The Transcontinental Railroad Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Transcontinental Railroad - Essay Example As an initial matter, it is necessary to understand the technological context of the time frame within which the railroad evolved as an integral part of the American infrastructure. There were, to be sure, important scientific breakthroughs which made such a continental project feasible. These breakthroughs came in both the United States of America and in Europe. Without these breakthroughs it would be very fair to argue that America might not have developed as quickly and as powerfully as it has in the past two hundred years. In 1769, James Watt, a mechanical engineer from Scotland successfully patented a steam engine which had practical applications. To be sure, this technological breakthrough was not specifically designed for railroads, quite the contrary, it was most commonly associated with prototypes of steamboats in Great Britain. Nonetheless, the steam engine provided the world with a new source of power; prior to this scientific development, "for centuries, people had relied on wind, water, animal, and human power to drive the machines of industry, agriculture, and transportation."1 This new power source would stir the imaginations of leaders in governments and commerce alike. Although the steam engine would revolutionize many fields, it became an essential step in the evolution of the steam locomotive. In 1825, a steam-driven locomotive pulled coal on a nine mile track in England. This experiment demonstrated that railroads and steam locomotives were indeed within the realm of possibility. If coal could be moved nine miles by rail then it could, in theory be moved nine hundred miles. It didn't take long for the concepts and the engineering prowess to take root in America; indeed, in 1830, a mere five years after the successful experiments in England, an American engineer, Peter Cooper, completed the construction of America's first steam locomotive. This steam locomotive was named the Tom Thumb and it carried both commercial goods and passengers along a thirteen mile stretch of railroad track from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills, Maryland.2 From a technological point of view, the stage was set for the construction of grander and more far-reaching rail systems. 1.2 The Demographic and Intellectual Origins Calls for expanded rail service were frequent and fervent. The origins of the fundamental idea, a transcontinental railroad connecting the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast, "first surfaced in 1832 in an anonymous letter in the weekly newspaper- The Emigrant published in Ann Arbor Michigan. The idea did not die from that moment on."3 Significantly, this proposal for a transcontinental railroad proceeded even before the United States had settled treaty negotiations regarding the Oregon territory. 4 The speed with which the idea took root was staggering. Barely were the engineering feats accomplished, and with portions of the western territories unsettled or disputed by various powers, and plans were being made to connect the coasts by railroad. These pressures to move westward, and to connect the Atlantic to the Pacific, were in many ways driven by demographic pressures. The demographic origins of the transcontinental railroad can be traced to the westward movement of settlers across the Northern Plains.5 This trail would become an important route for emigration, and would be later denoted more formally as the Oregon Trail. People

Assessment on Newsweek Claims on increase in violent behavior of girls Essay

Assessment on Newsweek Claims on increase in violent behavior of girls - Essay Example In 2003, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports 378,895 instances of arrests in female groups under the age of 18 (fbi.gov, 275). The majority of these crimes included property crimes, larceny and various assaults (fbi.gov). With theft or damage to another’s property topping the list of crime varieties for this group, it might suggest that there is a trend toward materialism, essentially wanting more than their financial means can provide them, therefore they lash out at others who have more than they do. Even though this is not described as a probable cause in the article, the arrest rates for these types of crimes show a trend in theft and property damage that cannot be ignored. This could be caused by the high level of merchandise availability in retail stores versus their own socio-economic status, leading to aggressive behavior in an attempt to procure a better lifestyle through theft. â€Å"Children who are exposed to violence undergo lasting physical, mental, and emotional harm. They suffer from problems with attachment, anxiety, or depression† (ncjrs.gov, 1). Violence exposure can occur within the household, in the school environment, or virtually any other location where the child is present and violence continues to occur. These negative emotional outcomes, such as problems with social attachment, cause further problems such as dating violence, delinquency or ongoing victimization of others (ncjrs.gov). Viewing images of violence in every lifestyle shows a strong linkage between emotional stability and the child’s ability to rationalize their own aggressive behaviors. There is a theory in childhood development that suggests many children model the same behaviors they witness others displaying, especially if they see these behaviors being rewarded. In an environment where a parent continuously expresses violence toward others and the female child witnesses other adult peers applauding these behaviors, the

Differences Of Lying And Not Telling The Truth

Differences Of Lying And Not Telling The Truth Lying and not-telling the truth are different in their own right, and have moral and ethical implications associated with each one. This is not merely a matter of semantics; it is a matter of substance. By the use of analogy, there are major difference between justified and unjustified homicide. Murder is unjustified homicide and will always be considered wrong by a moral society. Not every instance of killing a person, however, is considered murder. In scenarios of capital punishment and self-defense occasions can justified homicide. Similarly, in the case of a lie there is an unjustified discrepancy between what you believe and what you say, and so lying is may always be considered immoral. In some circumstances, not telling the truth in order to preserve a higher moral law may well be considered the right thing to do and thus is not actually a lie. While Kant asserted that lying, or deception of any kind, should be forbidden under any interpretation and in any circumstance. He stated this because if it is universally acceptable to lie, then no one would believe anyone and all truths would always be assumed to be lies or deceptions. He also stated that the right to deceive an individual couldnt also be used because it would discard the rights of the person being deceived as an end in itself. Therefore, Kant denied the right to lie or deceive any person for any reason, regardless of context or anticipated consequences. While Kant proclaimed this notion of never lying, there are pitfalls in his universalizing. Throughout these examples the pitfalls of Kants universal laws will be exposed. There are several circumstances that not telling the truth wouldnt be considered a lie. For instance in the case of national security, the United States government might omit or falsify information that is given to the public to ultimately protect their own interests or assets. For example, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf during the lead up to the first Gulf War he was known to give many press conferences leading up to the invasion. During these press conferences not all the information that he presented regarding his invasion strategy could be considered a full truth. During this time Schwarzkopf would have falsified information about the invasion date to the media, in effort to deceive them. While knowing that this information was a non-truth, this information mislead the enemy and gave the United States military a strategic advantage. In effect by not-telling the truth, Schwarzkopf gave the military the element of surprise, which could have resulted in saving thousands of American l ives. Should Schwarzkopf be considered a liar in this case? In this case, while Schwarzkopf had been telling false-truths it was done for moral reasons and shouldnt be considered a lie. Since the ends justify the means it is morally acceptable by not telling the truth and it shouldnt be construed as a lie. While in the previous scenario not telling the truth isnt considered lying, there are other situations cannot be interpreted in the same fashion. If an omission of the truth is used to mislead or deceive someone for your own greater ends, or for an immoral goal, then the non-truth cannot be construed in the same way. For instance during the most recent financial collapse many banks and financial firms mislead the country and their clients about the value of different products they were trying to sell. Since their intentions were to mislead, or deceive their clients on the sole purpose to turn a profit, thus it cannot be considered a morally justified act. If the intentions of these firms like Goldman Sachs wasnt done to mislead, but done in the interests of their clients, unknowing the unfortunate consequences. Then this company shouldnt be considered a liar, but unfortunately they knowing lied and mislead their clients. Since the act was done for malice, and for their own greed, the n their act of deception must be considered a blatant lie. While in most cases, such as the ones already presented the distinction between lying and not-telling the truth are made quite clear. On the other hand, these distinctions cannot always be viewed in black and white, but in varying shades of gray. If the intentions of the lie is not done for your own self-interests, or for your own ends, but done in a manner to save a person from embarrassment and humiliation, thus it cannot be considered a lie. For example if a loved one asks am I over weight? While knowing all along the answer is yes is it in their best interest and yours to be absolutely blunt with them? If their condition isnt life threating or will cause ailment to the individual in the future, then the act of lying to protect their feelings isnt morally wrong and should be considered a lie. If your wife asks you does this dress look good? while knowing all along that you dont like the dress, telling her what she wants to hear doesnt harm or effect anyone. If in the situation you have nothing to gain and your purpose is to protect the other person from pain or grief then not telling the truth, may be the right thing to do and therefore morally acceptable. While distinctions between lying or not-telling the truth can be made. Is the omission of details considered lying? For instants lets say you are being interrogated for a crime, during the interrogation you answer all the questions truthfully and only answer the question that was precisely given. Even though you might have committed this crime, should the omission of details shouldnt be considered lying? Its the fault of the interrogator not asking the proper questions during the interview which lead them from not discovering the whole truth. Thus since no false-truths were given to any of the questions the one being interrogated shouldnt be perceived as a liar. Throughout this essay many examples were given to help clarify the distinction between lying and not-telling the truth. In all cases, to label someone a liar certain factors must be met to determine whether an individual telling a lie or just simply not-telling the truth. The most major underlying distinctions between them is the intentions of the person telling the lie. If the lie is done so in a manner that doesnt harm or cause pain to the person, and has moral and ethical intentions, then the person shouldnt be considered a liar. Contrariwise, if the individuals intentions are to deceive or cause harm to another individual, then the intentions are clear on what they wish to achieve, thus should be labeled a liar.

Kazakhstan’s 20 Years of Independence

Kazakhstan’s 20 Years of Independence When Kazakhstan became independent after the collapse of Soviet Union in December 1991, many experts had predicted the collapse of the Central Asian nation under the burden of economic and social problems. But 20 years since then, the country of over 16 million people has become the largest economy in the Central Asian region due to its enormous oil, gas and uranium reserves and bold market economic reforms and political stability in the nation of 130 ethnic groups.According to official figures, Kazakhstan's GDP per capita grew from $700 in 1994 to more than $9,000 last year. In fact the growth was five years ahead of the schedule, and faster than in any other country in the first 20 years of its independence. Kazakhstan held year-long celebrations across the nation to celebrate its success and look towards what needs to be done to maintain the growth curve. The rapid economic and industrial growth of the oil and energy rich nation is attr ibuted to Kazakhstan's concerted efforts to create a stable, investor-friendly environment.Despite the 2008 economic downturn, Kazakhstan retained and attracted a remarkable inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI). Last year, the nation scored among the the top 10 nations attracting FDI in the entire world. According to official figures, the country has attracted $132 billion in FDI in the last 20 years. Officials attribute the reasons to the economic growth to the political stability in the country and some of the bold decisions by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Nazarbayev moved the capital from Almaty to Astana in December 1997 which has proven to be a critical moment.The new capital has come up as a dynamic centre of a rapidly growing nation and a modern 21st century city of some 750,000 people. The model of inter-ethnic relations that has preserved peace and harmony in the ethnically and religiously diverse society of Kazakhstan is another cause for the countries strong growt h. On the political front, Kazakhstan is now moving towards multi-party democracy with the parliament elections to be conducted in January next year. Kazakhstan was the chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010 and hosted the OSCE summit at Astana in December.An Astana Commemorative Declaration was signed, renewing commitment to a better cooperation within the organization of 56 participating states from North America, Europe and Eurasia. In 2011, Kazakhstan also chaired the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, seeking to strengthen it as a critical instrument of promoting multi-faceted cooperation among its six members. And in June, Kazakhstan assumed the one-year presidency in the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation seeking to promote peace, cooperation and development.

The German Blitz

Where and when did the Blitz start? At 4:56pm on 7 September 1940, the air raid sirens wailed as the luftwaffe (the German Air Force), launched a massive attack on London. Around 350 bombers flew across the English Channel from France and dropped 300 tonnes of bombs on the docks and streets of London. Other places that were affected? Other important military and industrial centres, such as Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea, Liverpool, Manchester, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Nottingham, Brighton, Eastbourne, Sunderland, and Southhampton, suffered heavy air raids and high numbers of casualties. Bootle and Hull were the most badly damaged cities city after London. Birmingham and Coventry were targeted because of the Spitfire and tank factories based in Birmingham and the many munitions factories in Coventry. Who did it affect and where did they go? Around 827,000 Schoolchildren and their teachers were evacuated, 524,000 Mothers with children under five and some pregnant women and disabled people. They were evacuated by trains and via the road to smaller towns in the countryside. Some children went to stay with relatives but most were sent to live with complete strangers. Where did people go during the air raids? As the night raids became so frequent, many people who were tired of repeatedly interrupting their sleep to go back and forth to the shelters, virtually took up residence in a shelter. There was different types of air raid shelters, there was the anderson shelter which were small corrugated iron shelters half buried in the ground with earth heaped on top to protect them from bomb blasts. Another type of shelter was the morrison shelter, it was made specifically for people without gardens, it was made from heavy steel and could also be used as a table, people sheltered underneath it during a raid. On September 21, 1940 the London Underground started to be used as an air raid shelter. On the busiest night in 1940, 177,000 people slept on platforms. In other parts of Britain caves where used to shelter in. When did the blitz stop? The Blitz ended in mid-may 1941 due to German Planes being sent to the east of Europe to prepare for the invasion of Russia.

Using the Spanish Verb Venir

Venir is a common Spanish verb with a variety of meanings. Fortunately, many of them can be translated using the English verb to come, which also has numerous meanings. Venir is a cousin of English -vent words such as invent and convent as well of venue and venire (a legal term). Keep in mind that venir  is conjugated irregularly, having forms such as vengo (I come) and vendrà ¡n (they will come). Using Venir To Refer to Coming From a Place Most commonly, venir is used to talk about coming to or arriving at a place: Cuando yo vine a California fui a Disneylandia. (When I came to California, I went to Disneyland.)Venimos en bus con un maestro y pagamos por nuestro transporte. (We came by bus with a teacher and paid for our own transportation.)Tenà ­a sà ³lo un aà ±o cuando vino desde Espaà ±a. (He was only a year old when he came from Spain.) ¡Ven aquà ­! (Come here!)No vienen hasta las 14.30. (They arent coming until 2:30 p.m.) In context, venir can convey the idea of coming back or returning: No vengas a mà ­. (Tà ­tulo de cancià ³n) (Dont come back to me. (song title))Es importante que vengas temprano. (Its important you come back early.) Using Venir To Point Out Qualities Venir can mean to include, to be, or to have, often in a way that can be translated by to come: El primer iPad no viene con webcam. (The first iPad doesnt come with (include) a webcam.)Estas bicicletas vienen de Surinam. (These bicycles are (come) from Suriname.)El à ºnico que viene con excusas eres tà º. (The only one who comes with (has) excuses is you.)Las servilletas vienen en distintos tamaà ±os. (The napkins come (are) in different sizes.)Viene en caja sellada. (It comes (is) in a sealed box.) Especially when used with bien or mal, venir can be used to indicate suitability: No ser muy famoso me viene bien. (Not being very famous is fine with me.)A ningà ºn paà ­s le viene mal la globalizacià ³n. (Globalization doesnt serve any country poorly.)Al libro le venà ­a bien la promocià ³n. (The promotion was good for the book.) Using Venir With a Gerund Venir can be used as an auxiliary verb with the gerund (also known as the present participle) to indicate a continuing action, often in an increasingly intense way. Hace mucho tiempo que se viene hablando de la necesidad de una nueva constitucià ³n. (The need for a new constitution has been talked about and talked about for a long time.)El presidente viene sufriendo derrota tras derrota. (The president continues to suffer defeat after defeat.)El chofer del camià ³n venà ­a hablando por telà ©fono. (The truck driver kept on talking on a telephone.)   Using Venirse The reflexive form, venirse, like the standard form, can mean to come from a place. But it places more emphasis on where the thing or person has come from. La rumba se vino de Miami. (The rumba came from Miami. La rumba vino de Miami might be translated the same way, but making the verb reflexive calls extra attention to Miami, perhaps because the fact of the sentence may be surprising.)Los turistas se vienen de otros paà ­ses. (The tourists are coming from other countries.)Necesitaremos agua por quà © nos venimos del desierto. (We will need water because we are coming from the desert.) The reflexive can also suggest that the verbs action was sudden or unexpected: Era lo primero que se vino a cabeza. (It was the first thing that came to mind.)Otra hipà ³tesis es que el puente se vino abajo por la fragilidad de sus pilares. (Another theory is that the bridge came down because of the fragility of its pillars.)Los vientos se vinieron de un solo golpe. (The winds came suddenly in a single blow.) Key Takeaways Venir can usually be translated as to come, whether it is used to mean coming from a place or to have a certain quality.Venir can be used with gerunds to indicate continuous action.The reflexive venirse can be used to emphasize the origins of where someone is coming from or to emphasize the suddenness of an action.

Essay Writing Topics for Class 5 Explained

Essay Writing Topics for Class 5 Explained Essay Writing Topics for Class 5 Opt for the period of life which you think is best and compose an essay arguing why it's the ideal time of life. Instead, it is going to bring down the quality of your assignment, which is certainly the very last thing you desire. Imagine you had a time machine which you could take just to the past. Irrespective of how much you'll be taking that day, there are a few ways that can help you get through the essay with a very low quantity of stress. The majority of the folks have a tendency to run away from politics and thus the politics essays too, therefore it is quite important to grab the eye of the readers till the conclusion of the essay and that would be much difficult I know. Describe how they live, and new inventions and also the things that will not change. English language classes usually demand a lot of writing. Today, work can be gotten from any portion of the world. The perfect way to improve writing skills is by way of regular practice. Every student necessitates help with homework from time to time. Essay Writing Topics for Class 5: No Longer a Mystery Not only are you going to enjoy a smoother semester as a whole, but your students will be in a position to attend your class with greater confidence you know what you're doing. An admissions officer is considerably more likely to try to remember an applicant who has a rather specific essay written in a special and quirky way. Therefore, most students wind up being frustrated since they aren't able to write and submit their custom made essay paper punctually. When a novice student is needed to fix conventional difficulties, they have a tendency to resort to weak problem solving strategies like means-ends analysis, in which learners continuously hunt for operators to lessen the difference between the present problem state and the goal state. Fifth grade is often considered a crucial period for a student's development in practically all facets of education. Plenty of students put on a uniform. Fifth grade students utilize every phase of the writing procedure and continue to construct their understanding of writing conventions. Be conscious of the size it must be and get started writing the narrative essay outline. In order that will help you narrow down an appropriate topic and title for your environmental essay, we've discussed some techniques you can employ. So far as essay structure goes, a 4 or 5 paragraph essay based on the number of points you might want to argue is an excellent start. You may also read on the internet by scrolling down the webpage. To write this kind of essay, the author should have real and extensive understanding of the topic. More important is to opt for an essay topic that you're going to be interested in writing with passion. While it sounds simple, expository writing sometimes causes just a little issue for those students that are unaware of writing shorter texts without much information. When you finish your research notes you can begin writing with confidence that you have all of the pieces you should create a good essay. Generalizations Avoiding general statements or generalizations is a significant tool to generate a potent statement. Inspiration to make your own advertising or media argumentative essay topics isn't tough to discover. Anyway, direct and indirect quotes are necessary to support your understanding of academic writing style. To earn argument logical emotions ought never to be deemed as a tool. So, by way of example, you were narrating an incident. Writing about nuclear weapons is always an excellent idea. It is often as large or as small as it is possible to think about! There are broadly four kinds of essays. Citations play a pivotal function in ensuring the credibility of the paper you submit. The revisions are unquestionably free! Citation generator machine is extremely easy to use, where all you have to do is copy-paste the document and the citation of your document will be finished in seconds.