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Plague in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, 2007. A discussion on how the responses to the plague in medieval and early modern Europe can be best characterized as early examples of the operation of disciplinary power. 2,291 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 70.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses Michel Foucault's contention of the plague as a historical phenomenon, out of which a controlling, intrusive and discursively powerful form of modern rule emerged in Europe. The paper relates that, from a retrospective look at the responses to the plague in mediaeval and early modern Europe, it is tempting to conclude that the responses represented clear early examples of disciplinary power in action. Moreover, plague regimes appear to have been interventionist, controlling and totalizing. The paper then explains that this view leads to a distorted understanding of power as all-encompassing when, in reality, it was anything but. The paper concludes that it would be historically inaccurate to leave the impression that these plague regimes were omnipotent, for the simple reason that the enforcement of power was a messy, contested and negotiated process. There is also a limit to seeking examples of disciplinary power in a past period that Foucault himself did not necessarily see as completely emblematic of his theory.
Outline:
Introduction
Power as Interventionist and Controlling
Power as Limited and Hyped
Conclusion
From the Paper "Certainly England did eventually move towards a continental style of control. But this move, instigated under the rule of Charles I, was quickly abandoned following the outbreak of the Civil War. (Naphy and Spicer, 2000, p.100) Even if this plan had been carried out by the Crown, which had by and large succeeded in setting up pest houses throughout the rest of the kingdom, London would surely have resisted, for it rejected a system of pest houses in favour of continuous home quarantine, which obviated the need for "an extensive and expensive system of workers". (Naphy and Spicer, 2000, p.126) More significantly, London insisted on relying upon local and national charities as well as normal taxation to fund measures to cope with the plague rather than resort to a special plague tax that would have made the victims of disease wholly dependent on the benevolence of the state - to this extent inhabitants were not subject to the totalizing power of the state. (Naphy and Spicer, 2000, p.126) "
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"Galileo's Daughter" and Social Roles for Women in Early Modern Europe., 2002. This paper examines the concepts and the laws that governed women during the period of early Modern Europe. 1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95 »
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Abstract The two texts that are used in order to investigate this concept is the work, "Galileo's Daughter" by Dava Sobel and "Women and Gender in Early Modern Europe" by Merry Wiesner. These two texts clarify the differences that occurred in the treatment of men and women, where the role of women was established through unbendable social norms that were intricately woven into the fabric of society.
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Witchcraft of Early Modern Europe, 2002. An examination of the way witchcraft was percieved in early modern Europe. 2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 80.95 »
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Abstract A complex combination of Christian orthodoxy and patriarchal domination influenced the world-view of England between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that led people to associate witches with evil or Satan and wizards with divinity or supernatural power. This paper explains why witchcraft favored men whereas accused women.
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The Malthusian Trap and Early-Modern Europe, 2008. This paper argues that the economic crisis experienced during the early-modern period of European history was not caused by a Malthusian trap. 2,070 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 65.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that historians argue that the economic crises experienced during the early-modern period across most of Europe and the subsequent population growth, which led to an inability for many of these individual markets to support their respective populations, was a type of Malthusian trap. The author points out that the Malthusian trap is the principle, based on Malthus' theory of population and economics, which observes that man is inclined to propagate beyond his means to support the population. The paper relates that the application of this principle to early modern Europe is often a misguided attempt to redirect the historical research to a socio-historic perspective rather than a purely economic perspective. The author concludes that, while certain markets in Europe might indeed have become over-populated with respect to their ability to provide basic levels of sustenance for their populations, other countries, such as England, did not suffer such a population growth and, furthermore, managed to maintain relatively stable economic growth in spite of Europe's overall economic decline during this period. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Malthus on Population Growth
Technological Impact
Conclusion
From the Paper "In an artificial economy established in an economic lab such set ratios can be accurately predictive. However, in the natural environment, there are many external factors that would affect change on his model, and did affect change. Prices are a key oversight in his theory. While the basic premise that population growth may outstrip the growth in food productivity was true based on the circumstances within which he operated, he didn't account for the economics of food productivity to drive an increase in production worldwide that offset any local market conditions and shortages in supply."
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Government, Economic Development and Early Modern Europe, 2002. Examines the role of government in early-modern Spain and Holland, focusing on economic development. 2,525 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 8 sources, $ 93.95 »
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Abstract The purpose of this paper will be to compare and contrast the nature and role of government in the economic development of early-modern Spain with that in early-modern Holland.
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Factors Governing State Formation in Early Modern Europe, 2007. An analysis of the growth of European nation-states throughout the early modern period by means of political, financial and social restructuring. 1,950 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 62.95 »
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Abstract This paper makes the argument that the principal factor in state formation across Europe was the power of monarchs to centralise and increase their effectiveness to rule in European states. Specifically, the author makes the assertion that the monarchies of Europe created early modern state formation through the centralisation of government institutions, military expansion, financial restructuring, dynastic marriage and the use of tools created through the scientific revolution.
From the Paper "This centralisation and increased effectiveness of tax administration in the Early Modern era allowed a larger revenue to be collected into the royal coffers, in turn meaning that more money could be pumped into the greatest expense for any Early Modern leader, the military. As military tactics and technology dictated an increased cost in the waging of war, so it was realised that the more effective a bureaucracy was, the more effective royal armies could be. The centralisation of resources for armies created a unique situation whereby relatively small countries such as England and the Netherlands were able to wage-war with more demographically prosperous countries such as France and Spain. 'Good' government also came through the scrupulous effectiveness of taxation: the less money that stuck to the hands of local barons and entered the royal treasuries, the more the central power of the monarch could spend on consolidating the state through standing armies and more charismatic schemes. This meant the population of a country would see both centralisation and state formation in a beneficial light."
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Micro-histories of Modern Europe, 2001. This essay takes a look at Modern Europe from a micro-historical perspective, weighing the benefits of micro-history against the broad perspective of macro-history. 1,504 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 49.95 »
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Abstract This essay explores Modern Europe and, more specifically, modern Italy, with a micro-historical magnifying glass. By exploring specific incidences and personal accounts, the micro-histories tell the stories that the macro-histories often overlook. By taking a detailed look at the "Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara," by David Kertzer, the Papal hierarchy and the changing tides in Europe, this essay highlights all the small steps that are taken in order to make giant leaps in history.
From the Paper "The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara artfully skews the boundaries that traditionally separate macro-history from micro-history. In his meticulous account of Edgardo Mortara, David Kertzer intimately reveals the controversial struggles endured by the Mortara family in mid-nineteenth century Italy. The tyrannical conventions of old-regime papal authority discordantly clash with the emerging post-enlightenment ideology as Kertzer places the fate of a young Jewish boy in context with European anti-Semitism and Italian unification. Throughout the course of his historic narrative, David Kertzer skillfully analyzes the infrastructure of Italian authority and explains how changes in public opinion throughout the world ultimately resulted in the downfall of papal dominance. Surprisingly ignored by most modern historians, Kertzer portrays the Mortara incident as a pivotal point in Italian unification and the institutional collapse of the church."
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Economic History of Pre-modern Europe, 2005. Answers several questions on European economic history. 2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 0 sources, APA, $ 79.95 »
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Abstract This paper addresses several aspects of European economic history, focusing primarily on the medieval period. The paper includes a discussion of the role of the fairs of Champagne and the effect of the Black Death.
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Madness in Early Modern Europe, 2004. A look at the institutions and concepts of mental health care from a historical perspective. 1,652 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 53.95 »
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Abstract This paper attempts to determine how the concept of and care for madness changed from century to century in Early Modern Europe. The paper discusses what influenced the concept of madness, what was done with mad people, how they were treated, the different meanings and definitions of madness, and the role gender played in the identification and treatment of madness. The resources used for this paper are appended.
From the Paper "Research is crucial to the advancement of science, be it medical, psychological and, or, any number of the sciences. A look into the past often allows a deeper understanding of the theories, processes and ideologies of the present. Many scholars have provided insight into the institutions and concepts of mental health from a historical perspective, Michel Foucault, Roy Porter and Andrew Skull among them. The care of the mentally ill has evolved from the concept of social control. Where once it was the responsibility of the family and, or, community to control mad or abnormal behavior ; it is now seen as the responsibility of the medical community. Care for the mentally ill was also the responsibility of the family or community, then the religious organization, private asylums and, eventually, the medical profession and hospitalization. During the medieval era, the king was sometimes held responsible for the ?lunatic? and his or her family."
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Architecture: Modernism, Pre-Modernism and Post-Modernism, 2002. A discussion of the different movements - pre-modernism, modernism and post-modernism - in architectural history and how each one differs from the other. 2,550 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 77.95 »
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Abstract A paper which discusses the different movements in architectural history and compares the differences between them. The paper shows how among these movements, modernism is the most popular and how it has influenced art and architecture in the United States and Europe. It shows, on the other hand, that pre-modernism is a less popular era in which architecture was influenced by the industrial age and its need for order and precision, and that Post-modernism was the movement that followed modernism and contains elements of both classicism and modernism.
From the Paper "During the modernism movement, architects started using steel and iron more in their designs and they also started focusing on functional designs. Apart from the use of steel and iron, concrete was also brought back to the architectural world. It is important to know here that concrete is one thing that sets late 19th century buildings from pre-modernism architectural designs. While concrete was first used by the Romans in 5 B.C., it was later taken over by other materials such as marble, stone, brick etc. Modernists are responsible for the revival of concrete in architecture."
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Early German vs. Early Russian Filmmaking, 2004. This paper discusses early German vs. early Russian filmmaking
in terms of a controlled versus an uncontrolled narrative perspective. 980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 34.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that the primary difference between the early Russian films of the first half of the 20th century and the German Expressionist movement, whose films exemplify an artistic ethos, is the significance given to narrative and to expressing a singular and coherent ideology for the viewer. The author points out that, in the case of Russian filmmakers such as Eisenstein, the narrative and descriptive sequences of the film are manipulated over the course of the film to invest particular images and aspects of the film with great importance. The paper relates that the German cinema creates a more ambiguous sense of meaning within its choice frames; the visual, rather than the story-based aspects of the film?s shot and the film?s overall plot arc, have greater significance.
From the Paper "The greater emphasis on narrative within early Russian cinema also is evidenced in the way that the Russian directors, most notably Eisenstein, create meaning between frames of narrative, rather than within frame in a miens-en-scene approach. In this approach, the meaning of a single scene has a meaning in and of itself and can be invested with different meanings outside of the filmed narrative sequence. For instance, ?Potemkin? makes use of what is known as a dialectic montage, or a composition of rapidly evolving scenes, too rapid for the viewer?s eye simply to apprehend just one. The composition and the apprehension of scenes all at once creates a singularity of emotion and intent regarding the action, as opposed to a sustained scene where the viewer is able to consider the image and come to his or her own conclusion regarding the events that are transpiring. Miens-en-scene or middle of the scene approach became very popular in postmodernist and post-structuralism critiques and film analysis. Even the most impressionist examples of Russian cinema, such as the ?Man with a Movie Camera,? have a highly ideological and uniform tone, that of the glory of Russia, in sequences where seemingly unrelated images are created."
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The Early and High Middle Ages in Europe, 2002. This report is intended to show the differences between two of the phases of the Middle Ages (medieval period) in Europe. 1,198 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 41.95 »
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Abstract The Middle Ages are sometimes assumed to be a monolithic period, but they can actually be divided into three distinct time frames: Early, High, and Late Middle Ages. This paper traces the progression through the Early and High stages of medieval development.
From the Paper "The early Middle Ages, from approximately 600 to 1050, was basically a period of economic scarcity and intellectual darkness, except for a very few exceptions. During this time, Europe was plagued by a succession of invasions that it made it very difficult for any substantial growth or development to occur. While there were a few people at the very top who consistently had enough to eat, the more common state was one of near starvation, short lives, and unchecked disease.1"
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Qumran, Early Christians, and Early Rabbinic Judaism, 1999. Examines these three major religious groups, major beliefs and the use of canonical scripture. 3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 8 sources, $ 111.95 »
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Abstract Although fundamentalists in religious life assert that the answers to all human problems are available in inerrant scriptural form, there is still the problem of interpretation. From the beginning, differing stories, differing translations, and differing interpretations of scripture have led to the development of separate communities and sects within communities.
From the Paper "Research on Qumran, Early Christians, and Early Rabbinic Judaism
Introduction
Although fundamentalists in religious life assert that the answers to all human problems are available in inerrant scriptural form, there is still the problem of interpretation. From the beginning, differing stories, differing translations, and differing interpretations of scripture have led to the development of separate communities and sects within communities. The intent in this essay is to look at three separate groups the Qumran community, the Early Christians and Early Rabbinic Judaism exploring their major beliefs and their use of canonical scripture."
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Modernization of 15th Century Europe, 2002. Describes people, events and inventions that significantly helped modernize Europe during the 1400s. 2,254 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 69.95 »
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Abstract This paper connects the various topics pertaining to the modernization of Europe in the fifteenth century. It begins with the Black Death and progresses to other topics such as the printing press, the Renaissance, the power of the church, the creation of Municipal Liberties and antisemitism.
From the Paper "Spain entered an era of prosperity that provided enough wealth to fund Columbus? desire to try sailing to the Indies from the west. 70 days later, on October 12th, 1492, Columbus reached what is now an island in the Bahamas, named San Salvador. While he didn?t really find much more than a little gold and some coconuts, his exaggerated report to the queen gave rise to future funding and interest in the Indies, thus beginning American colonization. The economic plans of Europe were completely revolutionized in the wake of the excitement over the Americas. Important trading ports now moved bit by bit away from Europe and began to include those discovered by those early expansionists. However, it was not all good news. The Spanish and other European colonizers were brutal to the Native Americans, and not too long after came in import of African slaves, which would bring about dreadful consequences in the centuries to come."
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"Europe after the Rain" a Surrealist amid Modernism, 2005. A review of the painting "Europe after the Rain", by Max Ernst. 1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, $ 71.95 »
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Abstract This paper focuses on Max Ernst's painting of 1940-1942, "Europe after the Rain", which expresses surrealism's frequent appeals to the primordial, shamanism, and a strong critique of modernist positivism. Ernst painted this work at at a time when no one could predict the outcome of WWII, and seems to pronounce that whatever occurred, European civilization would be reduced to a primeval, rough state, vestiges here and there to remind of a civilization bent on self-destruction in not one but two world wars.
From the Paper "Surrealism has been noted for its spiritual and political, as well as artistic expression, for an appeal to the unconscious, and to symbolism liberated from conventional form. As part of Modernism, it promoted alternative, critical, versions of civilization and the societies in which we live. In the mid-1930s, Max Ernst described in Beyond Painting that Surrealism was a form, all its own, which required particular mental processes. In childhood, Ernst showed a powerful imagination and interest in its powers, and these took centre stage in a career that developed in the aftermath of World War I."
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