Abstract Some Manitoba politicians have argued that the province's average resident is economically better off than his or her British Columbia counterpart. At first glance, this might appear to be unusual in light of the understanding that British Columbia is a much larger province in terms of population and has achieved strong growth during recent years as a result of a robust market for the province's natural resource exports. With this in mind, the purpose of this paper will be to examine this particular claim. An assessment will be made of the merits of this claim using primary data sources, most notably the information that is provided by Statistics Canada.
Abstract This paper recounts Hong Kong's economic history from the time it became a British colony in the mid-19th century until the present. Hong Kong has prevailed as a remarkably prosperous territory since then, surviving various calamities, and has maintained its success even under the rule of the People's Republic of China. The paper concludes that Hong Kong's economic history has produced a distinctive culture that seems permanent, different from what is found in newly industrialized and advancing areas of Mainland China.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The 19th Century
World War II and Beyond
The 1960s and 1970s
The End of British Hong Kong
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the 1930s, the Global Depression affected all Chinese ports including Hong Kong. Small scale manufacturing engaged many Chinese by this time whereas outsiders tend to think that most people were employed in the port of Hong Kong or its support trades and industries. The completion of the Canton-Kowloon railway was a boon because goods could be moved quickly from the Mainland, undercutting steamers and junks that once took goods to Hong Kong for onward shipping. (Chui, 1973, 55) Also, Chinese business experience allowed many to tough out years of lower demand finding new niche markets in simple goods required elsewhere in East and Southeast Asia. Clan and family networks allowed small profits from goods said to be needed in the Netherlands East Indies or Rangoon or Malaya, the general 'survivability' of the business community seen. In December of 1941, the invasion of the Imperial Japanese Army destroyed nearly built up in a hundred years of activity. No one knows how many local Chinese were murdered, foreigners interned, as Allied soldiers and local reservists tried to defend the colony, many of whom were killed or taken as prisoners of the Japanese. This time is remembered by Hong Kong people as an era of suffering and destruction. (See Banham, 2003)"
Tags:British colony, Britain, United Kingdom, industry trade bank commerce
Abstract An analysis of the various factors that worked in an interrelated manner and influenced the various constituents involved in making the decision on whether British Columbia should join Canada. These factors included social factors. such as class, political factors, and economic considerations (e.g. railway). More specifically, some of the key considerations were the impact of potential annexation by the United States, the Gold Rush, and the influence of Britain and its imperialist views of BC as a colony. Furthermore, this essay includes an analysis of the key players (e.g. political figures, journalists, influential elite, etc.) and their role in this decision. Players include Amor de Cosmos, Anthony Musgrave, James Douglas, Hudson Bay Company, and John A. MacDonald.
From the Paper "British Columbia's decision to join Canada over other alternatives was a combination of the colony's economic and social need and influence of various constituents that were guided by political motivations. There were three options available to the colony of British Columbia prior to their joining Confederation and becoming part of the Dominion of Canada. One of these alternatives available was to remain with the status quo of being a British colony. Annexation by the United States was the second alternative. The third option open was to become part of the Dominion of Canada. In this essay, I would argue there was a combination of factors that led British Columbia to choose the third alternative. One of the key factors was related to a need for a solution to the economic problems of the colony arising from growing debt and the slow growing economy. Another important issue for many British Columbians was the desire to have a "responsible government" that was more representative of the colony's people. Surrounding the situation of finding a solution to the colony's economic problems and pressure for independence were the political motivations of various players from not only British Columbia, but also the Dominion of Canada and Britain. The influence of these political actors played an important role in leading to an agreement between Canada and British Columbia containing terms that made joining confederation the most attractive alternative out of the three discussed in this paper."
Tags: anthony, bay, constituents, decision, dominion, douglas, economic, gold, hudson, james, john, macdonald, musgrave, political, social, union
Abstract This paper starts by briefly outlining the basis of the American economy in the colonial period, and then contrasting it with the period of rapid economic development from 1782 to 1815. The rest of the paper examines this period carefully. Key issues outlined include the influence of mercantilism, the development of the American Banking System, the evolution of the insurance industry, as well as agricultural advances such as the flour mill.
From the Paper "From 1782-1815, there was an extraordinary amount of change that took place in America, particularly on the economic front. Extremely significant shifts in agriculture, manufacturing, banking, and many other areas of the American Economy transpired, and the foundation for the most successful economy in the world today was laid. When the economic history of the United States is examined, it is clear that the time period between 1782 and 1815 was in fact "a period of evolution to economic maturity for the infant United States.""
Tags:british, eli, gin, invention, manufacturing, revolution, whitney, Revolutionary, War
Abstract The military history of British involvement in India began, fully, in 1857 when Indian forces staged a revolt against the British East India Company. The Indian army began as an indigenous force run by British officers. The British role in India, far surpassed the history of British Imperialism anywhere else in the world.
Abstract This paper explains that both excerpts from C.S. Giscombe's "Into and Out of Dislocation" and Peter Hudson's "Natural Histories of Southwestern British Columbia" discuss black history in British Columbia. The author points out that the two writers' styles are utterly different. The paper relates that Giscombe simultaneously relates the history of his travels in British Columbia and the history of John Robert Giscome, a man who was possibly one of Giscombe's ancestors.
From the Paper "On the face of it, the excerpts from C.S. Giscombe's Into and Out of Dislocation and Peter Hudson's Natural Histories of Southwestern British Columbia seem to have little in common. Certainly, the two authors' styles are utterly different. However, closer analysis reveals many similarities between the two excerpts. The first and most obvious similarity is that both men have as their subject matter history - specifically, black history in British Columbia. Giscombe simultaneously relates the history of his travels in British Columbia and the history of John Robert Giscome, a man who was possibly one of Giscombe's ancestors."
Abstract This essay focuses on British Soap Opera and its conventions. It gives a brief history of the soap opera genre and it origins. It gives examples of current and past british soap operas and their popularity and reasons for it. It also looks at theories of audience enjoyment and uses for such media.
From the Paper "The soap opera genre originates from the American radio serials of the 1930's so called because of their sponsorship by major soap powder companies. Due to its incredible success the genre grew and by the 1950's it had developed into television productions. The first soap to be televised in Britain was The Groves, which first aired in 1954 and lasted for three years. It was followed by what is now the longest running and most successful soap in Britain, Coronation Street. Rival terrestrial channels soon picked up on the success of Coronation Street (and the soap opera genre in general), this resulted in the arrival of Channel 4's Brookside in 1982, followed by the BBC's EastEnders in 1986."
Tags: conventions, eastenders, genre, soap, television, viewing, opera, British, BBC
Abstract This paper considers the globalization of and relationships within British Airways. It explores the international strategic challenges the company faces in the financial sector. The paper offers an overview of the airline industry of British Airway's position in the industry. The author also includes schematic representation.
From the Paper "The airline industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world with some governments actively subsidizing their nation's air carriers and other government ..."
Abstract This paper examines the themes and issues presented in Robert Johnson's book "British Imperialism: Histories and Controversies". The paper also analyzes the historiography of British imperialism and discusses the consequences of colonization.
From the Paper "Johnson's purpose in this book is to explain some of the histories and controversies surrounding British imperialism, a concept he believes that was continuously evolving, was somewhat incoherent and even contradictory. Johnson considers his book an introduction to British imperialism, not a history of the British Empire. As such some of the content is presented in outline form rather than in depth. However presented, the content supports his aim of explaining how some of the historiography..."
Abstract This paper examines the presence of the British Army on Staten Island, New York throughout most of the Revolutionary War, which reflected the strategic and logistical importance of New York. The paper shows that military control of New York enabled the British Army to cut off the northern colonies of New England from the Mid-Atlantic and Southern colonies, securing a major port through which supplies and reinforcements could flow.
Abstract This paper considers why British bands and singers are not found on the charts as they once were and what is driving the process that keeps them from finding success with current record labels, noting that few British acts have managed to break into the American market in the last fifteen years or so, which really means they have failed to break into the world market, given that American producers control what the world hears in terms of popular music to a great degree.
From the Paper "In the 1960s, British acts were an important part of the American recording industry, with releases of the Beatles leading the way. The Beatles were followed by many other British acts that made inroads in the American market. This continued at a variable pace well into the 1970s, though more recently British acts have been largely ignored, with the exception of continuing acts like Elton John, Sting, and the Rolling Stones. Few British acts have managed to break into the American market in the last fifteen years or so, which really means they have failed to break into the world market, given that American producers control what the world hears in terms of popular music to a great degree. American tastes have been a determining factor for a century or more. "
Abstract The paper analyzes the development of British intelligence in the period before WWI. The paper explores how, prior to the 19th century, there was very little British intelligence. However, the stage was set for great change. The paper discusses how the massive industrialization and urbanization of the 19th century meant that the population of London had grown from just under 1 million in 1800, to 4.7 million in 1900. The paper further discusses the massive technological changes, including the invention of steam-powered trains and ships, telegraphs, telephones, and finally Marconi's wireless telegraph.
From the Paper "It seems that at the beginning of the 20th century the British intelligence system was almost non-existent. A combination of factors came together to quickly change this. Historical Background: The 19th century had seen massive developments in communications and transport, dramatically changing the possibilities for espionage. Also, the population of England, and London in particular, had grown dramatically. Overall situation: In reality, the world was gearing up for the First World War."
An analysis of the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland 1969-1983, the reasons for being there and why they have had limited success in ending the violence.
Abstract This paper discusses how throughout history, the British Army was invariably the instrument used to suppress or combat the various uprisings and revolts of the Irish people and in particular the current occupation of Northern Ireland since 1969 in order to keep the peace between the Catholics and Protestants. It evaluates their growing presence with the increase in violence throughout the seventies and how their stated role there was ambiguous, undefined, continually changing and often ill suited for them. It examines the frustrations and attitudes of both the army and the Irish people and the growing friction between them. This paper includes as an appendix, newspaper coverage of the Bloody Sunday Massacre.
From the Paper "The British Army and Ireland have always had an interesting relationship. Throughout history both have been linked to each other in a variety of ways. The British Army was invariably the instrument used to suppress or combat the various uprisings and revolts of the Irish people. Surprisingly however Ireland has in turn been a stable source of manpower for the British Army since the eighteenth century. Young men forced by poor economic times and even starvation have continually flocked to the "Colours" of British Regiments for over two hundred years. Even since the partition of the island into the Irish Republic and Ulster, Ireland continues to provide a steady supply of recruits to "Irish Units" within the modern British Military."
Abstract There is widespread scholarly disagreement over the process of the British Industrial Revolution and the dating of precisely when it occurred. This essay will argue that it is difficult, if not impossible, to be precise in discussing the Industrial Revolution because there does not exist an academic consensus over exactly what the term includes and the relative importance of each component.
