The Armenian Genocide

Armenian Genocide Throughout history, instances of religious groups turning to violence or being victimized for their religion have unfortunately occurred. The most prominent instance of this that immediately comes to mind for most is the Holocaust, where millions of Jews were killed by the Germans, led by Adolf Hitler (Kévorkian 8). Many have not been educated to the fact that there have been many other significant genocides within the last one hundred years based on religious violence, one being the Armenian Genocide (United 3). Although not so nearly well known as the Holocaust, this genocide was every bit as horrible. Looking in depth at the Armenian Genocide of 1915, one will see the gruesome and atrocious actions of the Ottoman Empire
Miller explains that “the experience of caravan members seems to have depended greatly on the attitude of gendarmes who were escorting them” (78). He explains that some people were slaughtered during those rides while others remained untouched (Miller 79). This is a prime example of how the violence was not only a general movement of the Muslims, but how it may have varied between different scenarios. It may be possible that some involved in the killing of the Armenians were not completely evil, but felt pressured by those in command. Some people may have acted inappropriately due to fear that if they stood up for themselves and their beliefs, they may be heartlessly slaughtered just like the Armenians. Cases of religious violence are often largely due to opinionated and forceful people who may convince others to act unjustly by brainwashing them or scaring them. Although there is not one specified leader who caused the Armenian genocide, this is still seen in other instances such as Adolf Hitler and his influence on the
Again, many will ask, why? Why would the Muslims think that the solution to their problems with the Christians would be the extermination of them? Why did the Turkish people kill people by the hundreds and still feel no remorse if they believe in sinning? Whether it be due to fear or hatred, the acts of violence committed by the Muslim people of the empire changed the lives of many and most times cannot be justified or explained. The Armenian Genocide is proof that religious violence has occurred over the last one hundred years, despite the advances made in the world. People in today’s society should look to the Armenian Genocide to see the atrocities and learn from them, so that as the world develops we can act more justly and treat people equally, regardless of their religious