History of Germany Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

History of Germany - Essay Example Although nominally a league of equals, in practice the empire was dominated by the largest and most powerful state, Prussia. The period of Bismarck was considered a golden era under whom, Germany rose to become one among the greatest powers of the world. The imperial crown was hereditary in the House of Hohenzollern, the kings of Prussia. The last king in the Prussian era was William II. William became internationally known for his aggressive foreign policy positions and strategic blunders which pushed the German Empire into political isolation and later into World War I. Under William II, Germany no longer had long-ruling strong chancellors like Bismarck. William II wanted Germany to have its "place in the sun" like the British Empire and set Germany to begin colonial efforts in Africa and the Pacific. With much territory in Africa colonized, Germans got only a small share. This created a fight for power, which eventually triggered World War I. Emperor William II abdicated the throne and then Government received an armistice on November 11, 1918 which marked the end of World War I. It also signed the Humiliating Versailles treaty. The imperialism was succeeded by the democratic, yet flawed, Weimar Republic. It was doomed from the beginning since even moderates disliked it and extremists on both the left and right loathed it. It eventually brought Nazis led by Adolph Hitler to power. Nazism or National Socialism refers primarily to the ideology and practices of the Nazi Party under Adolph Hitler; and the policies adopted by the government of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. It established a kind of imperialism on Germany and despised Jews and communists. It ruled Germany during the pre-war period and Hitler became "The Fhrer". He started World War II citing the humiliation of Germany in World War II. Germany was defeated by allied forces in the War. Following Germany's defeat in World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, Germany was split, representing the focus of the two global blocs in the east and west. International plans for the unification of Germany were made during the early years following the establishment of the two states, but to no avail. During the summer of 1989, rapid changes took place in East Germany, which ultimately led to German reunification. Only in 1990 would Germany be reunited. Towards end of the Century, Germany became the centre of attraction in European Union. It is one of the most industrialized and developed nations of the world. (The Causes of World War One (2004)) German Education: The German Empire had a strong influence on German culture, including its education. Kingdom of Prussia was among the first countries in the world (if not the first at all) to introduce free and generally compulsory primary education, consisting of an eight-year course of primary education, Volksschule. Under the German Empire the school system became more centralized. More secondary schools were established, and the state had the right to set standards and to supervise the newly established schools. Four different types of secondary schools developed: A nine-year classical Gymnasium (focusing on Latin and Greek or Hebrew, plus one modern language), a nine-year Realgymnasium

Aggregate Demand and Supply Models Essay Example for Free

Aggregate Demand and Supply Models Essay As it stands currently the existing effect of the economic factors on aggregate demand and supply are: unemployment, consumer income, and interest rates. In this paper we identify the existing effect of the economic factors on aggregate demand and supply. The American people have little to no income when unemployed, this in turn causes a decrease in demand for the economy. This type of event causes the aggregate demand to curve to the left. One of the main reasons unemployment remains high to this day is the lack of demand. A shortfall in aggregate demand is precisely the type of issue that can be addressed by monetary policy, however, to do so we need continuous monetary stimulus to progress toward maximum employment stability. The crash of the housing market has set tremendous limitation on consumer and their spending. Sternness on behalf of the government to a certain extent has decreased aggregate demand during this recovery period. These actions have directly impacted growth. What this means to us is that lower government spending and higher taxes call for disposable income for consumers, work for government contractors diminishing, and a decrease in government payroll. Another factor that has had great effect and impact are the levels of uncertainty. The events leading to this state have yet to be resolved which in turn have caused a lack of willingness and confidence within consumers. In the beginning the levels of uncertainty reflected the force of influence the recession had on us as consumers . This is something that had not been experienced in several years which made it difficult for us to handle or even find a way to get by in a more successful demeanor. After extensive research and analysis it is safe to say the supply-side considerations explain some of the rise in unemployment, which once again confirm the lack of demand as well as the fact that the economy is suffering first and foremost of a weak demand rather than a shortage of supply. References Williams, J. C. (2013, February 25). The Economy and Fed Policy: Follow the Demand. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Retrieved from http://www.frbsf.org/economic-research/publications/economic-letter/2013/february/economy-fed-policy-follow-demand/ Thoma, M. (2012, March 28). Demand, not supply, is restraining the economy. CBS News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-57405230/demand-not-supply-is-restraining-the-economy/

The Death Penalty Is A Necessary Evil Essay -- Pro Capital Punishment

The death penalty is a necessary evil that has a positive effect on society today. It is an effective deterrent of crime as well as a safeguard for society. It also helps to keep order in our cities. It is a just and effective punishment for those who have committed crimes heinous enough to deserve death. The death penalty is not a new idea in our world. Its origins date back over 3,700 years to the Babylonian civilization, where it was prescribed for a variety of crimes. (Capital Punishment p.10). It was also greatly used in the Greek and Roman empires. It continued into England during the Middle Ages, and then to the American colonies where it exists still today. In the colonies, death was a prescribed punishment for crimes such as: murder, rape, arson, and perjury. In America today, the main crime deserving death is obviously murder. (Capital Punishment p.11-15). Does the death penalty truly deter crimes and murder? This question is at the heart of a heated political controversy over the punishment. Opposers to the death penalty say no because of the large amount of people on death row today. They also say that states that have the death penalty have a higher crime rate than those that do not, and therefore it is not effective and somewhat contributes to the problem. (http://www.rit.edu/~wwl2461/cp.html). I must point out though that states that have the death penalty are usually highly urbanized areas that most likely will have high crime rates because of the large population. Rather, in rural states there is no need for the death penalty because the population is most likely low and scattered throughout the region. States that practice capital punishment do so because of high crime ra... ...most effective means of crime deterrent as you can see. It not only punishes those who commit the crimes, but also prevents future crimes by scaring the would-be murderer with the consequence he would pay for his actions. It has proven effective throughout history, and will hold strong through the ages as long as people continue to be corrupt and commit crimes. Bibliography The Death Penalty: Opposing Viewpoints Written by David L. Becker, 2011 pp.b41, 70 Capital Punishment Written by Michael Kronenwetter, 2013 pp. 10-15, 31 "More Blacks Favor the Death Penalty" JET Magazine, Vol. 93, Issue 24, May 11, 2008 pp. 5-6 Pro Capital Punishment Page http://www.rit.edu/~wwl2461/cp.html Capital Punishment http://ethics.acusd.edu/mill.html The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), WEb. 13 May 2015. http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=tp&tid=18 The Death Penalty Is A Necessary Evil Essay -- Pro Capital Punishment The death penalty is a necessary evil that has a positive effect on society today. It is an effective deterrent of crime as well as a safeguard for society. It also helps to keep order in our cities. It is a just and effective punishment for those who have committed crimes heinous enough to deserve death. The death penalty is not a new idea in our world. Its origins date back over 3,700 years to the Babylonian civilization, where it was prescribed for a variety of crimes. (Capital Punishment p.10). It was also greatly used in the Greek and Roman empires. It continued into England during the Middle Ages, and then to the American colonies where it exists still today. In the colonies, death was a prescribed punishment for crimes such as: murder, rape, arson, and perjury. In America today, the main crime deserving death is obviously murder. (Capital Punishment p.11-15). Does the death penalty truly deter crimes and murder? This question is at the heart of a heated political controversy over the punishment. Opposers to the death penalty say no because of the large amount of people on death row today. They also say that states that have the death penalty have a higher crime rate than those that do not, and therefore it is not effective and somewhat contributes to the problem. (http://www.rit.edu/~wwl2461/cp.html). I must point out though that states that have the death penalty are usually highly urbanized areas that most likely will have high crime rates because of the large population. Rather, in rural states there is no need for the death penalty because the population is most likely low and scattered throughout the region. States that practice capital punishment do so because of high crime ra... ...most effective means of crime deterrent as you can see. It not only punishes those who commit the crimes, but also prevents future crimes by scaring the would-be murderer with the consequence he would pay for his actions. It has proven effective throughout history, and will hold strong through the ages as long as people continue to be corrupt and commit crimes. Bibliography The Death Penalty: Opposing Viewpoints Written by David L. Becker, 2011 pp.b41, 70 Capital Punishment Written by Michael Kronenwetter, 2013 pp. 10-15, 31 "More Blacks Favor the Death Penalty" JET Magazine, Vol. 93, Issue 24, May 11, 2008 pp. 5-6 Pro Capital Punishment Page http://www.rit.edu/~wwl2461/cp.html Capital Punishment http://ethics.acusd.edu/mill.html The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), WEb. 13 May 2015. http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=tp&tid=18

Wind energy

Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using: wind turbines to make electricity, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships. A large wind farm may consist of several hundred individual wind turbines which are connected to the electric power transmission network. Offshore wind farms can harness more frequent and powerful winds than are available to land-based installations and have less visual impact on the landscape but construction costs are considerably higher.Small onshore wind facilities are used to provide electricity to isolated locations and utility companies increasingly buy back surplus electricity produced by small domestic wind turbines. Although very consistent from year to year, wind power has significant variation over shorter timescales. The intermittency of wind seldom creates problems when used to supply up to 20% of total electricity demand, but as the proportion incre ases, a need to upgrade the grid, and a lowered ability to supplant conventional production can occur.Power management techniques such as having excess capacity storage, dispatch able backing supplies (usually natural gas), storage such as pumped-storage hydroelectricity, exporting and importing power to neighboring areas or reducing demand when wind production is low, can greatly mitigate these problems. Wind power, as an alternative to fossil fuels, is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation and uses little land Any effects on the environment are generally less problematic than those from other power sources.As of 2010 wind energy production was over 2. 5% of worldwide power, growing at more than 25% per annum. The overall cost per unit of energy produced is similar to the cost for new coal and natural gas installations. Although wind power is a popular form of energy generation, the construction of wind farms is not u niversally welcomed. Fossil fuels are subsidized by many governments, and wind power and other forms of renewable energy are also often subsidized. For example a 2009 study by the Environmental Law Institute assessed the size and structure of U. S. energy subsidies over the 2002–2008 periods.The study estimated that subsidies to fossil-fuel based sources amounted to approximately $72 billion over this period and subsidies to renewable fuel sources totaled $29 billion. In the United States, the federal government has paid US$74 billion for energy subsidies to support R&D for nuclear power ($50 billion) and fossil fuels ($24 billion) from 1973 to 2003. (Energy subsidies are measures that keep prices for consumers below market levels or for producers above market levels, or reduce costs) During this same timeframe, renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency received a total of US$26 billion.It has been suggested that a subsidy shift would help to level the playing field and support growing energy sectors, namely solar power, wind power, and biofuels. History shows that no energy sector was developed without subsidies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) (2011) energy subsidies artificially lower the price of energy paid by consumers, raise the price received by producers or lower the cost of production. â€Å"Fossil fuels subsidies costs generally outweigh the benefits.Subsidies to renewables and low-carbon energy technologies can bring long-term economic and environmental benefits†. In November 2011, an IEA report entitled Deploying Renewables 2011 said â€Å"subsidies in green energy technologies that were not yet competitive are justified in order to give an incentive to investing into technologies with clear environmental and energy security benefits†. The IEA's report disagreed with claims that renewable energy technologies are only viable through costly subsidies and not able to produce energy reliably to meet de mand.In the US, the wind power industry has recently increased its lobbying efforts considerably, spending about $5 million in 2009 after years of relative obscurity in Washington. By comparison, the US nuclear industry alone spent over $650 million on its lobbying efforts and campaign contributions during a single ten year period ending in 2008. Following the 2011 Japanese nuclear accidents, Germany's federal government is working on a new plan for increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy commercialization, with a particular focus on offshore wind farms.Under the plan large wind turbines will be erected far away from the coastlines, where the wind blows more consistently than it does on land, and where the enormous turbines won't bother the inhabitants. The plan aims to decrease Germany's dependence on energy derived from coal and nuclear power plants. Commenting on the EU's 2020 renewable energy target, Economist, Professor Dieter Helm, is critical of how the costs of win d power are cited by lobbyists. Helm also says that the problem of intermittent supply will probably lead to another dash-for-gas or dash-for-coal inEurope, possibly with a negative impact on energy security. A House of Lords Select Committee report (2008) on renewable energy in the UK reported a â€Å"concern over the prospective role of wind generated and other intermittent sources of electricity in the UK, in the absence of a break-through in electricity storage technology or the integration of the UK grid with that of continental Europe. Many wind power companies work with local communities to reduce environmental and other concerns associated with particular wind farms. In other cases there is direct community ownership of wind farm projects.Appropriate government consultation, planning and approval procedures also help to minimize environmental risks. Some may still object to wind farms but, according to The Australia Institute, their concerns should be weighed against the ne ed to address the threats posed by climate change and the opinions of the broader community. In America, wind projects are reported to boost local tax bases, helping to pay for schools, roads and hospitals. Wind projects also revitalize the economy of rural communities by providing steady income to farmers and other landowners.In the UK, both the National Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England have expressed concerns about the effects on the rural landscape caused by inappropriately sited wind turbines and wind farms. Some wind farms have become tourist attractions. The White lee Wind Farm Visitor Centre has an exhibition room, a learning hub, a cafe with a viewing deck and also a shop. It is run by the Glasgow Science Centre. In Denmark, a loss-of-value scheme gives people the right to claim compensation for loss of value of their property if it is caused by proximity to a wind turbine.The loss must be at least 1% of the property’s value. There have been numerous re ports of those living close to wind turbines suffering adverse health effects from noise, vibration and shadow flicker, and in 2009 New York Pediatrician, Dr. Nina Pierpont, claimed to have identified an effect for which she coined the term â€Å"Wind Turbine Syndrome†. An industry commissioned review of the current research on the possible health effects of wind turbine noise and vibration reported in 2010 that, â€Å"the sound (including sub audible sound) is not unique, and does not pose a risk to human health.Although the sound may cause ‘annoyance’ for some people, this in itself is not an adverse health effect. † The findings of the report have, however, been questioned on a number of grounds including; that the reviewing group did not include an epidemiologist, usually a given for assessing potential environmental health hazards, and that there was no clear description of the methods the researchers used to search for available research, nor how the y rated the quality of the research. In October 2010 The Society for Wind Vigilance held an international symposium concerning the subject.A study on wind farm noise published in 2012 by The US state of Massachusetts reported that people are annoyed by sound from wind turbines at far lower sound levels than they are by noises from railroads, aircraft, or road traffic. The study found the percentage of respondents who found noise levels highly annoying rose quickly as sound levels increased above about 37dbA (about the level of a conversation). Wind Power Is A very good resource for energy I think that everybody should use win power in the future

Norse, Teutonic, or Scandinavian mythology Essay

   Thought (Hugin) and Memory (Munin) were the two ravens that went unto the world to observe and return to tell of what all men do, Driven by further search for knowledge, Odin begged Mimir, the wise, to allow him to drink from the well of wisdom, for this he consented to lose an eye. â€Å"Wounded I hung on wind swept gallows For nine long nights, Pierced by a spear, pledged to Odin, Offered myself to myself: The wisest know not from whence spring The roots of that ancient rood. They gave me no bread, they gave me no mead: I looked down; with a loud cry I took up the runes and I fell. † (The Elder Edda 56) Here we find Odin once more sacrificing himself for knowledge, In The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology it is said that Odin actually died on the gallows of Yggdrasil, that he traversed Nifleheim, or Hel in order to obtain the nine sacred runes, that seem to be extremely powerful as described in The Elder Edda. The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology adds yet another theory to Odin hanging himself, † The parallel between Odin’s voluntary death on Yggdrasil and the crucifixion remains striking. Odin was pierced with a spear and like Christ, cried out before he died†¦ there is little doubt that his hanging on the cosmic tree had pre-Christian origins and derived from ancient pagan worship. Odin had long been the god of the spear, the god of the hanged. † This could definitely be determined as less than speculation, seeing as we must rely on our sources and to this point one could say that this is a very valid and well thought out work. Regardless of minor differences in text again we must as they did default ourselves to the larger span of information. There were two different groups of gods in Scandinavian Mythology, The Aesir and the Vanir. Each having their own respective dwelling place, Asgard for the Aesir, and Vanaheim for the Vanir. Of the two, The Vanir have been said to be the older. â€Å"Unlike the warrior Aesir, the Vanir were a race of gods associated with fertility, wealth, and good weather. † (The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 500) Among the Vanir were, Njord, the sea and fortune god, Skadi, the god of destruction, Freyja, the goddess of love, and Freyr the god of Fertility. Among the Aesir were, Odin, Balder, Bragi, Forseti Heimdall, Hodr, Thor, Tyr, Vili, Ve, Vidar, Frigg, Sif, and Idun. At one point in time there was a great war between these two branches of gods, yet both the Aesir, and the Vanir came to terms by exchanging several prominent gods of each side. The Vanir sent Njord, Freyr, Freyja, and Kvasir, while the Aesir sent Mimir, and Honir. The Vanir soon found that they got the bad end of the deal due to the fact that Mimir was the only one who knew what he was talking about, and that in his absence Honir, wasn’t really that bright. The Vanir then sliced of Mimir’s head and sent it back to Asgard, where Odin used Powerful magic to allow Mimir’s head to speak. Little else is known of the Vanir, they seemed to lose importance quickly after it was concluded that the war was resolved however it was noted that Vanaheim, was potentially unaffected by Ragnarok. This shows evidence of two religions colliding with Scandinavian and Germanic mythology. Revealing to us that Scandinavian mythology has most definately influenced by other ancient tales and stories. (Cherry, Vanaheim) Scandinavian mythology might have been the inspiration to several works of modern day literature. It is Nicole Cherry’s opinion that â€Å"Tolkien was very well acquainted with the northern mythos, as can be seen by the use of it in his books. The name of one of his main characters, Gandalf, is found in The Poetic Edda. Gandalf is, in some ways, reminiscent of Odin, the leader of the Norse pantheon. Even the name Middle-earth, the setting for Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, comes from Norse mythology. † There are several other modern day works of literature based on or derived from Scandinavian mythology as well, such as, The Ring of the Nibelung and The Nibelungenlied. These works, may well show the effect and legacy of Scandinavian Mythology in the World. Another notable element of Tolkein’s Lord of The Rings was his use of the ring itself to the Viings the ring meant wealth honor fame and destiny. It was in fact a tradition to give rings to neighboring countries, bringing to notice the ever prominent focal point of the Lord of the Rings. (Day 29) There is no Heaven or Hell in Scandinavian mythology, the only hope is to be brought up to Asgard by a Valkyrie or â€Å"Battle Maiden†. Even then those chosen or the Einherjar (The Heroic dead) faced defeat at Ragnarok in the Final Battle on the Vigrid Plain. This may be unlike any other focal point of religion known. It reasons in many ways that the only way to gain honor is to die in battle unfaltering. Scandinavian Mythology, although comparable to other religions or other pagan beliefs is an original and unique work of the Norwegians, Swedish, Icelandic, and Danish peoples of Europe. Hamilton describes it justly by saying, † Asgard, the home of the gods, is unlike any other heaven men have dreamed of. No radiancy or joy is in it, no assurance of bliss, it is a grave and solemn place, over which hangs the threat of inevitable doom†¦ the same is true for humanity†¦ this conception of life which underlies Norse religion, as somber a conception the human mind has ever given birth to†¦ A heroic death†¦ is not a defeat, but a triumph. † Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE JRR Tolkien section.   

The Role of Globalization in Education and Knowledge

The Role of Globalization in Education and Knowledge Overview and Introduction Papastephanous article Globalisation, globalism and cosmopolitanism as an educational ideal published in 2005 is the centre for discussion in this paper. The article is focused on the problem of the failure to distinguish between the notions globalization, globalism and cosmopolitanism that leads to the failure to consider the place of the current education in the modern world and its role in the international affairs.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Role of Globalization in Education and Knowledge specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The article starts with the discussion of the John Dewey’s words about the place of globalization and the absence of the international interchange on the level of education and knowledge. The main idea of the article is to consider the connection between globalism and globalization with the further reference to the in factual, emotional and intellectual significance of globalization with the purpose to show that cosmopolitan pedagogical ideal must be taken. Discussion of Diversity as Discussed in the Article Globalization is considered as â€Å"an ideological device that states and governments employ as an excuse for imposing certain policies that would otherwise fail to gain public acceptance or support† (Papastephanou, 2005, p. 534). Additionally, it is important to state that some scholars consider globalization as the denial of the reality which should not be taken for granted. Globalization should not be considered as the desire to do anything, it should be viewed at the events which are happening. The notion of globalism should be discussed as something different from globalization. Globalization may be viewed as the object of globalism which is defined as the ‘discourse in which the very idea of globalization is articulated, disseminated, justified, debated, in short, constituted as an object of reflection and analysis’ (Isin Wood, 1999, p. 94). Globalism denotes the increase and spread of education by means of globalization as the foreign experience has become really important for those who have the desire to study. However, Papastephanou (2005) says much about educational frames and ethical dimensions which are considered within globalization. Taking a closer look at globalization and its impact on â€Å"unity and plurality, social and international justice, and emancipatory enrichment of humanity and protection of natural life† (Papastephanou, 2005, p. 535), the author of the article refers to the following categories which are going to be analyzed in detail, â€Å"nation-state and territoriality†, â€Å"diversity and homogeneity†, â€Å"identity and rootlessness† and â€Å"equality and life options† (Papastephanou, 2005). Analysis of the Philosophical Perspectives Advocated or Otherwise Discussed in the Article The nation-state and territoria lity, according to the discussed article, impacts human understanding of the educational processes via a number of issues. First of all, the author of the article refers to the tribal instinct of the citizens which raises the competition.Advertising Looking for report on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, the learning and educational processes are based on the national and territory assumptions only when it deals about career competitiveness (Papastephanou, 2005). The notions of diversity and homogeneity are closely connected wit multiculturalism. Searle, Rorty, and Taylor (in Nicholson, 1998) have managed to prove that multiculturalism impacts educational process positively. These scholars state that multiculturalism should be considered as the new way of thinking on the basis of the old methods of teaching. They are sure that â€Å"A multicultural curriculum works very well in fulfilling the traditio nal goals of education in philosophy. It can assist the teacher as Socratic †midwife† and †gadfly† in delivering students of their narrow and uncritical opinions and awakening them to a world of intellectual diversity† (Nicholson, 1998, p. 6). Identity and rootlessness may also be considered as the essential impact in the learning diversity as the increate of the national and international relationship encourages the educational process. Nevertheless, the ideas of equality and life options can be considered as the positive impact on the educational processes and the philosophy of education as seeing the national and international conditions in comparison, people want to learn more. Thus, the opportunities are appreciated. Summary of Implications for a Specific Educational Setting Thus, â€Å"nation-state and territoriality†, â€Å"diversity and homogeneity†, â€Å"identity and rootlessness† and â€Å"equality and life options† (Papastephanou, 2005) as the central ideas of globalization, the object of globalism, and multiculturalism should be considered as the basis for educational purposes. Teachers are to reconsider the goals they set applying to the modern view of the philosophy of education. Applying to the modern view a person should be considered individually within the global aspects. The changes which occur in the world and the tendency to the globalization impact educational processes positively, teachers are just to meet those changes. Conclusions and Recommendations Therefore, it may be concluded that globalizations, globalism and multiculturalism has impacted the situation positively. The educational process based on the principles of globalization and multiculturalism allow teachers reconsider the principles of teaching and make those meet the necessity of the modern society. To make sure that the new philosophy of education is met and teachers are able to restructure their plans, they are t o consider different perspectives on education used buy the international professionals. The ability to apply different means and methods of education in the multicultural society is important as the processes of globalization dictate their own rules.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Role of Globalization in Education and Knowledge specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Isin, E. F. Wood, P. K. (1999). Citizenship Identity. London: Sage. Nicholson, C. J. (1998). Three views of philosophy and multiculturalism: Searle, Rorty, and Taylor. Encyclopaedia of Philosophy of Education. Web. Papastephanou, M. (2005). Globalisation, Globalism and Cosmopolitanism as an Educational Ideal. Educational Philosophy Theory, 37(4), 533-551.

Biography of Charles Vane, English Pirate

Biography of Charles Vane, English Pirate Charles Vane (c. 680–1721) was an English pirate active during the Golden Age of Piracy, roughly from 1700 to 1725. Vane distinguished himself by his unrepentant attitude toward piracy and his cruelty to those he captured. Although his primary hunting grounds were the Caribbean, he ranged from the Bahamas north along the East Coast of North America as far as New York. He was known as a skilled navigator and combat tactician, but he often alienated his crews. After being abandoned by his last crew, he was arrested, tried, convicted, and hanged in 1721. Start of a Career Very little is known about Vanes early life, including his parents, his birthplace, and any formal education he acquired. He arrived in Port Royal, Jamaica, sometime during the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714), and in 1716 he began serving under the infamous pirate Henry Jennings, based in Nassau, Bahamas. In late July 1715, a Spanish treasure fleet was hit by a hurricane off the coast of Florida, dumping tons of Spanish gold and silver not far from shore. As the surviving Spanish sailors salvaged what they could, pirates made a beeline for the wreck site. Jennings, with Vane on board, was one of the first to reach the site. His buccaneers raided the Spanish camp on shore, making off with some 87,000 British pounds in gold and silver. Rejection of a Pardon In 1718, King George I of England issued a blanket pardon for all pirates who wished to return to an honest life. Many accepted, including Jennings. Vane, however, scoffed at the notion of retirement and soon became the leader of those in Jennings crew who refused the pardon. Vane and several other pirates outfitted a small sloop, the Lark, for service as a pirate vessel. On Feb. 23, 1718, the royal Frigate HMS Phoenix arrived in Nassau, part of an attempt to convince the remaining pirates to surrender. Vane and his men were captured  but were released as a goodwill gesture. Within a couple weeks, Vane and some of his die-hard companions were ready to resume piracy. Soon he had 40 of Nassaus worst cutthroats, including seasoned buccaneer Edward England and Calico Jack Rackham, who later became a notorious pirate captain. Reign of Terror By April 1718, Vane had a handful of small ships and was ready for action. He captured 12 merchant ships that month. He and his men treated captured sailors and merchants cruelly, whether they surrendered or fought. One sailor was bound hand and foot and tied to the top of the bowsprit; the pirates threatened to shoot him if he didnt reveal where the treasure on board was located. Fear of Vane drove commerce in the area to a halt. His hunting grounds eventually ranged from the Bahamas along the East Coast of North America as far north as New York. Vane knew that Woodes Rogers, the new British governor of the Bahamas, would be arriving soon. Deciding that his position in Nassau was too weak, he set out to capture a larger pirate ship. He soon took a 20-gun French ship and made it his flagship. In June and July of 1718, he seized many more small merchant vessels, more than enough to keep his men happy. He triumphantly re-entered Nassau, essentially taking over the town. Bold Escape On July 24, 1718, as Vane and his men prepared to set off again, a Royal Navy frigate sailed into the harbor with the new governor. Vane controlled the harbor and its small fort, which flew a pirate flag. He welcomed the governor by firing immediately on the Royal Navy fleet and then sending a letter to Rogers demanding that he be allowed to dispose of his plundered goods before accepting the kings pardon. As night fell, Vane knew his situation had deteriorated, so he set fire to his flagship and sent it toward the navy ships, hoping to destroy them in a massive explosion. The British fleet hurriedly cut its anchor lines and got away. Vane and his men escaped. Meeting With Blackbeard Vane continued pirating with some success, but he still dreamed of the days when Nassau was under his control. He headed to North Carolina, where Edward Blackbeard Teach had gone semi-legitimate. The two pirate crews partied for a week in October 1718 on the shores of Ocracoke Island. Vane hoped to convince his old friend to join in an attack on Nassau, but Blackbeard declined, having too much to lose. Deposed by His Crew On Nov. 23, Vane ordered an attack on a frigate that turned out to be a French Navy warship. Outgunned, Vane broke off the fight and fled, though his crew, led by the reckless Calico Jack, wanted to stay and fight to take the French ship. The next day, the crew deposed Vane as captain and elected Calico Jack instead. Vane and 15 others were given a small sloop, and the two pirate crews went their separate ways. Capture Vane and his small band managed to capture a few more ships and by December they had five. They headed for the Bay Islands of Honduras, but a massive hurricane soon scattered their ships. Vanes sloop was destroyed and most of his men drowned; he was left shipwrecked on a small island. After a few miserable months, a British ship arrived. Vane tried to join the crew under a false name, but he was recognized by the captain of the second vessel that met the British ship. Vane was placed in chains and taken to Spanish Town, Jamaica, where he was imprisoned. Death and Legacy Vane was tried for piracy on March 22, 1721. The outcome was in little doubt, as a long line of witnesses testified against him, including many of his victims. He was hanged on March 29, 1721, at Gallows Point in Port Royal. His body was hung from a gibbet near the entrance to the harbor as a warning to other pirates. Vane is remembered today as one of the most unrepentant pirates of all time. His greatest impact may have been his steadfast refusal to accept a pardon, giving other like-minded pirates a leader to rally around. His hanging and the subsequent display of his body may have contributed to the hoped-for effect: The Golden Age of Piracy came to an end not long after his demise. Sources Defoe, Daniel (Capt. Charles Johnson). A General History of the Pyrates. Dover Publications, 1999.Konstam, Angus. The World Atlas of Pirates. Lyons Press, 2009.Rediker, Marcus. Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age. Beacon Press, 2004.Woodard, Colin. The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down. Mariner Books, 2008.Famous Pirates: Charles Vane. Thewayofthepirates.com.