Conflicts Produced by Growth of Cities in 19th and Early 20th Century Essay

Conflicts Produced by Growth of Cities in 19th and Early 20th Century Spain - Essay Example Because of the liberty to acquire and engage in trade and commerce, great enterprises are found in republican but not in monarchical governments (Montesquieu 1748, cited in De Long and Shleifer 1992). In other words, princes are said to be bad for the growth of cities (Ibid). By analysis, "a nation in slavery labors more to preserve than to acquire but a free nation, more to acquire than to preserve" (Van Gelderen and Skinner 2002). Imperial Spain, for itself, being the core of the immense empire ruled by absolutist Habsburg princes in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries imposed heavy tax burdens on the prosperous towns of Catalonia and Andalusia. This was to enable fighting the wars of the Counterreformation. It then saw later on its cities lose wealth and population that by 1800 Spain had become virtually isolated and backward (De Long and Shleifer 1992). With technological advances in agriculture and transportation, cities can be said to grow with trade, but can take the back burner with famine and disease. Cities rose and fell with the military fortunes of city-states, territorial empires and nation-states, but with the industrial revolution, urbanization rose (Kim 1995.) It is contended, despite the fast growth of capital and court cities, absolutism is a negative factor. The particular failure of cities located near capitals to grow suggests that absolutism hand a hand in it (Ibid). The Isabeline system (1833-1868) of Spain is an example of failed government because "the crown was capricious and authoritarian and the political system too narrow and exclusive" (Payne 1973). The Spanish polity had to be reorganized through the workings of one Antonio Cnovas del Castillo in establishing a workable constitutional monarchy, liberalizing in the process the Isabeline system (Ibid). III. Republicanism The 19th and early 20th centuries of Spain were spent in passionate tug and pull between radical republicanism and absolute monarchy. Imperial Spain lost most of its dominions in the West on account of colonial rebellions in the first half of the 19th century. Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines were gone from the Spanish-American War in 1898. ("Spain," Thomas Gale 2005) Republicanism is government by elected representatives instead of a king. On the other hand, monarchy is that form of government where the head of State is not elected and bases his office on a higher law that all power comes from a transcendental source (Habsburg 1996). Republicanism is said to be better than a monarchy (Wyger Velema, cited in van Gelderen et al. 2002) as the main characteristics of monarchial rule are that laws that emerge are all in the interest of the court and not the subject. Worse yet, the interpretation and explanation of these laws are in the hands of the king and therefore totally unpredictable and arbitrary (Ibid). The unmitigated dreadfulness and barbarism of monarchial rule in the past lead to revolt thence to the emergence of a republic in which assemblies of the state variously composed in each the province were held sovereign (Habsburg 1996). Upholding the rule of law and the protection of life, liberty, and property may be republic ideals, however its attainment and survival are demanding and

Why I Stopped Being a Vegetarian-Analysis Essay

Why I Stopped Being a Vegetarian-Analysis - Essay Example The first group is American meat lovers while the second group is the average Americans, especially individuals who are vegetarians or those considering to join the band wagon. This discourse will discuss the effectiveness of Fraser’s reasons for stopping being a vegetarian. Many people have been pondering with the dilemma as to whether to be a vegetarian or not presently. This follows the health risks associated with eating red meats. Pozzi argues that most killer diseases that people suffer from today, such as cancer; obesity and diabetes are as a result of unhealthy eating habit of the present generation (par. 3). As such, many people are considering leaving stopping eating red meat such as hamburger, for vegetables. Even though this is the reality in the present world, Fraser thinks otherwise. In her case, she feels that it is right for her to stop being a vegetarian. As earlier stated, Fraser gives several reasons why she opted to stop eating vegetables. Based on her cali ber and reputation, her arguments for making such a decision can be trusted. Logos Fraser begins by stating that she has had 15 years of experience as a vegetarian. As such, all her claims are based on solid experience. In her captivating essay, Fraser tell us that being vegetarian brought embarrassments in her life since it made her overburden her cooks with having to make her special meals all the time (Fraser 1). The fact that her cooks had to prepare for her a special meal different from that prepared for the rest of the family made her feel that she was overworking cooks. In addition, being a vegetarian made her feel that she was avoiding her friends since she could not socialize well with her friends, which was awkward in her view. Fraser states, â€Å"As a vegetarian, not only...Many people have been pondering with the dilemma as to whether to be a vegetarian or not presently. This follows the health risks associated with eating red meats. Laura Fraser’s article â€Å"Why I Stopped Being a Vegetarian,† is a captivating assay in which she describes her 15 years of personal experience as a vegetarian . Many people have been pondering with the dilemma as to whether to be a vegetarian or not presently. This follows the health risks associated with eating red meats. Pozzi argues that most killer diseases that people suffer from today, such as cancer; obesity and diabetes are as a result of unhealthy eating habit of the present generation. As such, many people are considering leaving stopping eating red meat such as hamburger, for vegetables. Even though this is the reality in the present world, Fraser thinks otherwise. In her case, she feels that it is right for her to stop being a vegetarian. As earlier stated, Fraser gives several reasons why she opted to stop eating vegetables. Based on her caliber and reputation, her arguments for making such a decision can be trusted. Health experts advise people to find time to socialize with others since it is good for health. Fraser tells us that she did not become a vegetarian out of choice but because of pressure from the society. In conclusion, since Fraser talks out of experience of being a vegetarian for 15 years, vegetarians and those who intend to become vegetarians, as well as meat lovers should take her advises and reasons for stopping being a vegetarian seriously for the future health of American society.