Abstract This paper explains that Nigeria, a relatively new nation, having become an independent country only in 1960, has a long history, even predating its being an early 20th century British colony. The author points out that Nigeria was a very important region in the slave trade industry. Well over three million people were shipped out from Nigeria over the course of the slave trade. The paper relates that modern Nigeria is still a young, growing Third World nation, trying to find a path to First World status. It faces many problems, such as having four hundred languages, each of which has its own various dialects. Map.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Geography
Basic History
Pre-Colonial
Colonial
Life in Colonial Nigeria
Slave Trade
Independence
Post-Colonial History
Modern Day Nigeria
Conclusion
From the Paper "Creating public utilities and creating new roads, railways and water channels gave Nigeria new economic incentive to become a nation onto itself. Nigerian business soon developed monopolies for local products that were needed by the European nations such as oil palms for cosmetics manufacturers. The Nigerian business community began to cash in on other crops like cocoa and rubber. Once tin was discovered it was mined and exported with abandon. Except for the period of the great drought of 1913-14, the Nigerian economy continued to expand providing the necessary funding for an independence struggle."
Abstract This paper examines how Nigeria is not so much like a nation, culturally speaking, but is more like a conglomerate of tribes and multiple histories; this has produced great novelists, musicians, and leaders in the 20th century. In particular, it looks at how some of the difficulties facing Nigeria are metaphorically found in its foodstuffs and how colonialism has eradicated traditional modalities of effective crop production and ways of agriculture in many of the nation's regions.
Outline
Uniqueness of the Culture
Common Foods Used by the Culture
Major Religions of the Culture
Health Beliefs
Challenges, Problems in the U.S.
Conclusion About the Culture
From the Paper "Because of the impact of colonialism specifically upon Nigeria's food economy, creating an effective system of modern agriculture has been difficult for that nation. (DeGregori, 2002). Much has been debated in modern agricultural political dialogue, regarding the need to address the ravages of colonialism upon traditional African modalities of life with either importing new agricultural technology such as GM crops and seeds from developed nations, or a return to traditional foodstuffs and means of production."
Tags: agriculture, colonialism, technology, africa
Abstract This paper explains that Argentina enjoys a wide range of natural resources, a highly literacy rate, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base; on the other hand, the country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation, external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits over the past 10 years. The author points out that, unlike the rest of the continent to the north,which lies within the tropics, Argentina lies almost completely within the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, the country enjoys excellent weather. The paper concludes that, notwithstanding the Argentine government's history of poor economic management practices, it appears things are looking up; investors at home and abroad may look at Argentina in the future if the government can just avoid the same types of mistakes it has consistently made in the past.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Analysis
People/Population
Climate and Geography
Historical Development
Major Development
Social Indicators
Economic Indicators
Recent Economic Performance
Economic Crisis
Economic Ties with the Rest of Latin America
Recovery Strategy Needed
Future of Argentina
Conclusion
The World Bank Group Competitiveness Indicators
From the Paper "The government efforts to achieve a "zero deficit," to stabilize the banking system, and to restore economic growth proved too little too late and the peso's peg to the dollar was abandoned in January 2002; the peso was floated in February 2002 and the exchange rate plummeted and inflation skyrocketed. By mid-2002, though, the economy had stabilized but at a lower level than previously. A strong demand for the peso caused the Central Bank to intervene in foreign exchange markets to constrain its appreciation in early 2003. Further fueled by precedent-setting export levels, the country's economy began to recover with output up 5.5% in 2003, unemployment falling, and inflation sliced to 4.2% by year-end 2003."
Abstract This paper discusses the analytic methods used by Torodas in his work on Magellan. The paper points out that the scarcity of literature on the historiography of Magellan presents a problem for Torodas, which he confronts through historical, textual, and meta-analysis of available information. Through these methods, the paper asserts, Torodas assesses conflicts and parallelisms regarding the circumnavigation activities and life of Magellan and, consequently, is able to confront the primary issue in his article, which is to determine Magellan historiography despite its scarcity. The paper concludes by suggesting that Torados's study significantly contributes to the techniques and methods that historians must have to ensure that historiographies are conducted systematically and with rigor.
From the Paper "The Age of Discovery that emerged in the 15th-16th centuries in Europe, led by Spain and Portugal, was marked and characterized by the prevalence of sea navigations to discover new lands or "primitive" societies. These lands and societies were also potential colonies, wherein their territories could be expanded and resources exploited for the economic benefit of European countries. Ferdinand Magellan, Portuguese-born Spanish explorer and navigator, played a significant role during this age, mainly because of contributions in establishing Spanish colonies in the islands of the Pacific. However, historiography on Magellan remains scarce despite his contributions and numerous journeys around the world. Torodas confronts this issue by discussing and analyzing related works of literature pertaining to not only the accomplishments and activities of Magellan as navigator and explorer, but also as the first individual to prove (empirically) that the earth is round, giving prestige to European navigation missions."
Tags: historiadores traitor portuguese age of exploration antonio de pigafetta, relation
Abstract This paper looks at the elements of Burundi's economic, political and social history, and realities in order to consider what economic opportunities exist for the country. This information is examined from a dependency theory framework in an attempt to present the information in an organized way. Dependency theory argues that, because of exploitation by outside economies, the economy of the developing country has been negatively affected, hindering growth.
From the Paper "One of the outside influences on Burundi has been the tendency toward urbanization without an urban economic base to support it. Positive outside influences such as access to electricity, along with clothing, home appliances and efficient tools have been a draw, but in addition urban life brings negatives such as poor housing and even drug trafficking (Clark, 1998). Burundi, like many third world countries today, is experiencing urbanization without the employment and industrial structures to support the people who move to the larger towns and cities."
Abstract This paper examines the current demography of Malta. It looks at how the Maltese have an amazingly homogeneous society, despite millennia of subjugation in their early history. Current figures are provided, and the history is also discussed.
From the Paper "Malta has been described as a "crossroads island" with a cosmopolitan, polyglot population ?reflecting the "ethnic and linguistics mixtures of Phoenician, Arab, Sicilian and British colonial influences".? (Baldacchino, 2002) In the late Middle Ages, the Maltese Islands were held by Aragonese and Castellan landlords, and, interestingly, spend a very long period?1530 to 1798?as the home base of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, a chivalric group that got started during the Crusades and subsequently built a theocracy that ruled Malta in a rudimentary version of the European Union. (Baldacchino, 2002) Perhaps, with this recent history, if not quite within living memory, it was relatively easy for at least half the Maltese to be willing to be the first island nation to vote in favor of membership in the European Union."
Abstract This paper explains that, although both nations have French-speaking elements to their cultural and history for geographical and colonial reasons, the cultural elements and characteristics of the African nation of Angola and the European nation of Belgium are more striking in their differences than in their similarities. The author points out that Angola is still unstable and unsuitable for travel; whereas, Belgium is a European nation primarily known for its relative state of peace and ability to attract tourism and foreign investment. The paper relates that both nations are remarkable for their existence within the crossroads of a multi-ethnic and complex political struggle for dominance, one on the European continent and the other on the African continent.
From the Paper "Angola similarly was torn, as ?the end of hostilities is just the first step in Angola's journey of a thousand miles. War leaves scars: millions of displaced, homeless, maimed, orphaned, starving and diseased Angolans. This means no infrastructure, poor roads, crime, graft, up to eleven million landmines - and a glimmer of hope.? Unlike the recent history of Belgium, however, the damage that diversity has caused to the infrastructure of Angola has been physical rather than ideological. The nation is so marked by civil war, its damaged internal infrastructure of shipping and transportation perhaps the most striking feature that must be addressed to rebuild the nation."
Abstract This paper looks at the long-held belief and idea taught about American geography: that America was a wild and free paradise conquered by champions and pioneers of freedom and adventure. The paper argues that this perception is merely a socially constructed view of geography designed to play into the cultural idealism that promote a heritage of man overcoming extreme obstacles to attain glory and recognition. The paper also contends that the landscape of America was, in fact, more inhabited and developed before the discovery of America by European explorers because of the presence of Native Americans than it was after the discovery.
From the Paper "As a society, humans by nature relate to the world and define norms by identifying with the environment around them. In America for example, the foundation for the society was built on idealisms that suggested that the first entrants into this society were pioneers, overcoming a vast wilderness and pristine landscape in order to build the foundation upon which modern society now reigns supreme. People by nature identify with social constructed realities that bring them together in a communal and socially responsible manner. In order to help civilians learn about society and social norms, it is often necessary to deconstruct and reconstruct the geographic landscape of a land to build a culture from a blank template."
Review and analysis of George E. Nunn's article about Portuguese explorer, Magellan, which argues that the historically accepted account of the Portuguese explorer's route is inaccurate.
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons put forth by George E. Nunn in his article about Magellan, which argue that the historical account of Magellan's route is inaccurate because it is based on the unreliable log of Francisco Albo. The paper discusses the three discrepancies that Nunn points out in his article and concludes that, in spite of the plausibility of Nunn's thesis, the article falls short of being completely verifiable.
From the Paper "Nunn cites three main discrepancies regarding the route specifically. First, where Magellan actually set off to cross the Pacific from South America is unclear because of the wide variances in crew logs. As the author states, ?The wide variations among the several calculations and their variance from the truth, where discoverable, are sufficient to show their questionable value,? (621). To illustrate his point, Nunn offers maps and charts and geographical information such as longitudinal points. Similarly, the question of where Magellan initially veered westward from the continent can only be answered through thorough investigation of the explorers? geographical possibilities. Nunn also notes that major discrepancies in the journal entries make this question difficult to answer but that Albo's log is definitely unreliable. According to Albo, Magellan turned west at latitude 32 degrees south on December 19, 1590."
Abstract This paper looks at how the city of Augusta, Georgia, has faced many challenges over the years. It explains why the Augusta Canal has been an important part of its economic development, with reference to the textile mills. It states that the canal has been a continued source of power and economic support.
From the Paper "Textile manufacturers ?once dominated the Augusta Canal area. Cheap overseas apparel manufacturers have hurt the domestic textile industry, however (Bankston, Woes).? In 2001, the J.P. King Manufacturing Division of Spartan International, which was located along the Augusta Canal, closed their doors after over a hundred years in Augusta. The action put 306 employees out of work with no notice. Many of the employees were members of the same family, thus increasing the impact of the closure. The employees were aware the plant was having financial difficulties, but were not expecting such a drastic action. With the closure of King Manufacturing, the only manufacturer left on the canal is Avondale Mills? Sibley Plant."
Abstract This paper describes the history and causes of the deforestation of Ghana. The paper points to economics and greed as the primary causes of this deforestation and points out that, while there have been some attempts to protect the natural landscape of Ghana, the overriding poverty of the country makes it vulnerable to environmental exploitation as a means of boosting the economy.
From the Paper "According to Microsoft's online Encarta, in the 19th century, the southern half of Ghana was completely covered by hardwood forest, however, by the year 1995, such large portions of its forests had been destroyed, over logged, or cleared for mining, that only 39.7 of the entire country remains forested, with (during the period from 1990-1996) more than 1.3 percent continuing to be lost every year (Encarta)."
Abstract This paper discusses the people, region, homes, culture, religion, and images that make up the interesting historical account of the Hawaiian and Sandwich Islands. The paper elaborates on the many religious and cultural customs unique to the inhabitants of these islands.
From the Paper "The history of the Hawaiian and Sandwich Islands during the 18th century is as colorful and unique as the flowers that are grown in the region. On December 23, 1826, a treaty between the United States of America and the King of the Sandwich Islands was signed at Honolulu and entered into force. The people who inhabited the islands, took their livelihood out of the ocean waters, and thrived upon their religion and customs continue to romance and mystify the people of today's hurried society."
Abstract This report focuses on the African nation of Angola and some possible financial solutions to the constant health care threat from AIDS. The paper looks at how Angola's opportunity for social and economic development is contingent upon the need to, first, focus on the AIDS crisis there, its prevention, its care, and its treatment.
From the Paper "The situation in Angola is critical according to the United Nations. ?It said that in addition to the problems caused by recent displacement, the country faced a structural emergency that was characterized by a breakdown in social services that jeopardized the health and education of vulnerable groups, particularly children.? (Weekly Round Up) Although the Angolan war and a lack of mobility continues to help the nation avert the AIDS epidemic other African populations are facing. However, because of the fact that the Sub-Saharan Africa's leading cause of death is HIV/AIDS, a sound educational program should be instituted as soon as possible to help educate the nation's people just how serious the problem they are facing really is. Some recent studies have shown that approximately eight percent of Angolans are already HIV positive."
Abstract This paper explains that, with the handover of Hong Kong to China, the identity of Hong Kong is undergoing a changing reality as witnessed by the changing identity of Hong Kong's culture seen through its media and press. The author points out that many Hong Kong residents are now convinced that the culture and identity of Hong Kong rests not upon its citizens but on the government of China, thus challenging the future of human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. The paper states that many people believe that China has no interest whatsoever in the media and press freedom of Hong Kong as long as the economy of the country is resonant.
From the Paper "Hence, China can do or undo any rules and promises it previously made to the Hong Kongers. China can very easily use its legal documents and texts to justify its actions. Leaders worldwide have now begun to show their concern over the media change in Hong Kong. It is highly essential for Hong Kong to maintain its media identity since it greatly relies on it. Despite China's promise to the mass population of Hong Kong regarding their freedom of press and expression, Hong Kong today is an entirely different place than it was before the hand over. According to Lin Neumann, ?The climate of free expression in Hong Kong has shifted in subtle but distinct ways: In the vibrant Hong Kong press, self-censorship has become a fact of life."
Abstract This paper examines how Southern California is dotted with several mountain ranges, including the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, San Bruno, Santa Rosa, Cuyamaca, the Palomar Mountains, and even the Chocolate Mountains. It provides an overview of the ecosystems in these mountain ranges in general, with an emphasis on the San Gabriel mountain range in particular, what species are endangered within these ecosystems and why, followed by an assessment of what is being done to correct the problem and protect endangered species in these regions. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "This southern California mountain range is something of a geographic interruption to the region, since they surge from the Sonoran desert at sea level to sub-alpine forest areas that are 10,800 feet above. The range ascends through more than six life zones: ?It's remarkable that there's so much wild land there surrounded by development on all sides,? reported Jay Watson, California/Nevada regional director for The Wilderness Society. "There are mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and endangered peninsular bighorn sheep, creatures sturdy enough to clamber up cliff faces, yet vulnerable to golf courses and housing tracts creeping up the foothills" (Sullivan-Brennan 2004:56). In addition, there are numerous reptiles in this system; for instance, there are three kinds of rattlesnakes, endangered desert tortoise, and the southern rubber boa."
