The Controversy of 1915
Analyzing some of the differences between Turkey and Armenia
What are we doing today?
Well, since I am not there, you folks will be taking some time to explore the differences between the historical perspective of Turkish supporters compared to Armenian supporters when discussing the events around the 1915 removal of the Armenian peoples.
- Create a T-chart or some kind of organizer to help you record the main points presented by each side.
- Watch the clips and read the articles. Write down some of the arguments raised by each side.
- Compare the two lists. One which points do they differ?
- How does each side support their argument?
The Armenian Side
We already know more about this side as this is the one most widely accepted by scholars, historians and politicians. However, it's always good to add to your knowledge about this perspective so here is a primary source link to a statement made by U.S. Ambassador Henry Morgenthau.
Read the excerpt. Think about how Morgenthau describes the situation in the Ottoman Empire. http://www.armenian-genocide.org/statement_morgenthau.html
So what does Turkey have to say?
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the government of Turkey do not glorify the Young Turks, or deny that the Armenians were removed, but they still do not acknowledge the events of 1915 as "genocide".
Check out this link to gain some insight into the Turkish perspective.
Consolidation
To help bring this all together, here is a short clip from CBS' 60 Minutes in which reporter Bob Simon travels to Deir Zor, Syria to learn about the Armenian removal.
So What Do We Do With All This Information?
Compare the two sides. Look at the evidence presented. Feel free to look for more information on your own to help you decide if what happened to the Armenian peoples meets the criteria to be considered genocide.
Two more questions to ponder:
- How do we uncover the truth?
- Is it even possible?