Wednesday, May 6, 2020

A True American Hero - 637 Words

A True American Hero After reading about Alexander Hamilton we can definitely see the importance that he provided in establishing the United States. The author also did a very good job of explaining how Hamilton was able to do this. When we reading the story we can see that Hamilton was able to use his intelligence, Finical knowledge, hard work ethic,background, patriotism, and the respect that others had for him to influence and help establish the United States. It was by successfully obtaining and using his influence and knowledge that helped Hamilton become the man that he was. When reading about Hamilton, it does not take long to realize that he is a very intelligent man. From the beginning Hamilton saw great success come from his intelligence. It was through his intelligence that he got to come to America. We can also see how the knowledge of Hamilton helped him gain the respect of so many important people in American History. Hamilton also had a superior understanding of Fiance s. We first see Hamilton become involved in fiances when he worked for Mr. Cruger in the Caribbeans. This definitely helped Hamilton later on in life when he became the first Unites States Secretary of the Treasury. We also see Hamiltons knowledge of fiance when he continuously fights for a better banking system in the United States. We also see how hard Hamilton was willing to work to achieve the things that he wanted. On numerous occasions we see Hamilton spend countless hours trying toShow MoreRelatedRonald Reagan: a True American Hero1204 Words   |  5 PagesReagan: A True American Hero We will continue our quest in space. There will be more flights and more space shuttle crews. And, yes, more volunteers. -Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan, viewed by some as a true American hero, was as stupendous as presidents can be. His dramatic speeches and down-to-earth personality made people proud to be American. Ronald Reagan seemed more then American. He was a patriot. Ronald Reagan cared deeply for the American people as well at their valuesRead More ronald reagan: a true american hero Essay example1180 Words   |  5 Pages Reagan: A True American Hero† nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;â€Å"We will continue our quest in space. There will be more flights and more space shuttle crews. And, yes, more volunteers.† nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;-Ronald Reagan nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Ronald Reagan, viewed by some as a true American hero, was as stupendous as presidents canRead MoreMalcom X is the True Hero of African Americans Essays850 Words   |  4 PagesMalcom X is the True Hero of African Americans Malcom X born Malcom Little was a very deviant youth with a criminal out look on life in his young years. Then when he was locked up for robbery in prison some time he had a revelation always knowing that the treatment of black folks back then was just criminal injustice. His father introduced him to Marcus Garvy and his back to Africa philosophies. While in prison he was introduced to a black version of the Muslim religion. It was his sort ofRead MoreRobert E Lee: A True American Hero Essay1638 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.† This quote was made in 1871 by one of the greatest generals and probably men in American History; Robert Edward Lee. Robert Edward Lee was a general in the American Civil War. He led his men and stood with them in each and every they were in and got many of them out safely. Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807 at Stratford in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the youngest son of Major-General Henry â€Å"LightRead MoreA Hero’s Breakdown Essay1117 Words   |  5 PagesIdeas abound of what true heroism is in this day and age. To some, a true hero may be the person that led their favorite sports team to a championship. To others, true heroes are the doctors that helped a loved one get better from a serious illness. Some even see the person that gives them inspiration on a day to day basis as a true hero. To many, however, a true hero is so much more than that. To many, a true hero is the one that goes the extra mile t follow a strict moral code, both at home andRead MoreEssay on The Matrix Hero Myth1466 Words   |  6 PagesThe Matrix Hero Myth Hollywood is the production machine that continues to bombard America with its action-packed hero movies. The Matrix stars Keanu Reeves as a prime example of the larger than life Hollywood hero whose explosive screen acting and dumb luck turn the lead character into this hero, who tantalizes American audiences. The storyline of the movie throws audiences immediately into the mystery behind â€Å"the matrix† from an objective person’s perspective. Neo, or Mr. Anderson as theRead MoreThe Hero As A Hero1529 Words   |  7 PagesWhen the term â€Å"Hero† is brought up, many people will have a different definition of it. According to website dictionary.com, the real definition of a ‘hero’ is â€Å"a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character; and a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal.† Nowadays, the word â€Å"hero† can be associated with literally anyone. Heroism can be associated such as famous people, fictional charactersRead MoreAnalysis Of `` Creating The Myth `` By Linda Seger1564 Words   |  7 PagesThe concept of a hero has been around for many generations, and the meaning of a hero is defined in ways people grasp its ide a. A hero can be a person who has a superpower and is willing to make a personal sacrifice for the benefit of others or can be an ordinary everyday person who just wants to help people out of his or her own heart. Linda Seger’s article, â€Å"Creating the Myth,† tackles the idea of a â€Å"Hero s Myth,† and shows the ten steps of how heroes are transformed from an ordinary person toRead MoreEssay on Hero-Anti Hero838 Words   |  4 Pagessaved. The word hero is passed around too much these days. A hero is not a football player that scores the game-winning touchdown or the goaltender who saves his team from a loss. A hero is usually an ordinary person that did extraordinary things. A true hero is really never a hero at all; at least not in their own mind. However, there are various cases today in which we see the exact opposites of these characters, the anti-heroes. The anti-hero is one who cannot be classified as a hero, for that saidRead MoreThe Lost Continent as an Epic1143 Words   |  5 Pagesstarting in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. Bill Bryson explores each region of the North American continent from north to south and east to west. While traveling Bill Bryson is in search of a perfect small town. The Lost Continent is a journey traveling across North America with Bill Bryson as the hero and New England as the underworld and Bryson is trying to find his perfect small town to make his story a true epic. Bill Bryson takes on his journey while traveling across North America to find his

Fools and Love Free Essays

In the play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare draws the reader’s attention to the roles of Nick Bottom, and Puck. Nick Bottom and Puck are both considered to be the fools in this play, although both characters fulfill this role in different ways. Bottom is a contemporary fool, who is overconfident and lacks common sense. We will write a custom essay sample on Fools and Love or any similar topic only for you Order Now While Bottom is very confident in himself, especially his acting ability, he is not a very intelligent character. Puck’s role in the play is more of a traditional fool. Puck plays practical jokes and enjoys entertaining though mischief. Puck’s service to the fairy king, Oberon, is similar to a jester’s role in a medieval society. Though the two fools of the play are very different, they offer several helpful observations about life and love. Bottom and Puck teach the audience valuable lessons about taking love too seriously, instead of enjoying it as it comes. The fools also offer insight on the consequences of being overly confident in oneself. The first lesson that the fools offer is that love should not be taken too seriously, but enjoyed just as it comes. Puck offers this insight in his quote, â€Å"Lord, what fools these mortals be† (Act 3, Scene 2, Line 116). After attempting to make Demetrius fall in love with Helena, Puck’s plan self-destructs when he realizes that he has put the love potion on the wrong man. When Puck watches the reaction of the young lovers, he realizes how silly it is for them to all be chasing after love so desperately, rather than taking it as it comes and enjoying it. Nick Bottom offers this same lesson through his short relationship with Titania, the fairy queen. Though Bottom is obviously not a perfect match for the beautiful Titania, he enjoys her affections while they last, never second-guessing that she could be in love with him. Though Titania’s affections for Bottom are induced by a potion, Bottom throws himself into his newfound relationship with her, unaware that Puck has transformed Bottom’s head into that of a donkey. When Bottom awakes and Titania’s affections for him have ended, Bottom enjoys the memories as though a dream. The second lesson that Shakespeare impresses upon his audience is the effect of over-confidence on others. Early in the play, Bottom gathers with the other actors to start planning their play. Rather than listen to Peter Quince, the stage manager, and take direction from him, Bottom wants to tell everyone what to do. He tells Quince how to announce the parts and how to organize the actors. Then, Bottom wants to play every single part in the play, and brags about how wonderful his portrayal of each character would be. Shortly after this scene, Puck changes Bottoms head into that of a donkey, which is symbolic of Bottom’s conceited behavior. Upon his entrance in the play, all of the other actors run away from Bottom and his grotesque appearance. Upon seeing Bottom, Quince yells, â€Å"O’ monstrous! O, strange! We are haunted. Pray, masters! Fly, masters! Help† (Act 3, Scene 1, Line 99-100). Puck changed Bottom’s appearance to match his personality by placing the head of the donkey on his shoulders. Puck, although obviously less power hungry than Bottom, also shows that he has plenty of confidence in himself. Puck exhibits his over-confidence at several points in the play, bragging about the tricks that he has played on others and enjoying laughing at their misfortune. The audience sees that Puck is also confident in his ability to serve Oberon, as well. When Oberon send Puck out to find Helena in the woods, Puck replies, â€Å"I go, I go, look how I go, swifter than arrow from the Tartar’s bow† (Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 100-101). By comparing his speed and accuracy to that of the Tartars, who were famous for their skill with a bow and arrow, Puck shows that he believes himself to be equally as accurate. This shows the audience a very confident Puck, but the audience cannot help but realize that Puck’s comparison of himself to the Tartars is an overexaggeration. Ironically, Puck is the reason that the mix-up with the love potion happened, so in effect, he is obviously not as accurate as he might like to think. The third lesson that is conveyed in the play is the basic concept that ignorance can be bliss. Nick Bottom is portrayed as an overly self-assured and ignorant fellow. He is absorbed in all things of himself and does not take much interest in anything that does not directly affect him. After Puck turns his head into that of a donkey, his fellow actors run away from him in fear. Instead of wondering what happened to scare them off, Bottom brushes it off and doesn’t think about it further. And again, when Bottom is awakening from his slumber in the forest after his short-lived romance with Titania, Bottom again shows his ignorance. Bottom remembers all of the things that had happened to him through the night, but he refuses to accept them as anything more than a dream. By brushing off these events as a mere fantasy, Bottom rejects reality and chooses to be ignorant of the events and remember them as nothing more than a dream. Puck is also ignorant of other people in the play. Puck’s only concern is entertaining himself and Oberon, and he does not consider anyone else in his actions. Early in the play, Puck talks about the pranks that he has been known to play, telling the audience that, â€Å"†¦ sometimes lurk I in a gossip’s bowl, in very likeness of a roasted crab, and when she drinks, against her lips I bob and on her withered dewlap pour the ale. The wisest aunt, telling the saddest tale, sometimes for three-foot stool mistaketh me; then slip I from her bum, down topples she, and â€Å"tailor† cries, and falls into a cough† (Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 47-54). By turning himself into a crab and lurking in a bowl of ale to scare a woman, and making himself appear to be a stool so that when a woman sits on him, he can make her fall, Puck makes it obvious that he cares about nothing but entertaining himself and his king. Again, in Act Three, Puck shows his selfishness when he realizes that he has made a mistake with the young lovers in the woods and the love potion meant for Demetrius and Helena. When Puck tries to fix it, he realizes that now both men will fall in love with Helena. Rather than try to remedy the problem, Puck thinks it will be fun to watch. Puck shows his complete lack of interest in the young couples when he says, â€Å"Then will two at once woo one; that must needs be sport alone. And those things do best please me that befall preposterously† (Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 118-121). Puck shows a disregard for the true feelings of the young lovers so long as it is entertaining to him. In conclusion, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, contains two fools who are able to share insight into life and love throughout the play. Shakespeare strategically places Nick Bottom and Puck in the play as fools, but these fools have a purpose. Shakespeare uses Bottom and Puck to teach his audience valuable lessons about the importance of living in the moment of love, instead of taking love too seriously. Puck and Bottom also show the audience is that over-confidence is not an attractive quality in anyone. The fools also give new meaning to the old adage, â€Å"Ignorance is bliss†, through their actions in this play. Shakespeare illustrates this through the self-serving actions of both Bottom and Puck throughout the play. By using Bottom and Puck to illustrate these lessons, Shakespeare allows the audience to see how ridiculous these two characters are, thus enabling the audience to laugh at them while still receiving his message. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1980.    How to cite Fools and Love, Essay examples

Frees Tuesdays With Morrie Tuesdays With M Essay Example For Students

Frees Tuesdays With Morrie Tuesdays With M Essay orrie Essays When my parents first told me that it would be a good idea for me to read Tuesdays With Morrie, my perception of the memoir was that it was an account of an old man dying. This did not seem, to me, to be the most interesting topic to read about. I reluctantly began the book and soon became quite involved with the novels insightful progression. I initially thought I would construct a typical review of the novel and hand it in for a good grade. I then asked myself if I would learn anything by writing a summary. Two answers became evident. The first was that, of course, I would learn how to write yet another book report. The second was that I would not benefit at all from simply summarizing the memoir. I came to the conclusion that by focusing my paper on that which Morrie so eloquently taught the reader, both me and my teacher would gain insight and understanding about living life to its fullest. Morries message was, in short, not to become preoccupied with death and dying, but to live the life that you still have left in a meaningful and rewarding way. He believed that although death would soon take him, he wanted to teach others and share his ideas so that they could be passed on to future generations. Mitch Albom is an alumnus of Brandeis University, where Morrie Schwartz taught for many years. Morrie left a lasting impression on Mitch and that impression is what eventually motivated Mitch to return to his wise professor. Mitch rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older mans life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch every Tuesday in his study, just as they had done in college days. Morrie taught Mitch his final lesson: how to live. Morrie and Mitchs relationship went far beyond that of a teacher and student. It turned into a friendship between two men. Morrie taught Mitch innumerable lessons about the world, feeling sorry for oneself, regrets, death, family, emotions, fear of aging, money, how love goes on, marriage, culture, forgiveness, and saying good-bye. Morrie never wanted sympathy from Mitch; only an open mind and heart. Morrie discussed his philosophies on life with Mitch and encouraged him to do the same. Morrie shared his strengths and his weaknesses with his student, allowing him to open up to his old professor in a way that would help him to recharge his existing life. Mitchs life was greatly impacted by the wisdom that Morrie shared with him. As a result, he knew where his life was headed and he said good-bye to his old friend believing that the future held great opportunities for a meaningful life. The last class of my old professors life took place once a week, in his home, by a window in his study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink flowers. The class met on Tuesdays. No books were required. The subject was the meaning of life. It was taught from experience. Morrie Schwartz saw life as a reason to learn, to teach, and to experience. He reveled in the excitement of being able to share his ideas with someone. He did not think of death as an end, as a final farewell. He viewed the end of his life as a new beginning and an opportunity for reflection. The last line of this memoir reads the teaching goes on. Morrie wanted people to continue learning from him even after he was gone. After reading this account I can truly say that Morries dream was accomplished. Morries lessons were not only aimed at his student; they were aimed at a broad spectrum of people. Morrie was able to speak to the masses as easily as he was able to speak to one person. This novel touches each person who reads it in a new and interesting way. At times I felt as though it was I sitting in Morries messy study, intently listening to his every word, learning from his every move. As I look back on my remarks, I realize that my parents .

Friday, May 1, 2020

Rules of Etiquette Essay Example For Students

Rules of Etiquette Essay ETIQUETTE is a comprehensive term, for it embraces not only all observances connected with social intercourse, but such as belong particularly to the home circle. To obtain fireside comforts and home-born enjoyments and happiness, something more is required than a handsome house, a beautiful lawn, shade-trees, and a garden filled with flowers and arranged in the most artistic order. Family bickerings and strife; a lack of politeness, good-breeding and etiquette, would turn the loveliest Eden into a barren waste. It will avail us little to furnish our houses with all the elegancies which the upholsterers art can afford, and to cultivate the grounds with the utmost skill, if our hearts and minds are uncultivated, rough, uncouth and uncivil. The members of one family must unceasingly interchange kind offices; must rejoice and mourn, hope and fear smile and weep in unison; and must exchange sympathetic emotions, with a due regard to each others feelings, or the charming delights of the domestic circle will lose much of their relish, or will be broken up and become totally devoid of interest. And it cannot be too strongly impressed upon the mind, that mutual respect is the basis of true affection; and, although it may seem a trifling matter in the family whether this or that mode of speech is adopted, in reality it is a very important thing. Children and servants are greatly influenced by the demeanor of master and mistress of the house; and the husband who addresses his wife, in their presence, in a derogatory manner, does both himself and her a decided injury. While the wife, on her part, is equally bound to show all due respect to her husband. Every human being possesses an innate perception of what is right. Children and servants are not exceptions to this general rule; and those of us who indulge in unkind expressions towards each other, lower ourselves more than we can, perhaps, understand in the opinions of those about us. In many cases, a feeling of dislike is engendered, which no after circumstances can obliterate a feeling near akin to contempt, also; for who can cherish respect for individuals who cannot govern themselves?A generous-minded boy will never forget the unkind and taunting words which he has heard an irritable and ill-governed father address to his dearly loved mother; nor will either girls or boys forget similar breaches of politeness and good-breeding exhibited by their mother towards the father. Truly, we have need of patience! and in the family circle it is one of the brightest virtues. Cant you both have patience? murmured a little gentle boy once in our hearing, while his parents were indulging in unseemly bickerings, and there was a whole volume of reproof in that one sentence. Chesterfield, a pattern of good-breeding, tells his son, that The most familiar and intimate habitudes, connections and friendships, require a degree of good-breeding both to preserve and cement them. The best of us have our bad sides; and it is as imprudent as it is ill-bred to exhibit them. I shall not use ceremony with you, it would be misplaced between us; but I shall certainly observe that degree of good-breeding which, I am sure, is absolutely necessary to make us like one anothers company long.This is the best advice which can be given to husbands and wives, parents and children, and also to relatives and friends. The habit of bantering, which is so often adopted by married people before children and servants, is very undesirable, and frequently leads to serious consequences. The husband will give a ridiculous appellation to the wife, which will raise a laugh at her expense; but in the end, it may lower him far more than the mother in the opinion of the children; and in their turn, they will often feel more respect and affection for the mother than for the father. Nothing can be more injurious, or inconsistent with true politeness and good-breeding, than the constant habit of fault-finding concerning little petty trifles, when indulged in by either husband or wife, in the presence of others or by themselves. There are men who never come to the table but they will find fault with the dishes served upon it. If roast beef is the chief dish, they will say: Beef! beef! why didnt you have chicken or turkey? I am tired of this everlasting beef!Or vice versa. No matter what the wife may have provided, such a man will always evince a desire for something else. Now, were the gentleman accused of fault-finding, he would indignantly deny it; and he may be a kind and good and true husband and father, and only have inadvertently fallen into this habit of not being satisfied with what has been provided. Romulus And Remus EssayAnd this is styled diplomacy in the home circle.Of course this state of affairs is very uncertain and slippery; and an expos will be threatened daily. Both husband and wife feel that they are deceived, yet cannot tell exactly how, when or where; cannot place their hand on the very spot cannot prove what they suspect. Men always know that they are managed even when they cannot see the way; and women understand they are deceived; are sure that the excuses given for uncalled-for absences are not the right ones even though they cannot discover the truth. Such things go in the air, and consciousness is evolved even if the senses reveal naught. Such homes, however, are but the stepping-stones to a deeper abyss of woe. A love of truth, a high sense of honor, delicacy of manner, and strict adherence to correct principles, are the chief essentials of home etiquette. Be careful to avoid the habit of sauntering into a room without attending to any thing that passes there; thinking, it may be, of a trifling affair that need not occupy the attention, or very likely not thinking at all. In this way some persons trespass upon the rules of politeness which enjoin that each one should do his part in society. Make it a rule wherever you are, to take an interest in all that passes, observe the characteristics of the persons you meet, and listen to and take part in the subjects of their conversation. Habitual inattention is sometimes attributed to great genius, but we cannot endorse that idea. Such a peculiarity of manner is subversive of all politeness, and tends to shut a man within himself, and make him of little importance in life. There are some young persons, however, who delight to pass for geniuses or originals, and they think it very interesting to appear as if in a brown study while in the company of others. They like to seem entirely absorbed, and are delighted if any one observes their eccentricities. Such manners are entirely at variance with good-breeding. If a person speak to you ever so foolishly or frivolously, it is the height of ill manners not to heed what he says; and if he ever forces conversation upon you, it is unkind, to say the least, to assume a perfectly indifferent demeanor. Besides, you cannot offer any one more flattering attention than by that pleasing deference which, though it may involve somewhat of a sacrifice, yet, is worth making. It is a good rule to endeavor to please every one as far as is possible for us to do without too great a breach of sincerity. In this country free and easy manners are too prevalent; but space would fail us to particularize all the little trifles in which even well-bred persons sometimes fall short. We will, however, briefly remark, that nothing can be more adverse to good manners than the habit of sitting with the hat on in the house be it in the parlor, dining-room, kitchen, store or office; or than yawning and whispering in company, lounging upon the chairs, by tipping them back upon two legs; taking the best seats in the room, and keeping them when your elders enter; or standing with the back to an open fire, when other persons are near it; and last, but not least, spitting into the fire, etc. These practices are deemed almost peculiar to our country, and have been severely animadverted upon by European travellers in our midst. A man may have virtue, capacity and good habits, and yet his lack of good-breeding may made him unendurable to those who are well-bred. The style and manner which we neglect as too trifling for us to heed, are often the things by which the world judges us. There are many little matters of personal bearing and conduct which must be attended to, if we desire to be agreeable to society. It is useless to say that such a man, whose attire is neglected, whose whole appearance bespeaks the sloven, is a good and able man and therefore must be agreeable and pleasing. His ability and goodness are, doubtless, desirable qualities, but the personal juxtaposition of the man is insupportable to those who are accustomed to cleanliness and refinement. Not that it is essential that every man should be externally elegant, or an adept in the rules which constitute good-breeding; but no one can hope to be admired and sought after, who is addicted to conspicuous uncleanliness, the special tendency of which is to inspire painful feelings in those around him. Bibliography:

Friday, April 10, 2020

Using the Sport Event Essay Sample

Using the Sport Event Essay SampleYou have probably seen the sport event essay sample. It is a full-color, attractive, and easy to read format which includes text that is as plain as the day is long.The sample essay is very convenient because it is very easy to use. It is both readable and complete.There are many different skills that you will need to do in order to create a quality essay. This skill will help you with several essay topics. For example, if you want to write about a historical figure, you will need to learn the history of the person's life, his or her ideas, and the accomplishments.For many people, they do not want to know the history, so they opt for a more popular sport event essay. Most of the events which attract the attention of the general public can be written about. Some examples of popular sports include hunting, hunting for gold, golf, golfing, surfing, diving, and tennis. Sports in the United States are quite diverse, but a few types are the most popular.If you are a business writer, you can use this type of sport essay sample to add an additional career objective to your CV. Many times, these events are used in job interviews to let the employer to see what you can bring to the table. Using the sport event essay sample is a great way to start.A more difficult to use for the sports essay sample is if you are writing about sports that have a long tradition in a particular country. For example, the Olympics, the NBA finals, etc. all contain some variation of a sport event essay.You can use the sport event essay sample to explore any type of sporting events. As long as you have an idea of what you want to write about, and how you would like to be included in the story, you should have no problem. If you need assistance, you may find these websites online helpful.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Frankfurt Essays - Districts Of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Hesse-Nassau

Frankfurt Frankfurt am Main, city in west central Germany, in Hessen, a port on the Main River. It is a major manufacturing, financial, commercial, and transportation center, served by rail lines and the Rhine-Main Airport, the most important in Germany. Manufactures include machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals (notably in the H?chst district), pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, clothing, and printed materials. International trade fairs, including the world's largest annual book fair, are held in the city. Frankfurt is divided into an old town, or Altstadt, bordering the river, and a new town, or Neustadt, north of the older section. The old town, inhabited mainly by tradespeople and skilled artisans, retains many medieval characteristics. The new town contains the business quarter and the most important public buildings. A cluster of Gothic houses, the R?mer, was used as the town hall for nearly 500 years. It forms the nucleus of the R?merberg, a square flanked by medieval houses of various dates. Other places of interest are the Leinwandhaus, or linen drapers' hall, of the 14th century; the Eschenheimer Turm, a tower once part of the city's old fortifications; the palace of the princes of Thurn and Taxis, which was the meeting place of the diet of the German Confederation from 1816 to 1866; and the house (now a museum) where the German poet and writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spent his youth. The diarist Anne Frank was born in Frankfurt. The outstanding church of Frankfurt is the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew. It was constructed in the 13th century on the site of a 9th-century church and was the seat of the elections of emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and, after 1562, of the imperial coronations. Also notable are Saint Paul's Church (18th-19th century), where the Frankfurt Parliament, the first German national assembly, met from 1848 to 1849; Saint Leonard's Church (15th-16th century); and Saint Michael's Church (1953). Seven museums make up the Museum Embankment, a major construction project first planned in the late 1970s and completed only recently. The complex includes the Postal Museum and museums of applied arts, ethnography, cinema, architecture, sculpture, and European painting from the 14th century, as well as an art school and parks. Across the river but generally mentioned in conjunction with the embankment is the Jewish Museum. It was opened in 1988, on the 50th anniversary of Kristallnacht (German for ?Night of Broken Glass?), a night of anti-Jewish rioting instigated by the Nazi party, and is located in the palace of the House of Rothschild, the famous family of Jewish financiers. The museum depicts the history of Jews in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present and focuses on Frankfurt's Jewish ghetto. Also, the new Museum Judengasse (1992) displays preserved ruins of the Jewish ghetto as well. Another major museum in Frankfurt is the Senckenberg Museum, with a large collection on natural history, especially paleontology. The city also has a large zoo and a botanical garden and is the seat of a university (1914). Though the area was settled as early as the Stone Age, Frankfurt was probably established as a Roman settlement about the 1st century AD. In the late 8th century, it was referred to as Frankonovurd by Einhard, the biographer of Charlemagne. During Charlemagne's reign (800-814) a number of imperial councils were held in Frankfurt. The Golden Bull of 1356 established Frankfurt as the seat of the imperial elections, and it was made a free imperial city in 1372. About 1530 the city became an important stronghold of Protestantism. Upon the formation of the Confederation of the Rhine in 1806, Frankfurt became subordinate to the confederation. It regained the status of a free city in 1815, and it was the unofficial capital of the confederation until 1866. In the same year, during the Seven Weeks' War, Frankfurt was seized by Prussia. During World War II (1939-1945), the city was badly damaged by bombing, but it has since been rebuilt. In 1993 Frankfurt was chosen as the site of the European Monetary Institute, the European Union body that is the forerunner of the European Central Bank. Population (1997) 652,412. Bibliography: Encarta www.frankfurt.de

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How the Qin Dynasty Unified Ancient China

How the Qin Dynasty Unified Ancient China The Qin dynasty surfaced during China’s Warring States period. This era spanned 250 years- 475 B.C. to 221 B.C. During the Warring States period, the city-state kingdoms of ancient China’s Spring and Autumn period consolidated into larger territories. The feudal states fought each other for power during this era characterized by advances in military technology as well as education, thanks to the influences of Confucian philosophers. The Qin dynasty came to prominence as the new imperial dynasty (221-206/207 B.C.) after conquering rival kingdoms and when its first emperor, the absolute monarch Qin Shi Huang (Shi Huangdi or Shih Huang-ti) unified China. The Qin Empire, also known as Chin, is likely where the name China originates. The Qin dynasty’s government was Legalist, a doctrine developed by Han Fei (d. 233 B.C.) [source: Chinese History (Mark Bender at Ohio State University)]. That held the power of the state and its monarchs interests paramount. This policy led to a strain on the treasury and, ultimately, the end of the Qin dynasty. The Qin Empire has been described as creating a police state with the government holding absolute power. Private weapons were confiscated. Nobles were transported to the capital. But the Qin Dynasty also ushered in new ideas and inventions. It standardized weights, measures, coinage- the bronze round coin with a square hole in the center- writing and chariot axle widths. Writing was standardized to permit bureaucrats throughout the land to read documents. It may have been during the Qin Dynasty or late Han Dynasty that the zoetrope was invented. Using conscripted farm labor, the Great Wall (868 km) was built to keep out northern invaders. Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought immortality through a variety of elixirs. Ironically, some of these elixirs may have contributed to his death in 210 B.C. Upon his death, the emperor had ruled for 37 years. His tomb, close to the city of Xi’an, included an army of more than 6,000 life-size terracotta soldiers (or servants) to protect (or serve) him. The first Chinese emperor’s tomb remained undiscovered for 2,000 after years his death. Farmers unearthed the soldiers as they dug a well near Xi’an in 1974. â€Å"So far, archaeologists have uncovered a 20-square-mile compound, including some 8,000 terracotta soldiers, along with numerous horses and chariots, a pyramid mound marking the emperor’s tomb, remains of a palace, offices, storehouses, and stables,† according to the History Channel. â€Å"In addition to the large pit containing the 6,000 soldiers, a second pit was found with cavalry and infantry units and a third containing high-ranking officers and chariots. A fourth pit remained empty, suggesting that the burial pit was left unfinished at the time the emperor died.† Qin Shi Huang’s son would replace him, but the Han Dynasty overthrew and replaced the new emperor in 206 B.C. Pronunciation of Qin Chin Also Known As Chin Examples The Qin dynasty is known for the terracotta army put in the emperor’s tomb to serve him in the afterlife. Sources: Minnesota State University Qin DynastySarah Milledge Nelson, Brian M. Fagan, Adam Kessler, Julie M. Segraves China The Oxford Companion to Archaeology. Brian M. Fagan, ed., Oxford University Press 1996.Cultural China: Kaleidoscope Science and InventionHistory Channel: The Terra Cotta Army