To what extent was the First World War Essay Example for Free

To what extent was the First World War Essay World war one was not the sole cause of the revolution; it was a trigger that affected the timing of the revolution in 1917 as it exacerbated problems that already existed.   Such problems were limited constitutional change, the shortcomings of Stolypin’s reforms, and the negative side affects of industrialisation, mass protest and the limitations of Tsar Nicholas II. Paragraph 1 – Limited constitutional change   The Tsar continued to reinstate his autocratic rule by ignoring his people’s desires, such as the upper class and lower class, and promising to reform but progressed with minimal improvement. Limited constitutional change caused the Russian people to become distrusting of the Tsar and resort to a revolution to change the government’s policies themselves in order for Russia to become a more democratic state. An example of limited constitutional change is the October manifesto that was introduced on the 30th of October 1905, prompted by the 1905 revolution Bloody Sunday.   The working class and peasants had appealed to the Tsar concerning his superannuated form of government. Requesting for a share in representative government along with improved working conditions.   The October manifesto produced addressed these concerns, with a promise of free citizenship and no rule to be passed without the agreement of a state duma   However, despite the Duma being permitted to exist, their powers were restricted to such a great extent that the Duma didn’t have any significant impact upon the government. Nicholas did this by issuing a set of Fundamental laws on the 23rd of April 1906, the eve of the opening of the first Duma. The Fundamental laws only reinforced the Tsar’s autocratic power and disengaged any potential government reform of Parliament by seizing its power.   Nicholas’s half hearted idea of reform was not intended to satisfy the people’s desire for a share in representative government but to only safeguard his position as Tsar.   This started to become evident to the people when the third Duma (1907-1912) was more conservative as the Tsar had replaced members who seemed critical of his government.   The third Duma consisted of only 45 seats for the kadels. The First World War put strain on the constitution as Russia required an efficient government organisation, however the Tsar wouldn’t allow anyone to share his power thus resulting in a narrow-minded form of government that couldn’t meet the demands of war.   Additionally, the changes to the election laws were unrealistically high. This was yet another example of Nicholas trying to safeguard his position as Tsar as he thought repression would stop any opposition influencing his people in terms of democracy. However, it was already becoming clear to the people that autocracy was no longer suitable for the beginning of the 19th century as modernisation of industry required a modernisation of government. * Limited constitutional change was down to the Tsar’s inability to reform because of his stubborn personality. The First World War did not create these problems, as they already existed before 1914. Such an example would be Bloody Sunday. The liberal gentry also wanted more power given to the zemstva, as they were worried that if the Tsar didn’t share power, a revolution would take place. The 1917 march revolution was the revolution they were apprehensive for. The Shortcomings of Stolypin’s reforms   The Tsar’s insistence of receiving little help with the ruling of Russia allowed scarcely any reform to take place as the Tsar was not fully aware, or didn’t intend to be, with the problems that needed addressing, such as peasant farming.   This resulted with Stolypin introducing a land reform degree in November 1906.   Peasants were allowed to leave the commune freely, have a right to own their own land and consolidate strips. However, one of the downfalls of these reforms was that they were not compulsory.   The war put a lot of pressure on Russia’s agricultural production as it was their main export and so underinvestment in agriculture meant that the war exacerbated problems that already existed, such as the redistribution of land held by the nobility. This was one of the key issues that hadn’t been addressed by Stolypin, along with backward farming methods, lack of preserving land through not using fertiliser and high direct and indirect tax. By 1913 productivity rose by 1% per year with a record of 70 million ton harvest in 1913, however yields were still low compared to other countries.   25% of peasants made no change while 66% of peasants decided to own land privately, although by 1917 95% of peasants returned to the Mir. Despite the government’s intent to give the peasants some financial support by setting up a land bank between 1906 and 1913, most peasants were unable to afford the debt due to the expensive taxes. Redemption payments were abolished by 1917 and peasant purchasing power increased by 15% but there was still no change to the high direct and indirect tax. Land prices sore and produce prices fell. This left peasants in an all too familiar financial detriment, giving them more reason to revolt for improved living conditions as the first world war demanded produce by which they had no efficient methods to meet. The negative social affects of industrialisation   As the peasants were released from the Mir, they were able to work and live in towns benefitting industry. Nonetheless, there were negative social affects of industrialisation as by 1914 two fifths of factory workers were in factories with over 1000 members. Their average wages were below the ptiful of 1904 therefore workers began to protest about wages and went on strike in 1912 in the Lena goldfields where 170 were killed.   Development in industry from 1906-1914 with 8% per annum was beneficial for Russia, however Russia began from a low starting point and so it was easier to achieve large percentage increase at the expense of Russia’s working class. Workers in towns that were used to the quiet countrysides were more susceptible to opposition propaganda. Workers were an important part of the industrial boom as they contributed to the efficiency of factories. As their masses increased, it was more likely strikes would occur because of the poor, unhygienic, dangerous living and working conditions they were forced to live in.   Great masses in cramped spaces in towns also led to an increase in tension between them, raising the chance that the masses would join together and form a revolution to get the government to notice their propositions. The First World War demanded more military equipment and put pressure on working factories. Russia’s poor economic institution meant that the impact of war was too large a strain upon it and upon the working class. This lead to a revolution because laboring Russians wanted better lives and working conditions but the Tsar continued to ignore them. Growth of mass protest   As more workers revolted, so did the growth of mass protest.   The government used repression in order to solve this, in 1906 stolypin’s necktie was introduced. And the Okhrana were still intrusive and demanded passports on the spot. Despite freedom of press, in 1905 newspapers were still censored. World war one put the regime to new tests as repression was only a short term solution. In 1909, employers ignored the concessions of 1905 and the lack of the Tsar’s involvement meant the Duma intervened in 1912 producing an insurance scheme establishing protection for workers   Although order and control were issued through the Okhrana and repression using stolypin’s necktie, this only partially stabilized the regime. The war required an organised, efficient government, which Nicholas was not providing. Food distribution and army equipment were not being delivered efficiently, causing revolts in response. It was clear that repression wouldn’t last long, especially when the Tsar left his position to become commander in chief in 1915, leaving Russia without a Tsar. This would lead to a revolution because an unstable government wouldn’t survive the pressures of the war and its demands, therefore people would rebel. Limitations of Nicholas II   Nicholas often made bad decisions, despite his good intentions making him a poor leader. In 1915 he took control of the Russian army. He became the spotlight for criticism of deaths and shortage of ammunition, poor equipment and the shortage of boots.   People asked for consultative assembly however Nicholas had betrayed his people by issuing a set of Fundamental laws. This was because he had a weak character and was intimidated by criticism, so he didn’t allow it.   Poor leadership and incompetent communication among the leaders meant instructions were not followed carefully or not at all. Nicholas was personally responsible for Russia’s performance in the war.

An Analysis of the Legality of Abortion :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

An Analysis of the Legality of Abortion In Abortion and Social Justice, Dennis Horan, J.D. et alii argue "The Legal Case For the Unborn Child": Abortion is not a private matter. The destruction of human life, even 'incipient' or developing human life in the womb, can never be considered a private matter under our law. The contention that it is a private matter would be too ludicrous and absurd to even argue were it not so often put forth under such intellectually impeccable auspices. Would those civil libertarians who argue that abortion is a private matter, argue that the exercise of civil rights is purely a private matter between the Black man and the man that thwarts them? Certainly not. Just as the civil right to vote must be protected by law, so too the most fundamental and basic of all civil rights - the Right to Life - must be protected by law.(105) In her book, Abortion and Dialogue: Pro-Choice, Pro-Life, and American Law, Ruth Colker explains why Roe v. Wade is considered an "activist" decision: Second, it [Roe v. Wade]set the tone for how activist the Court would be in our lives. Rather than simply rule for the plaintiff in Roe v. Wade, thereby invalidating the challenged Texas abortion statute, the Court outlined the parameters of a constitutional abortion statute. In other words, the Court drafted a model statute rather than simply striking down the Texas statute. Such judicial involvement in legislative activity is considered to be highly activist because the Court, in a sense, is displacing the legislature's role in society. Such activisim is often criticized for interfering with legislative dialogue, because the judiciary, an undemocratic institution, has substituted its judgment for that of the legislature. (102) Former president Ronald Reagan in his book, Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation, states how the Roe v. Wade decision is a violation of the Constitution: Make no mistake, aboriton-on-demand is not a right granted by the Constitution. No serious scholar, including one disposed to agree with the Court's result, has argued that the framers of the Constitution intended to create such a right. Shortly after the Roe v. Wade decision, Professor John Hart Ely, now Dean of Stanford Law School, wrote that the opinion "is not constitutional law and gives almost no sense of an obligation to try to be." Nowhere do the plain words of the Constitution even hint at a "right" so sweeping as to permit abortion up to the time the child is ready to be born.

Against legalizing gay marriage Essay

Whenever there is debate on gay marriage it involves social as well as legal arguments and it can be for or against the topic of legalizing gay marriage. If people are asked about equality of basic rights to gays like that of protection in law or owning property or benefits from the government, almost three fourth of the population will favor the suggestion. But as soon as the same set of people are asked about gay marriage, only one third out of them might agree with it. There are many pre-occupied thoughts that prevail in the minds of people in the society about gays. The first and the foremost thing is that marriage is a tradition in which a man is legally bound to a woman and is responsible for the development and security of the family as well as the society too. If gay marriages were allowed there would be no meaning to this holy institution and it is not in the best interests for the development of children, as they will be deprived of either the father or mother. As far as equal rights are concerned gays too have all rights that common residents of the state has and they can marry the person of opposite sex just as anyone marries. But sking for legalization of gay marriages is something extra because they would like to marry the person of the same sex, which is only based on sexual relationship. Marriage is a holy institution and the tradition followed is not because the base of marriage is only sexual relationship but the whole lot of responsibilities is shared right from bringing up children and giving them healthy environment to grow and become a good human being. Gay marriage would weaken this respect for marriage as an institution and would also change the real definition of marriage. From time immemorial, studies show that marriage has helped people become stronger emotionally, financially, and psychologically and most of the time medically too. If gay marriages were legalized the traditional values of the families would be weakened and they are very important for the proper development of the society. Marriage is considered as the building block of our society with families involving man, woman and children in each. It is well said that lovers as well as friends come and go but family stands for anyone in any circumstances. The reason behind the deterioration of ulture and values is the weakening of today’s family bonding. If ‘another’ type of family is introduced in the society through gay marriages, it will make the situation even worse. It is going to create significant and long term damage to culture and society. Marriage is an honorable institute that complete, support and encourage one another in a bond that is invisible. Almost every religion is not in favor of homosexuality and most of them consider gay marriage as a sin. Many scholars are of the opinion that gay marriage would give way to polygamy and extra marital relationships and then it would be very difficult o save and bind the society into specific values and rules regarding relationships especially sex. The kids today have become extrovert and frank and at the same time they don’t hesitate to agree with the fact that they are homosexual or bisexual. If gay marriage were legalized its consequences would be very deteriorating for the society and there would be massive repercussions. The consequences of these marriages would be in the upbringing of children and the future generation would be huge sufferers. Now, the existing marriage and system of law that help to get divorce easily has already pulled down the institution f marriage. It is the undeniable interest of the countries to put it on the right path, which will not be possible if gay marriage was legalized. There is another point that should be taken care of and that is the scientific and logical perspective. While talking about marriages and relationship, society as well as science does not accept and conclude that incest is safe and that is the reason why intermarriage of family members are prohibited. Also polygamy is not good for the health of the family and society as a whole and that is why Muslims and Mormons are restricted in many ountries to marry more than one compliant adult without divorcing the existing one. So we see that there are reasons behind all relationships and rules to follow in the institute of marriage so that a healthy society is built up. As far as gay marriage is concerned, never in the history we find that gays have achieved marital status or it is good and for the welfare of the society for any convincing reason and so it is not so easy to shred the tradition of society. Social scientists are seriously concerned about the development of children as well as society and are worried about the fractured family that the children of today are getting. If this continues and autonomous people marry and remarry or have relationships outside marriage, children will be the utmost sufferers. If in this condition gay marriage is legalized, everyone is going to care for themselves and no one will take the responsibility of the future generation and society as well. Marriage ties two people together and along with them future and past generation are also attached. It is an institution that teaches carrying along responsibilities and selflessness, which further helps build a society with strong and successful values and culture. Gay marriage would only lead to society with eople who care for their interests and these kinds of people never consider the development of society or believe in traditional values and culture. People will start doing what they like and this will give rise to cases of polygamy and may be give rise to pedophiles or zoophiles too. It has never been an issue to legalize gay marriage in history until recently. But for the overall development of society and to save our real values and culture and above all save the future generation from getting selfish motives to lead life. Children would be deprived of either father or mother and their development would definitely hamper. The couples would not be able to teach their children commitment and bonding of love and responsibility towards family and society. Marriage is also considered sacred in most religions and a step towards God as well as to perform duties, which are answerable to God too. The married couple has to carry out certain responsibilities and follow the rules of society because after all ‘man is a social animal’ and no one can be sufficient on his own. Homosexual relationships have nothing to do with the propagation of society and they would not serve the society in state interest.

Childhood Obesity Obesity And Obesity - 961 Words

Childhood Obesity â€Å"From 1980 to 2004, the prevalence of overweight children ages 6 to 11 nearly tripled† author Tara Dea explains her position on the situation and presents possible reasons for the increase in child obesity. Dispute in America and all over the world and specifically concerning with youth, is a growing area of concentration. Is it the parents, socio-economic status, or television commercials that lead the child’s future into obesity and why is obesity such a scary thing? It is normal for parents to be a huge part of their child’s life. They can be dependable and kids may look up to them. Parents may influence their kids in several ways, including weight gain. When it comes to a child’s diet the parent provides and gives options, therefore they have control over what their child puts into their body. Restrictions on food is the primary issue with obesity (Clark). There is usually dispute and disagreement between parent and child which can lead to one or the other giving in. If the parent decides to cave it reinforces the behavior and that child gains control in that situation (Clark). Published by Academy of Nutrition and dietetics, author Jaime Stang talks about the relationship between parent and child and the effects it has when food is involved. Praise and reinforcement when a kid eats a preferred food can persuade the child to eat with certain habits and parents can influence this either way (Stang). In a study done with twin childr en, there wasShow MoreRelatedChildhood Obesity : A Obesity1247 Words   |  5 PagesChildhood Obesity: A Review to Prevent the Risk Factors of Childhood Obesity in Our Community. The rates of childhood obesity Worldwide are alarmingly high! Obesity is a global nutritional concern and leads to horrible consequences on our children and becomes a worldwide pandemic. 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