Abstract Using historical evidence of cannibalism existence, this paper identifies different forms and practices, and explains the motives for such behaviors.
From the Paper "For millions of years, the majority of humans and their ancestors around the world have eaten meat, derived from a countless number of animals. However, the majority of these people have avoided one particular kind of meat: human flesh. For a human to knowingly eat the flesh of his own kind has been taboo to the most extreme definition of the term. Even the thought of it provokes a deep-rooted, enculturated repulsiveness that is so powerful it has actually prevented modern humans from eating remains of dead people for the sole purpose of survival (Barker, Hulme, and Iversen 1998:37). In other words, they would rather die than eat the meat of another person. The general practice of eating human flesh, anthropophagy, commonly referred to as cannibalism, has always been a subject full of controversy and debate. Hundreds of scientific studies have been published on the subject, but few have focused on the anthropological reasons for its supposed occurrence. In order to understand the true nature of cannibalism, it is necessary to examine it from a number of different perspectives. First, the historical evidence indicating that it took place must be carefully analyzed and interpreted. Second, the different forms of cannibalism must be identified and defined, and examples of their historical presence must be cited. Lastly, the motives of each type need to be explained, detailing the various tendencies of cannibalistic peoples and their practices. Only then will the appropriate significance of cannibalism and its existence become clear."
Abstract This paper examines the conflicting opinions surrounding the Potato Famine that destroyed Ireland's crop in the 1840's. Some issues that are discussed are: who is to blame for the catastrophe, what could have done to prevent it and just how many people were killed in the famine.
From the Paper "In the 1840's, a fungus, Phytophthora infestans but commonly known as the blight, attacked and destroyed most of Ireland's potato crop. That is about the only fact that scholars and citizens alike agree upon. Ever since these events, debates have raged over nearly every aspect of the tragedy. One issue, albeit a small one, is what to call the events of the 40's. The hottest battle, as is so often the case, is over who is to blame. Most theories revolve around the British, and range from claims of incompetence to outright accusations of genocide. More modern views focus on the inefficient system of landownership and rampant overpopulation of Ireland. Beyond culpability, is the question of what could have been done to either avert the tragedy or to lessen the suffering of those involved. Even the actual number of people who died as a result of either starvation or related diseases remains a mystery to this day. Certainly, none of these questions have easy answers; however, it is important to examine conflicting points of view in order to develop a full picture of the "Great Hunger" and the people it has touched."
Abstract This paper is a detailed analysis of the Battle of the Alamo. Attention is paid to the leadership styles of the Texan and Mexican commanders.
From the Paper From the paper:
"The Battle of the Alamo: Analysis of Principles of War and Leadership Tactics
The Battle of the Alamo, often called the most heroic and deadly battle of the Spanish-American Revolution, was prefaced by a series of events that led to the escalation of the Alamo Battle. One such siege, the Siege of Bexar, took place December 1836. Bexar, previously known as San Antonio de Bexar, was under the control of Mexican General Perfecto de Cos with about 1200 soldiers from Mexico. For almost two months, Texas volunteers had camped near the town in a virtual standoff with Cos. The stalemate ended, however, when one of the Texas leaders, Ben Milam returned from a brief absence to find that the Texans were about to withdraw to Goliad."
Tags: bowie, crockett, davy, independence, james, mexico, revolution, texan, texas, travis, war, william
Abstract This paper explains the methodology promised and employed in order to mollify the tragedy and indignity of the depression, known as the New Deal, Roosevelt's grand plan, to drag a struggling nation out of financial ruin and into what would become the world of modern politics.
From the Paper "The New Deal divided the nation into the fairly distinctive categories of pro and anti New Deal. New Deal policies set an as yet unseen precedent for partisan politics as the notions of liberalism and conservatism came into direct conflict. Roosevelt followed the immensely unpopular Herbert Hoover, whose policies in dealing with the depression were of the "stay the course-a thousand points of light" variety. The political philosophy that, through hands-off government activity and minimal intervention, even the most dire economic situation will correct itself, was a distinctly republican one that perpetuates in republican policy making today."
Abstract This paper discusses the three presidents: Lincoln, Roosevelt and Nixon and their use of their executive powers during their presidency. The extension of executive power has typically created a positive for a president. For example, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, despite the extension of their executive powers, are considered great presidents. However, Richard Nixon's abuse of this same power, proving his imperial tendencies, showed the necessity of curbing this potential force. The paper details the ways in which executive power was extended by these three presidents, and argues that President Nixon not only abused his powers but tried to cheat the American people and therefore was not considered a great president and was impeached.
From the Paper ?Human beings, Abraham Lincoln noted, wished to protect both life and limb. ?Yet often a limb must be amputated to save a life; but a life is never wisely given to save a limb.? If the execution of the of the whole of the laws should require the violation of a single law, "are all the laws but one to go unexecuted, and the Government itself to go to pieces, lest that one be violated"?? (Schlesinger 59) Over the past hundreds of years, many presidents of the United States have extended their executive powers. The extension of executive power has typically created a positive for a president. For example, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt. These two men, regardless of any of their actions that could be considered an extension of executive powers were great presidents. However, Richard Nixon's abuse of this same power, proving his imperial tendencies, showed the necessity of curbing this potential force. If no actions had been taken against Nixon, what would the next president have done? Richard Nixon extended his executive powers too far, and had to be made an example of."
Abstract This paper discusses the life and military service of Robert E. Lee, Commander of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. The author examines his rise to revered general, but also discusses flaws and misjudgments in Lee's leadership. The paper looks at Lee's aggressive military strategies and his intense loyalty to the southern cause.
From the Paper "By the summer of 1862, a distinctly divided America was entering the second year of the fierce and bloody conflict known as the Civil War. The spring of 1862 had taken a heavy toll on the South, marking the loss of most of the Mississippi Valley, almost the entire state of Tennessee, and the large and strategically important city of New Orleans. In addition, Joseph E. Johnston, commander of the Army of North Virginia, had been severely wounded and the Union troops of the North had advanced to within five miles of the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Low on both supplies and morale, the condition of the Confederacy in the summer of 1862 has been described as "on the verge of collapse", and many modern historians believe that the Civil War might very well have ended by autumn of that year if not for one defining and catalytic event. This event was the installation of General Robert E. Lee as Johnston's replacement as the Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. "
Abstract The paper begins identifying the flaw in tradition free exercise of jurisprudence and discusses its original understanding. The paper looks at how this understanding has been applied to traditional religions like the Amish, Mormons and Native Americans in an inconsistent manner. The paper resolves that the Supreme Court needs to consider their own biases and look more towards the harm caused by the practice as opposed to the practice itself if it is to be protected.
From the Paper "The First Amendment to the Constitution provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"? However, since Reynolds v. United States, in 1879, the Supreme Court has been struggling to understand the limits of free exercise. This paper will examine a historical conception of how the Supreme Court has viewed and misunderstood religion by examining three cases that best mark free exercise jurisprudence in the United States."
Abstract The paper discusses the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and examines the possibility of either the Mafia or the CIA to conspiring to kill President Kennedy. he author writes that the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, discrepancies in the Warren Report, use of different firearms and ballistic information and key things missing in autopsy photographs all suggest a cover-up.
From the Paper " On November 22, 1963, the thirty-fifth President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated. Seven days later on November 29, 1963, the newly sworn in President, Lyndon B. Johnson, formed a commission that would investigate the assassination. The Warren Commission, as it would later be known, was to evaluate all leads and facts surrounding both the assassination of the President and the assassination of his alleged assassin. After the investigation was complete, the information found was to be reported to the President. The Commission gave their findings to the President in the form of the Warren Report, as the chairman of the Commission was Earl Warren. President Johnson had appointed Warren, the former chief justice of the United States, to head up the Commission. The Commission was able to compile much of its information with the help of Federal agencies, the city of Dallas, and thousands upon thousands of testimonies from people associated with the case. The Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin of President Kennedy and that Jack Ruby had killed Lee Harvey Oswald."
Abstract After a brief review of the colonization of Africa, the essay describes the social phenomenon of neo-colonialism, in which African nations are free from direct foreign rule but the economic infrastructure is still in the hands of the former colonial country's companies and institutions. The result of this is that decisions by indigenous African leaders have to be carefully made so that they remain non-threatening to the institutions that control the natural and financial resources of the country. The essay focuses on the effects of neo-colonialism and refers to three possible ways of rectifying the situation.
From the Paper "In the wake of ?independence,? after Colonialism ended, the social phenomenon of "Neo-Colonialism" began. At the 1961 All-African People's Conference held in Cairo, neo-Colonialism was defined as "the survival of the colonial system in spite of the formal recognition of political independence in emerging countries which become the victims of an indirect and subtle form of domination by political, economic, social, military or technical means." Many African nationalists and critics of Colonialism see the independence gained from the withdrawing colonial powers as only partial liberation. Some call it ?false independence.? Full or real freedom, they believe, would come with economic independence. The neo-colonialism is a vague, mirage-like state of government still largely influenced by the colonial powers to simply give the colonized people the illusion of freedom."
Abstract This paper analyzes and examines Thomas Paine's call for revolution in his treatise, "Common Sense". The author discusses Paine's philosophy regarding the origin and design of government in general; monarchy and hereditary succession; as well as the present state of American politics.
From the Paper "The commitment to liberty that dominated America's key revolutionary thinkers like Thomas Paine was extended and re-affirmed by the writers of the Jacksonian era. Whereas America's key revolutionary thinkers defined liberty in terms of individual freedom, the writers of the Jacksonian era extended this definition of liberty to include economic equality and equal protection under the laws. A belief in individual freedom and limited government link the revolutionary thinkers with the writers of the Jacksonian era, i.e., these individuals argued that government should derive its power from the consent of the people and that government should be protecting individuals from harm. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the threats to liberty from government and the nature of individuals, history has proven that a strong commitment to liberty by the people and the wise institutional design of government may facilitate the development and protection of liberty."
The following paper explores the woman's role and status and the way in which they have changed considerably during the last period that extended from the last decade of the 19th century until the years when World War swept across the earth.
Abstract This paper examines how a woman's status has changed along at least three major axes ? political rights, employment and health care, and cultural perceptions of the female body. It also explores how all of these changes were taken up by artists and writers as well as those holding power (and opinion in) the realms of politics, economics, and religion. The author makes reference to four plays that show some of this progress made by women? Oscar Wilde's "Salome", August Strindberg's "The Father" and "A Dream Play" and Andre Gide's "The Immoralist".
From the Paper ?While women's status remained secondary to men throughout this time (and remains secondary to men through the present) in terms of such generally accepted markers of social standing as political power, economic independence and cultural importance, women during this period in many ways ceased to be regarded as only mothers, daughters or wives and became simply human beings with their own identities independent from the men to whom they were related.?
Abstract This paper studies Jane Addams the woman and her accomplishments. At her time, she was probably the most beloved woman in America. It details all her areas of progress including: founding a settlement house, educating, writing, labor advocate, and suffragist. She left a legacy of democratic values behind her and American democracy was at a loss. She had paved the path for women that are holding very high positions in corporations, as general counsels, vice-presidents and presidents.
From the Paper "The world certainly did lose something with the death of Jane Addams, with her passing the world lost her fighting spirit and brutal loyalty to American democracy and social justice. But what she left behind was a paved road for women to follow her footsteps. She left a set of ideals in people's minds, she left a role model for little girls who wanted to grow up and change the world. Today and in our history, we have some of those women who fight for some of those same democratic values. Women who are both powerful and influential and make good use of their positions just as Jane did. Women like Eleanor Roosevelt who fought for some of the very same things Jane Addams did, such as democracy, women's rights, and children's education. Oprah Winfrey is another example of an influential role model for women today. She uses her talk show to reach millions and to pass on a message of peace and equality for everyone. Laura Bush continues to crusade for causes both political and social such as literacy, equality, and world hunger. Jane Addams created the foundation for these women to be able to do what they?re doing; she showed us all how it's supposed to be done. "
Abstract This paper explores the leadership capabilities of Henry Ford, creator of the Ford Motor Company. The author gives a corporate and organizational history of the company and discusses the company's culture as a result of Ford's influence and includes comments of leadership theories.
From the Paper "As the twentieth century drew to an end, Time magazine named the Model T the "automobile that defined the twentieth century from start to finish". Henry Ford's Model T mass production methods, and wage price theories revolutionized American industry. He was extraordinarily influential and respected because he made a product that met a public need. Ford had an immeasurable impact on American life. "When he got his Model T rolling in 1908, the horse disappeared so fast that the conversion of acreage from hay to other crops is said to have caused an agricultural revolution". By the 1920?s, it was rarely possible to find a farm where a horse did most of the hauling and plowing. Ford was the most influential force in putting North America on wheels."
Abstract This paper studies the possible reasons for the stock market crash in 1929. It examines John Kenneth Galbraith's book 'The Great Crash: 1929' which claims that the reason for the Great Crash was the over-zealousness and miscalculations of financial analysts and brokers at the time. It discusses how the basis economic theories were suddenly irrelevant afterwards. Finally, it blames the stock market crash on investors that did not want to see the reality.
From the Paper "John Kenneth Galbraith's book "The Great Crash: 1929 claims that the depression of 1929 was a direct result of the miscalculations of the financial analysts and the other brokers which caused the crash of the stocks. He states that these actors of the economic field had a direct involvement in the stock market and had become too greedy to actually see what was happening to the market around them---too greedy to actually fear the recuperation's of what was easily predictable as the downfall."
Abstract Tracing the life of Augustine, this paper aims to identify the stages of conversion as noted by Augustine himself in his Confessions. The writer examines reasons for his conversion and the historical significance of the conversion itself.
From the Paper "Fourth century Rome was a time of many changes. Writers and common society alike pointed out many of the problems within the framework of the Empire. Although many writers, such as Aristides, were quick to point out the virtues of Rome, there were definite undercurrents of uneasiness throughout the empire. Many citizens, fearing the growing climate of immorality and desiring deeper spirituality, turned to a new power: Christianity. There is no work which tells better the allure of Christianity than St. Augustine's Confessions-a work in which a man tells of the stages of his conversion to the religion which was to be the most influential factor in the development of European history. Augustine's main purpose in writing the confessions was to praise God, to extol the wisdom of God and to search for God through prayer. In his Confessions, Augustine describes five stages in his conversion to Christianity: his love of philosophy, sparked by the readings of Cicero's Hortensius; his conversion to and disenchantment with Manichaenism; his meeting of St. Ambrose; his conversion to Platonism, and a final mystical experience which led to his total conversion in 386."
