America & Germany Essay Example for Free

America Germany Essay America never wanted to participate in World War 1, in fact in August 1914 when the war broke out in Europe; President Woodrow Wilson issued a declaration of neutrality. Preferring to remain isolated from the war, America tried to broker peace between the allies and the axis, the war was in Europe; America did not need to get involved. On May 7th 1915, German U-boats, patrolling in the Atlantic Ocean, fired torpedos at the British passenger ship Lusitania sinking her in 20 minutes. 128 Americans were killed. Woodrow Wilson, demanded that Germany stop attacking passenger ships, and declared that America was too proud to fight. Wilson also tried to mediate a compromise settlement but failed. He also repeatedly warned that America would not tolerate unrestricted submarine warfare, as it was in violation to American ideas of human rights. Wilson was under great pressure from former president Theodore Roosevelt, who denounced German piracy and Wilsons cowardice. In January 1917, Germany announced it would destroy all ships heading to Britain. Although Wilson broke off diplomatic ties with Germany, he still hoped to avert war by arming merchant vessels as a deterrent. Nevertheless, Germany began sinking American ships immediately. On February 1917, British intelligence gave the United States government a decoded telegram from Germanys foreign minister, Arthur Zimmerman that had been intercepted en route to his ambassador to Mexico. The Zimmerman Telegram authorized the ambassador to offer Mexico the portions of the Southwest it had lost to the United States in the 1840s if it joined the Central Powers. However, because Wilson had run for re-election in 1916 on a very popular promise to keep the United States out of the European war, he had to handle the telegram very carefully. Wilson did not publicize it at first, only releasing the message to the press in March after weeks of German attacks on American ships had turned public sentiment toward joining the Allies. Later, on 2 April 1917, Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war and four days later all but six senators and fifty representatives voted for a war resolution. The Selective Service Act that was passed the following month, along with an extraordinary number of volunteers, built up the army from less than 250,000 to four million over the course of the conflict. General John Pershing was appointed head of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) and led the first troops to France Then, on April 6th 1917, America declared war on Germany.

Country Development Comparison: Sweden and Vietnam PESTEL

Country Development Comparison: Sweden and Vietnam PESTEL Table of Contents Vietnam background Political factor Economy Social Technology Legal Environment Sweden Background. Political factor Social factors Technological Factor Legal Factors Environmental factor Intra Analysis of Sweden and Vietnam Political Factors Economical Factor Conclusion References PESTEL ANALYSIS Initially known as PEST Analysis, this is a macro environmental structure used to recognise the impact of the external factors on the institution and is used as strategic analytical technique. PEST stands for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological† factors. Francis Aguilar is referred to as the originator of this tool. He talked about ETPS – Economic, Technological, Political, and Social– as the four important factors for Scanning the Business Environment. Later Legal and Environmental factors were also introduced by some analysts and thus evolved the term PESTLE Analysis. Vietnam background Vietnam is a country situated in the extreme east on the indo-China peninsula. It is the 13th most populated country in the world with 90.3 million people being estimated in 2012. It is one among the fastest emerging countries in Asia. It has a very fast growing economy as many first world countries are being attracted by its resources and Foreign Direct Investment showed an increasing trend for some years. Political factor 2011 Vietnam Communist Party held an eleventh congress in 2011 by which followed an election where the leading party was the Party Central Committee. Following the event, Prime Minister Mr Nyugen Tan Dung retains his former position. Mr Nguyen Phu Trong was elected as General Secretary and Mr Truong Tan Sang as Vietnam’s president. The new party brought about some amendments in the current 1992 Constitution. Companies which have a say to economic development were given certain facilities when the government took some extra tax actions. Also, concerning the conflict between Vietnam and China over the East Sea, some senior bureaucrat of the two countries had to visit each other in order to reduce the pressures. 2012 Following an issue of farmers and villager’s land being confiscated by governments’ officials, the police force used extreme force to combat the riot. Conferences session were held to deal with these problems but no actions was taken to improve human rights which was elaborated in 2011. Prime Minister Mr Nguyen proves his supremacy by restricting citizen from deriving their rights. Economy 2011 The year 2011 proved to be a dynamic year for the Vietnamese economy with the first year of establishment of the Socio-Economic Development Strategy. It aims to boost up the country’s labor force, creating high standards infrastructure and stabilizing the economy. However, the Vietnam Development Report of 2012 showed that in the recent years there was an agitating macroeconomic experience. Vietnam experiences a slow GDP growth of 5.8%, inflation being 11.75% in 2010 to 18% in 2011. Both imports and exports rose and FDI increased as investors were attracted by certain core business of the country. 2012 Following the slowing down of GDP in 2011, 2012 also depicted a slow pace with GDP growing by only 5%. However, inflation decreased as it change from a two-digit figure to one digit figure of 9.1%. FDI inflows witnessed a fall of 4.5% in 2012 and seeing a boost in exports of 18.3% and imports of 7.1%. Social 2011 In vietnam, education is considered to be the key of good moral values and that every person should have a desire for achieving it. Despite having a poor education system, the economy has a highly educated population. The National average population rose by 1.04% (87.84 million) with a working age of 46.48 million which is a rise of 0.12% and constituting an unemployment rate of 2.27%. 2012 Average population rose by 1.06% (88.78 million). Working age from 15 and above rose was 52.58 million in 2012 which Is a rise of 2.3%. Unemployment rate was 1.99% and people’s standard of living decrease by 27.6% to 2011. Technology 2011 Year 2011 illustrated a new implementation of a strategic plan for social and economic development. Vietnam’s government emphasize on the establishment of new infrastural building and thereby constructing new express ways to facilitate the task. This would help to ease the modenisation concept. Various training is being offered to have competent scientist and also the government promoted technological innovation. 2012 Being cost advantageous compared to other countries, Vietnam captured some big economies for investment including South Korea and US technology enterprises. This boosted up the export revenue. One of the major influences was the implementation of Samsung’s mobil-phone plant which totalized an investment of $700 million. Legal 2011 Vietnam was called upon in a conference on the Rule of law to restructure its legal system and bring it into line with the international Human Rights Laws. The Human Rights were only theoretically being used in Vietnam after the war. In 2011, Vuong family created havoc by wounding 6 civil servants. The Prime Minister had to step into the matter so as to solve the case and the Haiphony Government was proven wrong. 2012 The dominance of the ruling party persisted. Human Rights were only proposed in 2011 and it was not given legal force. It did not abide by the international standards even in 2012. Freedom of the population was deprived from them. The police force still do massacre to the general public. Foreign countries tried to step into the matter to reform the legal system but the supremacy of the government remains. Environment 2011 Recent report of the World Bank stipulated that due to rapid economic growth and technological advancement in Vietnam, the environment is being affected significantly. Many natural resources are being deployed. Moreover, 2011 was officially the year where Vietnam Rhino was declared extinct. Also, with the growing urbanization, environmental pollution has increased. Water pollution is the main one as lakes’ area is decreasing sharply while many are disappearing. 80% of lakes are polluted and this called upon environmentalist to take necessary measures to tackle the problem. Vietnam is a country with drastic damages concerning climate change with 257 people missing and dead, 1200 houses being damaged or carried away. The natural calamities caused a loss of approximately over 10 trillion VND. 2012 With the support of US, in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Vietnam developed a strategy for sustainable development following the increase in industrial work. Agriculture as a percentage of total national income is declining. Sweden Background Sweden was army powered in the 17th century, but it was no present in any war for almost 200 years. It remained armed neutral in both World Wars. It is a capitalist country. In 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic downturns it had to face unemployment to a great extent, but fiscal policies were planned and implemented in a way that has permitted the country to survive in economic difficulties. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public disagree to the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum. It is located between Finland and Norway. The Population of Sweden is 9,074,055 (July 2010 EST.) Religion is Lutheran 87%, other 13 %( includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) Language of Sweden is Swedish (official), also Sami- and some Finnish talking minorities. About Literacy rate it is observed that age 15 and over can read and write Capital of Sweden is: Stockholm GDP growth rate is 4.5% inflation rate is said to be 1.4% Currency: Krona (SEK) Industries: iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles Sweden is retaining its place as the tenth most attractive country in the world that is the result of the 2012 year’s Anholt-GfK Nation Brands Index (NBI), this index measures the global likeness (image) of 50 countries in attractiveness and perceived qualities. Political factor Official name of the country is Kingdom of Sweden Legal system Based on the constitution of 1974 Head of state Sweden has King Carl XVI Gustaf as head of state. The nations legislature is the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag), with 349 participants. Elections are heald on a four year basis but it should be pointed out that the king plays no role in government. In the 2006 election, the Riksdag set a new world record as 47 percent of its elected members were women.The Cabinet is headed by the prime minister. There has not been any major change in the political factor in Sweden between 2011 and 2012. Economic Factor It is going forward to maintain a sound fiscal support, improving greater labour force participation and efficiently increasing the public expenditure would help handling future undesirable events. The industrial as well as the agricultural sectors both play an important role in contributing to the GDP. The estimate of investments in research and development is about 4 percent of its gross domestic product. In 2011 in order to prevent long-term unemployment The efficiency of labour market policies could be elevated by increasing the training, specially those who need it most and getting strength in cooperation between institutions. Reforms in the social benefit and tax systems to provide the right incentives for increasing hours worked. In 2012, Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment Credit is made available to foreign investors in an unbiased way. The private sector have been given access to a variety of credit instruments. The central bank focuses on increasing the international co-operation. Combined with a well-educated labor force, excellent telecommunications network, and a stable political environment, Sweden has become more competitive as a choice for foreign companies forming a presence in the Nordic region. In the World Economic Forum’s 2011-2012 report, Sweden ranked third out of 140 countries in overall competiveness and productivity Sweden’s economy has strong potential to benefit from growing, technology-driven global competition. Sweden already hosts one of the most globally integrated economies in the world. Sweden’s effectiveness is manifested by large flows of trade, capital, and foreign investment. It is seen as a leader in adopting new technologies and setting new consumer trends. Products can be tested in a market with demanding customers and high levels of technical sophistication. Social factors Sweden’s people in general are very on time. They do not smoke in general public places. It is a custom to remove shoes if a person is invited by a friend or anyone to his/her house. Swedes students are informal but they are always willing to help. It is not a practice to exchange business cards in Sweden. Swedes don’t take generosity for granted they will surely give thanks. Fault to say thank you for something is perceived negatively in Sweden. Competition is not encouraged Maintaining eye contact along with a firm handshake, shake hands with all attendees on both arrival and departure. Call first names when you meet Swedes. These social factors have not change in one year i.e from 2011 to 2012 Technological Factor The image is adapted from The Global Information Technology report of 2010-2011 Hennigan (2011) states that Sweden stands 1st in rankings of The Global Information Technology report of 2010-2011, by the World Economic Forum. The report emphasizes the role of ICT (information and communication technologies) as a facilitator of a more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable world. According to new ranking report published by the UN ITU, Sweden holds the first rank in the ICT Development Index (IDI). Legal Factors Swedish laws provide a variety of types under which a business can be established. The Swedish Law, Act (1992:160) applies to overseas companies functioning some type of business The foreign branch’s president must be living within the European Economic Area (EEA). Each and every business enterprise in Sweden are required to register at the Swedish Companies Registration Office. Trademark must be registered in Sweden so that legal protection can be obtained. The president if, not from EEA country, needs special permission from the Financial Supervision Authority to set up a branch in Sweden Taxes: Swedens taxation structure is straightforward and corporate tax levels are low. Sweden has a corporate tax of 28% in nominal terms. Individual’s income taxes are one of the highest in the world. Since it spends a lot in public finances to reduce deficits. One particular area has been tax reductions to encourage employers to hire long-term unemployed people. There are further deductions for personal income taxes by the government. Profits earned by a Swedish branch of any foreign enterprise may be sent abroad without implication of any tax other than the regular corporate income tax. Incentives: The government also offers specific incentives to set up a business. Loans are also given by the National Board for Industrial and Technical Development (NUTEK) and from regional development funds. The variety of regional support programs are in Sweden like location and employment grants, low rent industrial parks, and economic free zones. There are also several European funds that offer subsidies for starting enterprises and the Swedish Government provides collection of incentives for research and development Environmental factor Sweden was an early adopter of sustainable thinking. Back in the 1960s, it acknowledged that the rapid loss of natural resources had to be deal with, and took a lead in setting up the first UN conference on the environment, held in Stockholm in 1972. Since then it has continued to work actively with environmental issues, both nationally and internationally. In 2011, Sweden had the highest percentage of renewable energy in the EU (over 47 per cent). By 2020, at least half of the country’s energy should be renewable, a target the Government says is within reach. Sweden has implemented a water management program in 2012. Tap water is drinkable, and in the summer you can swim in central parts of the capital, Stockholm.Although Sweden is a frontrunner in environmental policy, the Government recognises that there is plenty of room for improvement. For 2013-2016, Sweden will allocate approximately SEK 22 billion to environmental measures. Intra Analysis of Sweden and Vietnam Political Factors Unlike Sweden with a sound and stable political state, that of Vietnam is quite unstable. Vietnam’s political party shows its supremacy upon its citizen by depriving them of their human rights. Sweden can be said a country where its political factor would be less risky that Vietnam. Following the comparison of year 2011 and 2012 of the two countries, Sweden proved to be consistent where as to correct the Vietnamese political stability various countries had to step forward. Economical Factor Economic stability is of great concern to countries. Vietnam encounters a very fluctuating macroeconomic state with drastic changes. Sweden has a stable economic state as its figures do not change by a quite large amount. Vietnam with such agitation could be vulnerable to crises. This makes the economy poor and may lose investors’ confidence. Sweden on the other hand has a good economy and can boost up investors’ confidence. Being among the top competitive and productive countries in the world, investors are easily attracted. Social Factor In comparison with Vietnam, Sweden can be said to be more socially stable. Swedes are well repute for their moral values. It has a highly educated population with high prospect of flourishing as the people are back up by their government. Vietnam on the other hand also has a highly educated population but do not have the means available to ameliorate their living standard as year 2012 showed a decline. Sweden with its determination and perseverance became the third out of 140 countries for being competitive and productive. Technological Factor Sweden being a country of high level of technology has a major advantage over Vietnam. The latter is now on the path of major technological advancement. Many efforts have been done to flourish its technological innovation. It is in 2011 and 2012 that the government is opening itself to new technologies and is constructing the required infrastructure whereas the case of Sweden is very different. Sweden is rank number one in information, communication and technology. Its telecommunication services is among the best due to high technology. Legal Factor Both Sweden and Vietnam encourages companies and individuals to prospect via tax cuts. Sweden is considered a country which is well known due to its high individual taxes and its large public sector. It encourages companies to hire persons by reducing corporate tax thereby reducing unemployment rate. Its government also helps to promote small and medium enterprises. Environmental Factor Sweden is the first country to adopt the sustainable development approach. It organises various conferences on environmental issues, the first one held in Stockholm. It has a clean environment where tap water is drinkable and it has the highest level of renewable energy in EU. Vietnam is on the other pole where pollution affects its water resources badly. Tap water is not consumable as its lakes are over 70% polluted due to industrial operations. Conclusion Sweden is a developed country and this can clearly be seen from the PESTLE analysis. Swedish society has developed an exclusive culture with a robust work code and strong ethical attitudes regarding the appealing of welfare benefits. There is also a great level of trust and social consistency. At present Sweden is now putting emphasis on its tertiary sector, more precisely on its financial sector. Vietnam on the other hand is a developing country still trying to struggle with its primary and secondary sector, its main goals are to establish a continuous trend in its macroeconomic factors such as GDP and inflation. The difference between these two countries is eye catching and there is technically no way that in the near future they will be on the same level even if Vietnam development is at a more than average pace.

Instability of the Spanish Colonies

Instability of the Spanish Colonies Section 2: Investigation Many Historians would agree that Spains instability gave their colonies autonomy theyve been waiting for. Spain was ruled by a monarch while Spanish colonies were organized as vice-royalties whose loyalty was with the king. Spain attempted to control every aspect of colonial life through thousands of regulations, by increasing tax revenue, and replacing Creole officers to peninsulares (Strang). Despite Colonies restricted trade, the growing Creole American identity, and the disrespect peninsulares had toward creoles which created discontent among creoles, Spanish colonies did little to change the status quo. Although there were some uprisings in the 1780s such as the Tupac Amaru rebellion, they fought not for their independence and rights but for a change in the system under the monarchy; their slogan was viva el rey y muera al mal gobierno (long live the king and death to bad government) (Strang, popular sovereignty and decolonization). Colonies call for independence was instead tri ggered by an external force: The collapse of Spain (Blaufarb, the Western Question).Napoleons invasion of Spain and the accession of Joseph Bonaparte onto the Spanish throne sparked revolts in Latin America (Strang, popular sovereignty and decolonization), because Bonaparte wasnt seen as their legitimate king. In cities not yet controlled by the French and in Spanish colonies, Juntas were created in the name of the absent king: Ferdinand VII (Strang, popular sovereignty and decolonization). Although the colonies were still loyal to the monarchy, the idea that the power would be given to the people became increasingly prevalent; each city now only had their own interests in mind due to the fact that they couldnt answer to the king. The first two juntas established were the junta of Chuquiasaca in todays Bolivia and of la Paz; the junta of Bolivia was created to reassure its allegiance to the junta central in Spain while Junta of la Paz was created because they wanted to separate from the crown (Donghi, The Contemporary History of Latin America). The establishment of la Paz created tensions in the Americas. Bolivian Historiographers believed it to be the beginning of their struggle for independence (Donghi, The Contemporary History of Latin America). Many juntas created from then on wanted to be part of a government of liberty and independence (Donghi, The Contemporary History of Latin America). Meanwhile in Spain, Bonaparte was still ruling the empire, and was instable more than ever. The invasion depleted Spains assets which started a debate over the nature of sovereignty which will start a civil war (Blaufarb, the Western Question).Communication was also severed between Spain and its colonies after France took control of Spain. The collapse of the Spanish empire and its weakened authority, created an international competition over Spanish colonies (Blaufarb, the Western Question). After the invasion Britain attempted to keep Spanish America together in order to exploit their resources and also keep France from taking control of the colonies (Blaufarb, the Western Question). Since Spain was in chaos, they couldnt enforce trade restrictions giving colonies the freedom to trade with any nation which benefited Britain. Britain therefore had an incentive to use its naval power to keep France from taking over.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   Britain loosened their control of the Atlantic aft er the war was over. In 1815, although business went back to normal, tensions increased within the Spanish monarchy; wartime unity among Spaniards to fight against France disappeared after Ferdinand VII regained power, and some even turned against Ferdinand and allied with Latin American rebels to end the monarchy (Blaufarb, the Western Question).To take advantage of Spains instability and declare independence would be seen as treacherous, additionally the colonies were optimistic that Ferdinand would embrace reform which wasnt the case. After it became clear that the colonies will not return to obedience, Ferdinand established oppressive policies (Blaufarb, the Western Question).). As compromises became unattainable, uprisings against the monarchy began to take form and more people were sacrificed. Although many historians agree that the collapse of Spain was caused by the invasion which led to colonies call on independence, historians of the reform era consider the Bourbon reforms to be a crucial cause of the revolts. The colonies started to develop an identity separate to that of Spain because of those reforms(lynch). The change was so great that some historians, such as John Lunch, described them as a second conquest of the Americas (Lynch, the Spanish American Revolutions). During the 2nd half of the 18th century, Bourbon Spain sought to change its economy, society, and institutions; the main reasons of those reforms were the decline of Spains productivity (Lynch, the Spanish American Revolutions). Their goal was to strengthen the kings power, centralize state power through reforms, increase production with trade within the colonies, and increase revenues going to Spain (Lynch, the Spanish American Revolutions). Although those reforms were established in order to bring the colonies closer under Spains control, it isolated the Creole population, strengthened their American Identity and laid groundwork for the wars of independence during the 19th century (Lynch, the Spanish American Revolutions). In an effort to increase silver, and gold production (most revenues comes from mining), the monarchy decreased their taxes in half (Lynch, the Spanish American Revolutions). Bourbon monarchs prevented colonies from competing with goods exported from Spain by reinforcing laws that restricted colonies from trading with other empires with the exception of Spain; laws such as the legal code of 1778 regulations and royal tariffs for free trade (Kuethe and Andrien, The Spanish Atlantic World in the Eighteenth Century). Creole elites unhappy with those restrictions aggravated their sense of alienation from the crown. Measures taken to increase mining production increased workers and slaves labor which also led to their discontent. They succeed their goals of increasin g trade, and royal revenues but also weakened elites and lower classes sense of loyalty to the crown. Spain also established two new viceroyalties (of New Granada and of Rio de la Plata), and excluded most creoles to increase royal control and weaken creoles influence whom they thought had grown too large (Kuethe and Andrien, The Spanish Atlantic World in the Eighteenth Century), again heightening creoles negative sentiments towards Spain. As part of efforts to reinstate royal supremacy, the crown negotiated with Rome giving them a greater authority to nominate and appoint religious authorities (Kuethe and Andrien, The Spanish Atlantic World in the Eighteenth Century). But the most significant religious bourbon reform was the expulsion of the Jesuits who had economical, political and religious power; Creoles who were educated in Jesuits colleges and those who had the same views as Jesuits found their expulsion in 1767 disturbing (Kuethe and Andrien, The Spanish Atlantic World in the Eighteenth Century). The Jesuits expulsion drove another wedge between the crown and Creole elites. The bourbon reforms as a whole ultimately failed to achieve their goals mainly because it deepened divisions between the colonies and Spain. The rising nationalist sentiments in the Americas enabled the formation of a separate American identity and thus laid the groundwork for the wars of independence after The Napoleonic invasion of Spain. The bourbon reforms did weaken colonies loyalty to the crown; it created discontent among Creole elites but wasnt enough to declare independence from Spain. Without the decline of the Spanish empire and Britains naval power which kept France from controlling the colonies, colonies would have never known what true autonomy was like. Although the war for independence would have happened sooner or later, The Napoleonic invasion precipitated those uprisings. The instability in Spain gave colonies a sense of political legitimacy and power. Authority came from the king, laws were obeyed from it came from the king, but now there was no king to obey. The colonies were able to govern themselves as power was now in the hands of the people, allowing them to trade freely. The majority of the colonies waited until Ferdinand VII regained power mainly out of fear, but after it became clear that the king wanted the colonies to return to obedience, the colonies started to revolt for their independenc e. On the other hand, Latin American independence would have eventually happened because of the growing tensions before the Napoleonic war, new enlightened ideas, the American and French revolutions, the financial dependency Spain had which was revealed by the bourbon reforms, and the rise of Creoles influence; the Napoleonic war merely   precipitated the revolts.

1950s :: American America History

1950's The 1950's were quite radical in fact, this is the decade that began rock n' roll, the civil rights movement, better family living, advances in technology, Fashion, medical research, other wonderful things this country was not used to seeing or hearing. The 1950's were looked at more as a state of mind or a way of living rather than just another decade or time era in American history. Everything was peaceful now, which looking back on the two world wars and the great depression this country was not used to at all. Nobody worried about war, nobody worried about how they were going to feed their children and keep a roof over their heads because everyone had jobs and the economy was doing great. (Edey, Maitlanded.57) Teenagers were having more fun than ever too. Rock n' roll was introduced to them and they all seemed at the time to know what they wanted out of life, to go to school, graduate, get a job, get married, and have children all in that order just as their parents had. (Clayton , Andrew.24) The 1950's were the most influential decade in American history because the civil rights act began, fashion was completely new and trendy, there were much advancement in entertainment and medicine, and suburban life was much more "functional" than any other decade in American history. One reason the 1950's were the most influential decade in American history is because rock and roll was introduced to the country and it let people forget about their morals for a while and just let loose to have fun. (Pareles, John.3) Elvis Presley was quite the king of rock and roll, with songs like hound dog, don't be cruel, and love me tender and ready teddy Elvis lit up the stage. ("Elvis Presley-Biographical Timeline-The Fifties") Elvis was born on January 8th 1935. He purchased his first guitar in 1946 for $12.95 at the local hardware store. In 1954 Sam Phillips teams Elvis up with local musicians Scotty Moore (guitar) and Bill Black (bass). By November of 1955 Elvis had signed his first record contract with RCA His contract was for $40,000, and a $5,000 signing bonus for Elvis. In April of 1956Elvis signed a seven-year movie contract with Hal Wallace and Paramount Pictures. The most famous film Elvis came out with ; Jailhouse Rock came out in May of 1957. This is the film tha t really helped Elvis launch his career.

The Ethical Foundations of Starbucks and Humana Essay -- GCSE Business

The Ethical Foundations of Starbucks and Humana Executive Summary This paper examines the ethical foundations of two companies operating in very different markets. Starbucks’ is a chain of coffeehouses specializing in gourmet coffee lines. Starbucks is based on sound ethical principals permeated through the central core of its business operations. The result of several probes leads to a conclusion that Starbucks does business in a profitable and morally sound manner. Humana Inc. is a large Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with operations that place it third among the top players in the field. In contrast to Starbucks’, research demonstrates that Humana, and arguably all for-profit HMO’s, lacks a sound ethical foundation. The boundaries between generating a healthy return and providing quality medical care produce conflicts of interest, which for all involved lead to bad decisions and moral dilemas. The conclusions reached in this paper are the result of extensive investigation conducted through the Internet, personal interview, literature review, and legal findings. The consensus drawn from this analysis is that Starbucks is a shining example of corporate social responsibility and Humana is not. Introduction to Starbucks Starbucks is the United States number one specialty coffee retailer and a presence known around the world. It has over 2,600 coffee shops from Asia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Starbucks not only sells coffee but: pastries, food and drinks, mugs, and coffee making accessories. Starbucks sells their beans to restaurants, airlines, hotels, and by mail order. Starbucks mission statement is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ to establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles as we grow. The following six guiding principles will help us measure the appropriateness of our decisions:† ï  ¶ Provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity. ï  ¶ Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business. ï  ¶ Apply the highest standards of excellence to the purchasing, roasting, and fresh delivery of our coffee. ï  ¶ Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers all of the time. ï  ¶ Contribute positively to our communities and our environment. ï  ¶ Recog... ...engaging in price reduction schemes that are not only unethical, but quite possibly illegal, Humana finds no problem paying its Chairman of the Board $4.5 million and its President and CEO, $3 Million. Humana Foundation The charitable wing of the Humana organization was founded to â€Å"support charitable organizations and institutions that promote education, health and human services, community development and the arts.† While the group believes that these endeavors are indeed noble, Humana can not make up for a poor ethical foundation by throwing money at the problem. Bibliography 1. www.hoovers.com 2. www.starbucks.com 3. www.citizensfunds.com 4. www.businesswire.com 5. www.responsibilityinc.com 6. www.amcity.com 7. www.archivetwst.com 8. Ashby, Francine, Starbucks Case Study, Bucknell University 9. Kotha, Surest and Melissay Schilling, Starbucks Corporation, The University of Washington, WA 10. www.starbucked.com 11. LawCrawler. http://lawcrawler.findlaw.com/ 12. Vertuno, Jim. Texas Sues 6 HMO’s Over Health Care. Associated Press. December 17, 1999. 13. http://www.hmopage.org/ 14. http://www.familiesusa.org/

Business Report Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Business Report SOCIAL CUSTOMS Every country has it’s own social customs and gestures. Ireland has its share of social customs that differ from the United States, but for the most part the countries are relatively similar. Friendliness and hospitality have always been the hallmark of the Irish people. People in Ireland react to strangers very politely, as you would expect in most parts of the United States. The attitude toward foreigners in Ireland is reasonably friendly, and welcoming, as opposed to being hostile. In Ireland people greet each other much like they do in the United States. In a social setting, a handshake is appropriate when greeting another man, when greeting a woman a hug is appropriate. The manners in Ireland follow the United States almost exclusively. Entering or leaving a room in Ireland is much like entering or leaving a room in the United States. When entering and greeting a person, it is considered good manners to shake a man’s hand, or offer a woman a hug, but beyond that, when exiting a room, there is no bowing or nodding. Do not go overboard, the Irish aren’t physically effusive. â€Å"If an Irish person refers to you by your last name, do the same, generally in a social situation they switch quickly to using your first name.†1 Other than this using a name for an introduction follows the usual Mr., or Mrs., when referring to an adult. In a non-formal setting, such as a social atmosphere, referring to someone by his or her first name is completely acceptable.1 In the part of Ireland researched, social customs do not dictate where or when people are expected to sit in a social or business setting; however it would be advised when in a business situation not to be seated until asked. There are no hand gestures, facial expressions, or phrases noted that would be considered rude in Ireland that would not be considered rude in the United States. This also works in the reverse direction, where, such hand gestures, facial expressions, and phrases that would be considered rude in the United States will also be taken as rude in Ireland. When speaking to a person from Ireland, you would stand just as you would when speaking to an American in the United States. A relaxed manner, and a reasonable distance are the norm. While in a restaurant in Ireland you would signal a waiter in the same manner that you would in the United Stat... ... would have to be that of, St. Patrick, Patron of Ireland. St. Patrick worked in a missionary in the 5th century. He played a crucial part of converting Ireland into the Christian faith. There are many important dates on the Irish calendar. Many of which happen to be festivals. St. Brighad’s Feast (Feb. 1), May Eve, Festival of Lughnasa (Aug), and Halloween. Being that most of Ireland’s people are of Christian faith, all of the Christian holidays such as Christmas, Easter, St. John’s Night, and the Feast of St. Martin, are celebrated. The Irish National Anthem-â€Å"The Soldier’s Song† or â€Å"Amhran na bhFiann,† - was written in 1907 by Peader Kearney, who together with Patrick Henney also composed the music. It was first published in 1912, and was formally adopted in 1926. It consists of three stanzas and a chorus, the text of which goes as follows: Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland; Some have come from a land beyond the wave, Sworn to be free, no more our ancient sire land Shall shelter the despot or the slave. Tonight we man the bearna baol In Erin’s cause come woe or weal ‘Mid cannon’s roar and rifles peal, We’ll chant a Soldier’s song.19

An Unfortunate Influence and Its Tragic Outcome Essay

In every person’s life there are many factors that occur throughout, both negative and positive influences that alter the path one chooses. In the world renowned play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the tragic outcome is brought about by the lovers’ trusted friend, Friar Lawrence. To begin with, Friar Lawrence is to blame for setting the events into motion by marrying Romeo and Juliet. Then, Friar Lawrence is responsible for Juliet receiving the potion that causes everyone to believe that she is truly dead. Finally, Friar Lawrence could have prevented the two deaths by simply making sure that Romeo gets the message as he assured Juliet he would. So ultimately, Friar Lawrence is responsible for the star crossed lovers’ demise, because they wrongly trust the Friar and his influence causes Romeo and Juliet to make all the wrong decisions thus bringing about their downfall. Before any tragic incidents actually occur in the play, Friar Lawrence sets the entire series of unfortunate events into motion by secretly marrying Romeo and Juliet. When Romeo first arrives at the Friar’s cell to declare the love he now feels for Juliet, Friar Lawrence immediately notes how foolish Romeo is being, for just the day before he had been so in love with Rosaline and devastated that she did not return that love. Friar Lawrence says, â€Å"Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear, / So soon forsaken? †¦ And art thou chang’d? Pronounce this sentence then: / Women may fall, when there’s no strength in men† (2.3.66-80). Friar Lawrence right away states that it is ridiculous that Rosaline, with whom Romeo was borderline obsessed, has already been replaced with a girl in a matter of days. However, Friar Lawrence then blatantly turns around and contradicts what he says about Romeo behaving foolishly, by agreeing to marry Romeo and Juliet. Friar Lawrence agrees saying, â€Å"In one respect I’ll thy assistant be. / For this alliance may so happy prove, / To turn your households’ rancour to pure love† (2.3.90-92). Friar Lawrence agrees to secretly wed Romeo and Juliet despite what he says earlier about the proposal. Friar Lawrence could have easily prevented the tragedy if he had just gone with his first instincts. However, he sees the opportunity to stop the feuding between the Capulets and Montagues and jumps at it to become the big hero, therefore making him selfish and irresponsible as well as a bad influence. Friar Lawrence sets Romeo and Juliet’s deaths into motion the second he agrees to Romeo’s plan, and in doing so Friar Lawrence is to blame for the untimely deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Not only does Friar Lawrence trigger Romeo and Juliet’s demise, he also continues the chain of tragic decisions by giving Juliet the sleeping potion that leads Romeo to kill himself. When Juliet runs to Friar Lawrence’s cell in utter desperation, he should have taken the time to advise her against such drastic measures and help her make the responsible choice where Romeo is concerned. Instead, Friar Lawrence hands her a sleeping potion that will create the illusion of death for the drinker: Take thou this vial, being then in bed, And this distilling liquor drink thou off,†¦ Now when the bridegroom in the morning comes To rouse thee from thy bed, there art thou dead (4.1.93-108). Friar Lawrence assures Juliet that everything will be okay and the potion will work in tricking her parents and Paris into believing she is truly dead. He places the vial in her hand and does not do anything to prevent Juliet from making this fatal decision. Friar Lawrence just continues to reassure Juliet by saying, â€Å"And hither shall he come, and he and I /Will watch thy waking, and that very night / Shall Romeo bear thee hence to Mantua† (4.1.115-117). Friar Lawrence promises Juliet that word of their plans will reach Romeo and when she wakes from her sleep-like trance, Romeo will be there to run away with her to Mantua. Friar Lawrence just keeps on telling Juliet that it will all work out fine, without pausing to think about all the possible dangers and side effects that may come from drinking the vial. Again, Friar Lawrence is being irresponsible and rash, holding two teen’s lives in his hands. Friar Lawrence gets carried away and swept up in Romeo and Julietâ €™s twisted fantasy and helps Juliet make a foolish decision that helps bring about the lover’s demise. Therefore, Friar Lawrence is to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Even after all the irresponsible choices Friar Lawrence makes throughout the play, he still could prevent the tragic outcome by simply making sure that Romeo receives news of the Friar’s and Juliet’s plan. But alas, Friar Lawrence does not follow through and assure that the messenger arrives soundly in Mantua. One of the main reasons Juliet is able to take the potion without many concerns or worries is because she thinks that when she wakes in the monument, Romeo will be there to whisk her away with him. When Juliet is confused and in a highly vulnerable state, Friar Lawrence hands her the vial saying, â€Å"In the mean time, against thou shalt awake, / Shall Romeo by my letters know our drift† (4.1.113-114). Friar Lawrence tells Juliet that while they wait for her to awake, Romeo will receive a letter informing him of their plans. However, the messenger Friar Lawrence sends, Friar John, never makes it to Romeo and by the time Friar Lawrence actually finds out, h e knows that a great mistake has taken place and danger is going to ensue: Unhappy fortune! By my brotherhood, The letter was not nice but full of charge, Of dear import, and the neglecting it May do much danger (5.3.17-20). Friar Lawrence finally realizes the danger that Romeo and Juliet face. He understands that something terrible may happen because the information never reaches Romeo. However, it is too late by the time he arrives at the monument and Romeo, who received false information from Balthasar, is already lying dead beside his stirring wife. When Juliet does officially wake, she is devastated to see her loving Romeo dead, and desperate to be with him again. Instead of calming Juliet down and bringing her to safety, Friar Lawrence selfishly runs away when he hears the Watch coming. He leaves a desperate teenage girl there to stab herself and be with her Romeo for eternity. The incident with the letter leads Romeo to commit suicide and subsequently have Juliet kill herself to be with Romeo. The Friar does not make sure that the letter reaches Romeo and two premature deaths occur instead, conclusively leaving Friar Lawrence to blame. Friar Lawrence is a trusted friend and confident of Romeo and Juliet, yet he negatively influences the two lovers and guides them down a wrong path ending with a double suicide. Friar Lawrence triggers the start of the downfall by irrationally agreeing to wed Romeo and Juliet. Friar Lawrence then gives Juliet bad counsel and advises her to make a catastrophic decision the second he places the vial of sleeping potion into her palm. Friar Lawrence still could evade the entire tragedy, but inadvertently breaks his promise to Juliet and never assures that the letter makes it to Romeo in Mantua. The star crossed lovers’ downfall is caused by the irresponsible and selfish Friar Lawrence because if Romeo and Juliet had not gone to Friar Lawrence for counsel and advice, they would not have been encouraged to follow through with their foolish fantasy and lived. The love between Romeo and Juliet was genuine, and the pain they felt when they heard of the other’s death was real. Kn owing that one person, especially someone as close to them as Friar Lawrence, is to blame for the tragic ending is horrible and tragic in itself, because if Friar Lawrence had just thought through his actions Romeo and Juliet might have lived a long and happy life together.