To What Extent Did Alexander II fundamentally transform Russia Essay Example

To What Extent Did Alexander II fundamentally transform Russia Paper Alexander II held the title Liberator due to his leading role in the radical reforms that took place in Russia from 1855. The Tsar greatly benefited from Russias autocratic style government and took the drastic changes as a way of preserving this. Russia was beginning to fall behind in comparison to other powers, e. g. in the delay of abolishing serfdom. This was highlighted after a humiliating defeat at the Crimean War in 1856, after losing on home ground, with poor military and training becoming apparent. This loss acted as a major catalyst for change in Russia. To have of fundamentally transform Russia, Alexander II would have to have improved Russia socially, politically, militarily and economically. The abolition of serfdom was phased over a period of 20 years, considering how in 1861, 50 million of the 60 million inhabitants of Russia were peasants, 23 million of them being serfs. When in 1861 all serfs were given freedom, all control their owner had was lost. They were allowed to keep their own cottages and surrounding land, and often were hired by their previous landlord to work on their farmland. Morally, granting freedom to 23 million people could be considered a fundamental transformation of Russia. However, Alexander II experienced economic and political disadvantages. While serfs had the right to their own land, surrounding land they had to buy. The small strips of land could be all an ex-serf would have, and in situations where landlords would keep surrounding land, serfs would be in a worse situation. Due to a lack in education and training, the ex-serfs would be unable to manage their land. The economy was therefore affected, with up to a 23% decline in agricultural holdings in some parts of Russia. We will write a custom essay sample on To What Extent Did Alexander II fundamentally transform Russia specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on To What Extent Did Alexander II fundamentally transform Russia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on To What Extent Did Alexander II fundamentally transform Russia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Serfs would be tied to a village by the redemption paymentsthat were spread over 49 years. This contradicts Alexander IIs invention of expanding peoples culture by issuing passports. Passports caused additional problems as due to this and other effects of emancipating the serfs, other developments that could have taken place in Russia were hampered. While the emancipation of the serfs was a step in the right direction for Alexander II fundamentally transforming Russia, he failed to follow through and it was too little if Russia was to again be on the same level as other powers. A reason Alexander II faced difficulties could be due to the lack of education in Russia at the time. How could the people of Russia move forward if only a very limited number knew how? The Russian government held back on education, due to a fear of new ideas spreading which would contradict that of the autocracy or orthodox church. However, soon Russias lack of education was clearly holding them back, as while England founded universities in the 13th century, they were not founded in Russia until the 18th century. While Britain lead the world in the industrial revolution, Russia remained immensely unproductive, with peasants constantly tending to their fields to create enough substance to provide. Russia was already at a disadvantage agriculturaly due to Russias poor soil and inconsistent weather. Education was widely extended as a follow up the emancipation of the serfs. Schools were declared open to all and secondary schools and universities grew. By giving peasants an education, Russia could hopefully industrialise increase productivity: Russian farmers could no longer sell the huge quantities necessary to supply the western countries. However, despite universities being given greater independence, revolutionary disturbances in the 1870s led to the state interfering with the autocratic government retaining the right to decline applications. It could therefore be considered Russias education wasnt fundamentally transformed as AlexanderII wasnt willing to fully commit to everyone having a right to a full education, Alexander kept tim continuation of the autocracy as the main priority. Censorship reforms also had limited success but was held back by the governments hesitancy towards criticism. By 1865 the press was allowed to discuss government policy and foreign publications were allowed into Russia (albeit only under political approval). The relaxation of censorship encouraged education also as the number of published books grew by ten times more by 1894, even matching British and American outputs combined. Although tight censorship returned, judicial reforms led to a more educated public as the conduct of trials became known. Russias previous judicial system was chaotic and cruel, and kept extremely secret from the public. It suited the maintenance of serfdom and was in line with Russias autocratic government as the estate holder and was sole decider of the fate. By reforming the judicial system, Alexander II saw to transform the process in a fair and practical service. The new system made various classes more equal, higher classes were no longer given separate courts with different punishments and judges would no longer be bribed or abused as they were better trained with a more worthwhile salary. Moreover, by reducing the cruelty of the sentences, Russia could begin a transformation in which the Russian public could less resent their country and it made a major contribution to the modernisation of Russia. However the system was still flawed as true equality between the rich and poor was not reached: juries were still made up of wealthy men with prejudice over the poor. As a recurring theme, Alexander II limited trials in that the bureaucracy could intervene and still have the final verdict. The judicial reform of 1864 was indeed a crucial step in integrating Russias poor and wealthy groups but in the end they still remain vastly separate. Russias nobility dominated the courts when instead Alexander II should have aimed to secure a more universal system where each of his people could be represented. The necessity of military reforms became apparent after the defeat in the Crimean War and then again after the emancipation of the serfs drastically reduced conscription and therefore the size of the army. Previous reforms could be considered to have made the military reforms easier as by making the Russia a fairer, better place to live then the militarys problem of a less than patriotic army could be solved. With a more systematic army with smaller divisions and better planning, the Russian army could be more prepared for defence. Alexander II put Dmitri Milyutin in charge as he introduced a number of reforms over a 20 year period. The military was given far more advanced weapons, proper training and promotions became more open in an attempt to make leadership more effective . The biggest change, and most significant step towards a fundamentally reformed Russia, was in conscription. By ending the conscription of children and convicts and cutting conscription for men over 20 from twenty five years to six, Milyutin created a more motivated army. However, these reforms grew great criticism, notably from the merchants and nobility, where the idea of service was terrifying. This shows Alexander slowly attempting to close the social gap. In addition, the new army acted as a significant saving in government spending, lessening the strain on Russian economy. It also acted in restoring some of Russias international reputation, lost after the Crimean War. In conclusion,Alexander IIs effort cannot be denied as he implemented a wide range of reforms but could not maintain them to the full extent. When it comes to Russias backwardness, Alexander II made little effect as other powers were so greatly advanced and his reforms were too little and too late. For example, despite exemplary efforts in the military, compared to Britains renowned army, Russia couldnt compare.

ANgelo Rebelo essays

ANgelo Rebelo essays On December 7, 1941 the Japanese launched a sneak attack on Pearl Habor. This attack on the United States Pacific Fleet was a total tactical success. The Japanese, using 360 planes and midgit submarines, were able to sink the USS Arizona, USS California, USS Maryland, USS Oklahoma, USS Pesilvania, USS Tennessee, and the USS Utha. They also destroyed Hickman Feild, the US air base on Hawaii. The result of this attack was a declaration of war on Germany, Italy, and Japan by the United States. It also had an effect on the Japanese-Americans living on the West Coast. American citizens had property taken away and were encarrsirated by their fellow citizens with executive order 9066. Even through this racist act many Japanese-Americans.volenteered for service in the United States Army. It was the 442nd combat regiment, "Go for Broke". This unit was given the derogatory name of Nisei. Yet, "Thos Japanese-Americans who... fought in the United States Army compiled a superb record for courage and endurance" (Sulzberger, 149). Just because Japanese-Americans were allowed to enter the armed services they did not escape racism. During the campiagn in France, the 442nd could have been the first combat regiment to enter Paris. They were ordered to to wait at the side of the rode to allow white combat units to pass them. They became the last unit to enter Pairis. This racist ideaof them was even present in the enemy. "One of the puzzeled and astonished Germans asked an American Lieutenant, 'But aren't those Japanese?' 'Yes,' said the Lieutenant, 'Didin't you know they were on our side? or do you believe all that stuff Goebbels tells you?'" (Sulzberger, 149) Racism was also shown in other ways during combat action. In Italy the 442nd was used as cannon foder. They were to make a third assult on Monte Cassino. This would be accompanied by a beach head landingin Anzio. "In an attempt to break the ...

3 Alternative Trucking Careers to Consider

3 Alternative Trucking Careers to Consider Have a truck driving career, but feel like a change? Sick of the solitude of the long haul and all the heavy lifting? Don’t feel like sitting in a cab for quite so many hours each day, but don’t feel qualified for anything else? Don’t stress. There are actually plenty of alternative careers for qualified truckers out there. You just need to get yourself in the game. 1. DispatchWhile you’d still need some training, who better than a trucker who knows the ropes to work dispatching loads? You’re familiar with the lifestyle and the lingo, and the ins and outs of hauling. Check with your current employer first, for ease of 401k, IRA, and health insurance transfer, then branch out.2. LoadingIf you don’t mind the heavy work and a probable pay cut (dock workers often make less than an OTR driver), you could easily get a more stable 9-5 kind of job- even at your own company- on the loading dock. You’ll be home a whole lot more, and could have a regular schedule for once.3. ManagementYou’ve thought of being an owner-operator, but you’re starting to feel even more ambitious. Why not step into the big leagues? Get yourself some educational training in business administration (try vocational schools and two year associates programs, or even online enrichment programs, to get some certification). A bit of business education combined with your existing experience and skills would make you an asset in trucking company management. You could work for an existing company, or even make it your goal to run your own someday. Either way, you’ll be out of one driver’s seat and into another.

Equality and Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Equality and Diversity - Essay Example They were attacking more the fact that I was Muslim who looked and dressed differently from them. I shall refer to this incident now and then as I advance in analyzing the concept of racism, more particularly social exclusion. I will mention some two theories of power that could possibly explain my case, where the first one is basically the model against which this paper hinges on, and the other one to explain the ruler-subject set-up and its requirements. The latter one is more political than sociological, however, but it will give insights into social division and how oppression is committed. Basically, this paper will look into racism and limit it to my experience, particularly on same-race racism. I will deal with social exclusion, particularly on the issue of migrant ethnic minorities and the feeling of being looked upon as specimens including matters of dressing. Religion will necessarily be touched especially where Muslims are concerned, and the freedom to study and live where one is allowed to do so. I will then lead to what can be done, mentioning about the general finding of a youth dialogue in a Detroit experiment. Finally I will arrive at proper self-criticism as a resolution to all of these a s a syndrome. Theory of social dominance. Sidanus (in Powell, 2006) forwarded a most logical explanation of power in what obtains in society. Looking at society as a group-based hierarchy, Sidanus mentioned three major divisions that determine power in some ways: age, sex, and grouping. Accordingly, older individuals dominate younger ones; males dominate females; and the more dominant group (in-group) prevails over the subordinate group. Sidanus' theory explained that the third form of division is chiefly expressed by in-group males against out-group males, defined as xenophobia and racism. It is said that for this third division, religion, nationality, ethnicity, and other differences can also serve to mark divisions in society. Accordingly, the reason egalitarianism will never win is because "Whenever the old structures are overthrown, the natural human tendency to draw lines between groups and to establish a societal pecking order kicks into action." (Sidanus. In Powell, 2006). Between xenophobia and racism, according to Stoler (1997), xenophobia is fear of foreigners, while racism, which is more encompassing in meaning, is the belief that built-in biological differences among human races determine whether one's own race is superior over the others and has the right to rule over them. (Dictionary.com, 2006). Racism takes the form of prejudice, discrimination, or subordination, and can be both open and concealed. Individual racism sometimes consists of open acts of individuals resulting in violence or destruction of property. There is also so-called same-race racism where members of one race associate behaviours or appearance of other members of their race as being in relation to another race which is regarded negatively (Stoler, 1997). A form of cultural racism can also be related to this, where members of a racial group are chastised by their members for adopting a culture perceived to be of another race. The incident I had encountered, while I and the two girls could be said to be of same-race [coming from Africa], took a different path. They apparently had expected that since we were in UK, and not Africa, we had to act differently. But

The Jungle (by Upton Sinclair) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Jungle (by Upton Sinclair) - Essay Example Big businesses were enjoying an unprecedented reign of opportunism and the welfare of members of the public had begun to seriously deteriorate. Sinclair’s focus in this book was to expose the corrupt practices and the unsanitary conditions that were rampant in the meatpacking industry. This book was published in 1906 and it was successful in snaring the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, who set up a commission to enquire into the meatpacking industry which finally resulted in the passage of the Beef Inspection Act. The story focuses upon the ordeals of one Lithunian family that is forced to reconsider its idealistic view that hard work and morality will lead to material success and happiness. The reality they encounter is that America is a place of greed and exploitation, where it is only immorality, corruption, crime and graft which are the means that will ensure material success. Sinclair’s book demonstrates how immigrants who came to America with the will to work hard in their pursuit of the American dream, were victimized, harassed and exploited. Throughout the book â€Å"The Jungle,† Sinclair focuses upon the meatpacking industry in Chicago but uses it as a means to demonstrate the evils of capitalism. According to Sinclair, capitalism breeds social inequality and an obsession with the accumulation of wealth that leads individuals to engage in unscrupulous practices for the express purpose of garnering wealth. Through the events in the book, Sinclair suggests that capitalism is a system that benefits only a few individuals and big businesses, hence it needs to be replaced with an alternative system such as capitalism which works for the benefit of everyone and ensures that the common man is not exploited by greedy capitalistic elements. Throughout the early part of the book, Sinclair therefore focuses on demonstrating the evils of capitalism, which in effect, destroys the many for the benefit of the few.

Female Circumcision Essay -- Female Genital Mutilation

It's the year 423 BCE, and the orders have just been sent out -- Every female is to be circumcised. Rumor has it that the newest Pharaoh is not very well-endowed and wants the females in his land to be circumcised to enhance his sexual pleasure (qtd. in Gruenbaum 43). Although such an account seems amusing, female circumcision and its effects are real. It is thought that female circumcision has been around for at least twenty centuries (Gruenbaum 193). Despite its age, female circumcision is only recently being discussed and debated in the United States. In fact, the matter itself had not really been looked at nationally until 1975, "when the Australian delegation at the first U.N. conference on woman in Mexico City proposed a motion condemning it" (Greer 64). Since that time, opposition to female circumcision has been included as a part of American Human Rights Policy (Mackie 999). The U.S. agency for International Development is also assisting the "African organizations working to eradicate it" (qtd. in Mackie 999). Now the world knows about female circumcision and wants to do something about it, but change will not come suddenly due to its long tradition. Female Circumcision is the cutting or removing of female genitalia. According to msn.com, female circumcision is "the practice of circumcision of adolescent women in some cultures that generally involves the surgical removal of the clitoris or the sewing up of the vaginal opening." There are many different names for this practice. Some refer to it as "female genital mutilation," and others call it "female genital cutting." Often times, the women who practice female circumcision are extremely offended by such terms; therefore the simplest, least offensive way to refer t... ...on: Caring for patients and child protection." BMA. 2001. 3 Nov 2003. Greer, Germaine. "Why Genital Cutting Goes On." Newsweek International. (1999): 64. Gruenbaum, Ellen. The Female Circumcision Controversy. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2001. Mackie, Gerry. "Ending Footbinding and Infibulation: A Convention Account." American Sociological Review. 61 (1996): 999-1017. Nour, Nawal. "Female Circumcision and Genital Mutilation: A Practical and Sensitive Approach." Contemporary OB/GYN. 45 (2001): 50-55. Pulsipher, Abigail. Interview. Personal Interview. 1 Nov 2001. Walker, Alice, Pratibha Parmar. Warrior Marks: Female Genital Mutilation and the Sexual Blinding of Woman. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1993. Female Circumcision Essay -- Female Genital Mutilation It's the year 423 BCE, and the orders have just been sent out -- Every female is to be circumcised. Rumor has it that the newest Pharaoh is not very well-endowed and wants the females in his land to be circumcised to enhance his sexual pleasure (qtd. in Gruenbaum 43). Although such an account seems amusing, female circumcision and its effects are real. It is thought that female circumcision has been around for at least twenty centuries (Gruenbaum 193). Despite its age, female circumcision is only recently being discussed and debated in the United States. In fact, the matter itself had not really been looked at nationally until 1975, "when the Australian delegation at the first U.N. conference on woman in Mexico City proposed a motion condemning it" (Greer 64). Since that time, opposition to female circumcision has been included as a part of American Human Rights Policy (Mackie 999). The U.S. agency for International Development is also assisting the "African organizations working to eradicate it" (qtd. in Mackie 999). Now the world knows about female circumcision and wants to do something about it, but change will not come suddenly due to its long tradition. Female Circumcision is the cutting or removing of female genitalia. According to msn.com, female circumcision is "the practice of circumcision of adolescent women in some cultures that generally involves the surgical removal of the clitoris or the sewing up of the vaginal opening." There are many different names for this practice. Some refer to it as "female genital mutilation," and others call it "female genital cutting." Often times, the women who practice female circumcision are extremely offended by such terms; therefore the simplest, least offensive way to refer t... ...on: Caring for patients and child protection." BMA. 2001. 3 Nov 2003. Greer, Germaine. "Why Genital Cutting Goes On." Newsweek International. (1999): 64. Gruenbaum, Ellen. The Female Circumcision Controversy. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2001. Mackie, Gerry. "Ending Footbinding and Infibulation: A Convention Account." American Sociological Review. 61 (1996): 999-1017. Nour, Nawal. "Female Circumcision and Genital Mutilation: A Practical and Sensitive Approach." Contemporary OB/GYN. 45 (2001): 50-55. Pulsipher, Abigail. Interview. Personal Interview. 1 Nov 2001. Walker, Alice, Pratibha Parmar. Warrior Marks: Female Genital Mutilation and the Sexual Blinding of Woman. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1993.

Salvationist Governance

3. Explain how people (ministers, social workers, other employees, board members, volunteers) can be involved in governance in their day-to-day activities The organization of the Salvation Army calls for participation of key individuals in matters of governance. Being a registered charitable organization in many countries means adequate participation of concerned parties in religious denominations and international capacity. Participation of parties in matters of governance in the day to day activity serves a very important purpose of Salvation Army. The spread of gospel is a major concern of the ministers especially when dealing with society members. (Stephen, John, 2006, p. 6) Visiting the sick, providing food and other basic commodities to individuals serve a very important aspect of minister’s involvement. The congregation is a very important element that needs the support of ministers in evaluation of certain tasks. Serving the entire society or congregation calls for full participation of different stakeholders. Such individuals involved in Salvation Army include social workers, volunteers, employees and board members. These individuals are involved in various activities such taking care of the sick old and disadvantaged members of the society (Milkler, 1997, p. 21). For instance, volunteers participate in activities such as cleaning the sick, feeding the poor, providing clothes to the poor, and constructing houses for less disadvantaged especially the disabled. Social workers and other employees at Salvation Army organize social activities such as games that lead to socialization. The board members are involved in making decisions that keep the organization strong and going (Holktzman, 2003, p. 24). 4. In your opinion, what aspects of private sector organizations governance can be transferred to the Salvation Army? Governance in private sector calls for implementation of certain policies in the running affairs of the organization. Since Salvation Army is similar to private sector certain governance components can be adopted. Some of the leadership policies that can be borrowed from private sector include directors who are independent and diligence. This means that the board of directors is supposed to show signs of commitment to management and should not be given any other responsibility. In addition, the directors should be diligent in their governance models to ensure that affairs of Salvation Army are well addressed (Charities Review Council, 2010). Application of good leadership models such as proper channels of communication is another major governance policy that can be borrowed from private sector to Salvation Army. What aspects of the Salvation Army’s governance mechanisms can be transferred to other nonprofits and what is peculiar to this organization? The Salvation Army is a non-profit making organization that aims at serving its congregation and the entire society in matters of religion. This being the case, some non-profit making organizations can borrow certain governance models from Salvation Army. One outstanding mechanism is about auditing of accounts by qualified auditors a common practice in Salvation Army (Where Most needed, 2009). This involves preparation and presentation of strong, accountable and transparent financial statements reflecting the usage of funds and assets of the entity. The congregation support activities of Salvation Army through contributions and this call for preparation of financial statements which are subject to auditing by qualified auditors. Adopting this measure by non-profit making organization builds confidence of its stakeholders which leads to proper dissemination of duties to the entire society. Another possible mechanism that can be adopted by the private sector is participation in charitable activities like visiting the sick and old in the society (Siegel, 2007). These are peculiar activities carried on at Salvation Army and can be applied to non-profit making organizations for purpose of promoting the dignity of relevant stakeholders. Bibliography Charities Review Council 2010, Got Standards? So Do Charities, Viewed August 24 2010 from Holktzman, M 2003, Internal Control in the Talmud: the Jerusalem Temple, The Accounting Historians, Vol. 30, p. 23-25 Milkler, G 1997, Financial Accounting and Management in Governments, public Service and Charities, John Willey and Sons, New York Siegel, J 2007, Is There a Duty To Gentrify?: The Salvation Army As Real Estate Tycoon, Viewed August 24, 2010 from Stephen, G. & John, H 2006, Corporate Governance Consultants: the Issue of Qualifications. The CPA Journal, Vol.76, pp.1-15 Where most needed 2009, Salvation Army Embraces Centralized, Corporate Management, Viewed August 24 2010 from