All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarche

All Quiet on the Western Front is a fictional war novel written by Erich Maria Remarque which follows the main character Paul Baumer, a German solider in World War I. Paul, the nineteen year old protagonist, narrates the novel as he and his classmates fight on the German and French front. The young men volunteer to join the German army after being persuaded by the nationalist words of their teacher, Kantorek. After only fighting for two weeks, eighty men remain in the company of the once one hundred and fifty men. Paul, Kropp, and Muller then go to visit Kemmerich, a friend of theirs from school, in the hospital. He was wounded in combat resulting in the amputating of his leg. Seeing that Kemmerich is going to die and no longer needs the new boots that he has, Muller asks to have them but Kemmerich refuses. When Paul later goes back to the hospital, Kemmerich dies and Paul takes his boots to Muller. Because of the large number of soldiers who are dying, new recruits are sent to join the company. Paul is given seventeen days of leave in which he visits his family. When he returns home, he feels out of place and is not comfortable sharing his awful combat experiences with others. His mother is sick and dying of cancer as his father is struggling to pay for her care. Paul also finds out that Kantorek, his teacher from school, was forced to become a German soldier. This pleases Paul because Kantorek now has to actually experience the tragic events of the war firsthand like the

International Trade and Trade Restrictions Free Essays

International Trade and Trade Restrictions International Trade and Trade Restrictions International trade increases the number of goods that domestic consumers can choose from, decreases the cost of those goods through increased competition, and allows domestic industries to ship their products abroad. While all of these seem beneficial, free trade is not widely accepted as completely beneficial to all parties and trade restrictions are applied. Trade restrictions can be in the form of tariffs, which are taxes on imports; quotas, which are limits on the quantity of a particular good that can be imported or exported; or other trade restrictions. We will write a custom essay sample on International Trade and Trade Restrictions or any similar topic only for you Order Now International trade efficiencies, trade restrictions, and the consequences of these restrictions will be discussed further. World trade offers many advantages to the trading countries: access to markets around the world, lower cost through economies of scale, the opportunity to utilize abundant resources, better access to information about markets and technology, improved quality honed by competitive pressure, and lower prices for consumers (McEachern, 2012, p. 733). Comparative advantage, specialization, and trade allow people to use their scarce resources most efficiently to satisfy their unlimited wants. Comparative Advantage is the ability to make something at a lower opportunity cost than other producers face (McEachern, 2012, p. 32). The ability to make a good at a lower opportunity cost gives that individual, firm, region, or country a comparative advantage. Even if a country has absolute advantage in all goods, they should specialize in producing the goods in which it has a comparative advantage. If each country specializes and trades according to the law of comparative advantage, everyone would benefit from greater consumption possibilities. McEachern provides three reasons for international specialization: countries having different resource endowments, greater economies of scale can be achieved when firms participate in international trade, and tastes differ from country to country (McEachern, 2013, p. 719-720). Every country has a comparative advantage in the production of some products. This means that the labor and capital resources available in the reason are more productive when focused towards a particular industry and thus are able to be produce that product better as a result. In the case of the textile industry, Pakistan enjoys a comparative advantage as it has many cotton fields, providing it direct access to the raw material for the industry. It further has been operating in that industry for a long time that has spawned a lot of trained workforce relating to that industry in the country. Therefore, law of comparative advantage dictates that it should produce textile materials. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations (WTO, 2012). Their goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business. The WTO and agreements such as NAFTA open up free trade, allowing goods to move freely and thereby aiding consumers in various countries in terms of prices and quality. It also spawns healthy competition in the local industries. Trade restrictions can lead to a breakdown in competition and can lead to adverse effects in the local and international market. Restrictions can benefit certain domestic producers that lobby their government for benefits. Congress tends to support the group that fights back, so trade restrictions often persist, despite the clear and widespread gains from freer trade. For example, U. S. growers of sugar cane have been protected from imports, which results in an increase in U. S. sugar prices. Higher prices hurt domestic consumers, but they are usually unaware. As McEachern states, â€Å"Consumers remain largely oblivious. † Who is responsible for trade ethics? Government might be the initial answer but all constituents involved should be aware and be transparent. An example is Nike, Inc. They provid a statement in understanding how to change the way an industry views its labor force. It does not happy by monitoring factories alone. Monitoring reveals the issues, issues that in turn are locked into a complex web of root causes. The ability to address these root causes should be shared by many, owned by no single constituent (Nike, Inc. , 2013, p. 1). One of their strategies is to transform working relationships with their contracted factories to incentivize change that will benefit workers. Are trade restrictions effective? Trade protection can foster inefficiencies. The immediate cost of such restrictions includes not only the welfare loss from higher domestic prices but also the cost of resources used by domestic producer groups to secure the favored protection (McEachern, 2012, p. 732). These costs may become permanent if the industry never realizes the economies of scale and never becomes competitive. Protecting one stage of production usually requires protecting downstream stages of production as well. The biggest problem with imposing trade restrictions are that other countries usually retaliate which shrinks the gains from trade. Some experts believe the costs of protecting the jobs of workers in vulnerable industries, which are ultimately borne by taxpayers or consumers, far exceed the potential cost of retraining and finding new jobs for those workers (Globalization 101, 202, para. 1). In addition, that it may not promote firms and industries to make necessary changes to challenge foreign competition and find efficiencies to which then would make them become even more dependent on government protection. As international trade has increased, conflicts over trade have also increased. Trade restrictions may continue to be very political in nature. The more companies like Nike and consumers start being more aware of ethical behavior around international trade, the more everyone will benefit. The U. S. government does take responsibility for workers who lose their jobs by international trade and have programs established to assist in training and support to re-employ those workers. As countries specialize and trade according to the law of comparative advantage, consumers should also benefit from efficient production and cheaper prices. The increase of technology may have an impact that will increase the speed at which international trade and efficiencies happen. References McEachern, W. A. (2012). Economics, 9e (9th ed). Mason, OH: South-Western. Globalization 101 (2013). The Levin Insitute. Consequences of trade restrictions. thttp://www. globalization101. org/consequences-of-trade-restrictions/ Nike, Inc. (2013). Responsibility. Targets and performance. http://www. nikeresponsibility. com/report/content/chapter/targets-and-performance#Labor World Trade Organization (2013). http://www. wto. org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/whatis_e. htm How to cite International Trade and Trade Restrictions, Essay examples

The Impact of the Cultural Revolution on Education in China during the Period of 1960s

The level of the social development significantly depends on the progress of education in the society. During the period of 1966-1977, the Cultural Revolution in China influenced all the economic and social spheres of the community’s development and focused on changing the traditional visions of the Chinese people with the Communist ideals promoted by Mao Zedong.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Impact of the Cultural Revolution on Education in China during the Period of 1960s-1970s specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, the Cultural Revolution affected the society with the help of different ideological means and techniques used by the Communists, and such important social fields as education became to be regulated according to the Communist principles which were new for the Chinese public of the 1960s. There is no single idea on the impact of the Cultural Revolution on education and its role w ithin the society, but the effects of the Communist strategies used during the period of the Cultural Revolution affected the development of China during the post-revolution era. That is why, the question is: what is the impact of the Cultural Revolution on the sphere of education in China during the period of the 1960s-1970s? The consequences of the Cultural Revolution for the education sphere in China can be discussed as positive or negative with references to the perspective and expected outcomes. Thus, the plausible answers to the asked question depend on determining positive and negative features of the process, including rather uncertain positions. According to Han, the Cultural Revolution contributed to the progress of education because of increasing the number of schools at the rural territories of China and because of improvements and revisions in the curriculum (Han 60). From this point, the reforms associated with the Cultural Revolution had the positive impact on educati on in the country during the period of the 1960s-1970s. It is also possible to state that the impact of the Cultural Revolution on education cannot be discussed only from one perspective because of the lack of evidences and sources to support this or that idea (Wang 199-203). Nevertheless, these ideas are rather weak to be supported because Han operates evidences which are connected with the analysis of the impact of the Cultural Revolution only on the educational development in its connection with the rural territories’ progress without references to the quality of education and curricula.Advertising Looking for research paper on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, Wang’s position is irrelevant in relation to the development of modern debates on the role of the Cultural Revolution in the social progress of China and publishing a lot of associated literature. The provided answers are plausible, but t hey need more discussion with references to the credible arguments. Thus, one more answer to the question – my thesis – is that the general impact of the Cultural Revolution on the education in China during the period of the 1960s-1970s is negative because of the focus on the connection of education and agricultural growth instead of improving education independently, the discussion of only economic benefits of increasing the number of schools, and because of provoking the interrupted education. The role of education during the Cultural Revolution was discussed in its relation to intensifying the labor force and contributing to the progress of rural territories. According to Zhou and Hon, the quality of education was not discussed as the main goal of the reforms, the economic benefits for the rural territories were prioritized along with accentuating the ideological issues (Zhou and Hou 12-15). Furthermore, the development of the education in the rural territories coul d guarantee the satisfaction of the economic and social needs of the rural territories (Zhou and Hou 12-14). As a result, the provided educational opportunities could guarantee the development of the economic sphere instead of educating students in terms of their intellectual level and socialization. Moreover, the Cultural Revolution was the prolonged process based on the reforms which were not realized immediately. Meng and Gregory state that millions of the Chinese people had to interrupt their education because of the problems with reforming of the sphere. Thus, â€Å"the 11 years of the Cultural Revolution, 1966–77, affected the formal education of a whole generation of young people† (Meng and Gregory 935). The interrupted education influenced the general level of education among the population of China during the discussed period negatively because people had no opportunities to continue their education in the universities where the new curricula and standards wer e implemented. The topic of the Cultural Revolution and its role is rather controversial, and it requires its detailed examination from different perspectives. My thesis is significant because it allows the critical evaluation of the points on the role of the Cultural Revolution for the education of the Chinese people during the period of the 1960s-1970s.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Impact of the Cultural Revolution on Education in China during the Period of 1960s-1970s specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The discussed points such as the development of education at the rural territories, the increase in number of schools, and the provided educational opportunities for people were previously discussed as positive moments, but my argument focuses on discussing these concepts without references to the economic aspect. The educational advantages for people are taken into consideration. Works Cited Han, Dongping. â€Å"Impact of the Cultural Revolution on Rural Education and Economic Development: The Case of Jimo County†. Modern China 27.1 (2001): 59-90. Print. Meng, Xin, and Robert Gregory. â€Å"The Impact of Interrupted Education on Subsequent Educational Attainment: A Cost of the Chinese Cultural Revolution†. Economic Development and Cultural Change 50.4 (2002): 935-959. Print. Wang, Shaoguang. â€Å"’New Trends of Thought’ on the Cultural Revolution†. Journal of Contemporary China 8.21 (1999): 197-217. Print. Zhou, Xueguang, and Liren Hou. â€Å"Children of the Cultural Revolution: The State and the Life Course in the People’s Republic of China†. American Sociological Review 64.1 (1999): 12-36. Print. This research paper on The Impact of the Cultural Revolution on Education in China during the Period of 1960s-1970s was written and submitted by user Eli W. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on New Life

As a freshmen just coming out of highschool, I am now beginning a new life in a whole new environment surounded by people I really do not know is a really scary feeling. And I know that is probably not half of what I may have to face as a freshmen. In highschool as a senior I was the â€Å" top dog†. Everyone wanted to hang with us and be around us because we were in the â€Å"in crowd†. And now I am like the little fish in a big pond. And as a freshmen, right now the only people I know are those I knew from highschool. And that is a scary feeling not knowing if you will be able to fit in with the other students around you. While in highschool I remember how underclassmen used tok ask upperclassmen where a certain class was or how to get somewhere and they used to give them the wrong directions on purpose and that was pretty mean. And now that I am here the first thing that ran through my mind was what if I asked someone for directions to one of my classes or something and they give me directions somewhere completely different. I have been told all through highschool that college professors are totally differently from teachers in highschool. I was told that they just get in front of the class, talk the whole period, and while they talk we take notes and take the test. I am used to a teacher who takes the time and explain things until we have a good understanding of it and helps the students out when necessary. And I know that the professors are not going to carry us on their shoulders and guide us through every little detail, but not knowing if they are going to take the time and actually help us when needed is a thought to think about. I graduated 13th out of 150 students and my grade point average was 3.6. And compaared to all the fears in the world you may have to face while going to school, I feel not being able to sucessfully pass all my classes and keep my grade point average up to where I want... Free Essays on New Life Free Essays on New Life As a freshmen just coming out of highschool, I am now beginning a new life in a whole new environment surounded by people I really do not know is a really scary feeling. And I know that is probably not half of what I may have to face as a freshmen. In highschool as a senior I was the â€Å" top dog†. Everyone wanted to hang with us and be around us because we were in the â€Å"in crowd†. And now I am like the little fish in a big pond. And as a freshmen, right now the only people I know are those I knew from highschool. And that is a scary feeling not knowing if you will be able to fit in with the other students around you. While in highschool I remember how underclassmen used tok ask upperclassmen where a certain class was or how to get somewhere and they used to give them the wrong directions on purpose and that was pretty mean. And now that I am here the first thing that ran through my mind was what if I asked someone for directions to one of my classes or something and they give me directions somewhere completely different. I have been told all through highschool that college professors are totally differently from teachers in highschool. I was told that they just get in front of the class, talk the whole period, and while they talk we take notes and take the test. I am used to a teacher who takes the time and explain things until we have a good understanding of it and helps the students out when necessary. And I know that the professors are not going to carry us on their shoulders and guide us through every little detail, but not knowing if they are going to take the time and actually help us when needed is a thought to think about. I graduated 13th out of 150 students and my grade point average was 3.6. And compaared to all the fears in the world you may have to face while going to school, I feel not being able to sucessfully pass all my classes and keep my grade point average up to where I want...

Air Definition in Science

Air Definition in Science The term air refers to gas, but exactly which gas depends on the context in which the term is used. Learn about the modern definition of air in scientific disciplines and the earlier definition of the term. Modern Air Definition Air is the general name for the mixture of gases that makes up the Earths atmosphere. On the Earth, this gas is primarily nitrogen (78 percent), with oxygen (21 percent), water vapor (variable), argon (0.9 percent), carbon dioxide (0.04 percent), and many trace gases. Pure air has no discernible scent and no color. Air typically contains dust, pollen, and spores. Other contaminants are referred to as air pollution. On another planet (e.g., Mars), the air would have a different composition. There is no air in space. Older Air Definition Air is also an early chemical term for a type of gas. Many individual airs made up the air we breathe. Vital air was later determined to be oxygen, phlogisticated air became nitrogen. An alchemist might refer to any gas released by a chemical reaction as its air.

Groups and Teamwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Groups and Teamwork - Essay Example Virtual teams are those in which team members are physically scattered and these teams perform their activities or tasks such as communicating and collaborating, information sharing, monitoring etc with the use of technology such as internet, email, telephone, video conferencing etc. Roles refer to individuals’ responsibilities based on their position, whereas norms are those principles that need to be followed by everyone in the organization. Norms are formed informally and guide the right behavior and attitude among employees; sometimes norms are framed in order to help the organization sustain. Norms guide the right behavior and avoid embarrassing situations for employees and the organization. Norms also play a critical role in clarifying organizational values. Managers can build trust through effective communication with their subordinates, providing support whenever required, respect every individual and treat all employees in a fair and justifiable manner. The five stages of Tuckman’s theory of group development include forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning stages. In forming stage, the group members come together and display behaviors that are typically acceptable by other group members. In storming stage, group members start expressing different ideas; identify what problems need to be solved; how each one can function independently by identifying their limits and also testing each other. In norming stage, group members tend to identify and agree upon common and acceptable norms related to power and authority; team members develop responsibility and aim to achieve the goals. In the performing stage, individuals start accomplishing the tasks by fulfilling their responsibilities; members are competent and confident to move ahead; members develop strong communication and cooperation during this stage. Lastly, the adjourning stage involves completion of the task

HR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

HR - Essay Example As they see perceive via the general operating conditions of the TWTC, some managers confessed that their company occurs to have no clear career â€Å"road map† and this is not suitable especially for starting workers who aspire to yield growth and promotion at a time in the future. With less opportunities toward professional advancement and incomes that barely hit the average, it is plain to imagine how easily TWTC could lose employees by mass resignation if only there exist several other alternatives in which to spot greener pastures for employment and internship alike. Despite the negative observations the managing staff, however, expressed hopes about the impacting contributions of the Human Resources stating â€Å"HR is part of all process developments and is not merely supportive of the processes.† By exploring analysis of this area, the company is able to convey how people are greatly valued in terms of healthy working relations and quality training. Besides recruitment and staffing, the HR is said to demonstrate expert potential in evaluating employees and thereby determining the benefit packages that grant employees the satisfying monetary worth for the equivalent skills and efforts shown. Majority had agreed with the way HR is claimed to exhibit a character of readiness and availability in supporting most aspects of operations as well as responding to requests in a timely manner. A manager admitted that, being an asset to the company in different ways, TWTC HR receives good compensation in exchange of excelling in the field where personnel go beyond their fundamental duties, keeping a balanced aid between the employer advocate or executives and the workforce. Moreover, the interviewees further stressed that â€Å"HR is engaged in every part of the firm’s structure† and on this ground, the processes and