HIS 100 Project
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
100
Subject
History
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by BaronInternet10567
HIS 100 Project Template(1)HIS 100 Project Template
Use this template to address the steps in your Project Guidelines and Rubric. Replace the bracketed text with your responses. Ensure that you have considered your instructor’s feedback when revising your work. Proofread the entire document before submitting.
Part 1: Creating a Research Question
1.
Describe how your assumptions, beliefs, and values influenced your choice of topic.
My interest in climate change and its impact on the environment led me to choose the topic of Chernobyl and its effects on climate change. I have always been concerned about the consequences of human activities on the natural world and believe that the Chernobyl disaster is
one of the most significant environmental disasters in human history. I wanted to learn more about how this disaster affected the environment and how it relates to climate change. My beliefs about the importance of preserving the environment for future generations also influenced my choice of topic.
2.
Discuss the significance of your historical research question in relation to your current event.
a.
Research question: What measures can be taken to address the issue of iodine deficiency in soils in areas affected by the Chernobyl disaster, and how can this contribute to reducing the incidence of thyroid gland diseases in the affected population?
The significance of my historical research question concerning the current event of wildfires in Ukraine lies in understanding the long-term effects of environmental disasters on the affected population. The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred over 30 years ago, still impacts the people's health in the affected areas. One of the consequences of the catastrophe is iodine deficiency in soils, which has led to an increased incidence of thyroid gland diseases among the population.
In the current wildfires in Ukraine, the smoke and ash from the fires may exacerbate the health problems of the people living in the affected areas, including those with thyroid gland diseases. Therefore, it is vital to address the issue of iodine deficiency in soils to reduce the incidence of thyroid gland diseases and mitigate the impact of wildfires on the population's health. Understanding the historical roots of this issue can inform the development of effective measures to address it in the present day.
3.
Explain how you used sources to finalize your research question.
To finalize my research question, I used a variety of sources, such as academic journals, government reports, and news articles. These sources helped me gain a deeper understanding of
the issue of iodine deficiency in soils in areas affected by the Chernobyl disaster and its impact on the affected population's health. I also consulted with environmental science and public 1
health experts to ensure that my research question was relevant and feasible. By gathering information from different sources and experts, I formulated a research question that is both focused and meaningful.
Part 2: Building Context to Address Questions
1.
Describe the context of your historical event that influenced your current event.
The Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, when a nuclear power plant in Ukraine suffered a catastrophic explosion and fire. The disaster released large amounts of radioactive materials into the atmosphere, contaminating the surrounding area and causing widespread health and environmental effects. The immediate impact of the disaster was devastating, with over 30 people killed in the explosion and fire. However, the disaster's long-
term impact on the environment and human health has been even more significant, with many people in the affected areas suffering from long-term health problems such as cancer, thyroid gland diseases, and other illnesses.
The environmental legacy of the Chernobyl disaster has influenced the current wildfires in Ukraine. The area around Chernobyl is still contaminated with radioactive materials, and the wildfires have released some of these materials into the atmosphere, posing a risk to the health of people in the area. The wildfires have also been fueled by the dry and hot weather conditions linked to climate change. The relationship between the Chernobyl disaster and the current event
of wildfires in Ukraine highlights the long-term impact of environmental disasters and the need for effective measures to address them.
4.
Describe a historical figure or group’s participation in your historical event.
One of the most notable groups involved in the Chernobyl disaster was the emergency response team led by Colonel General Nikolai Antoshkin. Antoshkin was a Soviet Air Force pilot who had previously flown missions in Afghanistan. His team was responsible for responding to the disaster and trying to contain the spread of radiation. They flew helicopters over the plant to dump sand and boron on the burning reactor and later helped to build the concrete sarcophagus
that covered the damaged reactor. Antoshkin and his team put their lives at risk to prevent the disaster from escalating further, and their efforts have been widely praised.
5.
Explain the historical figure or group’s motivation to participate in your historical event
.
Colonel General Nikolai Antoshkin and his team were motivated to participate in the response to
the Chornobyl disaster because of their sense of duty to their country and their fellow citizens. They understood the severity of the situation and the potential consequences of the disaster if it
was not contained quickly. As experienced pilots and military personnel, they were uniquely qualified to respond to the crisis and use their skills in their country's service. Despite the risks to
their health and safety, they worked tirelessly to contain the spread of radiation and prevent further damage to the surrounding area. Their motivation was rooted in a deep sense of 2
responsibility and commitment to their fellow citizens, and their efforts played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the disaster.
Part 3: Examining How Bias Impacts Narrative
1.
Describe a narrative you identified while researching the history of your historical event.
While researching the history of the Chernobyl disaster, I identified a scientific narrative highlighting the importance of understanding the effects of radiation on the environment and human health. The disaster released large amounts of radioactive materials into the atmosphere, contaminating the surrounding area and causing widespread health and environmental effects. The long-term impact of the disaster on the environment and human health has been significant, with many people in the affected areas suffering from long-term health problems such as cancer, thyroid gland diseases, and other illnesses. The scientific narrative emphasizes the need to study and understand the long-term effects of environmental disasters like Chernobyl to prevent similar tragedies from occurring and mitigate their impact on human health and the environment. It also underscores the importance of developing effective measures to prevent and respond to environmental disasters, such as improving safety standards
and emergency response procedures for nuclear power plants.
6.
Articulate how biased perspectives presented in primary and secondary sources influence what is known or unknown about history.
The perspectives presented in primary and secondary sources can significantly influence what is known or unknown about history. Biased perspectives can lead to certain aspects of history needing to be emphasized or addressed, creating gaps in our understanding of historical events. Primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and photographs, can be particularly susceptible to biased perspectives since they often reflect the author's experiences and opinions.
For example, a primary source written by a soldier who fought in a war may present a biased perspective of the war based on the author's experiences. The soldier may have witnessed a specific event that shaped their perspective of the war, leading them to present a skewed version of the event in their writing. Similarly, secondary sources such as history books and academic journals can offer biased perspectives, depending on the author's beliefs or political affiliations.
When examining historical events, it is crucial to consider the source's perspective and the context in which it was created. Analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives can help paint a more comprehensive picture of historical events and provide a more accurate understanding of the past. It is also essential to consider the credibility of the sources and the biases that may be present, as some sources may be more reliable than others. By acknowledging and addressing biased perspectives in primary and secondary sources, we can work towards a more complete and nuanced understanding of history.
7.
Identify the perspectives that you think are missing from your historical event’s narrative.
3
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Although the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath have been widely documented, several perspectives still need to be added to its narrative. One perspective that is often overlooked is that of the people who lived in the affected areas and their experiences of the disaster and its aftermath. Many of these people were forced to evacuate their homes and leave their belongings and communities behind. The trauma and disruption caused by the disaster profoundly impacted their lives, yet their voices are often absent from the historical record.
Another perspective that needs to be added to the narrative is that of the environmental and public health experts who have been studying the long-term impact of the disaster on the environment and human health. These experts have been working to understand the disaster's complex environmental and health effects and develop effective strategies to mitigate its impact.
Their research and insights are critical to understanding the full scope of the disaster and its ongoing impact on the affected communities.
Finally, the perspectives of the international community and the global response to the disaster are also often overlooked. The Chernobyl disaster was a global event that had far-reaching implications beyond the borders of Ukraine and the Soviet Union. The tragedy highlighted the risks and dangers of nuclear power and spurred efforts to promote international cooperation on nuclear safety and disaster response. Understanding the global response to the disaster is critical
to understanding its broader significance and impact.
Part 4: Connecting the Past With the Present
1.
Explain how researching its historical roots helped improve your understanding of your current event.
Researching the historical roots of the Chernobyl disaster helped me better understand its current impact and the need for effective measures to address it. By studying the events leading up to the disaster and its aftermath, I gained insight into the long-term environmental and health effects of the disaster on the affected population. This understanding helped me see the relevance of the disaster to current events, such as the wildfires in Ukraine, and the need to address the underlying causes of these events. Furthermore, researching the historical roots of the disaster helped me identify gaps in my knowledge and understanding of the issue, leading me to consider new perspectives and approaches to addressing the issue. Overall, researching the historical roots of the Chernobyl disaster improved my understanding of the issue and its current relevance, enabling me to develop more informed and effective solutions to address it.
8.
Articulate how questioning your assumptions, beliefs, and values may benefit you as an individual.
Questioning one's assumptions, beliefs, and values can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them and challenge their biases and prejudices. By questioning one's assumptions,
beliefs, and values, individuals can become more open-minded and receptive to new ideas and perspectives, leading to greater empathy and understanding of others.
Additionally, questioning one's assumptions, beliefs, and values can help individuals identify and overcome limiting beliefs that may hold them back in their personal or professional lives. It can 4
help individuals break free from self-imposed limitations, take risks, and pursue new opportunities they may have previously thought impossible.
9.
Discuss how being a more historically informed citizen may help you understand contemporary issues.
Being a more historically informed citizen can help individuals understand contemporary issues in several ways. First, it provides a broader perspective on current events by revealing their historical roots. By understanding the historical context of contemporary issues, individuals can appreciate the complexity of the problems and the multiple factors that contributed to their emergence. This can help individuals avoid simplistic solutions that overlook the underlying causes of the issues.
Second, historical knowledge can provide insights into the effectiveness of different policies and approaches to addressing contemporary issues. By studying the outcomes of past policies and interventions, individuals can better understand what works and what does not. This can inform the development of more effective policies and interventions grounded in evidence and experience.
Third, historical knowledge can help individuals appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences shaping contemporary issues. By studying the history of different communities and groups, individuals can better understand their struggles, aspirations, and contributions. This can help individuals to recognize and address the social, economic, and political inequalities that underlie many contemporary issues.
Overall, being a more historically informed citizen can help individuals become more engaged, informed, and responsible members of their communities. It can enable them to make more informed decisions, advocate for more effective policies, and contribute to building a more just and equitable society.
Reference:
5
Forest fires erupt around Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine; Ukrainian authorities say Russian control of the plant is hampering efforts to control the blazes. (2022, March 22). The Guardian (London, England). https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/ps/retrieve.do?
tabID=News&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=MultiTab&retrievalId
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9669c032f555&hitCount=1&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=1&do
cId=GALE
%7CA697870266&docType=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=ZGIC&prodId=
OVIC&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE
%7CA697870266&searchId=R2&userGroupName=nhc_main&inPS=true
Korobova, E. M., Romanov, S. L., Silenok, A. V., Kurnosova, I. V., Chesalova, E. I., & Beriozkin, V. Y. (2014). Iodine deficiency in soils and evaluation of its impact on thyroid gland diseases in areas subjected to contamination after the Chernobyl accident. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 142, 82–93. https://doi-
org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1016/j.gexplo.2014.02.028
Morrey, M., Brown, J., Williams, J. A., Crick, M. J., Simmonds, J. R., & Hill, M. D. (1987). A preliminary assessment of the radiological impact of the Chernobyl reactor accident on the population of the European Community. http://aei.pitt.edu/35710/
http://aei.pitt.edu/35710/1/A1962.pdf
United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of atomic radiation. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. (n.d.). https://mfa.gov.by/en/mulateral/organization/list/d0f4c9dee4b7e73e.html#:~:text=of
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. Kramer, A. E. (2021, January 17). Nikolai Antoshkin, who helped halt Chernobyl disaster, dies at 78. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/17/world/europe/russia-antoshkin-chernobyl-
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