Thirty Years War Battle of Rocroi

Thirty Years' War Battle of Rocroi In early 1643, the Spanish launched an invasion of northern France with the goal of relieving pressure on Catalonia and Franche-Comtà ©. Led by General Francisco de Melo, the mixed army of Spanish and Imperial troops crossed the border from Flanders and moved through the Ardennes. Arriving at the fortified town of Rocroi, de Melo laid siege. In an effort to block the Spanish advance, the 21-year old Duc de dEnghien (later the Prince of Conde), moved north with 23,000 men. Receiving word that de Melo was at Rocroi, dEnghien moved to attack before the Spanish could be reinforced. Summary Approaching Rocroi, dEnghien was surprised to find that the roads to the town were not defended. Moving through a narrow defile flanked by woods and marsh, he deployed his army on a ridge overlooking the town with his infantry in the center and cavalry on the flanks. Seeing the French nearing, de Melo formed up his army in a similar fashion between the ridge and Rocroi. After camping overnight in their positions, the battle began early on the morning of May 19, 1643. Moving to strike the first blow, dEnghien advanced his infantry and the cavalry on his right. As the fighting began, the Spanish infantry, fighting in their traditional tercio (square) formations gained the upper hand. On the French left, the cavalry, despite dEnghiens orders to hold their position charged forward. Slowed by soft, marshy ground, the French cavalrys charge was defeated by the German cavalry of Grafen von Isenburg. Counterattacking, Isenburg was able to drive the French horsemen from the field and then moved to assault the French infantry. This strike was blunted by the French infantry reserve which moved forward to meet the Germans. While the battle was going poorly on the left and center, dEnghien was able to achieve success on the right. Pushing Jean de Gassions cavalry forward, with support from musketeers, dEnghien was able to rout the opposing Spanish cavalry. With the Spanish horsemen swept from the field, dEnghien wheeled Gassions cavalry around and had them strike the flank and rear of de Melos infantry. Charging into the ranks of German and Walloon infantry, Gassions men were able to force them to retreat. As Gassion was attacking, the infantry reserve was able to break Isenburgs assault, compelling him to retire. Having gained the upper hand, by 8:00 AM dEnghien was able to reduce de Melos army to its vaunted Spanish tercios. Surrounding the Spanish, dEnghien pummeled them with artillery and launched four cavalry charges but was unable to break their formation. Two hours later, dEnghien offered the remaining Spanish terms of surrender similar to those given to a besieged garrison. These were accepted and the Spanish were permitted to depart the field with their colors and weapons. Aftermath The Battle of Rocroi cost dEnghien around 4,000 dead and wounded. Spanish losses were much higher with 7,000 dead and wounded as well as 8,000 captured. The French victory at Rocroi marked the first time the Spanish had been defeated in a major land battle in nearly a century. Though they had failed to crack, the battle also marked the beginning of the end for the Spanish tercio as a favored fighting formation. After Rocroi and the Battle of the Dunes (1658), armies began shifting to more linear formations. Selected Sources: The French Phase of the Thirty Years WarFrance and the Thirty Years War

Never Give Up - Difficulties Raise Will Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Never Give Up - Difficulties Raise Will - Essay Example My father is a role model in my village. His story is legendary and has inspired the people of my village to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. I am fortunate to have him as my father and friend and to receive his love and guidance that I am sure will continue to help me in times of distress throughout my life. My father was born into a poor family. His father died when he was just 8 years old leaving him to take care of his mother and sister. Circumstances forced him to work at a tender age to make both ends meet. He told me how he had to beg to feed his family in a severe famine that lasted months. He worked as a laborer and farmer while attending evening school. With little education to speak of, he joined the air force and from the lowest level, he rose through the ranks to become a captain.   After serving the force for 23 years, when he retired at Forty, he had completed not one but two bachelor degrees, one in law and the other in management. Then he joined the local court where he became a successful lawyer and eventually was appointed the president of the court. I was an average student in junior school and, perhaps in the hope of improving my studies, my father enrolled me in the best high school in town. Then something happened that would change my life forever. I had just given my first exam and was waiting for the results. Then, my teacher called me to her chamber and announced that I had failed because of cheating in the exam. I understood that somebody had wrongly reported my name to her. Within minutes the news spread through the whole school like wildfire. Everyone was looking at me, some laughing and pointing, some sympathetic and sad. I felt humiliated and was afraid of facing my father. I was sure that he would beat me to death for bringing disrepute to him and the family name.      By the time I reached home, father had got the news. But, completely different from what I expected, he asked me calmly â€Å"Did you cheat in the test?† I shook my head and he just came over and hugged me. â€Å"Then there is nothing to worry about†, he said adding â€Å"this is the opportunity that God has given you, you got to show them all your true mettle, you have to surprise them with your determination. Go for it, my boy†.   I instantly got the message and was transformed.

International Buisness Between China and USA Essay

International Buisness Between China and USA - Essay Example Trade Issues†). Traditionally, China was regarded as a closed economy and it was not contributed to the international business. However, in present days, China is considered as one of the biggest business nations internationally. China’s incorporation in the international economy and progressive capture of the market ideologies had been initiated by the US political and financial commitment. The economic development of China has helped to widen and extend the business associations between the US and China at every level for the welfare of both countries (United States Trade Representative, â€Å"U.S.-China Trade Relations: Entering a New Phase of Greater Accountability and Enforcement†). Statement of Problem The paper will describe the trends of business relationships between the two nations i.e. ... In the year 1979, the total business between the US and China was approximately US$ 2 billion and it increased to US$ 457 billion by 2010. Presently, China is regarded as the second biggest US business associates and it is the third biggest export market for the USA. The imports had developed much quicker in comparison to export business. The import deficit between these two countries had increased from US$ 10 billion in 1990 to US$ 273 billion in 2010 (Morrison, â€Å"China-U.S. Trade Issues†). The following figure will describe the international business between the US and China from 2000 to 2010: Source: (Morrison, â€Å"China-U.S. Trade Issues†). Merchandise Business between China and the USA The merchandise business between China and the USA had improved considerably with 32.1% increase in 2010, compared to 2009. With the rapid improvement in merchandise exports, China has gradually replaced Japan as one of the merchandise export markets for the US. In the year 201 0, the US export business with China represented almost 7.2% of total exports, a 5.1 percentage increase than 2000 (Morrison, â€Å"China-U.S. Trade Issues†). The following chart will describe the top export business partners of US in 2010: Source: (Morrison, â€Å"China-U.S. Trade Issues†). During recent years, China has remained as one of the fastest rising export markets for the USA. The major categories of export business between China and the USA in the year 2011 were crops, computer and electronic products, chemical products, shipping tools, raw materials and ore. The following table will describe the top most exported products between the US and China in 2010 and 2011: Source: (Turner, â€Å"US-China Trade Continues To Surge in 2011†). Several business analysts have argued that in

Re-organization and Layoff Team Discussion & Summary Essay Example for Free

Re-organization and Layoff Team Discussion Summary Essay Mismanaged layoffs can go horribly wrong. The effect of mismanaged LAYOFFs on the remaining workforce and the effects, lack of management preparation, the human condition, and lack of mitigation strategies. We think that the problem with this article is that not enough managers or HR personal, know how to let a person go from their employment effectively. They sometimes dont realize the impact that it has on the other employees morals. Also, that sometimes companies dont take a closer look to make sure downsizing will be the answer to cutting costs like they think that it will. Every HR or manager should be let go in their lifetime so that they know what it feels like. I believe that this statement holds tremendous merit because the best lessons in life are learned through personal experience. In order to adequately communicate life changing messages of sorts, it should be done by a seasoned manager. I will be very surprised if any company has a potential layoff learning path that will coach and train the management staff for these kinds of things. It is imperative to be sensitive to the individual being laid off as this will impact their livelihood significantly. I do agree that other options much is explored such as relocating or wage cuts before making the decision to lay off people. The Problem Layoffs create uncertainty in the workforce causing loss of productivity in remaining the remaining workforce. The article addresses that a managers approach is paramount; we dont disagree with this sentiment, but I dont see it as a large of an issue as the author of the article. If a company is at a point where they are laying off employees, all other options should have been exhausted. The author writes the article from the position that managers dont know how manage and that layoff are ineffective. I agree layoffs are not useful, but an amount of respect or approach refinement is  going to make the loss of income any easier; I compare that to putting lipstick on a pig. Trying to make a bad situation easier is often more disrespectful than being direct. Firing is something that is done privately and should be kept confident between the manager and the employee being let go. If a manager is letting, someone go for the right reasons the example should be evident to the employees as cause and effect; being held accountable for their actions. If the Manager is abusing their hiring/firing authority that would affect employee morale; forced silence, uncertainty, etc. Problem Solutions The options that were covered in the group discussion I feel very informative. When it comes to releasing someone, whether it is a termination or a layoff, it was discussed if training for those types of situations would be suitable, or if one could even prepare to carry out something of that delicate nature. You can train someone how to do anything, but that does not necessarily mean it will be conducted in the manner it was taught. I think it all highly depends on the situation and the individual who is delivering the news to the employee. The authors best point is one of the best solutions; transparency. Managers should allow people the autonomy of reacting, working through, and coping with a layoff in their own way. Transparency is the most respectful approach that management can take as it shows them the truth of the situation and explains the steps being taken and why. I would add rather than trying to find another position within the company as suggested (the company is already struggling!?) they could offer employment assistance to other enterprises; communicate with other organizations in the same industry to identify openings that people would fit into well. They could put together a communications package that shows them what benefits are available, assistance programs, etc.

Technology & Film Essay -- Film Cinema Movies

Technology & Film Technology has had a huge impact on the world, especially the film industry. It has had a long past and as the technology advances, it becomes more and more realistic. It all began with the first machine patented in the United States that showed animated pictures or movies. It was called the â€Å"wheel of life† or â€Å"zoopraxiscope† and was patented in 1867 by William Lincoln. Moving drawings or photographs were watched through a slit in the zoopraxiscope. However, modern motion picture making began with the invention of the motion picture camera. Frenchman Louis Lumiere is usually credited with the creation of the first motion picture camera in 1895, but several others were invented around the same time. What Lumiere invented was a portable motion picture camera, film processing unit and a projector called the Cinematography, all three functions in one invention. This made motion pictures very popular and it is also known as beginning the motion picture era. In 1895, Lumiere and his brother were the first to present projected, moving, photographic pictures to a paying audience of more than one person. However, they were also not the first to project film. In 1891, the Edison Company successfully demonstrated the Kinetoscope which allowed one person at a time to view moving pictures. Also in 1896, he showed the improved Vitascope projector and it was the first commercially successful projector in the United States. These inventions lead the way to even more discoveries. The early films that were produced were short, grainy, grayscale and silent but technology improved. The debute of The Jazz Singer (1927) in New York had the first words spoken in a feature film by Al Jolson. He sai... ...ors long-dead could be digitally produced. If this is so, then the question is raised of who controls the use and profits from their work. It also raises many ethical issues. Overall, technology in the film industry has come a long way and it has brought many exciting and helpful inventions for film. However, with new technology also brings some issues and questions for the future of the film industry. Works Cited Bellis, Mary. The History of the Motion Picture. The New York Times Company. 2005. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmotionpictures.htm Parsons, June J. and Oja, Dan. Computer Concepts 8th Edition. United States: Course Technology, 2006. Computer Generated Imagery. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 12 Dec 2005. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-generated_imagery

Ceremony: Native Americans in the United States Essay

In Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremony, the use of storytelling is quite prevalent. Within the framework of Ceremony there are references of the tradition of Native American storytelling along with the progression of telling a story. Storytelling within the Native American culture is oral, traditionally. The method of storytelling within Ceremony at the beginning lays down the framework of the entire book. Silko starts out the novel with a series of stories. The first of which is about Ts’its’tsi’nako (or more easily said) â€Å"Thought Women†, who thinks of things and they appear. She happens to be thinking of a story and it just so happens to be the story being told to us. This then leads us to the next story (1). The next story turns out to be a story about stories. This story tells us (the reader) the importance of stories, and that they aren’t merely for entertainment, but are used to fight off death and illness. The narrator then states, â€Å"You don’t have anything, if you don’t have the stories.† Thus telling us the true importance of the stories of Native American culture, seeing as everything was passed down orally, and not much was written down if any at all (2). Now, for Tayo, these stories embody the understanding of the Native American world Tayo grew up with. Only the army, the doctors, and the white schools try to convince Tayo that the stories are wrong. As Tayo recreates and recalls the old tales, he begins to reunite with the community, pulls through the trauma of war, and ultimately brings back the rain to his land. Tayo learns from these stories that he is not alone, because the stories are shared within a community, and because the contents of the stories show him that others have shared like experiences (Notes/Class Discussions). The rest of the stories within the text of Ceremony announce elements that will reoccur within the novel. As the story is told either by a single person or by a group of people, it can fashion between those people a sense of community. As stated previously, that stories have the power to fight of death and illness. The stories contain the ceremonies and rituals that have the ability to cure individuals and the communities. Stories are able to provide this ability by restoring the affiliations betwixt all things and people. The stories within Ceremony are an integral part of the story line. The stories within the novel show us how important they are to the Native American culture and way of life. They provide us with the impending points of the plot, of how a ceremony is what can cure the people.

Arbitrage 3 Opportunities for Flipping a Profit

Arbitrage, in terms of economics, is the taking the opportunity to immediately exchange a good or service in a different for a higher price than initially invested. Put simply, a business person commits arbitrage when they buy cheaply and sell expensively. The Economics Glossary defines arbitrage opportunity as the opportunity to buy an asset at a low price then immediately selling it on a different market for a higher price. If a person can buy an asset for $5, turn around and sell it for $20 and make $15 for his or her trouble, that is called arbitrage, and the $15 gained represents an arbitrage profit. These arbitrage profits can occur in a number of different ways including through buying one good in a market and selling that same good in another, through exchanging currencies at uneven exchange rates, or buying and selling options in the stock market. Arbitrage of One Good in Two Markets Suppose Walmart is selling the original collectors edition DVD of Lord of the Rings for $40; however, a consumer also knows that on eBay the last 20 copies have sold for between $55 and $100. That consumer could then purchase multiple DVDs at Walmart then turn around and sell them on eBay for a profit of $15 to $60 a DVD. However, its unlikely that the person will be able to make a profit in this manner for too long, as one of three things should happen: Walmart could run out of copies, Walmart could raise the price on remaining copies as theyve seen an increased demand for the product, or the price on eBay could fall because of a skyrocket in supply on its marketplace. This kind of arbitrage is actually quite common on eBay as many sellers will go to flea markets and yard sales looking for collectibles that the seller does not know the true value of and has priced much too low; however, there are several opportunity costs associated with this including the time spent sourcing lower-priced goods, the research of competing market prices, and the risk of a good losing its value after initial purchase. Arbitrage of Two or More Goods in the Same Market In the second type of arbitrage, an arbitrageur deals in multiple goods in the same market, most commonly through currency exchanges. Take the Bulgarian-to-Algerian exchange rate  as an example, which currently goes for .5 or 1/2. The Beginners Guide to Exchange Rates illustrates the point of arbitrage by assuming instead that the rate is .6, wherein an investor could take five Algerian dinars and exchange them for 10 Bulgarian leva. She could then take her 10 Bulgarian leva and exchange them back for Algerian dinars. At the Bulgarian-to-Algerian exchange rate, shed give up 10 leva and get back 6 dinars. Now she has one more Algerian dinar than she did before. The result of this type of exchange is a detriment to the local economy where the exchange is taking place because that teller is giving back a disproportionate amount of dinars to the number of levas exchanged in the system.   Arbitrage generally takes on more complex forms than this, involving several currencies. Suppose that the Algerian dinars-to-Bulgarian leva exchange rate is 2 and the Bulgarian leva-to-Chilean peso is 3. To figure out what the Algerian-to-Chilean exchange rate needs to be, we just multiply the two exchange rates together, which is a property of exchange rates known as transitivity. Arbitrage on Financial Markets There are all kinds of arbitrage  opportunities  in financial markets, but most of these opportunities come from the fact that there are many ways to trade  essentially  the same asset, and many different assets are influenced by the same factors, but primarily through options, convertible bonds, and stock indices. A call option is a right  (but not obligation) to buy a stock at a price given  the option, wherein an arbitrageur could buy and sell in a process commonly known as relative value arbitrage. If someone were to buy a stock option for Company X, then turn around and sell it at a higher value because of that option, this would be considered arbitrage. Instead of using options, one can also perform a similar type of arbitrage by using convertible bonds. A convertible bond is a bond issued by a corporation which can be converted into the stock of the bond issuer, and arbitrage on this level is known as  convertible arbitrage. For arbitrage in the stock market itself, there is a class of assets known as Index Funds which are basically stocks which are designed to emulate the performance of a stock market index. An example of such an index is a Diamond (AMEX: DIA) which mimics the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Occasionally the price of the diamond will not be the same as the 30 stocks which make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average. If this is the case, then an arbitrageur can make a profit  by  buying those 30 stocks in the right ratio and selling the diamonds (or vice-versa). This kind of arbitrage is quite complex, as it requires you to buy a lot of different assets. This type of opportunity generally does not last very long as there are millions of investors who are looking to beat the market  any way  they can. Avoiding Arbitrage Is Essential to Market Stability The possibilities for arbitrage are everywhere, from financial wizards selling complicated stock  derivatives to video game collectors selling cartridges on eBay they found at yard sales.   However, arbitrage  opportunities  are often hard to come by, due to transaction costs, the costs involved with finding an arbitrage opportunity, and the number of people who are also looking for that opportunity. Arbitrage profits are generally short-lived, as the buying and selling of assets will change the price of those assets in such a way as to eliminate that arbitrage opportunity.