Abstract This paper examines how the Empire's role in imperial defence and security declined from the beginning of the twentieth century to 1968 largely due to the maturing status of Britain's White Dominions, which increasingly held diverging views on defence and security from the mother country. It looks at how in Britain's greatest hours of need during the two world wars the Empire contributed heavily in terms of manpower, resources and hamlets for training. It also shows how paradoxically, the Empire, which Britain battled to preserve in the two world wars was lost in the post-war environment, as the Dominions' increased autonomy coupled with Britain's inability to match its resources to imperial demands weakened the Empire beyond sustainability.
From the Paper "With the fall of Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Norway and France, Britain's position became extremely perilous, and for the first time since 1806 it lacked allies on the Continent. For over a year between France's surrender and Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941 Britain and the Empire was forced to single handedly face the Axis powers. Initially, the British Empire had been relatively safe because of Britain's supremacy in the seas, but in the summer of 1940 the security of the British Isles became paramount, as aerial attacks and threats of a cross-Channel invasion increased."
Abstract This paper examines the forced evacuation in Britain during World War II of children, elderly, and chronically ill people to safe harbors to protect them from the bombings and gas attacks feared to hit populated areas, especially London. The author relates that British children, sent to live in the countryside and in British dominions, were separated from their families, failed to receive proper medical attention and schooling, and lived in often unsuitable and rural accommodations. The paper points out that, while the evacuations could be seen as a success in their protection of the British children at risk during the war, the causative effects of the relocations stressed the children, their families, the foster families, and communities who took them in and the government responsible for putting the plan in action.
From the Paper "Complaints stemming from the evacuations arose from the villagers and townspeople receiving the children, as well. The occurrences of misbehavior by the fostered children were common, especially as they often brought with them attitudes and practices more consistent with city living. It was noted that an increase in petty crime occurred during the time span when the city children populated the rural areas of Britain. Thus, problems with adjustment were realized on both sides."
Abstract This paper looks at the big themes in H.G. Wells' "The Island of Doctor Moreau" which diametrically oppose each other: the theories of existence (i.e. evolution and religion), and the cruelty and need for dominion that man exhibits towards animals, and ultimately the question of the meaning of it all that Wells poses to his readers.
From the Paper "Prendick's first encounter with the creatures of the island is when the ship rescues him. His impression of M'ling is that he is a "misshapen man", and although M'ling turns from Prendick with "animal swiftness", he still refers to him as a man. He considers M?ling a person with animal-like qualities, rather than the other way around. The captain of the ship is called a "brute". His drunken, hostile behavior towards all on-board is construed as beastly. Without provocation, he batters M'ling, who accepts the abuse and does not retaliate. His spirit has been broken like a whipped dog. Wells draws an image here of man against beast, with man being the aggressor, and the beast being the submissive party. Man's attempt at controlling nature through violence and carnage is noted immediately. Ironically, the so-called less civilized creatures are more refined. M'ling conducts himself passively, while the captain behaves barbarously. The two species inter-relate, and the reader sees a bit of beast in the man, and some of man in the beast."
Abstract The following paper looks at the ideals and ethics of infanticide and abortion with reference to religious perspectives, community opinions and historical views. The writer makes reference to legal cases and statistics showing the rise in abortion in the United States.
From the Paper "Infanticide is the murder of children either before or after its birth, according to French Criminal Codes infanticide is only the murder of the infant after its birth therefore the death of a new born baby, however within the English legal system it is classified as the destruction of life from conception to the age of three years old (Walsh PG).
Infanticide normally happens when the food supply is limited, this can be seen to occur within Chinese and Eskimo communities. Moreover, female infanticide is more common especially within strong patriarchal communities, and also within communities where a child is deformed or touched by evil, for example twin, these may be slain at birth (Anonymous PG)."
Abstract This paper analyzes the works of the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas and how through analysis of some of his poems, two ideas are constantly presented and expressed through the symbolizm of nature. The first is death, viewed as the end of life but at the same time as the beginning of a different type of existence and how all the elements of nature become one with the same essence and soul. The second is childhood when life is pure and innocent just like nature.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement Support
Poems Analyzed
Dylan Thomas's Style
How He Writes
Poem Analysis
"Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night"
?And Death Shall Have no Dominion?
"Poem in October"
"Fern Hill"
Conclusion
From the Paper "Dylan Thomas uses symbols and images of nature to express how he feels towards death and childhood. Some poems which clearly picture this idea are "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night", "And Death Shall Have No Dominion", "Poem In October", and "Fern Hill". In the first two poems there is a contradictory belief of death, as the author Anthony Thwait points outs the end of life and as the beginning of a different kind of existence. The other two pieces of work portray life in the countryside as being similar to heaven and childhood as being the moment when life is pure and innocent, according to the previously mentioned writer."
Tags: life, existance, animals, plants, rivers, sun, countyside, children
Abstract In both wars Canada played a significant role militarily and economically. In World War I Canada emerged from the shadow of Great Britain and the Empire and emerged as an autonomous, self-governing dominion. In World War II Canada played a larger, and yet more autonomous role, reflected, in the post-war era in Canada's role in the formation of the UN and NATO.
Abstract The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway was a fundamental aspect of the National Policy (1878). As such it played a key role in integrating the west into the new Dominion, in preventing the development of north-south links with the United States and facilitated the economic development of the region.
Abstract This paper will argue that, contrary to popular opinion, Italian Fascism did not "rule" women. Indeed, the early Fascist Party was actually a strong supporter of more equal roles for women. Even later, when the Fascist government altered its policies toward women in order to co-opt conservative and Catholic forces, it will be seen that almost every policy initiative of the state that touched upon women and women's role in society failed spectacularly.
Abstract This paper discusses some of the poems contained within the book of poetry, "Harmonium", by Wallace Stevens. The paper demonstrates the technique Stevens uses in his poetry of relating to things surrounding him in the world. It also talks about and provides examples of the way Stevens relates his poetry to nature.
From the Paper "Poetry is a way in which people express themselves in words. It is how some communicate with the world. Wallace Stevens is a poet who introduced a new way of expressing himself through poetry. His sense of style is that of something many people have trouble defining. Stevens's main genre is a widely debated topic. His poetry seems to be a record of his own sense of being (McNamara 13). He relates to the things surrounding him in the world. Many critics have often referred to his style as being philosophical, artistic, and musical (Willard 127). He was a very modern poet for his time. Stevens wrote about his views on society and the world around him in a very abstract, or metaphysical, manner."
Abstract This paper discusses how the history of Vietnam is peppered with struggles and conflicts, as two very different types of government have sought to maintain power over this narrow strip of land. It looks at how Chinese dominion over the area, now known as Vietnam, reaches as far back as the 1st century, as well as the French colonialism of the 17th century, and the fight against Communism that resulted in the Vietnam War. It also analyzes the issues concerning the reunification of Vietnam.
From the Paper "During the reign of Ho Chi Men, South Vietnam needed the help of the French to fight the Communist regime. Those who sought political independence did not reject any help from the French because they saw it as better than Chinese communism. Although Ho Chi Min desired to break free from the Chinese and the French, he said, "I prefer to smell French dung for the next five years than smell Chinese dung for the rest of my life" (Davidson 1195). He allowed the French to enter the country but negotiations failed and eight years of guerilla warfare forced the French to surrender."
Tags: french, war, communism, democracy, ho, chi, minh
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 ?We aimed for no more than to have dominion over every creature that moved upon the earth.? These words, spoken by Orleanna Price, wife of missionary Nathan Price, serves as a precise outlook on the "unmissionary" view of ethnocentrism in Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible". The paper shows that, throughout the novel, Kingsolver emphasizes the rampant ethnocentrism that occurred from 1959 through the early 1960s in the Congo. Ethnocentrism reflects the belief that one's culture is superior to all other cultures and that their culture is the only culture to live by. The paper shows how the character of Nathan Price, Methuselah, the Parrot, and Nathan's demonstration garden are all symbolic and supportive of the novel's central theme of ethnocentrism.
From the Paper "Methuselah, the Parrot, is symbolic of the doomed Republic of Congo, as the vulnerable nation is predated by the U.S. in its ethnocentric efforts to "right the wrongs" of the elected government of the Congo. Methuselah is denied freedom for most of his life, and while he is kept in a cage and fed by humans, he loses the ability to fend for himself. Even after Nathan sets him free, Methuselah continues to stay close to the house he has been accustomed to, dependent on humans for food, also sleeping in their latrine at night, for fear of predators. Inevitably, Methuselah is caught by a cat and killed."
Abstract Thomas Paine, an 18th century radical, once observed, "[T]here is something very absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island." And so his statement, after being given much thought by the American people, was soon widely regarded as true. This paper shows that, before 1763, America enjoyed a relative amount of independence, even though it was being governed,theoretically, by one of the most powerful nations in the world, England. When the British suddenly reversed their decade-long policy of indifference and tried to claim absolute authority in the colonies during the years 1763-1776, they alienated the colonial population and sparked American resistance, which soon undermined their attempts at control.
From the Paper "While the British claimed they reserved the right to tax the colonies "in all cases whatsoever", Americans had sent Ben Franklin to Parliament to explain American views on the subject. Franklin, representing the colonies, reasoned that there were two types of taxation: external and internal. According to Franklin, Americans had consented to external taxes, or duties on goods which colonists were not forced to buy; on the other hand, the colonists refused to pay internal taxes, or forced taxes. This challenged the British position of being able to tax the colonies "in all cases whatsoever"."
This paper discusses extracts from Seeley's lecture "The Indian Empire", which is part of his second course on English expansion delivered from 1881 to 1882.
Abstract This paper explains that, as a secondary source document, Seeley's lecture "The Indian Empire" is a good example of its author's perception and interpretation of the making and evolution of the British Raj; the text offers a brief panorama of what Seeley calls the "monstrous enterprise". The author summarizes the key themes as (1) the conquest of India and the expansion of Greater Britain, (2) Seeley's vision of the processes at its origin, (3) the advantages and disadvantages of India as a dominion from a political and economic point of view, (4) the relationship between Britain and India and (5) a solution to the Indian question. The paper concludes that a historian not only describes historical facts but also strives to suggest future political actions; thus, history becomes a tool of politics.
From the Paper "From 1874 to the beginning of the 20th century, Britain added to her Empire 4 750 000 sq.m. inhabited by nearly 90 million people, who had a multitude of different languages and customs. At a time when the determination to hold British India became even greater, Seeley points out that the Punjab is superior in population to Spain in order to show on how great a scale British expansion had been carried out. Why would the British engage in large-scale expansion if it demanded such a considerable investment of resources and capital, in a part of the globe that seemed so removed from Englishness? Seeley seems to disapprove of the phenomenon that had actually begun with the first British expeditions to India and with Clive and Hastings (line 99 to 105). But acquisitions of larger territories were carried out much later, during the mid-18th century."
Abstract This essay presents opposing arguments to those presented in Mark Sagoff's article, "Zuckerman's Dilemma: A Plea for Environmental Ethics," in which Sagoff analyzes the concept of value and discusses the kinds of value that objects of environmental concern can have. The author of of this paper takes the position, instead, that man is designed to have dominion over the animals and fields.
From the Paper "Sagoff uses examples of things in nature which society wishes to preserve for various values. For example, he discusses obvious instrumental grounds, like potential medicinal reasons for preservation. He then contrasts that society may wish to preserve a ten thousand-year-old forest for its aesthetic qualities. Clearly, the very definition of aesthetics is the appreciation of beauty! If man appreciates the beauty of an object, it serves him! Lastly, Sagoff talks of moral value of objects in nature. Yes, we must preserve resources, but only for the sake of preserving human resources, not to preserve nature for its own sake, or for its value to non human beings."
