Causes Of World War I Essays - Bulgaria In World War I,

Causes Of World War I On August 1, 1914 one of the world's greatest tragedies took place. In Harry F. Young's article entitled, the Misunderstanding of August 1, 1914, Young tries to make sense of the days that took place before the Great War began. In his twenty-one-page article, Young uses many sources to explain the story that had so many twists and turns. The following is an essay examining the work of Harry Young and what really went on August 1, 1914. The main question that the author asks is what happened on August 1st? Young opens his article by saying: ?Austria had opened fire on Serbia; Russia had begun to mobilize the troops; Berlin's ultimatum to St. Petersburg would expire at noon; France was prepared to support her tsarist ally; and so far England's efforts to mediate had failed.? There are very many different explanations that can be given to explain World War I. Predominantly, the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist would be one of the first explanations given. Another important note would be that at the time this spirit of nationalism was alive and well in the heart of Europe, particularly in the empire of Austria-Hungary. Another explanation given is that there was often confusion and conflict between the German ambassador Prince Lichnowsky and the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey. It was said that they were definite additions to the already crowded European tension. Prince Lichnowsky became an ambassador in London in 1912. He gained instant popularity with the people and was soon on friendly terms with Sir Edward Grey and Prime Minister Asquith. It is believed among historians particularly the author of this article that, ?both wartime governments found it necessary to accept and promote the idea that Licknowsky had misinterpreted what Grey was proposing to him.? What Grey was proposing to him is further discussed later on in this paper. However, there was what seemed to be so much confusion and conflict in the European countries that it would be hard to believe that misunderstandings would not take place. In the article Young gives a day-by-day account leading up to August 1st and several days after. He even makes use of references from several documents that were recorded several years before the war, suggesting that the causes had been building up in Europe for quite sometime. Frank's main belief is that confusion among Europeans was at the time rampant. So what happened that day? Some historians speculate that the idea of the war was brewing for sometime. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia suggests that hints of the war were evident as early as the Austrian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Balkan Wars. Although the Young article makes no references to the above-sited as a cause, he does believe that Austria played a significant role in the war. Young mentions that on July 23, Serbia was given an ultimatum, which to some was described as ?unacceptable.? With a Russia alliance guaranteed, the Serbs accepted some of the terms but simply dismissed most of them. The alliance upset many countries particularly Britain and France. Tensions were mounting. When Grey learned about this ultimatum, he was talking to all countries fearing that a war would soon break out. Grey was trying to spread the idea of ?postponed or limited military engagement? What he wanted was to keep the possibility of peace alive by holding a conference. What Grey basically wanted to do was to gather the four ?disinterested governments,? which would consist of Britain, Germany, France and Italy. After assembling the countries Grey hoped to some how use them to mediate between the deadlocked Russia and Austria. Grey's efforts were met with no success. After Grey's attempts failed, the threat of war grew to be almost unbearable. Several of the European countries were pointing fingers and others were being blamed for governmental injustices. Troops from the major countries began entering foreign land and any hope that Grey had for a peaceful solution was fading away. The author speaks of the feeling of impending doom and how it had reached a peak on the morning of August 1st. Hours before the war officially broke out several frantic cable messages

Personal Virtues Essay Essays

Personal Virtues Essay Essays Personal Virtues Essay Paper Personal Virtues Essay Paper I went over the list a twosome of times and I am non certain if I even put them into the right order or non of how I feel. I had changed them a few times. I am surprised at a twosome of picks that I made. I was non certain of how to rate reputability and self-respect. I know I can esteem a individual but that individual does non esteem me so I in bend do non desire to esteem that individual. I do hold dignity and I do hold pride in myself but I do non believe it is of import as my first five picks. My most of import pick was truthfulness. The one thing that I hate is when person lies to me. Small white prevarications does non trouble oneself me excessively much. I think everyone has told a white prevarication sometime or another. I like to be honest with myself and with others. When person lies the truth normally comes out and sometimes it is non good. Wholesomeness is another 1 that is of import to me. I know that if I am healthy I will be able to take attention of my kids and take attention of the demands of my household. I make certain that my house. kids and myself are cleaned. I do non like sources and when people do non take that safeguard it drives me brainsick. I am hardworking. I am a difficult worker. I get truly dedicated to my occupation particularly if it deals with kids. I am certain that my dedication and difficult work comes from my male parent. He still works at the age of 72 and likely will until he can no longer do so. I believe I am mercy now. I used to be high strung and had a pique but after holding kids I have calmed down. I think I am mild. I do non acquire huffy to easy any longer and I am really soft. The 1 that I like is humour. I am friendly with merely about everyone. I like to be unfastened and honest with people. For the most portion I am courtesy towards other people. Now for my bottom five. sternness is my 11th pick. My self-denial is non every bit good as it should be. There are times that I should command it but I merely give in to enticement. I think doggedness is something I have problem with. I have a wont of non gluey to what I have said or wanted to make. I know I need to truly work on this facet of my life. Prudence is another 1 I was non certain about where to put it. Most of the clip I do non be after for things it normally merely happens by the goad of the minute. Guess you could state that I do non believe foremost before moving and sometimes that is a job. Dutifulness was a tough 1. I am really loyal and am devoted to people. I believe in GOD and I pray every twenty-four hours but I am non truly spiritual. One thing I do non care excessively much for is political relations even though I know it is all around us. I have neer voted during any of the election but have decided to register so that I can vote for the first clip this twelvemonth. Frugality was my last pick. I love to pass money even though I have small of it. The economic system is non good right now but that does non halt me from passing money. Sometimes I walk out of the shop believing why did I purchase some of the points and why did I spend every bit much as I did but the comforter goes off rapidly. Over all I did believe this was hard to believe of an order that best tantrum me. After completing this essay I am still non certain how I feel about it. The 1 that will stay my top pick is truthfulness.

Chinese Men's Gymnastics Team Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Chinese Men's Gymnastics Team - Essay Example In this category, Chinese Men’s gymnastics team was the main highlight of the event with large cloud cheering for their favorites. Over the past world competitions especially in Olympic Games, the Chinese Men’s gymnastics team has always been a moving force in gymnastics category due to their stunning performances. The team great performance has been greatly influenced by its credible leaders and talented teamwork. From first team heads LI Ning and Li Xiaoshuang to team leader Xiaopeng and his counterpart Yang Wei, Chinese Men’s gymnastics team has produced commendable results scoping top positions and several medals in the events. For instance, in the Los Angles Olympics held in year 1984 the team was the second run-up by taking the silver medal. The team leaders were not happy with the silver medal owing to their dedication to teamwork as well as resources invented for their preparation. However, in the following Olympic Games that were held in Beijing, the Chi nese male Gymnastic team was regarded as the winning team due to their excellence show in the group stages. The team comprised of experienced team leaders as well as new freshmen who offered stunning performance and cooperation. ... This has been evidenced by stunning performance where the team won all the Gold medals in 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2012 respectively. As Anderson (58), suggest the Chinese Men gymnastics team is recognized as major highlight of any world championship events and hot gold medal favorite due to their strength. Team leadership In the Rotterdam, the Netherlands world championships, the Chinese men gymnastic team comprised of the following gold medal winners: Chen Yibing (ring champion), Teng Haibin (parallel bars vice champion), Yan Mingyong (Rings vice champion), Feng Zhe (parallel bars vice champion) and Zhang Chenglong (horizontal horse champion). Over the past world championships in Gymnastics, the experienced team members mentioned above have remained at the pinnacle of the gold medal team performances, though there are upcoming new members considering the 2012 London Olympics games. In this regard, the gold medal winning team in 2012 event in London team comprises of Feng Zhe, Guo Weiyang, Zou Kai pose, Chen Yibing and Zhang Chenglong respectively. In this list of gold medal winner’s championships, it is evidence that experienced team names remain in the team due to their leadership and team strengths. With the team having a poor position for 2012 London Olympic event, most people did not expect to see the team stunning performance. Many spectators would have wondered how the Chinese men gymnastic team, which was defending Olympic champion and world titleholder for decade, would lose its strengths. The team fans had booked their tickets in advance for the opening game schedule to cheer the squad. According to media release, the fans would be had shouting the name of the new team

Assignment #2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

#2 - Assignment Example One time when dad was the only one at home, I tried talking to him about my day. I had a really bad day but I don’t want to just blurt it out to him because to me, the feelings are painful and I want to be assured that I will be listened to. So I asked him how his day went. He replied with a brief story about what happened at the office. When he didn’t ask me, I tried asking him another set of questions and none of them seemed to give him the signal that it’s time for him to ask me. When I got upset, I told him, â€Å"Aren’t you even going to ask me about my day?† I felt really bad. But he apologized and said, â€Å"Sweetie, I didn’t even know you wanted to say something. You kept asking me. If you want to tell me about your day, go right ahead.† Only then did I realize that men don’t instinctively know this â€Å"non-spoken rule† among women. For them, if you ask a question, it is a message that you just want information and not comforting. As it was pointed out by Maltz and Broker, one tendency of a woman when it comes to communication is to ask questions. (A Cultural Approach, 38) In my experience in that conversation with my dad, this proved to be true. I believe that this miscommunication was due to gender differences because whenever I ask my mom or my girlfriends about their day or feelings, they always return the question to me. We always ask each other questions but I don’t recall my dad or brother asking me. As it was explained in men’s features, men make more direct declarations of fact or opinion than do women. (A Cultural Approach, 38) When they want to say something, they don’t ask me first, they go right ahead. Another factor that may have affected the miscommunication in my example is sex role. As it was said in Explanations Offered, having been taught to speak and act like â€Å"ladies† women become as unassertive and insecure as they have been made to sound. (A Cultural Approach,

Principle Of Equality In Practical Ethics Philosophy Essay

Principle Of Equality In Practical Ethics Philosophy Essay The principle of equality in Singers work can be rationally defended from many perspectives, especially when it is being applied to human beings. However, Singer goes further to consider all animals as well. It is the basic assumption of the current investigation that Singers ideas about equality are much more rational, and much less radical, when they are employed to describe human beings; however, when they are expanded to include all sentience, some of the supposed equalities Singer proposes are no longer rational. Some of Singers theories about equality can therefore be challenged by logic, and not accepted, by people who, for example, see a difference between animals and humans, in terms of the equality applied and implied to them. When Singer talks about equality, he rejects the traditional Rawls-influenced notion of moral personality and human equality. Singer proposes a broader and more collectivist ethics, and therefore his idea of equality is also broader. However, there needs to be an alternative to this philosophy because it is untenable and seeks a level of sophistication which the author frequently is unable to convey appropriately, as seen by his use in the following sentence of creative semantics within their rhetoric. The day may come when the rest of the animal creation may acquire those rights which never could have been with-holden from them but by the hand of tyranny (sic). The French have already discovered that the blackness of the skin is no reason why a human being should be abandoned without redress to the caprice of a tormentor (Singer, 1989). Singers essay, which proposes to have a utilitarian argument structure, is basically all about morality, and it corresponds to the rightness or wron gness of an action that impacts that actions significance in terms of utility. This concept of utility has been stretched and formed the main basis for those who would criticize Singers embrace of the equality of animals and humans, as a dry and humourless statistical impossibility that drained the imagination out of humanity and based impulse on quasi-scientific ethical propositions. This is a valid criticism in the light of various authors use of utilitarianism, but it is also important to keep in mind that utilitarianism is basically a positive principle that lays out a plan for happiness, not equality. In other words, there are bright and dark sides to this issue, in which the philosophy can be changed and develop a more hybrid definition as it is interpreted by different scholars, such as Singer, or Bentham. In these cases, one scholar usually comes before the other. Singers ideas of equality also have a lot to do with the equal consideration of disparate interests. From this perspective, the philosopher can be rationally defended by those who seek to end the reign of racism, sexism and discrimination on the grounds of disability, from society. From an egalitarian perspective then, Singer can be rationally defended in his conception of equality, as it is basically a parallel of the status quo of most industrialized societies, at least in principle. And Singer asks thought provoking questions about the nature of real equality, for example, asking reasonably if any readers would really consider a strangers family to be equal to theirs, if both were under some external threat. Some of the more utilitarian of Singers defences of equality seem to make more rational sense than his defence of animals being equal to humans. Singers utilitarianism has a political and legal value, even in the justification theory perspective, because it can separate levels of harm caused to society in terms of either rules that encompass actions or actions which in themselves become rules. It is difficult to say which interpretation is more faithful to the basic tenets of utilitarianism, but it seems that in terms of alternatives, Singer has chosen not to look deeper into this philosophy than just one counts as one. What can be said, however, is that, justification-theory utilitarianism as stressed by Singer, consists of a doctrine that relates to moral goodness rather than ethical goodness, and also a doctrine that relates to what the author believes is morally right, not ethically right. The originators of utilitarianism, Mill and Bentham, both saw utilitarianism as a moral theory, and this is correct, and therefore the author uses the moral theory to back up their own moral philosophy. Jeremy Bentham incorporated the essential basis of moral equality into his utilitarian system of ethics in the formula, Each to count for one and non for more than one. In other words, the interests of every being affected by an action are to be taken into account and given the same weight as the like interests of any other being (Singer, 1989). In utilitarianism, deliberation can be conflated with intention and determination, whereas justification can be thought of as proven reasonability. There are differences between different categories of the philosophy in general, which are basically involved with the application of theoretical concepts in terms of predicting and justifying consequences and comparisons. So equality of opportunity is not an attractive ideal. It rewards the lucky, who inherit those abilities that allow them to pursue interesting and lucrative careers. It penalizes the unlucky, whose genes make it very hard for them to achieve similar success (Singer, 1989). When the author is talking about humans, he makes some cogent points. Singer uses utilitarianism as a theory of justification of society and equality of people and animals, but I would also propose that the author looks a little further into utilitarianism and sees that it is really more about proven reasonability as a standard measuring the worth of the end result or consequential result of the concept: happiness, not equality. In terms of institutional application in a historical sense, this has also included a reckoning of the main points of justification theory utilitarianism as a way of grading or categorizing institutions or policy ramifications in terms of testing and proving the efficiency or utility of the institution through a utilitarian viewpoint. This involves justification in that it uses proof and rationalization rather than deliberation theories of intention and determination. This also increases the value of objectivity as a vaunted standard within utilitarianism, seen from this justification perspective. Singer also examines some inequalities that plague society. The important point is that affirmative action, whether by quotas or some other method, is not contrary to any sound principle of equality and does not violate any rights of those excluded by it From this point, Singers theories view inequality as being passed on from one generation to another in terms of wealth and privilege within a family structure that is seen as a space of economic restriction that also works to keep disadvantaged families in the same place from generation to generation. The social class of the parents, from this perspective, will play a large role in the development of their children in terms of advantages or disadvantages that are inherited in the family structure. From this view, society is not seen as the large organism or field of struggle that functional theorists and conflict theorists see it as, but rather is seen more limited in terms of individual and everyday relations. When Singer is proclaiming the equality of animals and humans, this is a controversial subject on which some of his arguments appear less logical. It has been suggested that autonomous, self-conscious beings are in some way much more valuable morally significant, than beings w ho live from moment to moment, without the capacity to see themselves as distinct beings with a past and a future (Singer, 1989). Everyone has their own ethics. Socially positive behaviour may be influenced by moral behaviour, which has a more religious semantic connotation, but ethics should not be confused with moral behaviour. Ethics is not the same as morality or presupposing moral censorship, as some would have it; morality is more of an externalized and often conditioned response, whereas ethics could perhaps be more readily likened to the basic conscience mechanism of social responsibility. Ethics is something that begins with the individual and acts effectively to represent society in terms of fair and balanced information being presented. Animals do have rights. Those who abuse or are cruel to animals can be brought before the law. But there is also a double standard, because the cows supplying McDonalds hamburgers are mistreated and abused every day in a cruel manner, and no one takes a second thought. Animals do have rights, but they are rights that are determined by humans, not animals. When Singer is talking about the equality of humans who are disabled, or minorities, it is a conventional, status quo argument. But when he suggests the equality of animals and humans, he takes a step towards more controversial polemics. (Singer, 1989)

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

The book Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which was first published between 1851 and 1852, was written by a renowned anti-slavery crusader and author, Harriet Beecher Stow and it was received with acclamation and was also considered a masterpiece in its time. The author is accredited for writing a book that has been said to be a major contributor of the Civil War. The author herself grew up witnessing the passionate slavery debates and thus she held tight to her abolitionist ideologies. From the onset of the book it is clear that the author generally writes to convince the Northern readership on the need to end slavery. She exposes the horrors of the ongoing slavery that was predominant in the south. Stowe does not shy away from expressing her religious views by emphasizing the importance of Christian love in order to tackle oppression. The author also in this book also propels her feminist’s views and thus portrays women as an equal gender in the society. One of the strengths that the book harbors is the impact it had on the society and also the understanding that one gains of the factors that led to the war. However, a weakness of the book can be found on the author herself since it can be argued that the author’s limited experience of life in the southern area made her to have an inaccurate description of the region. However, looking at the strengths of the book it is easier to see how they outweigh the weaknesses. The book is hailed as one that captures the wild imagination of many Americans and its rich historical context of the events that led to the civil war portrays the book in good light.

Courage Under Fire

The film â€Å"Courage Under Fire† tackles ethical issues and moral dilemmas. Here an officer during the course of his investigation, searches for the truth in the different accounts regarding a Desert Storm mission while struggling with his own demons. Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles espouses three main merits in a leader; Duty, Respect and Integrity. In the film, the characters display such characteristics under different circumstances.Perhaps one of the main principles that can be observed in the film is the choice of the two key characters to choose the difficult right over the easy wrong. Rather than leave their crash site in the middle of night, where darkness will provide them good cover and a good chance to escape safely, Captain Karen Walden did otherwise for the sake of her injured co-pilot. She took into consideration the safety of all the members of her team and tried to save what could be saved. When Monfriez tried to stage a mutiny to push the team to escape, Cpt.Walden asserted herself; demonstrating her prowess as a capable leader, who earlier in the day effectively put to use all their available resources to assemble a make-shift fort to keep them safe and make good use of their ammunition until rescue arrives. As for Colonel Nat Serling, he accepted full responsibility of his actions and their consequences during the attack which took the life of his closest friend. Though there was visible stress after he realized his action, it was brief and he rallied his men to finish the mission.His decisions and his alertness during the event prevented major loss in their part. In the Monfriez’s false account, his description of Capt. Walden was of characters contradictory to those of the values and principles mentioned above. This characterization devoid of notions of integrity, respect and duty produces a person unfit for such a job that required leadership and proficiency. Along with demonstrating the leadership principles and values, the characters also perform actions that they consider fitting in their given situations.To arrive at these actions, they relied on their own capacities rather than waiting for the orders of outside forces; like what Colonel Serling did when he ordered the tanks to turn on their lights to distinguish their own forces from that of the enemies’. Though command was asking him to relay the conditions, he preferred not to focus on the question and proceeded to give orders based on his analysis of the situation. Amidst pressure Capt. Walden stood by her decision, having confidence in her capabilities.Her ability to translate her bravery into actions and also her leadership skills to the men, resorting only to drastic measures when circumstances call for it, display her influence over the people around her. This influence should not be interpreted as something overbearing; the abilities of Walden and Serling to communicate their desires and convince others to do it, suc h as General Hershberg agreeing to extensions and allowing Serling time to explain and Capt. Walden’s command over her troops, are qualities of good and effective leaders.Only when it is abused or used incorrectly does it become overbearing and unbecoming of a good leader. However, the feedback they get as people with position are not the same. A hint of gender bias appears in the film; Walden was the first woman to be awarded a medal already handed to numerous men, such a ruckus was made in the decision to do so stemming from existing ideals that as Eagly et al. states; â€Å"in explicit leadership roles, women tend to be viewed less positively than men (qtd. in Unger 253), and Monfriez weakens Walden’s character by emphasizing on her emotional attributes.While Serling kept on with the mission even though Boylar had died, Walden chose to remain in the site for her injured co-pilot. This might be attributed to differences in leadership due to dispositions but other co ntrasting elements should also be taken into account. While the tank has been confirmed hit, thus its crew dead, Walden’s co-pilot was still alive and as a leader bound by moral duties, Walden chose to stay. Steven Covey in his foreword to Greenleaf, Spears and Covey’s (4) book, wrote that â€Å"†¦the essential quality that sets servant-leaders apart from others is that they live by their conscience- the inward moral sense of what is right and what is wrongâ€Å". Though not directly, the conscience that exists in member-oriented leaders is a factor of moral courage which according to Hildreth (96) â€Å"consists in enduring, through the force of the moral sentiment, those numerous pains which spring from the malevolence of others to whom our conduct gives offence; particularly those pains which we are subject through the sentiment of self-comparison, pains of obloquy, mortification, and disgrace†.Aside from conscience, moral courage is similar to other f acets of ethical leadership such as â€Å"judicious use of incentives, astute ordering of priorities and allocating resources where they count the most† (Greenleaf, Spears and Covey’s 73). Both these values can be observed in the key characters. Courage Under Fire not only showed the bravery of its characters in the field of battle but in the midst of people and their peers as well.It is in this film several embodiments of leadership virtues can be seen and perhaps learned by those who choose to watch this. Courage Under Fire. Dir. Edward Zwick. Perf. Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, Matt Damon. 1996. DVD. 20th Century Fox, 2000. Greenleaf, Robert K. , Spears, Larry C. , & Stephen R. Covey. Servant leadership: a journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. 25th ed. New Jersey: Paulist Press.2002. Hildreth, Richard. Theory of Morals: An Inquiry Concerning the Law of Moral Distinctions and the Variations and Contradictions of Ethical Codes . Boston: Published by C. C. Little & J. Brown. 1844. Unger, Rhoda. Handbook of the Psychology of Women and Gender. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. 2004. â€Å"Values and Principles. † fireleadership. gov. 3 June 2009. < http://www. fireleadership. gov/ values_principles. html>