Distance learning Essay

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (1999) of the U. S. Department of Education, technological innovations especially in information and communications technology (ICT) has precipitated a revolution in the delivery of distance learning education, especially in the postsecondary level of education. To argue that distance learning education has come to stay and has changed perceptions and attitudes of education delivery is perhaps one without contention. Management guru, Peter Drucker has even gone as far as to say traditional on-campus university education will be defunct in 30 years. Focussing of three seminal areas of advantage – flexibility and convenience, resource cost, and accessibility – this paper will argue that earning a degree through distance learning education is better than through a traditional institution. One of the fundamental advantages that distance learning degree programs have over residential on-campus programs is flexibility and convenience. For me, location is one of the most important considerations for choosing a degree program. Questions like: Do I really want to relocate to earn a degree? Will I like my new location? nd Will I get a visa to travel to this location to study for a degree? are important considerations that I will have to deal with when choosing an on-campus degree program. These considerations helped me in choosing to do a degree program in law by distance study. My choice of a distance study program made it convenient for me to stay in my own locality while still having access to quality education that is commensurate with on-campus equivalents. Moreover, a lot of distance learning programs come with the benefit of self pacing one’s education; a benefit which I had by pursuing my law degree as a distance study student. My schedule allowed me to complete the course in two years and I was able to plan my education to fit into my schedule without any major disruptions. Thus, apart from being able to earn a degree, I had the advantage of not putting on hold other things that are equally important to me. Family and career commitments for example, did not have to suffer because I had chosen to earn a degree. With distance learning education, I was able to conveniently earn a degree in the comfort of my home. The fear of resigning from a permanent job to study and the financial and career implications of such a decision did not arise at all. More importantly, as my present career is in the area of my study, it gave me the opportunity to readily apply the knowledge gained in my distance learning education to my work. Consequently, I had greater opportunities of upward mobility in my career aspirations than I would have had if I had studied through the traditional on-campus method. Another major advantage I had by earning my degree by distance learning is the fact that it is more cost effective in comparison to traditional on-campus university education. I was able to utilise time more effectively when studying for my degree through distance learning education. The time I would have spent commuting to lectures was spent more usefully to study. Apart from the time constraints that on-campus programs are plagued with, commuting also brings additional financial cost. This was not a problem for me as I studied at home. Furthermore, fees for distance learning programs tend to be lower than on-campus programs as the distance learning student does not use the physical facilities of the institution providing the degree program. In my specific situation, I paid less for accessing the same quality of education I would have had if I had studied on an on-campus program. The cost of maintaining expensive on-campus facilities will invariably be passed on to the on-campus student. One of the most important considerations for on-campus students is accommodation. If one has a family and is studying far from one’s family home, the most obvious solution would be to maintain two separate accommodations. For parents financing their children’s on-campus university education, they may be paying for two accommodations at the same time – the family accommodation, and their children’s on-campus accommodation. This duplication of expenditure was unnecessary in my case as I studied from home. Thus with distance learning education, one can have access to the same quality of on-campus education at a much reduced resource cost. Evidently, there are so many advantages that can be argued in favour of distance study education. However, for the specific purposes of this paper, the final consideration that will be argued in favour of distance learning education is the better level of accessibility to course moderators and tutors. One of the increasingly pervasive features of distance learning education is the availability of a personal tutor. While studying by distance education for example, I had access to a personal tutor who I could contact through various communication devices like email and telephone. Thus though the argument may be made that on-campus programs offer a personal touch to the learning process, this is not lost in distance learning education. The issue of spontaneity in response to questions have been said to be an advantage of on-campus education over distance learning education. On closer scrutiny however, it can be realised that this advantage is perhaps even greater in certain circumstances when one is studying by distance study. In the first place, ICT makes it possible for communication to be instantaneous and as such, spontaneity is no longer an exceptional feature of on-campus education. If I had a question, I easily called my personal tutor and he discussed the question with me. Also, through the use of web technologies like discussion forums, and discussion boards, in-depth discussions amongst course participants were held online and this greatly enhanced my learning process. The use of personal tutors in a lot of distance study programs also makes it possible for peculiar educational needs to be addressed in a customized manner. Also, the accessibility that distance learning education brings makes it possible for more people to earn quality education on a wider scale than would have been possible through traditional institutional means. The use of revolutionary open source online learning programs like Moodle breaks the restrictions that are associated with accessing traditional on-campus degree programs. A global community can thus access distance learning degree programs that they would have otherwise not been able to access. The above presentation has advanced the advantages that earning a degree by distance learning education has over traditional on-campus degree programs. This paper has considered three key advantages – convenience and flexibility, resource cost, and accessibility – while conceding that the considered areas reflect only a limited perspective of the colossal advantages that distance learning education has over traditional on-campus programs. In conclusion, it is again affirmed that based on the justifications and advantages adduced, limited though they may be, earning a degree by distance learning education is far better than earning a degree through the traditional institution system.

The Dutch Health Care System The WritePass Journal

The Dutch Health Care System Introduction The Dutch Health Care System EHCI rankings (Arne BJornberg, 2012).   Analysts report that this consistent performance is mainly due to the policy reforms and the introduction of the ‘Health Insurance act’ of 2006. Not only did the Netherlands top the EHCI which is generally regarded as   measure of ‘consumer friendliness’ of the national health care policy, but it also ranked among the top three nations when measured for outcomes related to critical and chronic conditions such as cardiac problems, diabetes, HIV and Hepatitis   (Arne BJornberg, 2012). The appendix A includes graphical figures showing the performance of Netherlands in some of the important healthcare metrics such as infant mortality levels, elective surgery waiting time, etc.   Reports suggest that though there is some scope for improvement in terms of reducing the waiting time and the overall accessibility of services, the Dutch healthcare system has hardly any weakspots (Arne BJornberg, 2012) The success of the Dutch model has bought increasing global focus on its model of care delivery. This paper therefore explores the vital aspects of the Dutch health care system. Methodology This is a secondary research and involved searching for national reports and health policy documents and journal articles pertaining to the health care policy of Netherlands. Pubmed database was searched for a combination of keywords such as Dutch Healthcare system, health insurance, structural reforms, etc. Google search was also conducted on these keywords and this provided access to comprehensive national reports. Since the search resulted in a wide array of documents only those reports and articles which were authentic sources such as the Dutch ministry of health and articles from peer reviewed journals and magazines were selected for use in this report. The Dutch Health Care system (The problems that existed) The healthcare system in the Netherlands was totally different before 2006, when it was restructured with the introduction of the ‘Health insurance act’ (Zorgverzekeringswet, Zvw). A brief overview of the earlier system would help us better understand the evolutionary response and the introduction of the much touted ‘health insurance act’ of 2006. Earlier, universal health coverage was achieved by a combination of government funded and privately funded insurance systems. Social health insurance (ZFW) funded by the government provided coverage for all those who were under the prescribed income limit. The vast majority of the Dutch population was under the ZFW coverage. Another government funded program known as the AWBZ (exceptional medical insurance act) provided coverage for long term care and other exceptional medical treatments. Around 30% of the Dutch population who were above the prescribed low income level to qualify for the ZFW were encouraged to purc hase coverage from private health insurance services (PHI) (David, 2008). These private health insurance schemes were mostly funded by the employers or in some instances directly by the individuals. While the Dutch system was working good in providing universal access to coverage there were systemic problems. Sustainability of the system was one of the pressing issues. For instance, the aging population and the growing health care needs implied that the majority government- funded health coverage would consume a significant portion of the national GDP. (14% and above). Secondly the model did not provide sufficient quality incentives for the care providing organizations and there were also growing concerns about the accessibility to some services. Particularly, there was a tendency to postpone elective procedures at the end of the year for pure accounting purposes. Thirdly, insurance premiums under the PHI or private providers were rising considerably for those with chronic conditions and this, in fact, discouraged many from the PHI schemes and such people went without insurance. Last but not the least, was the problem of insurance portability(David, 2008). Owing to participation of numerous small insurance companies in the PHI scheme, there were significant coverage limitations. To eradicate all these problems the Dutch government came up with fundamental changes in the delivery model with the majority government funded social insurance system giving way to a privately insured, yet government regulated, model of care delivery. This has greatly improved the healthcare system by addressing the above mentioned problems. The Health care Act (2006) (A sustainable solution) This act structurally redesigned the Dutch healthcare system by introducing private social insurance (ZVW) as a mandatory coverage for all citizens above 18 years of age while the government covers all those below 18 years of age. The important feature of the ZVW scheme is that it provides universal coverage for all citizens without any restrictions based on their age, health status, pre existing conditions, etc. Also the distinguishing feature between the ZVW and the earlier ZFW is that it is totally managed by private insurers. This act is a significant move towards the private free market. However, it is regulated by the government and the price for the basic benefit package under the ZVW is stipulated based on annual projections. The ZVW covers all routine checkups, hospitalizations, medication and doctor’s fees. Other services that do not come under the ZVW such as dentistry, cosmetic services, physiotherapy, etc could be optionally covered through supplementary policies (Maarsse, 2011). The following illustration depicts the prevailing health care insurance system in Netherlands Fig : Health Insurance system after the 2006 Health Insurance act (Maarsse, 2011) The ZVW (A hybrid system) Health care as a market service is not recommendable as governments do not see health care as a business but as a social provision. Under these circumstances the introduction of the private ‘for –profit’ business entities to provide insurance coverage creates undesirable consequences that might affect the equitable distribution of health care. Such discrepancies in service provision by private insurance entities in the US offer a clear case that confirm the fears that markets are not the ideal way to deliver health. (Angell, 2008)   However, one of the highlights of the Dutch healthcare system is the uniformness of coverage that it allows. Dutch lawmakers have incorporated several legal features that protect the consumers and ensure that the ZVW is a hybrid form of the social insurance and the private insurance (VWS, 2012). Since the Dutch government compensates the insurers for high risk patients in the form of the risk equalization fund the system avoids â€Å"cherry picking† which is a pressing problem in countries such as the US where private insurers are very selective in covering high risk patients. (Angell, 2008). The Dutch model on the other hand, by compensating insurers for enrollees with a higher risk prediction, encourages them to provide coverage for everyone without a risk bias. The concept of risk equalization therefore helps to achieve universal coverage even under a ‘for –profit’ private insurer based system. As Michael Borowitz, a senior health policy analyst with OECD says, this system provides insurance companies â€Å"no incentive to pick people who are only healthy†. (PBS, 2009) This is a key policy control mechanism that aids with the success of the universal coverage and the absence of such a policy control in the US created a pure business like approach where the goal of profit maximization naturally discourages private insurers from providing coverage for people under a higher risk category (Angell, 2008). Insurer Competition and Consumer Freedom Another aspect of the thoroughly regulated Dutch private insurance system is that it creates healthy competition between insurers. The government permits health consumers to switch between insurers once every year.   Thus the privately administered and government regulated insurance model provides choice to the consumer and serves to improve the quality of services by the insurance providers.   The health insurance act also provides sufficient freedom of choice to the consumer. For instance, enrollees can opt for policy in- kind or a restitution policy. In the first instance, the insurance company itself takes care of all the details including finding the appropriate health providers and the payments etc. In the restitution option the enrollee can choose his/her own providers, at their own time, and also pay up for the services. The cost of such services is then reimbursed by the insurance provider. The later option is referred to as the personal care budget (pgb or persoonsgebon den budget) (Daley Gubb, 2013). On top of this flexibility, the Dutch ZVW insurance scheme also provides for compensatory features such as deductibles. Deductibles apply to any enrollee that has not utilized the health services beyond a minimum cost during the year and these are automatically applied to the premium in the next year (David , 2008). This feature adds to the solidarity of the Dutch insurance system. GP’s as Gatekeepers As in the UK, the Dutch also adopt the gatekeeper approach when it comes to availing specialist care. The General Practitioner (GP) is the primary care provider of the patient and is usually the family physician. Any consultations with specialist service providers operating in secondary and tertiary care units is made possible only through a referral from the  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   GP. This method is applied in order to contain health care costs associated with unnecessary specialist consultations (Daley Gubb, 2013). Quality of care is a high priority in the national health policy. The policy allows insurers to select hospitals or care providers based on the quality of their service. If any providers are found wanting in quality, insurers have the option not to contract such providers.   Furthermore feedback from patients are considered and promptly attended to. The General administrative law act makes it a priority for the AWBZ implementing body to promptly assess and address any cu stomer grievance. If the customer is not satisfied with the response from the AWBZ body then he/she could lodge a complaint with the national ombudsman which would not only assess the provider for upholding contractual provisions, but also verify if the patient was meted out equal treatment, reasonableness and proper care. Furthermore, if the Ombudsman received many complaints of similar nature the problem is referred to the health ministry which would take it into consideration for further changes to the health care policy(VWS, 2012). These feedback systems ensure that the experience for the patient at the point of care delivery is motivating and positive. Conclusion The health insurance act of 2006 bought a significant reform to the way healthcare is delivered in the Netherlands.   Widely praised as a successful evolutionary response, the health insurance act created a move away from the segmented structure of insurance towards a mandatory single scheme for all citizens. Equity of access, quality of health services and financial risk protection are the key aspects that govern universal coverage. The inclusion of social preconditions such as the provision of equitable coverage for all citizens, as well as insurer and consumer friendly components such as ‘risk equalization fund’ and ‘deductibles’ have made private insurance based universal coverage a reality. In Netherlands, strict government regulation of private insurance has created a level playing field, stimulating healthy competition among the insurers while at the same time providing freedom of choice for the health consumer. References Claire Daley James Gubb (2013) , Healthcare Systems : The Netherlands , viewed March 26th 2013, www.civitas.org.uk/nhs/download/netherlands.pdf Arne BJornberg (2012), Euro health consumer Index, 2012 report, published by Health Consumer Powerhouse Maarse, H (2011), Dutch Health Care Reform at the Crossroads, The Hastings Centre, viewed March 26th 2013, http://healthcarecostmonitor.thehastingscenter.org/files/2011/06/Maarse-Dutch-health-care-reform-at-the-crossroads-long-version1.pdf Marcia Angell (2008), Privatizing healthcare is not the answer: Lessons from the United States, CMAJ 179 (9), 916-919. Naidoo J Wills J (2005), Public health and health promotion: Developing practice, London, Elsevier. PBS (2009), Comparing international health care systems, viewed March 27th, 2013, pbs.org/newshour/updates/health/july-dec09/insurance_10-06.html Perott, David, (2008), The Dutch Health care system: Possible model for America? Physician Executive, 34(6), 16- 8 20-3 VWS (2012), Health insurance in the Netherlands, Ministry of health and sports publication, viewed March 26th 2012, www.government.nl//health-insurance-in-the-netherlands.pdf

Where Sympathies Lie essays

Where Sympathies Lie essays A wise proverb once said, Appearances are deceptive (The Macmillan Dictionary of Quotations 26). One should keep this in mind when reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley because the proverb is proven accurate in that looks are in fact, misleading. She creates a creature abhorred by society because of his appearance. Even his own creator, a scientist named Victor Frankenstein, fails to show him compassion. As the novel progresses the monster travels through the ends of the world only to be shunned by all of humanity. Through his quest for love one sees the many heartaches he endures in search of his ultimate goal. Contrary to what one may believe, the monster possesses many humanlike characteristics. In creating the monster, Shelley reveals mans shallow obsession with physical appearance, invoking the readers to sympathize with the monster as his tragic life story unfolds. The reader, persuaded by the creatures desperate desire for love and affection, feels sympathy for him knowing that everyone deserves to be loved. Upon seeing Frankenstein for the first time the monster expresses, I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me (Shelley 95). After seeking love from many others, but with no success, the creature finally turns to his creator. However, even his own creator does not show him the love that he, like any other being, is entitled to have. Frankensteins rejection allows the reader to realize that it is extremely sad that the monster receives affection from no one, not even his own creator, who of all people should love his creature. The reader knows that if Frankenstein cant surge up feelings to feel compassion towards his own, then no one else will. ...

HPLC analysis of caffeine and benzoic acid in diet coke Lab Report

HPLC analysis of caffeine and benzoic acid in diet coke - Lab Report Example Many beverages contain caffeine and benzoic acid. Caffeine can be classified as a drug and can be extremely addictive. Diet beverages also contain aspartame and saccharin. Aspartame and saccharin can be used to instead of sugar in the diet beverages. Aspartame and saccharin taste more than the normal sugar. The reason that many of these beverages contain aspartame and saccharin is because manufacturers prefer to use aspartame and saccharin instead of sugar. This has been because there are people who cannot take sugar due to health issues. To meet the demand of their customers, the manufacturers of the beverages see it fit to use saccharin and aspartame instead of sugar. Aspartame is the most commonly used more than saccharin. It becomes commonly used because it can be digested. When it gets digested, it breaks down into methanol, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Aspartame has an effect on brain. It can therefore, cause some mental disorders due to its effect on the brain if taken in excess. Saccharin cannot be digested hence it is not commonly used. To avoid the danger associated with high intake of the two sweeteners, they should be used in small quantity. The function of benzoic acid is to conserve the beverages. Benzoic acid preserves the beverages by making some bacteria and yeast grow. The growth of yeast and bacteria ensures that the beverages last longer without going bad. Therefore, the shelf life of the beverages becomes increased. Companies that produce products that contain benzoic acid should make sure that the concentration level of benzoic acid is standard. Though benzoic acid is essential in preserving the beverages, high concentration of the acid can be dangerous. Concentration of benzoic acid in beverages normally varies from 0.05 percent to 0.10 percent. In a day, a person should take 5mg per kilogram of the body weight. If human beings consume too much of the acid, it can cause destruction to the liver and kidney. Liver and kidney are supremely valuable organs in the human body hence people should observe their intake of benzoic acid. Manufacturers should take into consideration the effects of the benzoic acid and pu t their customers’ life first. Some manufacturers often produce beverages that have a high concentration of benzoic acid because they want their products to stay longer. By doing this, they endanger lives of many people. Even though benzoic acid can be used as a preservative, if beverages stay for longer, they lose the original taste. Caffeine can be classified as a drug. Caffeine can be found in plants. In plants, caffeine may be used as a pesticide. It helps to kill pests in plants. This does not mean that it should not be used as it is beneficial if taken in the right amount. In diet soda and other beverages, caffeine can be used as a taste additive. Because of its bitter taste, caffeine enhances other flavors. Caffeine is also a stimulant. Because of its stimulant effect, many people take products with caffeine so that they can be alert. Also, caffeine decreases tiredness hence many people who are always busy consumes a lot of caffeine. Too much consumption of caffeine ca n cause restlessness and headaches. Normally, a person should consume around 250 milligram of caffeine in a day. More than that amount can be dangerous. It could be noted that individuals who consume much caffeine are likely to suffer hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases compared to those who take less caffeine. In addition, caffeine can be highly addictive, and that can be one of the reasons that caffeine became classified as a drug. High performance liquid chromatography (hplc

My Most Enduring Childhood Memory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My Most Enduring Childhood Memory - Essay Example My grandmother was a school teacher with interest in music and arts. They were a great couple who played hosts to perfection. While my grandparents showered unconditional love upon me and made me feel at ease, they were politely assertive when needed to be. Both being academics, they emphasized the importance of discipline to me and other grandchildren. At the same time, they were not doctrinaire or rigid in their conception of discipline. They were both open to dialogue and sensible to reason. This way, they always appeared to be on our side even when denying us an extra hour of television or an extra scoop of ice cream. My most enduring childhood memory is an event that occurred during one such visit to the grandparents’. One of the favorite pastimes for me and other grandchildren is visiting the local public library which also has an attached park and playground. The library had a children’s corner filled with comics and adventure story books. Archies, Hardy Boys, Tintin, etc were the staple of our entertainment. During one such regular visit to the library, I so coveted an edition of Tintin that after reading it, I hid it beneath my shirt. I was barely 7 years old, and though feeling a little guilty, I couldn’t stop myself from acting disgracefully. Sure enough, the librarian found out what I had done and was kind enough not to punish me then and there. She instead asked to meet my parents/guardian. When my grandfather returned home from meeting the librarian, his behavior toward me was initially one of dignified silence and stern indignation. But he relaxed soon and thought of a novel response to the situation. Looking back in retrospect I realize how masterfully he handled the situation. I was too young to be fully cognizant of the implications of my misdemeanor. At the same time, I had to be taught right from wrong and made to behave more responsibly.

A factual cyber atack Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A factual cyber atack - Essay Example Some of the cyber crimes are much related to the actual crimes: frauds, thefts, etc. However, modern theory suggests that keeping illegal data on a computer is also a type of cyber crime (â€Å"What is Cyber Crime?†). As per the FBI reports, the United States military networks were penetrated by the Chinese hackers in 2004. The attackers accessed the US military networks and breached the security systems (Thornburgh). The set of codes assembled by the attackers was named the â€Å"Titan rain† (Thornburgh). The attack was discovered by â€Å"Shawn Carpenter†, who was on a secret job at that time. He discovered the set of codes while going through the network codes. The attackers tried to access the sensitive networks as those at Lockheed (Thornburgh). These attacks were supposed to be supported by the Chinese government but no particular evidence showed the fact, and Chinese government neglected the charge. On the other hand, there is a need to respond immediately to stop any more infiltration. The important concern is finding the severity of the attack and how much damage it did to the networks. The attackers could access the information, could make alteration in the information and the associated networks and could prevent certain permitted users to access the network. On the other hand, the important concern was that the corrupt programs might attack the certain hardware and might so influence the system that it will work improperly a great while (Thornburgh). The attackers made a silent escape all the time. The secret information was first converted to ZIP format and then sent immediately to China. The person who discovered the attackers, ‘Carpenter’, thinks that no such planned and rapid attack has happened in the past. In the US Time magazine, Carpenter says, â€Å"Most hackers, if they actually get into a government network, get excited and make mistakes, not these guys. They never hit a wrong key†

European History Essay Example for Free

European History Essay How did Bismarck’s system of alliances help maintain peace? Bismarck’s system of alliances was the goal of keeping France isolated and not to have any military allies. Also, he wanted to keep Russia and Austria-Hungary from going to war. France was still bitter over the losing Alsace-Lorraine from the Franco-Prussian War. Both Russia and Austria-Hungary desired territory from the weakening Ottoman Empire, which was the Balkans. The Three Emperors League was an alliance with Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia. This was against radical movements. With the Congress of Berlin, Austria got Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Balkan states ended up becoming independent. The Triple Alliance was Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy was a defensive alliance protection against Russia. The Reinsurance Treaty was between Germany and Russia. If one of them were to be attacked, they promised neutrality. Germany was concerned about war between Austria and Russia. Plus France and Russia being allies. William II ended this treaty and dismissed Bismarck. 2) What were the reasons for Britain and Germany’s love-hate relationship? Between the 1700 and 1800’s, Germany and Britain had a common enemy, which was France. Their racials ties of Anglo-Saxon and Germanic people as well. The rivalry was of course power. Germany was on the rise to power. Economic wise was the colonie and the world market. For the military component, Germany expanded their navy with battleships. Great Britain is known for its naval supremacy and it was threatened by Germany. It ended up being a naval race between the two nations. For the political factors, Great Britain wanted alliances with France, Russia, and the United States. At the Algeciras Conference, Germany attempted to break the friendship between Great Britain and France. They failed and brought them closer. 3) Why was the Moroccan crisis of 1905 a turning point in European diplomacy? France and Great Britain agreed over North Africa. Britain got full control over Egypt and France got full control over Morocco. The Anglo-French Entente was closer relations between France and England. Germany as always wanted to try and break the treaty between France and England. Germany didnt act diplomatically though. They were now viewed as an international bully. Great Britain, France, Russia, and the United States saw Germany as a common threat. These four nations became closer. Austria became Germany’s main ally as well. 4) What impact did the Congress of Berlin (1878) have on the Balkan area? What were the origins and causes of the â€Å"Third Balkan War†? With the Congress of Berlin, Austria-Hungary had power over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Romania and Serbia won independence. Bulgaria won a somewhat say in their government. Austria-Hungary and Russia wanted to control the Balkans. With nationalism, Serbia wanted to expand by gaining Bosnia and Herzegovina. Austria-Hungary ended up annexing both of their wanted territories. Serbians were furious. The First and Second Balkan Wars consisted of fight within Serbia, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire about territorial gains. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was on a visit to Sarajevo and ended up getting assassinated by Serbians. It was the Black Hand which was a Serbian terrorist group. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia which was the start of the Third Balkan War. Austria-Hungary wanted to stop nationalism that threatened their empire. 5) Which of the major powers do you believe were most responsible and least responsible for the war? Explain. Austria-Hungary had imperialism in the Balkans and declared war on Serbia. They were also Germany’s main ally. Russia had total support of Serbia. They allied with Serbia and France. All three of them mobilized against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany wrote a â€Å"blank check† to Austria-Hungary. William II’s poor control of international diplomacy lead to the Moroccan crisis and naval build up. In addition, Germany invaded France through Belgium. France became permanently mad at Germany and seeked for revenge. They ended up allying with Russia. This meant the support from Russia meant also from Serbia. Great Britain had a naval build up and entered an alliance with France. This disrupted the balance of power and made it point toward France now. 6) What impact did the war have on the economy and the people at home? How cooperative was the population? The economy changed from a free market system to a state run economy. The government organized price and wage controls, quotas, production and what to be produced. The food and resources vital for war had to be rationed. Due to nationalism, the population was supportive of the â€Å"total war† efforts of their governments, in the beginning of the war. 7) Did the war have any effect on the power of organized labor? On women in society? The labor unions cooperated with governments on production and wages. The government gave back by allowing labor leaders in policy making councils. The unions were accepted in the European countries as legitimate organizations. Women were now in demand for labor because men were off at war. Women became a more visible part in society and this gave a boost for the modern women’s rights movement. 8) What evidence is there that the strain of the war was beginning to take its toll on the home front in Russia, Austria, France, and Germany by 1916? Russia had a lot of war casualties. The population was vital of the czar’s leadership. Nicholas II went to the front to lead the troops. While he was away, Alexandra and Rasputin were in charge. Austria’s chief minister was assassinated. Frances Joseph died as well. The Czechs and Yugoslavs called for autonomous democracies. France and their troops refused to fight. There were labor strikes during the war. Clemenceau ruled practically as a dictator. Germany had Karl Liebknecht, who was a radical social leader, spoke out against war. This had the radicals to protest. There was an expanding anti-war legislation in the Reichstag and massive break strikes in Berlin. 9) What were the reasons for the Russian Revolution in March 1917? Who were the Soviets? The war demoralized troops which led to mass desertions. Many peasant soldiers returned home and angry with weapons. Also the war produced massive food shortages and there were bread riots in St. Petersburg. These riots spread like wildfire. Nicholas II ended up stepping down and leaving Russia. The Soviet and the provisional government ended up trying to rule Russia. The social classes were going for political liberty. The upper middle class were expecting better results from the war. Workers demanded better wages and good. Peasants asked for land reform. The Soviets was a political organization in St. They were against the czar’s government and operated separately from the Kerenskys provisional government. For example, Army Order #1. 10) What were the reasons for the Bolshevik victory in the civil war? The democracy ended up turning into an anarchy. Not one individual group or person had clear dominance to take power. Lenin and Trotsky were talented leaders who competed for power. Trotsky created an organized and centralized army that was able to outperform the whites. While Lenin was able to appeal to the urban workers and soldiers who were for socialism, successfully. The Bolsheviks ruled the center of Russia while the white were scattered out over thousands of miles. There was a secret police and the use of terror. The â€Å"White Armies† were decentralized and didn’t organize movements. They didn’t have a clear political objective that rallied the enemies of the Bolsheviks into an united front. Foreign military aid was too late and little and rallied nationalistic Russian against the whites. 11) What happened to the Austro-Hungarian and Turkish empires after 1918? Austria-Hungary became Austria. They lost land to Italy which was Tyrol. They became independent states which were Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Hungary. Austria ended up becoming a small, militarily insignificant European nation. The Ottoman Empire ended up becoming Turkey. France got Lebanon and Syria. While Britain received Iraq and Palestine. The empire was diminished and Turkey’s borders were the Anatolian peninsula and the Bosporus. Both of these nations were once dominant in power and now were put down to secondary status, which is ironic. 12) What were the goals of Wilson, Lloyd George, and Clemenceau at the Versailles Peace Conference? President Wilson of the United States created the Fourteen Points. He wanted national self determinations, rights of small countries, and League of Nations. David Lloyd George was focused on restoring Germany to a reasonable economic strength. He perceived that Germany could be a balance to the communist Russia. Georges Clemenceau seeked revenge against Germany for the two invasions in the last forty years. He wanted to create a buffer state between France and Germany. He wanted protection against future attacks and permanent demilitarization of Germany. Germany had to pay large war reparations and it weakened them, yet gave France a chance to rebuild.