How Socio-Economic Classes Contributed to Events in 1800 Europe Essay Example for Free

How Socio-Economic Classes Contributed to Events in 1800 Europe Essay Described as â€Å"the divine distribution of men into different ranks, and at the same time uniting them into one society† (Gladstone, 1896), the socio-economic class order formed the structure and foundation of society in Europe. Consisting of three distinct entities and with a strong correspondence between economic prosperity and social standing, it would also serve as the backdrop for which historical phenomena would occur. Europe’s social order was not just the environment in which these events would materialize, but also a fundamental causal factor in three notable events; The French Revolution (1789-1799), The French Revolution of 1848 and Britain’s Industrial Revolution (1750 onwards). However, the origins of these events were also contingent upon other circumstantial factors. The roots of the first French revolution, arguably, are in The Enlightenment; the period of the philosophers. New philosophies advocating human rationality came to form by the mid 1700’s and were propelled into popular thought after the isolated, and highly charged, Jean Callas incident . Philosophers like Voltaire found the perfect vehicle in this incident to question the arbitrary use of power so prevalent in French society. The monarchy and the presence of the Social Order soon came into question. Across Europe, cafes sprung out to host discussion centered on the common theme of reason. Society cleaved toward enlightened ideas of rationality, equality and liberalism, leading to the growing questioning of the existing monarchial power structure. Alternative political ideologies for the state, from personalities like Rousseau and Locke, sprouted and undermined the legitimacy of the monarchy. While The Enlightenment is responsible for creating pressure from society against the monarchy, these ideas would have been impotent without suitable ground. The socio-economic categorizing of European society is a more fundamental cause of the first French Revolution because it provided this ground. The rigidity of the social order in late 17th century France accounts for the origins of the first French revolution. In theory, the social divisions were permeable and promoted mobility (Roberts, 1997). Across Europe, titles and estates could be purchased and so also, the privilege of the nobility. However the reality was often different. In light of booming trade, the demand for titles from the French bourgeoisie and returning nobility outstripped the number permitted by the social order . Furthermore, while the bourgeoisie enjoyed increasing economic power and could live equally, if not exceedingly, extravagant lives as the nobility, the social order shut this community out from the benefits of social privilege . This was exacerbated by the nobility’s stress on privilege in response to the new Bourgeois economic threat. The system’s disregard of merit in place of hereditary, and the fundamentally irrational social construct sowed discontentment within the second and third estate, where the ideals of enlightenment; rationality and equality, would find willing subscribers. Riding on the resentment toward society’s order and fuelled by The Enlightenment’s ideas did the French Revolution tear its way through to the Bastille. While the first French revolution was understandably a social battle, one could argue that the revolution of 1848 was born out of opposition to economic factors than on society’s social construct. The time leading up to 1848 was a time of gradual industrialization for France. Its products; rapid urbanization and changes in economic practices, broke familiar social patterns of the working class. For instance, the commercial system was rewritten by doing away with the cottage industry and previously public lands, privatized. Added to this, a burgeoning population, severe industrial and agricultural depressions in 1846 and Louis-Phillipe’s inaction in alleviating rural and urban poverty culminated to create great peasant discontent. The economic change that accompanied its deterioration galvanized the working class, triggering the third French revolution in 1848; aptly, also known as a Worker’s Revolution. However, it is artificial to separate economics from social class since there is a correspondence between social hierarchy and wealth. They are, after all, aptly named â€Å"socio-economic† classes. In analyzing yet another French revolution, an important observation to make is the persistence of Europe’s social order. Though the 1830 revolution delivered another great blow to the old social order (Magraw, 1987), and promised equality in opportunity and economic liberalism manifest in the abolishment of seigneurial practices for all, much had remained the same. Succinctly captured by Cobban’s argument that ‘it [did] not matter whether we [called] it aristocracy or bourgeoisie† , the cleaving of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie shows an adaption, not an eradication of the social order. The aristocracy kept to their ranks by continuing their distinctive politics and marriage practices (Magraw, 1987). Since most engaged with capitalism, they were mostly able to maintain their privileged lifestyle and control of much of the land . The Bourgeoisie continued to thrive, especially under the â€Å"Bourgeois King† and even went as far as to convert their wealth into land ownership. This neo-feudalism masquerading as the product of laissez faire economic practices, and the continuation of aristocratic dominance came at the expense of the working class. Thus did the working class continue in their economically disadvantaged positions. Their economic dependence on the old order’s aristocracy, had merely been replaced with a dependence on remnants of the same old order and a new Bourgeois one. The social order is a more fundamental account for the workers revolution, since it was responsible for creating the economic grievances of the working class which became the fuel for the 1848 revolution. The European social order again features as a causal factor in Britain’s Industrial Revolution. It is the very hierarchical nature of the class system that functioned as the engine for the Industrial Revolution. The industrial entrepreneurs of Britain, the main thrust for the innovation that characterized the revolution, took hold of Britain’s mineral resource advantage to affect rapid development. The motivations behind entrepreneurship are traced back to the make-up of society. Since social privilege was linked with economic wealth, successful merchants strived to purchase titles and convert their wealth into social status (Briggs, 1979). In this way, the extravagance of noble life, held in high regard, could be emulated. However, it is admittedly reductionistic to exclusively use the quest for noblehood to account for an entire revolution. Coupled with the desire for social advancement were also ideas from The Enlightenment and The Scientific Revolution; laissez faire economic practices and technological advancement respectively. Society as a whole was geared toward revolutionary development, equipped with the necessary ideology and possessing the necessary scientific capability. Nonetheless, the power of science and the power of thought would have remained a means without an end if not for the existence of Europe’s social class as the motivation to individuals for conomic advancement. Furthermore, the narrow elite which feature in Europe’s social order meant that there was a prolific number from the working class available for cheap employment and indeed, were the working class called upon for this. By 1850, more than 50% of the population were living in towns and city to work in factories and city-bound industries. The abundance of cheap labor comes from the old social order’s narrow top and wide base, and it sustained and accelerated industrialization to revolutionary measures. Thus, we trace back the origins of the Industrial revolution to socio-economic classes. Social hierarchical ascension was the motivation, and the demographic make-up, the sustenance. Evidently, the causality of the three historical events covered is not monolithic. Though the contributing factors are layered and many, the role of socio-economic class is central. Its rigid, persistent and hierarchical institution shaped the motivations of humanity and in doing so, account for the origins of major events in History.

Stoics :: essays research papers

Stoicism was a group of philosophers in the First Century who made laws that they thought should be followed by the citizens of Rome. Two of these laws were the concepts of rationality and nature. Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome at the time and he also the most known Stoic. His concepts were vital to the survival of the Stoics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The concept of rationality is what tells a human being what’s right and wrong and what should be done and what is good for the human and the state by thinking. â€Å"the reason also, in respect which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow citizens; if this is so, we are members of some political community; if this is so, the world is in manner of a state.†(1) Marcus Aurelius says here that the citizens who are ration beings as a part of the whole political spectrum, should combine to make he world one state. He wants the world to join as one state and governed by one, the people are all part of the same political system, so they should join together.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his Meditations Aurelius talks about every action having a purpose. â€Å"Let no act be done without a purpose, nor otherwise than according to the perfect principles of art.†(2) He says here that the reason we have is because everything we do has a purpose. The purposes are there because they are the unwritten rules of art. These rules are abided because they just happen. The art sets its own rules through the purposes of the acts that are done. No act should be done if it does not follow the rules of art. Yet, the rules of are made by the act’s purposes. This meaning everything has a reason why it is done and the purposes are legitimate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A man’s life does not become worse unless he makes it worse. â€Å"That which does not make his life worse, nor does it harm him either from without or with in.†(3) In this quote, Aurileus tells the Stoics that the things that don’t harm him won’t make his life worse inside or outside including the soul. This meaning that a person should do what they feel is right, because it will not hurt them physically or mentally.

Medicinal Uses & Turmeric Essay

Turmeric (Curcumin) is an old spice that is used in traditional Asian/Indian medicine and is related to the ginger root. Known for its various uses, it is not just limited to the culinary scene (curry powders) but also as an alternative for therapeutic abilities. In China and India the spice is being used to help treat certain inflammatory ailments and even diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). It has been used for gastric pain, bringing down fevers, and even relief in the sensation of bloating. It has been used for attempting to curing hepatitis and heart disease. In Ayurveda medicine (a system of traditional/alternative medicine native to India) the ginger root is being prescribed not only for arthritic pain, but for decreased vision, and for coughs. In Southeast Asia, it is being given as an anti-parasitic remedy and for various gastrointestinal tract problems. Curcumin, which is extracted from turmeric, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and to reduce beta-amyloid and plaque burden in lab studies. Beta-amyloid is a component of the amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brain of an individual with AD. (Fetrow/Avila, 2000) Turmeric contains curcuminoids such as curcumin which is a yellow pigment. Research studies in animals show that curcumin has the following health benefits: †¢potent anti-inflammatory effects †¢cancer prevention activities †¢antioxidant effects †¢stimulates and enhances the immune system †¢antibacterial and antiviral properties, including against HIV †¢blood-thinning effects Most of these research studies are done in animals only and few are done in human subjects. The positive results from these studies suggest that turmeric possesses many benefits for treating and possibly curing some of our common health problems. Chronic inflammation of the nerve cells is one of the precursors of AD. Patients who have used drugs such as ibuprofen for long periods of time have been shown to have a reduced risk of developing symptoms of AD. There is a risk when using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory for prolonged periods. They can cause a toxic effect on the gastrointestinal track, kidneys and liver. However, turmeric has an anti-inflammatory effect that is very potent and because of those various effects, turmeric may have a part in curing and improving cognitive functions in AD. (PubMed 2008) Various studies and research indicate a lower rate of AD in India. The prevalence of AD among adults ranging from 70-79 years in India is 4.4 times less than that of adults ranging from 70-79 years in the United States. Researchers have examined the association between the consumption of turmeric and cognitive levels in 1,010 Asians between 60 and 93 years of age. The study found that those who occasionally ate curry (less than once a month) and those who ate it more often (more than once a month) performed better on a standard test of cognitive functions than those who ate curry never or rarely. (PubMed, 2000) Pharmacokinetics shows that the curcumin extract of turmeric has an estimated bioavailability of 65% after oral administration and inhibits cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme 1A1 and is metabolized by glucuronidation. (MedScape, 2010) Curcumin has been used safely as a culinary spice in Asia for centuries. It is estimated that adults in India ingest 80-200 mg of curcumin daily. There are no reported adverse effects of curcumin or turmeric, except stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea and some rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis. There is a caution when taking Warfarin, blood thinners or having a bleeding disorder. Some reports show that taking turmeric along with blood thinning medications such as Plavix, Aspirin or Coumadin (warfarin) might increase the risk of bleeding. If there is a presence of stomach ulcers, caution is advised as turmeric may worsen existing stomach problems. Curcumin is also known to cause the gallbladder to contract and can worsen any conditions that may already be present. (Fetrow/Avila, 2000, NCCAM, 2010) In conclusion, there is the hope that turmeric (curcumin) will lead to a promising treatment for AD. The clinical studies of the chemical properties of curcumin and its various effects on AD shows that further research is needed to develop better drugs based on curcumin for treating AD. The need for large-scale human studies is required to identify the therapeutic effects of curcumin. However, several unanswered questions remain: †¢What is the one main chemical property of curcumin that can be exploited in treating AD? †¢What is the role of curcumin in other neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and other forms of dementias? †¢How does curcumin interact with neuronal plaques? †¢ Is it effective only as a food additive? †¢Would it be effective when used alone or with other anti-inflammatory drugs? Once researches can answer these questions, maybe there will be a clearer path to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Analysis Of Zora Neale Hurston s Sweat - 1409 Words

Sofia Kaiser Ms. Menchoca M-W @ 12 Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston Marriage is a big idea that our nation takes remarkably for granted. It is not something one can back out of easily. Once someone vows them self to one another, there is no way back. In Zora Neale Hurston’s short story â€Å"Sweat† she tells the story of Delia, a washerwoman. Who marries a man named Sykes, In the first part, you can easily see that he mistreats her. In the opening paragraph, he throws a snake like figure over Delia’s shoulders. She scolds him later for it. This image shown by Zora Neale Hurston is not coincidental. her husband Sykes is being shown as a very commanding figure. Later on in the story. Her Husband begins to go out with other women. He later tries to attempt to kill her. Only, In the hopes of marrying one of the mistresses he has been seeing. As you continue on reading â€Å"Sweat†, Hurston starts making you look through a feminist and historical lens. She Illustrates the idea of a society full of sexism. A society full of men exploiting and breaking down women†¦ until the men have gotten enough use out of them and they move on. Delia has had to make an enormous amount of sacrifices just to provide for Sykes and herself, due to her poor financial situation. Sykes being the person who â€Å"wore the pants† in the home, never acknowledges her work or appreciates it. Instead he torments her about working on a Sunday. The Holy Day. He always expects her to treat him like the be all. SinceShow MoreRelatedLiterary Analysis of â€Å"Sweat† and â€Å"Sonny’s Blues†1549 Words   |  7 PagesLiterary Analysis of â€Å"Sweat† and â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† Amelia Williams ENG125: Introduction to Literature Instructor: Deborah Zeringue December 22, 2014 As living and breathing human beings people are bound to experience some type of conflict. Conflict can be present within a person, between two people, between a person and forces of nature, and even between a person and their society. Conflict is defined as the struggle that shapes the plot in a story (Clugston, 2014, ch.4sect.1 para.4). When readingRead MoreSweat, By Zora Neale Hurston1776 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"Sweat,† a short story written by Zora Neale Hurston depicts the story of Delia, a washerwoman who is physically and mentally abused by her husband, Sykes. As Hurston explains, Delia is a strong, hardworking, calm, brave, and understanding woman who is able to stand with her head held high even through all the troubles she endures. In contrast, Sykes is abusive, a coward, troubleshooter and a man who depends on his wife to provide for him. He even has the indecency to use Delia’s money to pay forRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance By African Americans1955 Word s   |  8 Pages Arising in the heart of Harlem, New York throughout the early to mid 1900 s, the Harlem Renaissance was a movement in which African Americans took initiative towards establishing a cultural identity. The Harlem Renaissance marked the first time in which white America began to develop an interest in the African American race and heritage. The movement was declared as the most crucial factors towards the attainment of the American Dream by African Americans. Aspects of African American heritage were