Abstract This paper explores the construction and meaning of Mary Rowlandson's famous Captivity Narrative, first published in 1682 which tells how she was held captive during King Philip's War of 1675 by Algonquin Indians. The author explains how her autobiographical narrative reveals her religious fervor and struggles, within the context of New England Puritan thought. Within this paper on the Captivity Narrative, there is an analysis of Calvinist thought, and insight into White New Englander prejudices against the Algonquin Indians, and how those prejudices were influenced by a loathing of the Catholic Church.
From the Paper "Mary Rowlandson was captured by the Indians from her home in Lancaster, Massachusetts, during King Philip's War of 1675. She wrote a narrative about her captivity and "restoration" which was so widely read that its popularity lasted for another century and more, after its first publication in 1682. Rowlandson's captivity narrative was reissued in Boston in 1770, 1771, and 1773, and it was also released many more times in various colonies and states during the 19th century. (Slotkin: 1973, p. 96). Thus it became one of the most representative documents by which white New Englanders remembered King Philip's War. But just how representative was Rowlandson's narrative, when it came to the realities of the conflict, on both sides, Puritan and Indian? Having been trapped in the wilderness as a prisoner of war, and surviving, Mary Rowlandson saw herself as spiritually renewed and redeemed. While many of the events in her account are probably true, her narrative is still somewhat mythical and shaped, both consciously and unconsciously, to fit her religious and cultural ideals. "
Abstract This essay is about the Gold Rush in the United States. The author looks at the various routes miners took to arrive at the heart of the Gold Rush- California. Included is a discussion of the various diseases that spread and the approximate death toll. This paper describes the hardships of the people that experienced the gold rush and shows the negative and unexpected side of those experiencing the gold rush.
From the Paper "In January 1848, a man by the name of James Marshall found gold on the American river in Coloma. It all started when John Sutter had a work crew planted on the American River at Coloma near Sacramento. John Sutter had appointed them (under the lead of James Marshall) to build a sawmill. On the cold and brisk morning of January 24, James Marshall found one of the most important discoveries known to man…Gold! At first he found just a few small pieces, which he thoroughly tested to guarantee their validity. This was a revolutionary discovery as over 300,000 people from around the world almost instantaneously migrated to California. The ulterior motive was to gain instant wealth with ease. This motive inspired the minds of many foreigners, literally reeling them into west California through numerous routes."
Abstract This paper discusses the political and social climate in which Sir Thomas More lived, and how it influenced him to pen his idea on how a perfect society should be in his novel "Utopia". The author also provides a brief biography on More.
From the Paper "More than anything else, the author used Utopia to criticize the society he lived in, and to offer up hope of what could be if everyone lived up to the true Christian ideals. Knowing that communal living was not a true possibility, he nevertheless continued to mention it as an ideal way to live. The More character continued to criticize the idea, but just that fact that it is brought up in such detail gave the reader a hint at Thomas More's influential monastic experience."
Abstract This essay examines the roles played by women in the military and gender stratification. The author discusses three Supreme Court cases that strengthened the ongoing argument that females should be allowed into military positions of active combat. The paper also looks at the story of Major Rhonda Cornum, taken captive in the Black Hawk incident.
From the Paper "As the world enters the twenty-first century, the question of gender stratification and exclusion in military ground combat situations continues to be the center of much disagreement and debate. Female citizens should by all means be guaranteed the same opportunities for advancement and individual freedom of choice that are given their male counterparts. The obtainment of these opportunities and freedoms should not, however, come at the expense or sacrifice of all aspects of the time-honored relationships and boundaries that have conventionally existed between the sexes, one of which is the battlefield."
Abstract This paper carefully details the events that led up to the Manifest Destiny as well as the events proceeding it. It states facts by chronological order and commentary on the events of that time. It explains how that period in the United States was a period of Westward Expansion, when the United States expanded and gained independence from Great Britain.
From the Paper "On July 4, 1776, thirteen British colonies on the east coast of North America announced their independence from Great Britain. Those colonies included Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. Vermont joined the rebellion in 1777."
Abstract This paper examines how domestic labor market was effected by World War II and enabled a professional revolution for American women. The paper describes how women moved into careers that were previously only considered for men. It illustrates the climate of social change in American, as a result of women being able to earn money for their families. The paper gives great detail to the new professional areas opened to women.
From the Paper "Many aspects of change occurred in the United States during World War II. World War II brought about to the fore several different ideas. One of the most notable ones c was the change identity for many women. The war facilitated them to gain strength and mobility. Before the war, women were set in certain roles in society but after the war began, women were asked to work outside their homes as well. This situation then made women believe the war symbolized freedom, which increased equality for them. Women started to obtain traditional male responsibilities because most eligible men were in the war. Great numbers of women began to take control of their lives by working as factory workers, nurses, doctors, and journalists. Some joined the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps. Women also found jobs as drivers, farmers, mail delivery personnel, garbage collectors, builders, and mechanics. These new opportunities allowed women to earn their own money and do what they wanted with it. Women became more independent and could as they chose. World War II truly enhanced the lives of women. "
Tags: america, world, war, ii, women, labor, work, femenism, professional, american, job, society
Abstract This paper contends that the ultimate conflict resolution in the Middle East, will only come about when both sides accept the pragmatism of partition. The author claims that as long as Israeli or Palestinian groups continue to claim the whole of the territory, undivided, there will be no end to the violence.
From the Paper ?John Mearsheimer in his essay The Impossible Partition, argues that partition as a solution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict has no chance "because Israel cannot be secure alongside a securely independent Palestine state" and Palestine cannot be expected to accept a sort of limited statehood that would satisfy Israeli security concerns. While in Compromising Palestine, Kliemans? guarded but nevertheless more hopeful belief is that "Partition Plus" is the only realistic solution because it enables both sides to: achieve distinct political identities, reach moderate security guarantees while it recognizes that absolute security is chimera, and continue to cooperate in some areas.?
Abstract This paper discusses the key features of Japan's foreign policy and also studies the reasons that exist behind its peace-oriented strategies. The author finds that Japan brought significant changes to its centuries-old foreign policy on two occasions during the 20th century. This paper focuses on the importance of world events which prompted Japan to abandon its policy of isolation and passive diplomacy and urged it to adopt a more positive, active and independent foreign policy.
From the Paper "In order to understand the key features of Japan's foreign policy, it is important to take a look at the history of Japan's foreign policymaking. Since the Edo period, the country was interested more in protecting its borders from foreign attacks and threats and less in developing healthy positive relations with other countries of the world. Japanese policymakers were of the view that increase in power and might would help the country secure its borders against foreign aggression, but the problem was that, in doing so, the country completely forgot about development of healthy diplomatic relations."
Tags: edo, foreign, japan, period, policy, relations, us, positive, peace, independent, 20th, century
Abstract This paper details Hammurabi's Code and how it covers many of the ills Mesopotamian society faced in the 17th Century BC. It gives several examples of his laws and quotes them and then analyzes and explains them. It details the historical and social situation in Mesopotamia at the time.
From the Paper "When interpreting Hammurabi's Code, one must do so with the full conviction that these laws were created as a response to actions that were taking place in everyday Mesopotamian society. While Hammurabi's Code was not the first set of laws, his organization and interpretation of previous laws covers many of the ills Mesopotamian society faced in the 17th Century BC. For example, Hammurabi's law number 53 says "If any one be too lazy to keep his dam in proper condition, and does not so keep it; if then the dam break and all the fields be flooded, then shall he in whose dam the break occurred be sold for money, and the money shall replace the corn which he has caused to be ruined" (King). From that it can be assumed that there was a problem in Mesopotamian society with abandoned or poorly maintained irrigation ducts. However, to truly gain an understanding of Mesopotamia in the 17th Century BC, one should take a closer look at the penalties rather than the laws themselves."
Tags: Hammurabi, code, Mesopotamia, laws, penalties, 17th, Century, BC, Babylon
Abstract A study of the effect of religion on the American political system since the Puritan influence that came with the Founding Fathers. It looks at the history of religious political influence starting with Constantinople and moves towards modern day and the conflict between religion and state in America.
From the Paper "When the freethinking, Founding Fathers of this country gathered in the late1700s to create a government for the free people of the United States, their intent was to form a government that would not be based upon the tenets or dogma of any particular religion. The motivation behind this thought was a dual one reflecting personal history as well as contemporary conditions. The early European colonists fled their own homeland and came to America to escape the oppressive European church/state rule. The first ruling government put into place in America, however, was ruled by Puritan dogma, and thus recreated another oppressive church/state government in the new land. It would be necessary to create a government based upon democracy and religious freedom in order to effectively defuse the Puritanical rule fashioned after the regime ruling the homeland."
Abstract The writer's opinion is that the Russian Revolution was neither planned nor led by any political faction. He finds that it was the result of the collapse of the monarchy's ability to govern. The paper explores the historical, political and social events which lead to the revolution and whether these would have happened with or without Lenin's involvement.
From the Paper "In February, 1917, civil unrest in Russia escalated into worker strikes and finally exploded into armed rebellion. Longtime Marxist and revolutionary Vladimir Lenin was ecstatic when the news reached Switzerland, where he lived in exile. He had devoted his life to orchestrating a worker's rebellion that would tear the tsar from power. In 1905, after Bloody Sunday when Tsar Nicholas II had ordered his army to fire on a peaceful labor demonstration, Lenin had come within touching distance of his goal, but the workers, fearing the strength of the military, had backed down. Now, fifteen years later, with the workers revolting and the military in mutiny, Lenin had finally achieved his lifelong dream (Lenin)."
Tags: russian, czar, revolution, lenin, communism, rasputin, nicholas
Abstract An essay describing the relationship of Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points to justice. It discusses his plans for future relations with several European countries after the war including: Italy and Germany. It states Wilson's utopia-like plan of restructure and examines what he suggests in order to achieve this utopia. In conclusion, the president's speech portrays his devotion to people, justice and equality and he presented this theme in all of the points.
From the Paper "In discussing how Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points define justice, I feel they strongly do to a strong degree. Justice is defined as "righteousness" or what is ?morally right and fair.? I will concentrate on a theme I feel was one of Wilson's strongest qualities: he was a man of equality. At the close of his famous speech, Wilson states ?It is the principle of justice to all peoples and nationalities, and their right to live on equal terms of liberty and safely with one another, whether they be strong or weak.? Although some aspects of Wilson's program may seem unfathomable, I believe they are, nevertheless, in the best intention of the people. Justice is equality in my mind."
Tags: fourteen, justice, points, Wilson, Woodrow, equality, utopia, war, Europe, Germany, America, president
Josef Stalin planned and supervised the great man-made disaster of the 20th century, the terror and purges of the 1930s in the Soviet Union where over 10 million Soviet citizens were destroyed.
Abstract This essay examines and analyzes the greatest tragedy of 20th century Russia: the show trials, purges, and terror of the 1930s. The essay asks the following question: How did the destruction of over 10 million innocent citizens by their own countrymen ever happen? Recent research proves the Stalin was the mastermind of this insane ?witch-hunt,? but Stalin was not insane: he had clear and practical motivations behind the slaughter. As unjustified as they are, they do exist and are the focus of discussion and analysis in this paper.
From the Paper "The Great Purges of the Soviet Union began in 1934 with Kirov's assassination and ended in late 1938. To this day, they remain ?the greatest riddle of Stalin's reign.? (Radzinsky 319). This self-inflicted mass murder and "witch-hunt" consumed at least 8 million victims, people from all walks of society who were either executed or sent to labor camps where the survival rate was less than ten percent. Beginning with the show trials of old Bolsheviks, the purges moved on through the ranks of industrial managers, military leaders, scientists, artists, cultural figures, and finally well into the mass of common people, thus terrorizing the entire country. The arrests and killings eventually started to paralyze the Soviet Union and were soon in no one's self-interest; they began to drain the USSR physically and economically. Engineers and managers were killed, slowing the economy. So many Red Army officers were killed that the Soviets were largely unprepared for World War II (Hochschild 96). By the end of 1938, the country was no longer ruled by the Party, nor even by Stalin. It was ruled by fear (Radzinsky 356). Only then did Stalin relax the purges and order the execution of the leader of the NKVD, Yezhov."
Abstract An examination of who Bill Gates is and how he became who he is today. A look at the empire he built and his contribution to technology. This paper includes a general bio description of Bill Gates and what he has accomplished and some problems he had along the way.
From the Paper "William H. Gates (Bill Gates), Chairman and Chief Software Architect of the Microsoft Corporation is quite possibly the most well known man in the world. He was born on October 28th, 1955. Coming from a long line of William H. Gates, which can be traced back to the early 1800's there was no doubt when he was born exactly what his name would be. Although William H. Gates should be an III, there was no numeral denomination placed on his birth certificate. His grandmother Adelle Gates immediately dubbed Bill Gates "Trey" in connection with the III. Bill Gates was the second of three children, he has an older and a younger sister. His father William H. Gates II is an attorney in Seattle who used to refer to Bill Gates as "Little Bill" and his mother whom has since pasted away used to be a schoolteacher. Bill Gates grew up in Seattle with his two sisters. Bill attended public elementary school and then attended private school for the remainder of his primary education. When Bill Gates attended private school he discovered his interest in software and started programming at the early age of 13."
Abstract This paper studies the incident that took place on December 2, 1984 in Bhopal, India when a series of mechanical and human failures led to the worst industrial disaster known to mankind--a gas leak of 40 tons of methyl isocyanate from a Union Carbide chemical plant that killed an estimated 10,000 people. The effects of this tragic incident were global. Corporate environmental awareness was raised to new levels as industrial giants worldwide scrambled to preemptively reevaluate the safety of their own chemical processes, while lawmakers put together new environmental regulations in response to Bhopal. Public environmental awareness was also brought to the forefront as the "right-to-know" movement gained impetus. Ultimately, these three factors paved the way for environmental auditing and management systems--because these were the controls that gave the chemical industry the tools to prevent another Bhopal, while also meeting expected new government regulations and gathering information to satisfy the public's newly awakened interest in industrial processes.
From the Paper "One of the largest and most horrific industrial disasters of modern times took place in Bophal, India on the evening of December 2, 1984, when about 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from an underground storage tank at a Union Carbide chemical plant into the environment, killing 2,000 to 3,400 people almost immediately and leaving about 8,000 others to die gradually from exposure to the killing fumes.1 The gas polluted an area of over 18 square kilometers and displaced over 500,000 people. There were at least 250,000 people injured as a result of this accident. The MIC gas caused severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, eye and lung diseases, gynecological problems, psychological crisis, and many other medical problems before it had run its course. The sheer magnitude of the accident drew over 12,000 relief operations personnel to the area in hopes of rendering aid, but for many of the victims, it was already too late (Bisarya & Puri, 2001; EPA, 2001; Nolan & Street, 2000)."
Tags: act, air, auditing, caer, carbide, care, chemical, clean, disaster, environmental, epcra, gas, india, mic, responsible, union
