Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

History Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

European History

Selected Works

European History

Olivia L Blessing

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in History

Albania: A Nation Of Ethnic And Social Conflict, Olivia Blessing Apr 2010

Albania: A Nation Of Ethnic And Social Conflict, Olivia Blessing

Olivia L Blessing

Albania played a significant role in modern global events including the war on terror, the war in Kosovo, as well as with its influence as the only predominantly Muslim nation in Europe other than Kosovo. Problems in the nation’s history and modern struggles over ethnicity have derailed Albania’s move toward democracy at times, but, so far, Albania has shown itself willing to work around these problems in an effort to move forwards its application to join the EU as one of the newest democratic states.


Mata Hari: A Life Of Lies, Olivia Blessing Dec 2009

Mata Hari: A Life Of Lies, Olivia Blessing

Olivia L Blessing

During the international scandal of her 1917 trial and subsequent execution, Mata Hari’s name became a universal title for a traitorous woman. Since then, spies like Tokyo Rose and Radient Jade were known respectively as the "Mata Hari of the airways" and the "Mata Hari of the East." However, unlike the other two women, Mata Hari was famous for being a woman who would do anything for a price years before the French accused her of treason, and this image hurt her during the trial as much as the accusations of treason did.


Through Adversity, It Became Strong: The Establishment Of The Oss, The Opposition It Faced, And Its Overall Success, Olivia Blessing Dec 2008

Through Adversity, It Became Strong: The Establishment Of The Oss, The Opposition It Faced, And Its Overall Success, Olivia Blessing

Olivia L Blessing

Fulfillment of the United States’ need for intelligence research and analysis during World War II came through William Donovan’s leadership of the Coordinator of Information (COI) and its offspring, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), despite the early problems both agencies faced. Donovan and the OSS would later play a major part in the Allies’ victory over Axis forces. By overcoming the bureaucratic and procedural issues at home and abroad, The Office of Strategic Services firmly established itself as a necessary force in the world of information during the war against the Axis.