concentration camps. We see now that he was just brainwashing others to believe in his opinions.

            Alexander was a great leader, and Hitler was also. They were both able to gain public support and lead their respective countries in a prosperous way.

Works Cited

       

1. Hellenistic Greece. A&E Television Networks, LLC. Web. http://www.history.com/topics/hellenistic-greece. 16 September 2013.

2. Alexander the Great. History of Macedonia Blog. 2011. Web. http://www.historyofmacedonia.org/AncientMacedonia/AlexandertheGreat.html. 17 September 2013.

3. Wars of Alexander the Great: Battle of the Granicus. John R. Mixter. Web. http://www.historynet.com/wars-of-alexander-the-great-battle-of-the-granicus.htm. 17 September 2013.

4. Alexander the Great. Jed Untereker, James Kossuth, Bill Kelsey. Web.  wso.williams.edu. 20 September 2013.

5. Mcdougal,Holt. “World History: Patterns of of Interaction”. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006.Print.

6. Nardo,Don. Lost Civilizations: The Ancient Greeks. San Diego: Lucent Books, 2001. Print.

7. Sacks,David. Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 1995. Print.

8. Wepman, Dennis, and Arthur M. Schlesinger, jr. World Leaders, Past & Present, ALEXANDER. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Print.

9. Knox, E.L Skip. "Alexander the Great." Alexander the Great. Boise State University, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.

10. Mason, Moya K. Alexander the Great and the Persian King Darius, Battle of the Issus River. JPEG File.