The Wealth of Nations A Revolutionary Work on Economics

Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations is one of history’s most revolutionary works on economics, with basic principals that remain applicable to today’s business world. Smith wrote it in an effort to transform the way Europeans created and sold products and to promote the concept of a free market. The book was a catalyst for change, quickly spreading throughout the world new and revolutionary ways to improve the financial systems of Europe by making them more productive. It promoted the concept of specializing in products that are conducive to the resources and skills of a country. This period, known as the Industrial and Agricultural Revolution, was marked by an economy that had both positive and negative aspects. The†¦show more content†¦The city of Manchester is a perfect example of this phenomenon. Before the Industrial Revolution, Manchester was a small and average European town, but once the revolution began, it quickly rose to become an industrial m ecca, due to its perfect conditions for cloth manufacturing. Manchester grew quickly to a population of 400,000, with residents cramped into a small space fast being taken over by manufacturing. Due to overpopulation, the working class had essentially no space in which to live, and the little housing they did have was full of grime and disease. They were destined to either live in the slime-filled streets or luckily own what we now would call a â€Å"one-room hut.† These buildings cannot even be referred to as homes, but instead were what we today would envision in third-world countries. They had dirt floors and were described as looking uninhabited. Their buildings were even used as pigpens on occasion. Because the streets were unpaved, they were filled with â€Å"stagnant urine and excrement,† and it could not be washed away by the rain. This led to a huge breakout of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis throughout the working class (Engels: Manchester, pg 1- 2). Smith’s The Wealth of Nations was a roadmap for progress, but Smith did not advocate in his book the resulting use of child labor. The regular day in the life of a child factory-worker was one of the most horrific thingsShow MoreRelatedEconomic Systems: Capitalism, Communism and Socialism814 Words   |  3 PagesEconomic Systems 04/22/2014 Throughout history, nations or regions have supported different economic systems. Economic systems control the political economy, markets, consumer and public economics, national income, natural resources and other aspects. The economic systems lead the country towards its flourished and depraved situations. The systems also provide the type of business and government imposed on the societies and the country. Some of the economic systems are capitalism, communismRead MoreCapitalism is an Oppressive Economic and Social System869 Words   |  4 Pagesfiction but the truth is that we live in such a society and the main cause of this oppression of the masses is our economic and social system, Capitalism. 　　　　Capitalism is an oppressive economical and social system. It serves as a tool used by the rich minority to oppress, divide and control our society, our relationships and our governments. These divisions created by the capitalistic economic and social system have been blamed for many of the disparities in our society by conflict theory philosophersRead MoreVenezuelan Immigration Essay769 Words   |  4 PagesCreoles to remove themselves from politics and pass their power to local caudillos, or soldiers. (Williamson 233-234) (Greene 105-106) A. During Venezuelans independence movement, opposing viewpoints of two of the colonies most influential revolutionary leaders sparked disagreements within the Creole class. 1. Simon Bolivar sought to completely liberate Venezuela and the rest of South America from monarchy. He also wanted more social classes in Venezuela to participate in politics. 2. San MartinRead MoreSocialism And Laissez Faire Of The United States1147 Words   |  5 PagesNations have debated on which economic direction their country will direct its footsteps since the creation of societies. The United States, being one of the most stereotypical capitalistic nations, began as a Laissez-faire nation, but throughout the centuries America’s economic standpoint has shifted more into Socialism rather than Laissez-faire. The second largest economy in the world, China, is widely understood as being a socialist country, however, for the past years they have been inclinedRead MoreThe Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union: A Testament of the American Resolve941 Words   |  4 Pagesdrew to a close, so too did British favorability; and by the end of 1774, conflict between Britain and the colonists was seemingly inevitable. The unprecedented mass distribution of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, sparked a dialogue so revolutionary that it l iberated Americans, allowing them to start their government afresh, free from their ties to the British past. On the 7th of June, 1776, the Second Continental Congress motioned for independence, tasking a committee to draft a declarationRead MoreCosta Ric A Similar Base Structure Of Development999 Words   |  4 Pagespast, issues, and economic source, there were some differing aspects in which allowed each state to be unique. Costa Rica is one such place, who differed slightly throughout and happened to make choices in which lead them to have a different outcome than that of its neighbors Costa Rica’s first major difference compared to its neighbors is that of the size of Costa Rica’s indigenous population. The indigenous population in Costa Rica was much smaller than its neighboring nations. Due to this notRead MoreTheories or Concept Practices of Developing Countries1234 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Theories/ Concepts practices of Developing Countries Developing nations have undergone many transformations in terms of governance, education, infrastructure, economy and on human rights issues. Developing countries have utilized a lot of concepts and practices in order to meet society needs. Over the last decade, African countries had dictatorial leaders, but since the beginning of this century, revolutions have taken place, a very good example is the fall of Gaddafis, Mubaraks governments inRead MoreDiscuss Smith s Ideas On The Division Of Labour1073 Words   |  5 Pagesshould organise economics from the perspective of what is naturally occurring. In doing this he finds that what should be and what can be are profoundly interlinked. This revolutionary thinking went against mercantilism, which was the dominant approach of the time period. Mercantilism can be understood as an economic model that was characterized by government intervention. Mercantilism was an alliance between merchants and the state that was premised on increasing the power and wealth of the state throughRead MoreLoyalists During The American Revolutionary War929 Words   |  4 PagesAs new people of this nation, some of us these days may not have much information on how early, people came to have their own independence in this country of America. All we know was that because of the war and all those waring to another nation. We do not understand how things gotten into a war though and how much we literally understand how our ancestors got their own land dispute with all those historic wars. I believe that loyalists in the American revolutionary war have so many things to explainRead MoreSmith vs. Marx - a Comparison Essay1247 Words   |  5 Pagesversus Marx Ââ€" A Comparison Modern economic society can be described as a combination of certain points from several theories combined into one. Changing dynamics and economic needs of nations has spawned a development of various, and contrasting, economic systems throughout the world. Perhaps the two most contrasting philosophies seen in existence today are that of capitalism and communism. The two philosophers most notably recognized for their views on these economic systems are Adam Smith and Karl

Why Was Swanwick Station the busiest station in England for a few weeks each year in the 1930’s, and why did this cease to be the case Free Essays

The strawberry industry was the farming and distribution of the finest strawberries in Hampshire. In this project I will explain why Swanwick station was the busiest in England in the 1930’s. I will also explain why the strawberry industry developed and declined, and how these events changed life around the area. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Was Swanwick Station the busiest station in England for a few weeks each year in the 1930’s, and why did this cease to be the case? or any similar topic only for you Order Now This area I will be researching is Swanwick, Locks Heath, Warsash and Ticthfield. I will do this by visiting each of these sites and taking photographs. I will also be looking for places that have some significance to the industry such as Swanwick station, or old pubs etc. I am hoping to find out more about the strawberry industry in the 1930’s, and I will hope to find out why the industry built up so fast, but declined just as fast. The Site Today Today, the site has clues as to how important the industry was. For example, MOJ Engineering is a building which used to be a basket factory, at the top of Duncan Road in Swanwick. At the bottom of Duncan Road is Swanwick Station, a two platform train station operating into Southampton, Portsmouth and London. The Q8 petrol station and the pub/restaurant The Talisman is in Park Gate, off the A27. Opposite Brookfield School in Sarisbury is a road called Strawberry Hill. This is a dead end road, but has brand new traffic lights for the main road at the bottom of the hill. The Joseph Paxton pub and the off-licence â€Å"Threshers† in Park Gate are both relevant to this study. Photos from the Site Today This is a photo of MOJ Engineering. The faded writing on the wall reads â€Å"Swanwick and District Basket Factory.† This is the outside of Swanwick Station today. The Talisman at Park Gate The Village Inn; used to be the inn for railway commuters. The Site As It Was and How The Industry Developed The site was completely different to what it is today, as it has endured many changes. In 1872, the strawberry industry picked up, and soon there were many growers across Swanwick, Warsash and Park Gate. They were mainly situated in the well known strawberry fields. As the industry developed, Swanwick train station was built. It was completed in 1888 and had the job of transporting the strawberries to London and various other places. Wicker baskets to hold the strawberries were transported in from Winchester Jail made by prisoners. However in 1913 the Swanwick and District Basket Factory was established adjacent to the station. It produced light and attractive plastic punnets. A successful season was critical for the industry and at encouraging moments during the growing period, prayers were offered for fair weather and a healthy crop as this was the growers’ only source for income. During the season – usually mid June to mid July -the picking started as early as 4am for the 10am trains to places such as Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dublin. Because picking was hard, thirsty work, the local off-licence would supply a firkin of beer (about 9 gallons) everyday to each field throughout the season. The workers would receive a glass after 1000 baskets of strawberries had been picked. The fruit from the area was known in the trade as â€Å"Southamptons† and was soon recognised as been of a superior quality to that of competitors in Cornwall. The first variety of berry grown in the area was known as the â€Å"Maud† and was about the size of a thimble. Later came the â€Å"Joey† or â€Å"Paxtons†, short for Sir Joseph Paxton who was the producer of this strain, being much larger then the â€Å"Maud† and was considered by many experts to be the most delicious berry ever grown. Later servicemen from the Great War returned to look for jobs, and found strawberry growing to be the most suitable, as it would earn them sufficient amounts to support a family for the whole of the year. During the season, Swanwick was over-flowing with the horses and carts which transported the strawberries from the fields to the station. Strawberry Hill was a road in which they travelled by, as you can tell by the name. â€Å"It was recorded by some means that in the 1928 season 1,287,925 baskets left Swanwick station for London to take advantage of the lucrative markets there.† Much of the crop was grown for London markets, whose salesmen spoke highly of the local fruit. â€Å"Up to sixty pair-horse wagons were needed to convey the fruit from Waterloo to the markets.) The land around the area was perfect for growing strawberries, but only strawberries as it didn’t have the right nutrients for other crops, which is a reason why the industry developed, as they had no competition. The availability of pickers was immense, as gypsies would invade the area as pickers for the picking rate of a penny farthing per 4 pound chip basket or 6 pence per hour. Whole families would work up to 18 hours per day. This was good for the industry as it meant more work could be done faster meaning more income. Photos from The Site As It Was Why did the Industry Decline? The sudden boom of strawberry growing was a success but it was in 1913 that a new variety of berry was to prove disastrous to the growers. The â€Å"Madame La Fevebre† was favoured and was for several years known as a good cropper. However it was this variety that brought the deadly disease â€Å"root – rot† to the area. As a consequence, crops were badly hit and this coupled with the depression led to many growers going bankrupt. started to deteriorate in the 1930’s. One of the main reasons was that the earth was basically exhausted. Growers had used the land to the extent that it would no longer yield the crops. The Depression, late frosts in 1938 and finally the outbreak of war hastened the decline of the industry in the 30’s. The survivors from the war realised that there were better jobs on offer, and didn’t return to growing strawberries. There was a lot of competition from foreigners as well, as their crops ripened earlier and were sold cheaper. This was a problem for local growers as with this competition, they weren’t getting the money they needed to support their families. Around this time (30’s/early 40’s) air transport was developing, so England was experiencing foreign strawberries. The growth of supermarkets instead of small fruit markets meant they needed â€Å"perfect† strawberries, and with all the problems in the area, the standards declined. Along with the developing supermarkets, the land originally used for crops was being increased to build houses on. By the 1940’s the trend was general produce such as potatoes and tomatoes (for the rationing during the war.) However this growth of produce continued after the war and competed against strawberry growers. 1949 was particularly bad for them as Nurseries were developing all round the district with vast areas under glass. â€Å"Locks Heath Nurseries† boasted the largest greenhouse in Hampshire given over to the cultivation of tomatoes. To Conclude†¦ Looking back to the 40 boom years or so from the 1870’s Locks Heath has been established all because of their strawberries. Nowadays they are associated with the recent phenomenon of â€Å"pick your own.† There are few memories left from this time, such as the station, and the basket factory etc, but the seasonal frenzied activity which included every citizen of Locks Heath, young and old, every year are now long since over. How to cite Why Was Swanwick Station the busiest station in England for a few weeks each year in the 1930’s, and why did this cease to be the case?, Papers

Can We Define Art free essay sample

Can we define art? Of course we can define art. According to dictionary, art Is the quality, production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful appealing or of more than ordinary significance. But in the eye of some artist included Morris Welts, they believe art Is undefined for many reason. According to Morris Weitz, he point out a few theories of art and argues in his article The Role of Theory in Aesthetics, that they are lacking to the extent that they cannot satisfactorily cover all of the range of things we would like to consider artworks. In addition, they dont accurately capture the concept of art. Weitz argues that where previous theories go wrong Is in their attempts to establish a set of necessary and sufficient condition of art, when in fact what we should do Is ask about art the concept. Once this concept Is understood, he argues that it will make clear the logical impossibility of defining art in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions. We will write a custom essay sample on Can We Define Art or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Furthermore, Weitzs main argument for why theories of art fail comes from his application of Wittgensteins thoughts about language. pecifically the word game. o art. In fact, according to Wittgenstein, he highlighted the difficulty of defining the word games, he said let us consider what we call games: I mean board-games, card-games, ball-games, Olympic Games, and so on. What is common to them all? Dont say: there must be something common to all. For if you look at them you will not see something that common to all, but similarities. relationships. and a whole series of them at that . He was showing there is no one common feature to all games. And the word games cannot be simply defined; he argues that games have amily resemblances to each other. Some games resemble other games in some respects; there is no more to it, no necessary and sufficient condition. In addition, Weitz argues, this same resemblance principle may apply to art. The problem of the nature of art is like that of the nature of games, at least in these respects: If we actually look and see what it Is that we call art, we will also find no common properties only strands of similarities. He also said, The basic resemblance between these concepts is their open texture. In elucidation them certain cases can e given, about which there can be no question as to their being correctly described as art or game but no exhaustive set of cases can be given. Art is an open concept. Its nature Is such that new cases will constantly arise which will require a decision on the part of those interested on whether to extend the concept to include the new cases. He said that the expansive, changing and creauve nature of art would make defining properties or closure of the concept logically impossible. It is for this reason that he claims previous attempts at defining art have been in vain. Weitzs houghts we may actually find ourselves closer to arts definition. And Weitz says: What I am arguing, then, is that the very expansive, adventurous character of art, its ever-present changes and novel creations, make It logically Impossible to ensure any set of defining properties. It means is that If you were to take a wide range of instances of artworks, there would be no one feature common to them all. However, they are all the common concept products, namely one that is expansive and adventurous. Its necessary, so for a work of art to embody this creativity at least to Of2 human mind product that possesses this concept. In addition, objects in nature arent made by someone with art concept as unbound, adventurous creativity; they also arent creation from a concept in a human mind, furthermore, their existence is independent of human intellect or observation. For example, mountain, trees, flowers and something like that arent works of art. For more information, whoever is producing the object; they wont be doing as an exercise of creativity and unbound expression and so is not necessarily producing the object with an artistic conception in mind. For example, it is not necessary to have a concept of art in mind when creating a map or a floor plan or a scale model. As Weitz claimed, artworks can be differentiated from non-artworks is a hint that perhaps attempting to define art is not quite such a vain pursuit. Furthermore, I do not think defining and elucidation of the concept are different tasks as Weitz would have us believe. If a given artwork has art the concept behind it then this appears to suffice as a necessary condition for its being a work of art. Which leads me to believe the word art may be defined by the oncept behind its instances. A relevant comment on this approach is the response that, in allowing art to be defined by the concept behind it, anyone may place or point to some object or mark and proclaim; that is art. For example a piece of paper scrunched up and thrown on the floor, or an everyday object bizarrely placed may be declared art. My response to this is that in proclaiming such objects as art the proclaimed is correctly commenting on and employing the concept of art previously established. An attempt at challenging previous artistic convention does not onstitute creation outside of art the concept. Furthermore, I would like to extend the set of non-artworks to contain all things that exist, in their current state, independently of intervention by a person with artistic intent. In short, to declare an object an artwork is not enough for the declaration to be true. Since it would have existed and continues to exist in its current state regardless. This I feel is analogous to why objects in nature are not artworks. In conclusion, I feel Weitzs comment on the nature of art are important, but as opposed to leading to the conclusion that art s undefined. In fact, it gets us well on the way to a definition free from the problems faced by previous theories. Weitz is happy to be very specific in his description of the concept of art, which I have argued allows us to rule out many things as non- artworks. By considering the differences in artworks and non-artworks, we can see that where something is a work of art, the artistic concept has been present in a human intellect, which has conceived and created the piece. Non-artworks exist in their current state independently of any such concept.