Emotional climax Essay Example for Free

Emotional climax Essay Continuing the theme of humanity and its behaviour, I believe the following events to be true to that. It is strange that in a play that revolves around its religious puritan upbringing, it also lacks a certain amount of Christian/Satanic or general imagery or symbolism. I would say that in comparison to a play such as Macbeth which relies on its disturbing imagery to convey the involvement of dark forces with the plot, The Crucible uses the reactions and actions of human beings to essentially shock the audience with as opposed to bold and obvious imagery. The preceding actions of the girls is but a taste of the weak human nature that will to some degree be the ruination of the innocents of Salem: the inert readiness to speak out against those who will miss use power and authority to a larger agenda, is the collective attitude that will allow silence to manipulate the villages fate. The tension is released as the anger and madness dies, but the atmosphere is left with a slight air of detectable pessimism as the girls (including Mercy,) leave with no attempt to rectify with Proctor anything he may have heard or stay for Abigails sake- (Id best be off, I have Ruth to watch.) Instead they leave apologetically and sheepishly, I quote- [Mercy sidles out.] Now that the stage is rid of the bulk, only the strong figure of Proctor, a slightly hidden Abigail and mute Betty remain. The scope is quiet, the audience surges with anxiety, as we are now fully aware of the extent of Abigails character and her master schemes for both characters on stage. The stage directions quote- [Abigail has stood as though on tiptoe, absorbing his presence, wide-eyed. He glances at Betty on the bed.] The scene is perfectly set, almost waiting for Abigail to pounce. The remainder of the scene has only dramatic effect in the two characters direct speech and actions. It is the dramatic effect of the language in the dialogue that develops the characters for the benefit of the audience as history repeats- Youre surely sportin with me. The flirtatious attempts of Abigail do nothing but reveal the nature of their relationship. Proctors character is used in the first act and indeed second as a pawn, a strong male presence that conjures up history, friction and feelings between a variety of characters. In this quote, Proctors reply demonstrates their current familiarity, as he obviously feels his would be rude answer appropriate in her case, which suggests history and the blunt coldness of his words suggests a tainted one- You know me better, This is used to great dramatic effect as this quote is an example of what classes this scene a complication. The revelations between the two characters and the audience displays I theorize that in this epitome, a play like The Crucible has numerous complications, which take the severity of the actual complication (the witch hunts,) to a higher level. For example the threat of being accused by one villager is but trivial when the accusation of attempted murder through witchcraft of which Elizabeth and Proctor are fully aware leads to trial, is brought to their knowledge. This accusation of attempted murder is one complication that mounts to a highly climatic and tragic demise. The heated and often dark references that Abigail uses are incredibly direct and delivered with a force that might suggest these are situations that are in need of persuasion. Not only the dramatic tension created by her choice of tactics, but the very level of desperation and inner naivety of the character that results in juvenile actions is incomprehensible! The confusion behind the seemingly innocent Abigail is astounding and her unpredictability creates tension as the audience realises the precarious nature of the play when Abigail is involved. The next scene I will analyse simply overflows with emotion, brought out through the characters ordeals. Elizabeth is featured here, wife of Proctor and the other half of an unhappy marriage. Their struggles seemed to begin and end with that harlot, once again Abigail is at the centre of insular turmoil. Leading up to this scene, we have seen a troubled and excluded couple; as Goody Proctor kisses him with suspicion and keeps their future happiness with it at the root of their marriage, Proctor bites his tongue with his sins past sins upon his shoulders. This scene is one of revelation and the audience sits enthralled as even tension created for the ultimate end disappears, as the couple who obviously still have love for one another quash their insecurities and make their peace. The scene begins with this fluctuation of feelings toward one another still in tact. The atmosphere is one of grief and almost acceptance, as these accusations, deaths and confessions have continued over the past few months (since the previous scene,) and the two characters have bared gruelling witness to it all. Once again, this final appearance of Elizabeth to Proctor needs a more detailed explanation, as the stage directions take the audience through every one of their actions and therefore magnifying the importance of the revelation of this scene, [Alone. Proctor walks to her, halts] The gentle nature of Elizabeth has been taken advantage of, in order to coax proctor into a confession. Elizabeth has taken the opposite course of action and frees him from her suspicious grasp.  Elizabeths query, though perhaps comical when an attempt is made to read it seriously, shows her utter lack of compassion and hope through the injustices of their predicament. Lack of compassion even for her own husband, though her enquiry made is meant in a considerate context- You have been tortured? Elizabeth continues to answer his questions in a cold and blunt manner, (their inhibitions still remain, anticipating the arrival of the emotional climax.) Extending the theme of revelation, this is probed unintentionally by Elizabeth and her remarks, for example she says about the death of Giles Corey, They press him John, more weight he says. Proctors reply is influenced by this, the courage of Corey is taken by Proctor and used to state, I have been thinking I would confess to them Elizabeth. In addition, the quote of Elizabeths instigates she wishes him to form a course of action, which he does in the previous quote. However, her reply is not one of looming suspicion or ruled by mistrust, it overcomes those petit consciences and the character finds the will to say, I cannot judge you John. No matter how Proctor begs for an order, a course of action or reassurance, Elizabeth stands strong and helps him to lose his inhibitions by making his own choice. The scene finally reaches a heart-wrenching climax as Elizabeth delivers the line Only be sure of this, for I know it now: Whatever you will do, it is a good man does it. Whatever the finale, this is a satisfying resolution because the characters have admitted exactly what the audience almost begs them to say, the actors deliver a service of satisfaction. Perhaps the only the example of dramatic imagery is the recurring theme of winter inside the Proctor house, as opposed to the summer and heat in the midst of the Abigail/Proctor love affair. Elizabeth now admits that is was a cold attitude she had towards her husband; a shrivelled marriage that she kept, a cold house. Her admittance of this symbolises the last string of the old relationship broken. The dramatic effective adds to the release of tension between the characters as the entire situation diffuses. Both of the characters fronts falter as they indulge in insular peace, paving the way for the final resolution: the turmoil between husband and wife is finally resolved, Proctor has everything to live for and the strength to do what is need to remain with family and friends- or is it? Unfortunately, the phrase too good to be true springs to mind, and also to the audience. The scene I analysed is in theory the penultimate resolution. It fits this description perfectly, as although it is misleading -because Proctor decides not to have his life and confess, but die with sanctity of name- it is satisfying. Dramatic tension is built extremely subtly behind the contagious joy of peace between the Proctors, foreseeing the ultimate loss of inhibitions for John. True, the character has lost the stubbornness that kept his wife from him, but it is also true to Elizabeths statement that John has not forgiven himself: self confessed sinner he may be, but a proud man is John Proctor. The truth may be that even in death, let alone life would the character not forgive himself for his sins with Abigail. His martyrdom was the release of self-hatred through a noble stand; he held onto the only thing that in his opinion was not tainted, his name. The Crucible recurs the theme of boundaries and limits, with such things as physical limits including the obsession with land, exclusive living (within colonies,) and with names. Proctors boundary was infact the preservation of his name, that is the only earthly piece of self he would not let go of- the only piece of self he realistically had left. This is a truly effective resolution, as the main character is finally at rest: Miller is no hero for surviving the courts, but his duty to society is done, his warning and message still survives fifty years on.

The Success Of Judaism

The Success Of Judaism Judaism has survived throughout history by being flexible and by admitting foreign influences into its practice. Its success in the 21st century depends on its ability to continue doing this in response to the pressures of modernity. Judaism has endured the challenges imposed upon it, by its ability to preserve deep-rooted traditions of the past. It is through maintaining customs from preceding times that defines the foundations of modern day Jewish practice, be it through observance, prayer or habit. In combination to this, its capacity to be versatile and incorporate outside influence has served to maintain its popularity as a major world faith. In order to continue its future religious success, Judaism must persist upholding the traditions that it stands for. However, in the light of pressures of modernity that arise through social change, including feminism and assimilation it must also incorporate aspects of outside influence to promote its popularity. Judaism has survived through emerging itself as a faith of tradition, including those developed in both Diasporic times as well as the biblical period. It is through the upholding of various forms of tradition that has united the global Jewish population. This is evident within prayer, observance and custom. As revealed through the practice of the Orthodox Jewish population, tradition plays a major part of defining the faith through the close following of Halakah. This is evident within the environment of Orthodox synagogue services; women are prohibited from wearing pants, those who are married must cover their heads and a mekhitzah segregates the seating between men and women. Despite social change that has provided freedom from such restrictions, Orthodox Judaism has held onto these traditions, which have acted in defining it through continuity. If such aspects were removed from the service, it would alienate the Orthodox Jewish community, as it is through such customs that have b een observed throughout generations and therefore characterizes the continuing existence of the religion. It is not solely the Orthodox community that have relied upon tradition as a means to exist. Within all strands of Judaism, tradition has played a major part in the continued existence of the faith. This is evident in relation towards Jewish practice, such as through customs observed during festivals. This includes the performing of the Passover Seder, the eating of Latkes during Chanukah and the maintenance of kashrut. It is through the participation of such traditions that identifies Jewish practice. Judaism has continued to exist through the desire to maintain tradition through historical descent. As Jacob Neusner states, the Judaic religious tradition is shaped by the historical life of the Jewish people therefore indicating how elements of Jewish historical significance have acted in forming and strengthening an attachment to the faith. This is evident when referring to various periods such as the destruction of the second Temple and the Holocaust. The destruction of the Temple led Jews to consolidate their beliefs through the emergence of Rabbinic Judaism and the tragedy of the Holocaust has stood for and continues to stand for an attachment to the faith. Poll after poll of American Jews in the 1990s found that the Holocaust surpassed Israel, Judaism, or any other factor as the basis of the Jewish Identity. Such moments of historical significance represent an increased strength of faith in times of adversity. In combination to the preservation of tradition to explain the survival of the faith, it is also evident that its continuing presence is determined through its ability to subject itself to change through time. This is evident through the emergence of various strands of Judaism that emerged after Jews were emancipated in Europe. As revealed through the surfacing of Reform Judaism with its popularity, in nineteenth century Germany, the religion has survived through its ability to adapt; they encouraged prayer in the local vernacular rather than in Hebrew, a way of diminishing the difference between them and their non-Jewish neighbours. This is an indication that as circumstances and living environments change, Judaism has adapted in order to maintain its popularity as a key religion. As Jews after Haskalah were no longer constricted to the bounds of the shtetlack, and began to interact within mainstream society, it reveals how Judaism was able to accommodate this new lifestyle through encompassing foreign influence. Apart from incorporating German (or other native language) into prayer, aspects include the introduction of a sermon, as well as the use of organ music within the service, both of which derive from Protestant worship. In the environment of the New World, Judaism continued to exist through its ability to incorporate elements of American ideology. With the development of concepts such as the melting pot, putting forward ideas of multiculturalism, America was representing and continues to represent itself as a centre of mixed ethnicity and religion that came to include Judaism; the United States isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a pluralistic society in which Otherness is accepted, if grudgingly at times, and diversity is tolerated and occasionally even celebrated. This is because with the influx of Immigrants that came to form modern America, Judaism provided Jews with an ethnicity to define themselves against immigrants who associated themselves through being Chinese, Italian or other nationality. The American environment therefore promoted its popularity and helped to uphold its existence. It is evident that the environment of America has influenced religious practice, as indicated through change in custom as a r esult of social change in America (and the modern world). While Orthodox Judaism has maintained tradition, and not welcomed much outside influence, the rise of the popularity of the Conservative and Reform movements indicates that social change in America has had an influence upon upholding the faith. This is evident in respect to custom, such as attitudes towards Halakah within these branches of American Judaism. Conservative Judaism, the most popular American branch of Judaism has sought its popularity through incorporating social values accepted by mainstream American society and transferring them into Jewish practice .Halakhah is presented as a historical phenomenon, capable of adjusting to meet changing realities imposed by sociology, economics, politics, science and technology. This is evident by its growing acceptance of womens influence within the synagogue service such as through the acceptance of the ordination of women Rabbis as well as the absence of a mekhitzah within prayer. Similarly, the Reform movement rejects the traditional interpretation of Halakhah and presents it as non-abiding. In practice, this leads traditional aspects of practice non-compulsory such as the abidance of the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut; they believe that the dietary laws are antiquated and serve no practical function and point out that they are a major factor in separating Jews from the rest of their fellowmen This indicates how such non-Orthodox movements introduce new thought into the faith, not derived through traditional means. To an extent, the future of Judaism relies on its ability to remain flexible and accepting of outside influence. This is because, as indicated through the popularity of Conservative and Reform synagogues, Judaism must incorporate customs of modernity to ensure it survival and strength. It is through issues of modernity such as feminism and assimilation that Judaism must respond to and accommodate in order to remain attractive to future generations, whom determine its long term success. As made apparent in Jew Vs Jew, the Conservative movement has permitted women some equality to men, as indicated through the publication of the new Conservative prayer book; The Siddur Sim Shalomà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦now included two versions of the Amidah, without the Matriarchs on page 3a and with them on 3b . It is through such developments as including recognizing women in liturgy, permitting the ordination of Rabbis and authorizing women to wear tallit and kippot that allows Judaism to reflect modernity and remain popular. However, as indicated within this instance, responding to modernity is a continuing process; Jewish feminists, such as Rachel Adler will continue to press for further reform within the traditional service to make Judaism more reflective of secular civil rights. Modernity has led Jews to live within the spheres of the secular world, which while has offered increased opportunity, socially, economically and politically, has led to an increased level of assimilation. As highlighted by Stephen Bloom through his own experience as a Jew within secular America; few of my friends learned Hebrew, few families lit candles at Shabbos dinner and few celebrated the Sabbath, assimilation constituted the diluting of Jewish practice. With the rise of assimilation into mainstream American culture, Judaism must search for new influences and measures in order to secure the future success of the faith. This is because, at present, especially within the environment of Orthodox Judaism, it is increasingly difficult to incorporate Jewish practice within the secular way of living. This is as a result of Halakha which places restrictions over modern life. This includes the prohibition of driving or working during Shabbat, dietary restrictions through the laws of kashrut and attempting to observe Jewish holidays within the calendar of the secular world. At present, such prohibitions prove to be discouraging to Jews who place high value over their secular lives, especially those in the younger generations. As it is these individuals who will determine the future existence and strength of the faith, Judaism must continue being flexible in order to survive. It is through measures as adopted by The Sinai Temple of Los Angeles with its Friday night Live services, which provide young people with a synagogue service reflective of a rock concert, encouraging wide audiences across the city that lies in future popularity of the faith. This is because it is through such methods that Jews, who would otherwise neglect Jewish practice, continue to uphold the faith. To maintain the popularity of Judaism, it has to subject itself to change. However, in doing this, it sacrifices much of the traditions, which to many Jews are definitive of the faith. It is therefore arguable that many of the changes that occur through social change and modernity sacrifice the essence of Judaism. It is due to this that explains why the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox strands of Judaism maintain concepts and practices that in the era of modern times can appear antiquated and sexist. This is indicated in Postville, to which indicates how Hassidic Jews have protected and continue to protect themselves from influence of secular culture in order to uphold the traditions that Judaism holds; to remain pure the Jews would not allow their children to go to Postville public schoolsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Hasidim were loathe to rely on anyone outside their Mispocheh, extended family. As evident through the elite world of Hassidim, it is revealed how Orthodox Judaism has continued and wil l continue to exist through maintaining a traditional life, according to Halakah and upholding the practice of a tight Jewish community. It is of importance to uphold the Jewish tradition in order to prevent assimilation through intermarriage. A 1990 National Jewish Population Survey concluded that an intermarriage rate of 52% existed in the United States, signifying a steady downfall of American Jewry. This is because the increase of intermarriage indicates a more remote chance that Judaism will continue to survive through future generations. In order to ensure the future existence of Judaism, the faith must emphasize the spirit of Jewish tradition through maintaining some aspects of continuity, such as the practice of the Friday night Shabbat meal and holiday observance such as the Passover Seder in order to continue to provide a strong Jewish culture that appears attractive to have the desire to maintain. On one side were Jewsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦for whom being Jewish meant keeping our Jewishness subordinate to our being American. On the other side were Orthodox Jews, who retained their religion and the daily practice of it essential to their existence. Ultra-Orthodox Jews largely disassociated themselves from mainstream American culture, which they viewed as a threat to Jewish identity. Judaism has continued and will continue to exist while there is a choice of denominations which will accommodate various needs and lifestyles. It is through the combination of maintaining elements of traditional continuity while incorporating aspects of modernity which leads to a popular faith. Although this suggests that Conservative Judaism stands as future of Jewish existence, it is because there are multiple movements within the faith that permits Judaism to continue to survive. With the differing variations of the Jewish faith, it provides and will continue to provide a choice to the modern Jew that reflects the lifestyle that he or she chooses to adopt. Work Cited Scheindlin, Ray A Short History of the Jewish People Oxford University Press (1998) Robinson, George Essential Judaism Pocket Books (2000) Freedman, Samuel Jew vs. Jew Simon and Schuster (2001) Bloom, Stephen G. Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America Harcourt (2000) Harris, Lis Holy Days, The World of a Hassidic Family Simon and Schuster (1995)

Executive Summary :: Economics

Executive Summary This report will look for alternative ways in which the London Underground can change their prices in order to reduce their loss in terms of total revenue. The report will both identify and analyse these alternative methods in an attempt to find the most suitable way of increasing the revenue for the London Underground. The report will also look at how elasticity plays a key role in determining any decisions as well as the outcome of these decisions made. The London Underground is at this very time running at a loss and is in urgent need of things being turned around. The London Underground may at one point in the future be privatised. What we need to determine is how we can increase revenue before it floats so that potential shareholders will be attracted. We must see how prices can be adjusted in coincidence with the market segments so that revenue can be increased. Elasticity is crucial in our thinking as it can have a big impact. 1.1 DEFINITION OF ELASTICITY Elasticity is the concept in economics that measures the responsiveness of one variable in response to another variable. The best measure of this responsiveness is the proportional or percent change in the variables. This gives the most usable results for any type or range of data. Thus elasticity is the proportional (or percent) change in one variable relative to the proportional change in another variable. The general formula for elasticity is: E = percent change in x / percent change in y 1.12 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELASTIC AND INELASTIC DEMAND Elastic means something is highly responsive to changes in something else. For example, elastic demand means that the quantity demanded changes a lot when the price changes. Inelastic demand means that the quantity demanded does not change much when the price changes. 2.0 WAYS IN WHICH FARES CAN BE ADJUSTED 2.01 OPTION 1 One way of adjusting prices can be to decrease the fares for students. Students often use this service as a means of transport to get to their respective universities. If fare prices are lower, even though the income per ticket is less, it may overall increase sales revenue. Other discounts may also be offered if a quarterly or seasonally train pass was purchased, which would attract student to this service. 2.02 OPTION 2 Fare prices can be increased because many people see this service as inelastic as they do not have any other means of transport. A lot of business people use this service and may well be able to afford to pay the extra cost. However this is a very risky method as it may encourage people to use private transport which may take the business

reactors :: essays research papers

Heat is produced in a nuclear reactor when neutrons strike Uranium atoms causing them to fission in a continuous chain reaction. Control elements, which are made of materials that absorb neutrons, are placed among the fuel assemblies. When the control elements, or control rods as they are often called, are pulled out of the core, more neutrons are available and the chain reaction speeds up, producing more heat. When they are inserted into the core, more neutrons are absorbed, and the chain reaction slows or stops, reducing the heat. Reactors can be used for research or for power production. A research reactor is designed to produce various beams of radiation for experimental application; the heat produced is a waste product and is dissipated as efficiently as possible. In a power reactor the heat produced is of primary importance for use in driving conventional heat engines; the beams of radiation are controlled by shielding. Research and test reactors -- also called â€Å"non-power† reactors -- are nuclear reactors primarily used to conduct research, development and education. These reactors contribute to almost every field of science including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, geology, archeology, and environmental sciences. A breeder reactor is defined as a reactor that both consumes and produces fissionable fuel. Generally breeder reactors produce more fuel than they consume. Breeding is the process by which new fissionable material is created by capturing neutrons from fissions in fertile materials.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fast breeder reactors are reactors where the fission reaction is sustained by fast neutrons. Fast breeder reactors do not require a moderator, allowing for a variety of working fluids. Two types of fast breeder reactors are Gas-Cooled Fast Breeder Reactors (GCBRs), often cooled by pressurized helium, and Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactors (LMFBRs), which are cooled by molten sodium. The reactor core, at its center, has concentrations of ~20% Pu-239 and 80%. Surrounding fuel rods are 100%. The reactor has a high concentration of fissile material at its core, allowing a chain reaction to be sustained even with fast neutrons, despite the lower probability of fast neutrons causing fissions than slow neutrons. A consequence of operating with fast-moving neutrons (hence the common name Fast Breeder Reactors, or FBR) is that there is a higher chance of transmuting U-238(uranium- 238) to Pu-239(Plutonium-239). After a year's worth of operation, the center rods will have concentration of 15% Pu-239 and 85% U-238, with the surrounding material having 95% U-238 and 5% Pu-239.

Service Learning in College Essay -- Essays Papers Education Teaching

Service Learning in College Service learning provides college students with a whole new method of learning. This type of learning provides a student with an experience outside of the classroom in their area of concentration. Emily Knab, a college student at the University of Miami, has experienced service learning and found it very beneficial in her area of interest. Emily is studying education and wants to become a teacher in the future. She performed her service learning at an elementary school, focusing her attention on the third grade. She shadowed the teacher and completed many of the tasks that she would normally do. The students found Emily to be very helpful and respected her as if she were their real teacher. Emily stated that, â€Å"Service learning strengthened, increased, and developed my knowledge in education.† Service learning brings together the needs of the people within the community and gives students the chance to work with those needs (â€Å"Service Learning,â₠¬  par. 10). Field experiences combined with service learning activities is an essential part of growing academically (LaMaster 1). Service learning brings together student, community, and teacher through performance and education. Service learning has a growing history in the United States. The Native American people are the sources of community service. It was a part of their ethics that helping one another was the right thing to do (Wade 23-4). Helping one another was one of the only means of staying alive back when the native people were located around the United States. One of the largest steps in the expansion of service learning would have to be the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps with the leader... ... Douglas J. Simpson. To Serve and Learn: The Spirit of Community in Liberal Education. New York: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc., 1998. 21-33. Frederickson, J. Patricia. â€Å"Does Service Learning Make a Difference in Student Performance?† The Journal of Experiential Education Fall 2000: 1-12. Knab, Emily. Personal interview. 29 Oct. 2001. LaMaster, J. Kathryn. â€Å"Enhancing Preservice Teachers Field Experiences Through the Addition of a Service Learning Component.† The Journal of Experiential Education Spring 2001: 1-8. Wade, C. Rahima. Community Service-Learning: A Guide to Including Service in the Public School Curriculum. New York: State University of New York Press, 1997. 19-46. â€Å"What is Service Learning?† Service Learning: The Home of Service Learning on the World Wide Web 22 Oct. 2001 .

The Election of 1860

By the election of 1860 profound divisions existed among Americans over the future course of their country, and especially over the South's â€Å"peculiar institution,† slavery.During the presidency of James K. Polk (1841-1849), the United States had confirmed the annexation of Texas to the Union, negotiated a treaty with Great Britain for the Oregon territory up to the 49th parallel, and, as a result of the Mexican War, added California and New Mexico as well. The American eagle now spanned the entire continent, a source of nationalistic pride to those who thought expansion was the fulfillment of both God's will and America's mission to spread its republican institutions.But national exuberance turned sour when Americans confronted the issue of whether slavery should follow the flag into the new territories. During the 1850s, different views about slavery's expansion and its place in America's future fueled suspicion and bitterness between northerners and southerners. In Kans as, the question of whether the territory would be opened or closed to slavery erupted in violence and political unrest.â€Å"Bleeding Kansas,† the treatment of fugitive slaves, and other issues involving slavery strained and then shattered the nation's two-party system which had served for a generation to weld sections and interests into two powerful national institutions. Of the two major parties, the Whig organization totally succumbed in the mid-1850s to the sectionalizing effects of the slavery issue and ceased to operate as a national party.Like the country, the Whig party could not exist half slave and half free. Meanwhile, the Democratic party managed to remain intact throughout that decade, but slavery acted like a solvent to weaken its bonds. Increasingly, its powerful, predominantly southern wing was at odds with a smaller, northern contingent.The campaign of 1860 accurately registered the country's precarious condition after a decade of sectional turmoil. The lead ing political organization in the North was the Republican party. It was composed of former Whigs, a smaller number of ex-Democrats, as well as members of other parties, including some who had previously supported antislavery parties, such as the Liberty party, which had sought to end slavery by political means.Like any party, the Republican party contained a broad spectrum of opinions on many issues, including slavery. But most Republicans were, like Lincoln, moderates who were positioned between the more radical and conservative elements of their party.The key to the Republican party's success was its position on slavery. It opposed the expansion of slavery and called upon Congress to take measures, whenever necessary, to prevent its extension. It condemned slavery as an immoral institution, a relic of â€Å"barbarism,† and most Republicans thought that by confining slavery within its present boundaries, the institution would be placed on the road to eventual extinction.The party was, therefore, a genuine anti-slavery party, but most Republicans rejected a more radical stand that would associate them with abolitionism.The party, for example, upheld the constitutional sanctity of slavery within the South, and a significant minority (including Lincoln) were willing to support a constitutional amendment forever guaranteeing against congressional interference with slavery in the states.Republicans also acknowledged the legitimacy of the fugitive slave clause of the Constitution and accepted its enforcement by proper laws. Republicans, therefore, separated themselves from abolitionists who agitated for a quicker, immediate, end to slavery, and the adoption of measures, such as the emancipation of slaves in the nation's capital, which would render slavery insecure in its present boundaries.At the same time, moderate Republicans also distinguished themselves from the more egalitarian racial program of abolitionism. Most Republicans accepted the principles of the Declaration of Independence as assuring black people certain rights now and, perhaps also, as ultimate goals to be fully realized sometime in the future.But they disavowed measures that would immediately bring about true equality between the races. Lincoln, who may have been somewhat more conservative than the core of his party, declared himself against equal rights in voting and officeholding, and he advocated the colonization of blacks to lands outside the United States, an idea that was anathema to abolitionists. Southerners, however, hardly distinguished between the different antislavery and racial views of the Republicans and abolitionists.The Republican party's opposition to the expansion of slavery, therefore, encompassed a distinctive moral protest against slavery itself, but also contained, at least for many Republicans, a racial concern that the territories be reserved primarily for free white people. In addition, the Republican mainstream associated a free labor soci ety with economic opportunity, hard work, upward mobility, liberty, morality, and other essential elements of a true republic.Slavery, on the other hand, was associated with economic backwardness, aristocracy, violence, illiteracy, intemperance, and immorality. Worse yet, Republicans viewed slavery as an aggressive institution, whose leaders, in alliance with sympathetic northerners, were conspiring to spread this cancer throughout the nation.This idea of a â€Å"Slave Power Conspiracy,† which Lincoln boldly proclaimed in his â€Å"House Divided† speech to the Illinois Republican convention in June 1858, identified the party with democratic ideals and provided a shorthand expression of northern resentment against the South's political clout. Although a minority section, the South had disproportionate influence in national politics, and frequently scuttled measures desired by many northerners, such as higher tariffs to protect manufacturing, or homestead legislation to provide free land for western settlers.VIDEO: A House Divided (1.9 MB)In May 1860, the Republicans gathered in Chicago for only their second national convention and nominated Lincoln as their candidate. The platform held that the â€Å"normal condition† of all territory was â€Å"freedom.† The platform also endorsed measures to encourage industry, a homestead act, and a transcontinental railroad.VIDEO: Lincoln's Nomination (2.1 MB)As for the Democratic party, the corrosive effect of slavery finally made itself felt on this national institution. For years, Democrats had united behind the doctrine of popular sovereignty. Popularized by such prominent party leaders as Lewis Cass, its nominee in 1848, and Stephen A. Douglas, Illinois's eminent and ambitious United States senator, popular sovereignty left the question– whether slavery should be permitted to expand into a territory– up to the people in the territory.Popular sovereignty promised to keep the subj ect of slavery out of the hands of politicians in Washington, and to give it, instead, to the people, the territorial citizens, most directly involved. The doctrine sounded democratic, fair, and practical.But popular sovereignty proved a hollow idea. Most northern Democrats assumed that, under this doctrine, slavery would never actually expand into territories. Climate, terrain, the swift movement of free state settlers into the West, and other considerations would discourage slaveholders from entering the territories.Thus, the initial settlers in a territory would favor free labor and would take measures to keep slavery out. Fairly applied, popular sovereignty would hold the territories (or virtually all of them) for the North without insulting the South by explicitly excluding slavery under federal authority.Republicans, however, denounced popular sovereignty as inadequate to prevent the spread of slavery, and morally bankrupt because it implied that a decision for slavery was mor ally equivalent to one against. Equally problematic was the view of most southern Democrats, who interpreted popular sovereignty to permit and even protect slavery in the territories throughout the entire territorial stage.Southerners insisted that slaveholders had the same constitutional right as nonslaveholders to bring their property, including slaves, into the territories. Moreover, since the territories were the common property of all the states, slaveholders must have equal access. For the South, the question of whether slavery would actually go into a territory was of less moment than establishing the principle that slavery must have equal standing to free labor.Honor and security demanded that slavery be treated as no less sacrosanct than freedom. Southerners, therefore, interpreted popular sovereignty to mean that only at the very end of the territorial stage, after slavery had been permitted to take root, could the citizens of the territory declare against the institution. There could be free states in the United States, but no free territories.These different definitions of popular sovereignty, which actually expressed variant attitudes towards slavery itself, came to a head when the Democratic party assembled in Charleston, South Carolina, in April 1860. Southern Democrats insisted that the party endorse the idea of a federal slave code for the territories.This would secure the rights of slaveholders to enter the territories throughout the territorial period. When the majority of delegates refused to accept the southern position, delegates from the deep South states, plus a few from the upper South, marched out of the convention. The remaining delegates, after failing to nominate a candidate, adjourned to meet again in Baltimore in June. The only political party with a truly national constituency was now split asunder.The following June 1860, efforts to reunite the Democratic party failed, and Democrats met in two separate conventions in Baltimore. The predominantly northern wing nominated Douglas, and adopted a platform upholding popular sovereignty without mentioning a federal slave code, and leaving it to the Supreme Court to determine the specific powers of a territorial legislature. Herschel V. Johnson of Georgia was selected as Douglas's running mate.The southern Democratic wing nominated the present vice president of the United States, John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky, as its presidential candidate, and Joseph Lane of Oregon as his running mate. The southern Democratic platform affirmed the right of the federal government to protect the slaveholder's equal right to settle in a territory.Further complicating the election was the formation of a fourth political party, the Constitutional Union party. Composed of conservative members of the moribund Whig and Know Nothing parties, the Constitutional Union party denounced the major parties for inciting sectional divisions, and appealed for a popular, patriotic rallying to th e cause of the Union.Its convention, which met in May 1860, also in Baltimore, nominated John Bell, a Tennessee Whig, for President, and Edward Everett of Massachusetts for vice president. The party's conservative appeal attracted a following, especially in the border states; throughout the South, it constituted the main opposition to the Breckinridge ticket.The campaign of 1860 demonstrated that a national political system was no longer operating. The contest was actually two elections, one in the North and one in the South. In the North, the Lincoln and Douglas forces vied for victory; in the South the contest was between Breckinridge and Bell. The sections were insulated from each other.Lincoln did not even appear on the ballot in most southern states, and only in a few northern states did Breckinridge muster any discernible support. In the end, Lincoln won the election by carrying seventeen free states, while Breckinridge triumphed in eleven slave states. Neither candidate captu red a single state in the opposite section. Bell and Douglas trailed far behind.The highly sectionalized nature of the campaign meant that northerners and southerners waged battle against a shadow opponent. Lincoln refused to issue public assurances to the South that he would uphold slavery in its present confines. Nor did southerners have to pay heed to the Republican party's official denunciation of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia.This attack on a federal arsenal in the fall of 1859, by the Ohio abolitionist did not provoke the intended insurrection of slaves, and ended in Brown's capture and hanging.The raid sent shock waves through the South. Despite Republican disclaimers, southerners readily linked the party to abolitionism and the violent overthrow of slavery. Similarly, northerners, swept up in the renewed Lincoln-Douglas contest, paid insufficient heed to the intensity of anti-Union feelings in the South.Although neither Breckinridge nor Bell threatened secess ion, they often challenged each other in the South as to who was the more loyal to southern rights and interests. The air was filled with frequent warnings that Lincoln's election would justify secession.

Decisions: Good and Bad

Decisions: Good and Bad Introduction In the news today, it seems as though everything we hear is negative. While I was searching for an organization that recently made a good decision, it appears that most of the things we read and/or hear about these days are the bad. I found plenty of information on bad decisions made recently, however talk about positive decision-making seems to be scarce. In this paper, I will discuss my views of a former CEO of a global conglomerate and the positive decisions he has made, as well as a recent poor decision made by another large corporation.A Good Decision For decades, we have heard the brand names Apple or Macintosh. If one were to judge the decision-making skills of Steve Jobs based on the success of Apple, one would have to say that he had to possess some of the best decision-making skills possible. Over the past few years, we have seen the MacBook, iPods, iPhones and the iPad. With the competition of Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq and Microsoft to name a few, the Apple organization has made great strides to maintain its place at the top of the consumers list.One of the best decisions ever made by Steve Jobs was to return to Apple as CEO and take the market by storm with innovative technology and a selection unsurpassed by any other company. Through dedication, hard work and a vision, he has brought technology to a completely new level and others are left to catch up. With the desire to provide consumers with products that they were not even sure that they wanted, Jobs has made his place in corporate America.Through his decisions to take the world by storm and develop the ideas that seemed nearly impossible, he has left quite a challenge in trying to surpass the advancements in technology that he has achieved. A Bad Decision Over the past few years, there has been a vast growth in technology and the variety of products offered to consumers. One of the most popular novelties in entertainment today is the services offered by Netflix. The company began as a mainstream DVD rental provider and later transformed into an online movie-streaming leader.Recently, Netflix experienced an exceptional growth in subscriptions and demonstrated a high customer demand. However, due to terrible management decisions, the image of the company would soon become tarnished. It seems as if the decision-makers of the company misunderstood the reason behind its success and imposed a steep increase in price for the DVD plus streaming subscribers. Offering no rational explanation behind this decision, Netflix quickly experienced a momentous downfall.They did not have content that would make the company indispensable, and since most customers used the services because of the low subscription rates, stock prices would fall and consumers were looking elsewhere. This has now opened up a window of opportunity for newcomers such as Blockbuster, Amazon and Redbox. Conclusion While decisions are made within organizations each day, the l evel of research and the motive behind the decision may be the most important factor.The good decision that I described above was driven by the desire to succeed and to create innovative products and making them available to a large group of consumers. The bad decision seems to have been made out of greed and should never be a factor in making decisions at such high level. I believe that as long as the people making decisions stay focused on what is truly important to the organization, major pitfalls or obstacles may be avoided.