In what ways and to what extent does the concept of Spain's Golden Age apply more specifically to the reign of Philip II than to the whole period 1474 - 1598?

In what ways and to what extent does the concept of Spain's Golden Age apply more specifically to the reign of Philip II than to the whole period 1474 - 1598? Justify your answer by reference to the similarities and differences you detect between the periods before and after the accession of Philip in 1556 The concept of a Golden Age is a highly contested issue among modern and contempory historians. There is debate over the dates of such an age, or even its existence at all. Working on the assumption that a golden age occurred in some form, to deduce whether it was more specifically under Philip's reign, we must look at the condition of Spain in key areas before and after Philip's accession in 1556. If differences arise a judgement must be made on whether they were an improvement for Spain, or signify a decline. The keys issues include religion, the military, territory, the economy, law and order and the organisation of government. The Golden Age over all should be the period where most of these concerns have reached their peak. The point of entry into the Golden Age in terms of the army is complex, and depends on the definition, i.e. whether it is the number of troops or their individual skills, loyalty and motivation which determines it. In the period 1525 - 1536, the army was highly thought of and comprised of members of the aristocracy fighting for social pride and

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 2747
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
Access this essay

How can inflation be reduced?

How Can Inflation Be Reduced? Inflation is a persistent rise in average price level over a year, it is measured through CPI (Consumer Price Index). CPI takes a basket of goods ,which are weighted due to expenditure in a household budget (so you spend more money on food then shoes therefore food has a higher weight). CPI then looks at how the prices have changed and dictates a rate in accordance to the statistics. Inflation usually carries negative connotations as it usually comes in conjunction with economic instability therefore many different methods have been devised in order to avert the problems of inflation and reduce it. An example of high inflation which was reduced is in Britain. In the 1970's inflation was phenomenal and peaked at over 20%, through successful monetary policy however this was mitigated. By raising interest rates it reduces the growth of aggregate demand it encourages saving (which would stifle consumer spending and investment) as well as reducing disposable income. Monetary policy is a proven technique used to reduce inflation. Favoured by the US and UK it looks at the modification of interest rates in order to control inflation (and reduce) this is know as tightening monetary policy. Monetary policy is the control of money supply by the central bank (so in Britain it is the Bank of England and in the US it's the Federal Reserve). Inflation can

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 2774
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Economics
Access this essay

Bourne Ultimatum

The clip from The Bourne Ultimatum tells the story of Jason Bourne trying to help a journalist escape a group who want to kill him to prevent him from passing on his information to Bourne. The narrative follows on from two previous films and this sequence consists of three narrative threads; 1-Jason Bourne's attempts to discover his identity and expose the conspiracy, 2-the attempts of the American organisation trying to capture and possibly kill Ross, 3-the journey of the unnamed assassin ('asset') to kill Ross and Bourne. The three strands are intercut to make a coherent narrative and they come together at the end of the narrative in a crescendo, namely, the death of Ross. The early use of iconography such as red buses, black cabs, the London underground, an establishing shot and even a glimpse of the Evening Standard make it clear that the scene is set in London. These famous icons make it clear to the audience where it is set and draw on their personal experiences of this particular place, thus possibly making it feel more 'real' to them. The music and the editing create a tense and fast-paced feel to the clip as the shaky camera work and whip pans give it a documentary type feel. This method is often used in this genre of films in order to make the viewer feel like they are there, which is only a new technique as not too long ago if the camera work was shaky this was

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 1045
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Media Studies
Access this essay

How far was the Boer War, 1899-1902, a turning point in the history of the British Empire

How far was the Boer War, 1899-1902, a turning point in the history of the British Empire? (20) The Boer War symbolizes the climax of imperial tensions and excitement of the late 19th century, and can be viewed as a turning point in the history of the Empire, precipitating widespread changes. The first of these is a change in the attitudes towards the ideology of empire; the second is a change in terms of future administration of the empire; and the third is a change in the role of Britain as a dominant world power. The combination of these changes caused the beginnings of a series of transformations concerning the British Empire. The first significant turning point was in terms of attitudes to empire. At the end of the 19th century Britain was experiencing enormous prosperity, characterised by imperial expansion and dominance. Owing to her industrialisation and resulting wealth, Britain became a strong and influential world power, monopolising trade in Africa, India and Asia. Through her 'Open Door' policy in China, Britain controlled 70% of world trade, reaping enormous profits. Moreover, she controlled extremely profitable gold and diamond mining regions in Africa, and capitalised on trade in India which was a source of cheap materials and labour, as well as a huge and profitable market for British goods. Therefore, Britain's imperial position was strong and dominant,

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 1905
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: History
Access this essay

Price as one of the 4 P's.

Task 12: Price Price is another one of the 4P's which is very important in marketing as most people cannot afford to buy anything no matter what the price is instead people's decision on buying a product is usually if the price right and if they can afford it. For price businesses use different types of strategies to price their products, incorrect pricing leads to costumers not buying their products therefore will loose income and turn bankrupt if a sol trader like I am. Price has always been a very important factor in the marketing mix but it's even more vital in today's competitive environment when businesses have to compete ruthlessly with their competitors. There are many factors that affect the price a business might charge. A business usually will look at its competitor's prices and see what they are charging then they can price their according. Also for a new business like mine I'm going to keep in mind that I am a new company without a reputation so I must have low prices other wise consumers will prefer to go to a well known brand so I have to try and get consumers attention. Other factors include looking at supply and demand once they research this they have to choose their strategies depending on the time and product. There are seven main strategies I will be looking at and comparing which one is best for my business and when. Penetration pricing: This is when

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 842
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
Access this essay

Is the MMR vaccination safe?

Contents 2 Introduction 3 How does MMR give immunity? 4 How was MMR tested for safety? 5 What about the side effects? 6 Is there a link to autism and bowel disease? 7 Are separate vaccinations a better alternative? 0 What about mercury in vaccinations? 2 Are homeopathic substitutes an alternative? 1 Conclusion 2 Bibliography and References 3 Introduction MMR is a combined, live, attenuated vaccination which is given to children firstly at 13 months and then again as a booster at 3 years 4 months. It provides immunity against three diseases caused by viruses: measles, mumps and rubella. The diseases are all extremely unpleasant and can lead to serious complications (26). * Measles is an extremely infectious virus that usually causes high-fever, a rash and generally feeling unwell and will usually last for around five days in children, however sometimes longer in adults. One in every fifteen children will have serious complications, such as chest infections, fits and encephalitis (the swelling of the brain which can lead to brain damage). In extreme cases it can even be fatal. In 1987, the year before the MMR vaccination was brought into the UK 86,000 children caught measles and 16 died (1). * Mumps is another virus which also causes a fever, but also headaches, swollen glands in the face, neck and jaw and it can even result in permanent deafness and

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 5390
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Science
Access this essay

Sainsbury's organizational structure.

Task 3 (E4, C2, A1) Sainsbury's organizational structure Businesses are structured into different into ways according to the way they operate and according to their culture. The structure of business can affect the way it works and performs. You need to understand the differences between the following types of structure: * Tall * Flat * Matrix * Hierarchical Flat and tall structure:- The term 'scalar chain is a rather old fashioned one and stems from the days when large organizations were bureaucratic, with lots of layers between the top and bottom. Scalar chain refers to the number of levels within the structure or hierarchy of an organization. The scalar chain set out the authority, responsibility and the framework that determined superior and subordinate relationships. The idea of setting out everyone's role and position is to make it clear who is responsible for what, and that there is clear line of authority. Matrix structure:- A matrix structure can be used to combine the grouping method we have identified. In such a matrix it is probable that each member of the organization will belong to two or more groups. A matrix is thus a combination of structures, which enables employees to contribute to a mix of activities. The matrix enables the organization to focus upon a number of aims at the same time, and gives it the flexibility to respond to new markets where

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 5488
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
Access this essay

Disney's E-Commerce Strategy.

Touro University International Kevin P. Beck BUS 401 - International Business Module 1 Case Assignment: Disney's E-Commerce Strategy Professor - Dr. Paul Watkins If the Walt Disney Company expects to achieve success as it pursues international markets, effectively integrating the Internet and e-commerce into its global strategy must become one of its prime considerations. In an article published on the website Forbes.com, Disney CEO Michael Eisner indeed states: "The Internet continues to be a central focus of our company's business strategy".1 This paper will address three key points: why Disney must expand its use of e-commerce to gain leverage in the global market, how it can be done, and what the potential benefits are. Let's begin by discussing why Disney should place increased emphasis on e-commerce. If it expects to remain competitive and attract new business, Disney should strive to raise its position in the e-commerce arena. This is an important challenge because, as a major media company, it lags far behind its competitors when it comes to controlling Internet user minutes. As of June 2001, Disney provided less than one percent of online usage minutes while top competitor AOL/Time-Warner captured a sizable 32 percent share.2 Based on those statistics, it's easy to conclude that the company's ability to generate worldwide business to business (B2B) and

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 821
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: ICT
Access this essay

Revision notes - origins of life on Earth, chemistry of life

8.4 LIFE ON EARTH 8.4.1 Origin of life 8.4.1.1 Identify the r/ship between the conditions on early Earth and the origin of organic molecules * Early earth contained no ozone layer › large amounts of UV radiation reached the earth * Little free oxygen (anoxic) therefore no ozone layer. * The volcanic emissions filled the atmosphere with methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), H, CO2, CO and small amounts of water vapour. * The violent electrical storms and acidic rain formed the present warm and mineral-rich oceans. * There are only two possible ways organic molecules could have formed either - formed on earth from simpler molecules (Abiogenesis) - arrived from the cosmos (Panspermia) 8.4.1.2 Discuss the implications of the existence of organic molecules in the cosmos for the origin of life on Earth Panspermia * Elements found in space (H, He, C, O, N, P) can combine to form organic molecules. * Some of these compounds including amino acids have been found in meteors that have struck the earth's surface. * Panspermia proposes that living organisms were seeded on earth as passengers on comets and meteors (ie. Life evolved elsewhere and travelled to earth) 8.4.1.3 Describe two scientific theories relating to the evolution of the chemicals of life and discuss their significance in understanding the origin of life Chemosynthesis * Formation of complex organic molecules on

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 2113
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Science
Access this essay

The Scott Report and the Making of the Modern Countryside - 'How penetrating was the Scott report's analysis of rural problems and what were the consequences of its recommendations?'

The Scott Report and the Making of the Modern Countryside 'How penetrating was the Scott report's analysis of rural problems and what were the consequences of its recommendations?' Nineteenth century Britain violently swung from being a predominantly agricultural society to being the "workshop of the world". Such a dramatic shift led to ramifications in all British factions especially the countryside. The Scott Report otherwise known as the Majority Report was published in 1942. It summed up the complex changes that had been taking place in rural England during the preceding half-century, and set out a series of plans and recommendations for the government to subsequently follow. The Report has been sited as the most influential document concerning the English countryside of the twentieth century. It has, however, not been without criticism. Many have been damning in their condemnation of the catastrophic impact it has had on the countryside in the following half century. Why is this so? The Scott Report was primarily the product of four men; Scott, Stamp, Hudson and Reath. The integrity of each has been called into question as much as the Report itself. Questions have even arisen whether the alleged author Scott actually wrote the report. Each contributor's bias, some would claim, is clearly visible in the message the report conveys. Hudson, for example, the Minister of

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 2147
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: Geography
Access this essay