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Railway Expansion and U.S. Economic Growth, 2008.
An analysis of the impact of railway expansion in the United States on the country's economic growth.
1,028 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the economic development of the United States during the early 1800s. In particular, the paper looks at the influence that the development of the railroad as the predominant method of inland transportation during the 19th century and thereafter had on the country's economic growth. The paper also look briefly at the sources of investment into the railways.
From the Paper
"In any event, much of the early investment dollars that led to this initial explosion in rail transportation that ended during the late 1840s was funded by foreign investors in US securities. It is estimated that stocks and bonds issued to both expand the rail lines and purchase land rights to build on were, to some degree, financed by individuals in Great Britain who lost some $200k in 1839-1840 when the transportation and land booms in the US collapsed following the 1840s (Thies 34). This was simply a market readjustment or a market correction because the rail industry quickly re-established itself as a growth industry and went on to fuel further economic growth in the much the same way it did during this early expansion period when it was founded."
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September 11, 2001: Why Is America a Target?, 2008.
An analysis of the relationship between the Arab/Israeli conflict in the Middle East and terrorism in America.
2,019 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper questions why America was attacked on 9/11 and, in order to understand why America will continue to be a target of terrorism, the paper examines the broader issue of Israeli/Arab enmity in the Middle East. More specifically, the paper discusses the violence between Israelis and Muslims that has triggered the Arab/Israeli wars and how this affects the United States and their relationship to terrorism both on their shores and abroad.
From the Paper
"Neo-conservatives like Rumsfeld (2002) have argued that ultimately, the ideology of mindless hatred that motivates Muslims to blow up innocent people on buses and trains and fly airliners into buildings full of innocent people in the name of "justice" must be repeatedly denounced by every Western government and must be relentlessly discredited through whatever methods necessary. They believe that people who take part in or support such atrocities, or contend that they are legitimate and that their perpetrators are heroic defenders of Islam do not deserve to have their "grievances" addressed by the civilized world."
"American neo-conservatives insist that the military occupation of Iraq must continue indefinitely and that Iran and Syria must be attacked for being state sponsors of terrorism, but this approach has had nightmare consequences. The occupation of Iraq is a fiasco, the Middle East has become dangerously destabilized, and there has been an alarming increase in terrorism worldwide."
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Capital Punishment in South Carolina, 2008.
An analysis of the capital punishment laws in South Carolina compared to other states and a discussion over their future.
1,678 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history of the capital punishment statute in South Carolina from 1912. It discusses the debate over the laws and the current situation. The paper also compares the capital punishment laws between the different states and how they have been applied. In addition, the paper examines the arguments against the death penalty and suggests that the death penalty will slowly deteriorate into nothing.
From the Paper
"Basically, there are some people who believe that the death penalty should continue especially if they were victims or relatives of the victims. If the death penalty happens in one or two states only and people see that the murder rate declines when trials are set in those places, the boundaries would definitely change. In other words, if a murder happened in Columbia, South Carolina and the trial was set in Texas since the death penalty exist and all evidence pointed that way and was convicted, sentence to die, and executed; other states may join in to decrease murder rates."
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Korean History: A Comparison of Accounts, 2008.
This paper evaluates competing written accounts of the status of women in a specific period of Korean history.
2,209 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 83.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the perspective of four different authors on the era dating from approximately 892 until around 1592 on the Korean Peninsula, in order to highlight how biased historical explanation actually is. The paper examines a text published by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in Seoul, Roger Tennant's book "A History of Korea," Martina Deuchler's "The Confucian Transformation of Korea: A Study of Society and Ideology" and Han Hee-sook's journal article "Women's Life during the Choson Dynasty". The paper concludes that Martina Deuchler's book offers the richest analysis and most persuasive historical account of the changing status of Korean women.
Outline:
Introduction
Broadly Comparing Historical Accounts
Complex Accounts of Korean women: Deuchler and Han
Chinyeong
Kyongguk Taejon
Conclusion
From the Paper
"However this project demands a much closer focus in order to be effective as an exercise in historical comparison. Therefore, we will look specifically at the issue of how and why the status of women changed in Korea from Silla times through to early Choson. This examination will not be a simple narrative of the social shifts that impacted the lives of Korean women during this time period. Rather, we will identify different explanations of why that change occurred, and consider different statements about which changes were the most important. It will become clear that various authors bring their own ideological agenda to the telling of history, and that the act of omission constitutes a major tool in shaping the events of the past."
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Art Activism and WWII's Korean Comfort Girls, 2008.
An analysis of how artistic activism is attempting to draw more supporters to the comfort women's cause.
2,042 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the ways that artistic activism portrays Korean girls who were sent to serve military brothels of the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) throughout occupied Asia, during World War II. It discusses how, together with international law, litigation and documentation, artistic activism has attempted to draw more supporters to the comfort women's cause.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Artistic Activism
Exhibits in North America
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"Far work continues to be promised in the future, as more women and other artists take up the cause of the comfort women, making use of their testimony collected in several countries and what are said to be numerous surviving photographs taken shortly after the end of the War or at different times in the surviving comfort women's futures. For viewers not at all interested in imperial Japan's atrocities in Asia or the comfort women in particular, each work discussed in this paper, nonetheless, succeeds in a kind of informal reminder that what we see in the exterior or a person, or in perceptible emotions, can tell very little indeed as to a person's precise life experience. Of the third or so of comfort women to survive their existences of being military prostitutes, each had an horrendous story of devaluation, violence and injuries of all kinds."
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Organized Crime in Boston, 2008.
An analysis of the history and development of organized crime and the mafia in Boston.
1,995 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history of organized crime in Boston. It particularly focuses on the connection between immigration and social connection to the mafia. It discusses the reasons why organized crime in the United States began and how it has developed over time. It shows how the mafia as its own cultural group provided a form of social acceptance for many individuals.
From the Paper
"According to Lehr and O'Neill (2000) organized crime in Boston is quite active in modern society. The basis of the organized crime families has existed for decades, which causes continued generations of these families to maintain the family "business" (Lehr & O'Neill, 2000, p. 271). Lehr and O'Neill (2000) point out that although federal and state authorities have made numerous attempts at ending the operation of organized crime in Boston, the ability of the mafia families to recruit immigrants and the downtrodden in society into their organization will continue to support the functions of these groups (p. 271). This belief is significant because despite social attempts to prevent organized crime from existing, it is apparent that as long as there are definite separations in class because of ethnicity and culture, organized crime will continue to flourish."
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Empress Cixi's Long and Peculiar Reign in Late Qing China, 2008.
A study of the reign of Chinese Empress Cixi in the late Qing dynasty.
4,125 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 18 sources, MLA, AU$ 134.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the life and rule of Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908). The paper asserts that, like her contemporary, Queen Victoria of England, she was able to wield power and insisted on doing so. But unlike Queen Victoria, the paper points out that she had risen from a concubine of the lowest rank at the Beijing court and is popularly remembered as a ruthless woman. The paper concludes that Cixi's rigid and backward views let the Western powers take advantage, quite easily, of China's low development and that she was a human disaster for China and for the Chinese.
Outline:
Introduction
Ordinary Origins
The End of Emperor Xianfeng
A Narcissist at Court
An Empress of Early Warlords
Rumours and Observations
A Revised Empress
Last Remarks
From the Paper
"In 1861, Xianfeng died and as the mother of his heir, Tongzhi, Cixi was given the title of Empress. Several other regents were appointed to run the Chinese empire and before long there was intrigue. Two of the other regents were accused of crime against the state and were permitted to commit suicide to avoid execution. A third regent was beheaded and his property went to Cixi as a virtual civil war raged in five provinces where millions died in the fighting or of starvation, large parts of the interior laid waste and several cities destroyed. Rather than responding to the crisis, the empress continued to meet with the previous emperor's uncle, Prince Kung (q.v), an experienced courtier in order to learn the arts of politics."
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Islamic Architecture, 2008.
An analysis of the ways in which Islamic architecture has influenced the architectural styles of other religions.
2,936 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 104.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the origins of the distinctly Islamic architectural style. The paper begins by discussing Islamic history and then goes on to discuss how Islamic architecture has set a standard for religious architecture that has influenced other religious groups and contributed to various architectural styles evident to this day. Additionally, the paper also discusses how Islamic architecture has more recently been influenced by the West, not for religious architecture, but for office buildings and residential units.
From the Paper
"In the Islamic tradition, the idea of the dome was developed with religious connotations. The first centralized Ottoman mosque was created at Diyarbakir in 1521 with four semi-domes and not mere vaults. The four corner areas are surmounted by four small cupolas, while the central dome is supported on four piers. This is the logical conclusion to the mosques of earlier times. The squareness of the mosque at human level represents earthliness, and the domes represent the heavens, much as the square and the circle do in Chinese architecture. The two-centered arch forms a spiritual limbo in the design. The interior is spacious and well-lit, another reference to the heavens (Goodwin 178)."
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Japan's Occupation of Hong Kong, 2008.
A discussion of Japan's occupation of Hong Kong in the 1940s.
3,010 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 13 sources, MLA, AU$ 107.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a critical look at the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in December of 1941. The paper points out that the occupation lasted till the early autumn of 1945, and the brutality of the experience is still a topic of resentment. It asserts that the occupation of World War II is part of Hong Kong's history and local memory for it harshly affected every family then living there. The paper adds that Japan's unknowable agenda caused some people in Hong Kong to rather welcome the 1997 lapse to the PRC, aware that their territory would be defended by the Red Army should their worst fears come to pass. The paper concludes that the fall of Hong Kong and the Japanese occupation were shattering events that have shaped Hong Kong's culture and consciousness.
Outline:
Introduction
Taking Hong Kong
A Fighting People
The 21st Century
A Changed Identity?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"One is unsurprised by comments of older people from Hong Kong on a 'Japanese mentality' or condemnation of recent Japanese elections favouring right-wing candidates. Stories still abound of Hong Kong civilians forced to dig hideouts for Japanese boats on Lamma Island, the diggers killed to keep the boats' locations secret. Part of the trouble involves how such horrid events contrasted with a colony of which many Chinese were most proud for Hong Kong had grown from nothing after the 1840s, the work of ordinary immigrants from the Mainland, the British administration working in their favour in years when the Mainland was hopelessly turbulent or just inefficient. In fact, after World War II, people wanted a return to stable government, eschewing decolonization in favour of colonial rule that lasted till 1997. The Japanese occupation had a deep impact, in this sense, as in 1952 proposed liberal reforms were not of interest to the public. Authoritative, stable rule was wanted instead, for the IJA occupation had destroyed Hong Kong's pre-War trading economy based on entrepot shipping and services linking the Chinese treaty ports that were most profitable. Hong Kong was a place of employment, education and hope, different from other European colonies in the region, its atmosphere said to be happier and more harmonious than in British Malaya or Singapore. Its people were often the children or the grandchildren of 19th century migrants, many from Canton, the whole social order differing from that of China, the well to do proud to descend from some ordinary soul to head for Hong Kong to make his fortune, away from the rigid class system of Mainland China, Qing instability and corruption."
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Digital Black and White Photography, 2008.
An analysis of the history of digital photography and a comparison of its results with those of analog cameras, focusing on black and white developments.
1,353 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that digital cameras are better than analogue cameras. Specifically, the paper looks briefly at the history of digital photography, at its utility in matters such as record-keeping and crime-fighting and at some noteworthy instances of digital photography producing impressive and compelling works. Finally, the paper looks at all of the various reasons why it may be said that digital black and white photography is better than analog black and white photography.
From the Paper
"More than that, the technology that makes digital black and white photographs possible always runs the risk of becoming obsolete. For instance, the old Epson 2200, 7600, 9600 printers have been pushed aside by Epson Stylus Pro 4800, by the Epson Stylus Pro 7800, and by the Epson Stylus Pro 9800 (FLAAR Network, para.8); simply put, unlike the fairly low-maintenance prints rendered by analog cameras, the "splashy" digital B&W prints of today place photography enthusiasts in the uncomfortable position of seeking out new technological tools that have a (quite literally) a built-in obsolescence factor. Be that as it may, though, most photographers will gladly accept this trade-off if it means the chance to be more creative."
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Maoist-Leninism and Capitalism in China, 2008.
An analysis of the fundamental threat that is posed to the continuing stable development of China from the convergence of Maoist-Leninism and capitalism in contemporary China.
1,853 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the convergence of Maoist-Leninism and capitalism in contemporary China. It focuses on "ideology" as an element of change in China today in order to highlight the nature of the challenge facing a country. The paper looks at China's surging economy and geriatric political structure that is supported by a decayed ideology and suggests that there is a fundamental threat that is posed to the continuing stable development of China from these contradictory ideologies.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Problem Facing China
What is "Ideology"?
The Connection Between Capitalism and Democracy
An Unstable Marriage: Capitalism and Communism
An Uncertain Future
From the Paper
"From this perspective, we can understand the fundamental threat that is posed to the continuing stable development of China from these contradictory ideologies. Capitalism seems to necessarily stimulate independent political thinking, which is highly repellant to the Communist Party which sought independent thinking only in terms of market management and technological innovation. The Communist Party thus bases its continuing monopoly on political power upon an ideology that no one in China truly believe in anymore. This co-existence of contradictory ideologies may continue for years to come, but obviously cannot be sustained in the long term. It is this fact that gives rise to the pessimism of many observers regarding the future of China."
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Ideology and Value Change in Contemporary China, 2008.
A paper describing the ideology and development in the People's Republic of China
3,033 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, AU$ 108.95
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Abstract
This paper refers to the rather negative predictions of Maurice Meisner (1999) and Minxin Pei (2006) concerning early 21st century development in the People's Republic of China (PRC) to reflect the actual results of a high-growth capitalism pursued by a still repressive state socialist regime. The author concludes with the statement that both Meisner and Pei seem justified in their discouraging assessments of the future.
Outline:
Introduction
Maurice Meisner on Social Values
Minxin Pei on Corruption
Consumerism and Decadence
Chinese Ideology, Social Values and Poverty
Wanderers and Vagabonds
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"When discussing capitalism, socialism and democracy, Meisner points out that the great majority of Chinese have benefited from post-Reform capitalism in better incomes, housing and spending power but this has been done at a price of terrific environmental destruction, bureaucratic corruption and indeed, peasant riots that occurred in different parts of the PRC through the 1990s. (Mao's China 532-533) There has been a rise in everyday crime including organized crime that has increased in both urban and rural areas. In 1997, the PRC executed 3000 convicts, more than the rest of the world's executions combined. (Mao's China 533) In the 1950s, the regime had worked to eradicate drug addiction and trafficking, prostitution, gambling and the activities of organized crime. Daniel Lynch commented on what he calls 'thought work' on the part of the CCP in 1980s campaigns against 'spiritual pollution' and a 1987 campaign against 'bourgeois liberalization', later crackdowns on book marketing, anti-pornography drives, and all towards a summary given by Lynch that in the 1990s this sort of effort had largely failed. (1999) Like Meisner and Pei Lynch rather expected a rise in the resentment of the dispossessed that might begin using Internet media to organize protest activities. (1999)"
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Italian Slums in Boston in the 1930s-40s, 2008.
A review of William Foote Whyte's book "Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum".
744 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 32.95
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Abstract
This book review analyzes the premise of social organization that is represented within William Foote Whyte's social analysis of Italian culture in North Boston in his book "Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum". The paper points out that, although the premise of Whyte's study focuses on the lower class ethnic community of the Italian immigrant culture, he invariably provides an unbiased view of both the educated and uneducated classes within this socially organized, tightly knit social group. In conclusion, the paper maintains that Whyte provides an innovative sociological perspective in his study of sociological cluster groups that dispels the stereotypical dualism of the educated and the uneducated that were far more intermixed in these diverse social strata.
From the Paper
"A common misperception of the poor is that they have little social organization or that they are not part of the majority of Americans that partake in social organizational processes. Whyte was a pioneer in the 1930s and 1940s at providing an unbiased social analysis of the Italian slum culture, which provided a wide variety of social organization within gang culture, as well as clubs that were formed to bring cultural unity to North Boston. Whyte actually lived amongst these peoples, and provides direct evidence of these types of organizations, such as Doc's gang in section I. Doc is an uneducated young man in Whyte's (1993) research that had control over the Norton Gang in the area."
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Standard of Living and the Industrial Revolution in Britain, 2008.
A study of the standard of living of the working class during the industrial revolution in Britain.
3,490 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 119.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the standard of living of the British working class during the industrial revolution, and aims to analyze whether industrialization was good for this diverse class or not. The paper points out that, despite the extensive research conducted on this famous era of economic activity, scholars cannot seem to agree as to whether the working class benefited from this phenomenon or not. The paper concludes that the overall effect of the industrial revolution on Britain's working class was negative rather than positive, based on a model of clearly poor social conditions alongside unreliable economic data.
Outline:
Introduction
Pre-Industrial Revolution: The Situation in Europe and Britain
An Economic Model
General Standards of Living of the Working Class
Conclusion
From the Paper
"England's agricultural working class pre-industrialization were arguably amongst the most advanced in the world, let alone Europe. The rest of Europe's working class was not so impacted by the industrial revolution, at least not to begin with. The industrial revolution came to England first owing to "Britain's superior record of labour productivity growth" (O'Brien, 1996, p. 216). When output per worker and returns were hectare were connected, production in Britain was nearly double that of French agriculture. Regions such as France were also more dependent than Britain on intensification of labour input to raise and maintain agricultural output above population growth levels (ibid, p. 218). It was thus no coincidence that the industrial revolution was to have a greater impact (and a swifter one) on England in comparison with that nation's European counterparts. Even before the advent of machinery, England owned a remarkable share of animal products to final agricultural outputs - around 75% (ibid, p. 222). Back then, farm animals provided "an 'engine for growth' which provided for a cumulative rise in agrarian productivity which in turn supported structural change for the economy as a whole" (ibid, p. 225). This British dominance was a direct reflection of the company's readiness to fulfill what was necessary to bolster the economy. In this case, livestock was necessary for an agricultural-based economy. It appears, however, that England, with its at-the-forefront economic planning, was primed and ready to adapt to whatever economic future awaited."
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Stephen Douglas and Popular Sovereignty, 2008.
A discussion of 1850s politician, Stephen Douglas, and the doctrine of popular sovereignty.
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the political history and views of Stephen Douglas, among the leading politicians in the nation in the 1850s. The paper points out that, aspiring to the presidency, Douglas had to confront the question of the legality of slavery in the territories. Responding to this issue, Douglas advocated popular sovereignty, letting the voters in each territory decide the question. The paper states that, while the concept seemed simple, the doctrine collapsed in the face of myriad complications, and as it collapsed, Douglas and his presidential hopes faded. The paper concludes that popular sovereignty was theoretically a sound means of allowing territorial populations to organize themselves as either slave or free, but it failed as a political idea because it could not satisfy the demands of the various factions in the dire years leading to the Civil War.
From the Paper
"The second blow to Douglas came with the submission of the first state constitution ostensibly reflecting popular sovereignty. A constitutional convention at Lecompton, Kansas, wrote a constitution that was put before Kansas voters. The voters were given an alternative: to vote for a constitution which permitted current residents of Kansas to keep slaves they had brought into the territory, or to vote for a provision which opened the state to unlimited importation to slaves. Voters could not for a state constitution which prohibited slavery. Anti-slavery voters boycotted this referendum, so that the constitution sent to Washington allowed the free importation of slaves into Kansas."
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First Nations Literature, 2008.
A critical look at North American culture as seen through First Nations literature.
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses 'First Nations literature' as referring to the poems, novels, stories, plays, legends and songs created by Aboriginal writers from North America. The paper describes the lack of First Nation literature and how what does exist reflects upon North American society. The paper provides examples from two books (a novel and an historical text), a play, and a film in its analysis.
From the Paper
"The very making of this film offers a critique on North American society, as the filmmakers hoped to revitalize Inuit traditions and bring the legends of the past to a whole new generation of youth. The new growth in Native literature is continuing this trend, with distinctive Aboriginal voices speaking up to offer a renewed critique of Western society. This literature is uniquely capable of reminding all North Americans about the continued impact of our bloody history, the contemporary failure to ensure social justice for all, and the need for hope in creating a shared future together."
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