China in the 20th century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

China in the 20th century - Essay Example Twentieth century has been the period of great massive changes for China. This has been a period of revolution with changes all round including governments, economy, political and cultural. Twentieth century China is an epitome of great sociopolitical changes This has been a period of revolution with changes all round including governments, economy, political, social and cultural. Twentieth century China is an epitome of great sociopolitical changes (Schoppa). This changing face of China has its effects on the economic and political future of China. This paper aims at exploring and critically analyzing the three systematic challenges the current leadership is facing namely the challenge of fragile political institutions and structures, growing strength of societal changes and stability and sustainability of economic, social and political progress. This paper will analyze the effectiveness and efficacy of the reform programs initiated by Chinese government. It aims an in-depth study o f the hurdles the economic reforms are challenged with and the weaknesses of the political system along with the predictions of the future. A brief history of China in Twentieth Century China was one of the most advanced and politically powerful country of the world, with its long Chinese history and rich Chinese civilization at the beginning of the twentieth century. Even at that time too it was the most populous and politically unified country with very advanced agriculture. However when Europeans landed on this region China was stuck in its old traditions with no industrialization. The Chinese traditional government began to fail in the early years of the twentieth century and Western Nations were fighting over as much control as possible. The resentment of this foreign influence by the Chinese people was revealed in Boxer rebellion. The Chinese people replaced their imperial system with Chinese republic led by Sun Yat-sen in 1911. The battle with imperial forces and republican f orces of Sun continued for some time. With the outbreak of First World War china found itself providing laborers for alleged mines and factories. While the internal battle of power in china continued weakening it even further Japan capitalized on the situation. By the end of 1939 Japan’s full blown aggression against China yielded them control over most of the east coast of China. First half of the twentieth century for china mostly meant power struggle, high inflation and economic strife. In 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong peoples’ Republic of China was established. The republic of China meant great proletarian cultural reforms. A five year plan which included cultural reform, social reforms, land reforms and economic planning was developed and implemented. China formed a thirty year alliance with Russia against Japan and its allies. It laid the roots of communism in China. Most of the Western world did not establish diplomatic ties with Communist China until 1971. Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai remained China’s leaders until 1976 who transformed China with many of their reforms. With their death power struggle again continued in China resulting in famous incidents like Tiananmen Square. Deng and Zhao Ziyang brought younger generation into power. They implemented policies for modernization of four major sectors namely agriculture, industry, defense and science and technology. (Phill) Future economy of China is the most talked about topic these days. Is this economic growth sustainable? Different aspects of social, political and economic pressures on China along with its weak political structure are the concern of most of the Western world The Institutional Dynamics of China’s Transformation Institutions provide the basic and

Growth Strategy for Vincor Essay Example for Free

Growth Strategy for Vincor Essay Vincor needs to align itself in the marketplace such that it can continue to be a market leader and grow internationally. The Canadian wine market is stagnant with limited growth opportunities in a few segments red, premium, varietal, and ice wines. Supply is always a big concern and government regulations for the sale of alcohol must be considered. As a result of the changing environment, new prospects in the market and strategic growth in external markets (international) should be analyzed. Going forward, Vincor’s growth strategy needs to focus on markets where they can have substantial market penetration and be highly successful. The opportunities are as follows: 1) Expand into international markets via acquisition and restructure the current debt to reduce interest costs. Capitalize on the popular brand name in the new market to achieve significant foreign growth. 2) Varied approach to cost reduction and focus on niches within Canada. Recover a portion of the emerging grey market by developing new product packaging for the low-end wines (plastic or boxes). 3) Build mutually beneficial partnerships with new glass bottle suppliers and develop a sales channel that will induce economies of scale for the price of bottles and increase margins; or renegotiate with current suppliers to reduce costs and provide incentives by signing an exclusivity agreement. 4) Zero in on the ice wine consumers by meeting the demand. Exploit the Inniskillin brand in the Canadian premium wine market in order to gain market share. 5) Develop a new product internationally through a partnership with a winery or vineyard by leveraging Vincor’s strong management team, international award status and proven sales force to sustain Vincor’s growth pattern. Expanding internationally through the acquisition of a company with strong branding would prove the best alternative, both in terms of timing and future growth potential. Developing a partnership in order to produce new products would take years and considerable time and effort before any gains would be realized. The varied approach would not produce enough growth to support an IPO, but many of these avenues will be addressed to reduce costs over the next several years. First six (6) to twelve (12) months: †¢ Set up the team that will conduct an international market study to determine which market, and more specifically, brand to penetrate. The team will include: 1. Jones and a market insight team (utilize services of a consulting firm that specializes in foreign winery acquisitions) 2. Jackson and his mergers and acquisition (MA) team 3. Munroe for sales and marketing 4. Investment banker †¢ The market insight team will gather the data and develop a sound understanding of the targeted wineries and knowledge of the regulations of the country †¢ Recommendations will be made to MA team Next twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months: †¢ Once a decision is reached, the investment banker and MA team will contact the companies, begin their due diligence process and conduct the final purchase †¢ The new winery will be integrated into Vincor’s portfolio and Munroe with his sales and marketing team will be responsible for its growth The international acquisition will expand Vincor globally and provide for significant growth in its portfolio. At the same time, the desired Canadian relationships with suppliers will be cemented to reduce cost of sales and increase margins.

A Clean Well Lighted Place English Literature Essay

A Clean Well Lighted Place English Literature Essay During the 20th century, literature contained many different typed of writing themes. One theme in particular was place. The use of place as a theme was utilized especially well in many of Ernest Hemingways works. Hemingway was one of the greatest American writers and journalists of the 20th century. One of his more famous works is his short story, A Clean, Well-Lighted Place. The title is self-explanatory towards revealing the possibility of place being one of the themes of the short story. Ernest Hemingways A Clean, Well-Lighted Place begins slowly with two people having a conversation but ends up displaying an important theme of place in the clean, well-lighted bar atmosphere that is seen. In many works of literature, a certain place establishes a sense of lifestyle. Place gives reader a sense of automatic comfort and further knowledge of the plot. A huge basis upon what makes place important as a theme in literature is the relationship it has with the characters. When readers are first given the setting and sense of place that the characters are living in, readers can automatically depict whether or not the characters adjust or fit in with the society and environment. Depending upon the characters personality and the personality of the place, tension and apprehension can result from a distortion with each other. However, if a character adjusts with the society in the story, messages can be implicated and readers can associate better with the authors writing style. An example of this can be seen in Annie Proulxs short story, Brokeback Mountain. The two cowboys correlate well with the cold, mountainous work environment that Proulx places them in. These two men use this mountain as a place of leisure that they can enjoy and get away to. The mountain is significant to the theme because of this. Thus, by creating the appropriate settings and places for the events to take place, the tone that authors wants to attain, will be brought out effectively and will therefore demonstrate the connection between the atmosphere and the characters in the story and show in general, how it has exaggerated the characters and their personalities. Hemingway wrote many confusing works of literature that have been thoroughly debated for years. This short story definitely follows the pattern of confusion that Hemingway brought to readers. The story begins with discussion of a drunk, old man that visits this bar and cafà © every night. It appears to be conversation between two waiters, one young and young old, about the drunken mans attempt at suicide a couple nights before. The two waiters argue about closing the bar. The younger waiter is angry and wants to go home, while the older waiter is more patient. Overall, the story is perplexing because it does not seem to have a point, but further examination of the dialogue and setting can divulge a message. In many of Hemingways works readers are forced to use the dialogue of the characters to determine what is actually going on. The difficulty presented by the story derives from the fact that in only a few instances does Hemingway identify the speaker (Gabriel 539). Although Hemingway uses dialogue as a theme, place is most definitely one of the most important premises he implicates into his stories. In A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, Hemingway gives us a cafà © which is clean and well lit, but generally has a lonely vibe. This cafà © represents more than just a place for the old man to get drunk, but a place that he can resolve his loneliness. Hemmingways solemn tale is about defeating the late night loneliness in a bright bar. The drunken man drinking brandy endures it and so does the elder waiter. However, the younger waiter cannot comprehend being alone because he most likely has not been very forlorn in his life. He brings up a couple times during the story that he wished to go home to his wife, yet the old man and old waiter have no wives to go home to like he does. Ernest Hemingway does not feel the need to give much detail on the setting.    The reader knows that it is late and that these men are in a cafà ©. The main character is sitting in the shadow and he is drinking brandy. Hemingway leaves out details from the setting but does make it clear that this cafà © is, like the title suggests, clean and well-lighted. He only states important aspects of the setting demonstrating that details are nothing, or nada. Through his writing Hemingway implies that this old man feels that little details in the world mean nothing. When the older waiter asks the younger waiter why this drunken man had tried to commit suicide a week before, the younger waiter simply answers Nothing. He has plenty of money (Hemingway 17). In the young waiters mind this old man has everything. Obviously, this old man feels that things like money are nothing and thus not worth living over. Ernest Hemingway, through the lack of details, demonstrates that details are nothing a nd therefore not worth inputting, strengthening the nada theme. Each night I am reluctant to close up because there may be some one who needs the cafà © (251). The waiter who speaks these words realizes that his cafà © is more than just a place to eat and drink. The main character of the story is the elderly, deaf drunken man who spends every evening at the cafà © until it closes. Place is used to help the reader understand the old mans loneliness and the comfort he receives from the cafà ©. Hemingway uses direct description, visual and auditory clues, and sense imagery to establish the setting and to develop this understanding. Hemingway uses direct description at the very beginning of the story to establish the setting of the story for the reader. It was late and everyone had left the cafà © except an old man who sat in the shadow the leaves of the tree made against the electric light. In the day time the street was dusty, but at night the dew settled the dust (Hemingway 15). This conveys a sense of solitude and peace which surrounds the o ld man. More importantly, this description gives the reader a feeling for the loneliness which has engulfed the old man. The use of shadows and light, along with solitude, gives the sense of loneliness. The older waiter argues that they should have allowed their customer to stay, that being in the cafà © is not the same as drinking at home. He explains that he is also one of those who likes to stay late at a cafà © . . . . With all those who do not want to go to bed. With all those who need a light for the night (Hemingway 18). He does not want to close, since there may be someone else who needs the cafà ©. When the young waiter says there are bodegas open all night, the other points out that the bright atmosphere of the cafà ©s makes it different. This detail demonstrated by Hemingway truly reflects the importance of the cafà © as a theme and its relevance with the characters. The visual and auditory clues the author uses are necessary in understanding why the old man continues to return to the cafà © each night. Turning off the electric light he continued the conversation with himself. It is the light of course but it is necessary that the place be clean and pleasant. You do not want music. Certainly you do not want music (Hemingway 23). It is essential that the cafà © be well-lighted to offset the old mans dark and lonely life. In addition, music would only be a distraction from his thoughts and a disruption of the solitude which quiet brings. Finally, through Hemingways use of sense imagery, the reader is able to understand why the old man visits the cafà © at night. the old man liked to sit late because he was deaf and now at night it was quiet and he felt the difference (Hemingway 22). Evening brings a sense of serenity to the old man. The day time distractions, even for a deaf man, are replaced by evening solitude. This allows the old man to withdraw and reflect on the loneliness of his life. It is clear that Hemingways use of direct description, visual and auditory clues, and sense imagery to establish setting help the reader to understand the old mans loneliness and the comfort he receives from the cafà ©. The old man is first seen as very lonely and in search of solitude and quiet. The setting, and the use of several literary mechanisms, however, further develop this old man and enable the reader to not only see his loneliness but feel and understand it. After the younger waiter goes home, the older one asks himself why he needs a clean, pleasant, quite, well-lighted place. The answer is that he requires some such impression of order because of a nothing that he knew too well. He begins a mocking prayer: Our nada who art in nada as it is in nada (Hemingway 23). He then finds himself at a bodega which is a poor substitute for a clean, well-lighted cafà ©. These places which bring light to the characters also bring a light out in readers. Hemingway presented a place where not only the old man went to, but also his readers could relate to because of the solemn feelings sometimes felt. He goes home to lie awake until daylight may finally bring him some sleep: After all, he said to himself, it is probably only insomnia. Many must have it (Hemingway 24). Hemingways past may have given him reason to write this story and also reason to use this certain place. He was quite the drinker which gave him firsthand accounts of being in a bar and the atmosphere it provided. He may have used some of his own life experiences to give himself inspiration towards what this deaf, old man might have been feeling. Hemingways complex relationship with women he married four timesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Pukas 1). He most likely felt loneliness a lot of his life because of the many relationships he was in and out of. This most likely resulted in his heavy drinking, and the clean, well-lighted bars that he went to would give him comfort. Many writers use different ways of approaching place as a theme. Some writers use the place with the characters personalities, or some use the place as a higher power. In this short story by Hemingway, he uses visual imagery to depict this fresh, bright environment to readers in similar ways that other writers would. Writing visually takes talent and uniqueness, and like any talent there are methods that made Hemingway stand out from the others. Creating a visual image gives the reader that place where they want to go on their minds virtual journey through a short story such as A Clean, Well-Lighted Place. Imagery gives the reader that picture in their minds eye as a reference to place with the written words. ..Everyone had left the cafà © except an old man who sat in the shadow the leaves of the tree made against the electric light (Hemingway 15). In this instance, Hemingway was more visibly descriptive about where the old man was sitting. The shadow indicated that the old man may have sat in the dark for a reason, such as loneliness. An artist, who can write well, weaves those images into the story line, taking the reader on a journey where the imagery leaves you satisfied with the ride when the last page is turned and the gateway or book has been closed. The images stay with you long after. Hemingway is not your typical 20th century writer because he truly had his own style of writing. His works were complicated for some readers but revolved around strong messages. Every person can relate with at least one of his short stories because of his usage of the places that his readers have once been to and experienced themselves. Understanding the importance of place as a theme in literature takes research and exploration of many different writers. Ernest Hemingway uses settings and places on a whole other level by elaborating with visual imagery and toying with readers senses. A Clean, Well-Lighted Place isnt just about the loneliness of an old, deaf man, but also displays characteristics that can be felt by all. Hemingway shows readers that sometimes it takes a clean, well-lighted place to get away from the dark, loneliness we feel when we are down.

Kurt Vonnegut’s Experience of Time Travel, War, and Death in Slaughterh

Slaughterhouse-Five is a stirring science-fiction book, which contains many interesting themes such as, space and time travel, philosophy on death, war, and aliens. In the novel Slaughterhouse-Five, The main character, Billy Pilgrim, is not in the first chapter. The author of this book, Kurt Vonnegut is the main character in this chapter (Harris). This book is written in a rather random order because Billy Pilgrim lived his life that way. In the novel Slaughterhouse-Five, the author’s imagination helps him get through reality by giving him the illusion that he is traveling through time and cannot die (Westbrook). Billy was a prisoner-of-war, but he continues with his normal life; he also believes that he was kid napped by aliens called Talfamadores (Peebles). These so called trips occur all through his life. He continues his life after serving in World War II by the occupation of optometry. He becomes rather wealthy but eventually dies. Giannone explains that there are three t hemes in Slaughterhouse-Five, which include, victory wins over death, the idea of no death, and the reader’s thoughts on the events of the book (Giannone). Billy Pilgrim has gained the ability to become unstuck in time. Billy went to sleep one night as an old man, and has woken up the next day as a driven young engaged man (Vonnegut 23). He has no control over where he is going to stop next in his lifetime, these trips are rather frightening (Vonnegut 23). In Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy thinks he is able to escape the present and time travel, but really, he is going back in time and seeing the bombings and other experiences (Vees-Gulani). In this novel, time is not chronological order, the time lapsed in this novel is very large, the time is made up of sma... ...Vol. 152. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. Shear, Walter. "Kurt Vonnegut: The Comic Fate of the Sensibility." The Feeling of Being: Sensibility in Postwar American Fiction. New York: Peter Lang, 2002. 215-239. Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Jeffrey W. Hunter. Vol. 212. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. Vees-Gulani, Susanne. "Diagnosing Billy Pilgrim: a psychiatric approach to Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five." CRITIQUE: Studies in Contemporary Fiction 44.2 (2003): 175+. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. Vonnegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse-Five. New York, New York: Dell Publishing, 1991. Print. Westbrook, Perry D. "Kurt Vonnegut Jr.: Overview." Contemporary Novelists. Susan Windisch Brown. 6th ed. New York: St. James Press, 1996. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 17 Jan. 2014.

The Evolution of Communication Essay -- Internet Net World Wide Web Me

The Evolution of Communication Since the earliest of years, communication has been an important part of life. The term communication is defined as a means to give or interchange thoughts, feelings, information, or the like, by writing, speaking, gesturing, etcetera ( Stein, 298). Communication allows humans and other life-forms to interact with each other and transfer important information. The information transferred could be comprised of anything from a nearby food source to the discovery of fire. Over the years, communication has taken many forms. In 1962, a singer and songwriter named Bob Dylan (b. Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941, Duluth, Minnesota) released his first album titled Bob Dylan. After listening to this album and noticing his talent for intertwining melodic songs and lyrics that spread social consciousness to the masses, it is hard to believe the simple grunt had come this far. Through the advances of science, scientist have concluded that the evolution of life probably took place over the past tens of millions of years. During these years life has evolved from tiny microscopic organisms into modern man. The genus Homo, which houses mankind, only appeared some two million years ago. Through much research, it has been concluded that speech probably arrived in its simplest form some 250,000 to 300,000 years ago. This early stage of speech, or communication, consisted of Neanderthals using their mouths to formulate sounds. This attempt to communicate by sound, which may have been discovered by listening to animals such as birds or other creatures and attempting to recreate them, is commonly known as grunting (Lacy, 2). The transformation from grunting, to the actual formulation of words, probably took pl... ...y. Many people took advantage of the radio and attempted to raise social consciousness through the broadcasting of songs and lyrics (information). Radio allowed information to be distributed in a wide range. Song's were played to whomever would listen, and not just in certain areas and ethnic boundaries. One such educator was Bob Dylan. Over three decades Bob Dylan released 46 albums. Dylan's combination of folk music, social consciousness, and the radio allowed him to speak to a nation. The information he was sending was heard by millions upon millions and could be traced all the way back to the simple grunt some 250,000 to 300,000 years ago. Works Cited Ed., Jess Stein. The Random House Dictionary of the English Language. Random House Publishing: New York, 1967 Lacy, Dan. From Grunts To Gigabytes. Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois: Urbana,1996

Themes in Frankenstein

Shelley uses multiple narrators, nested and frame narratives and an epistolary style to tell the story of Frankenstein. Comment on the effect of these and why she may have done this.Mary Shelly’s novel â€Å"Frankenstein† was written in 1818. The author uses different types of techniques to create a variety of different narrators and points of views by using a form of epistolary. Frame narration is also another great part of the novel that supports the complexity of layers in the book. These help present the suspicion element, characters point of view, the similarity between the main characters, and allow the reader to develop a personal opinion without the author resorting to the device of an omniscient narrator.The book starts with the letters from Robert Walton describing his voyage to the North Pole and his sighting of an ill man, who Walton later nurses back to health â€Å"A man in wretched condition† pg.11. After a recovery, the stranger, Victor Frankenste in, tells him the story of his life. The letters set up the novel and create suspicion due to the reader not knowing what the significance of these letters is. However, Walton is the first of the characters that tells his story, which gives the reader an advantage to conclude for himself about his opinion towards the different characters. This device, frame narrative, establishes a complex layer of stories, hence, the reader listens to Victors story, so does Walton, and Walton’s sister to him.Throughout the story, Victor occasionally interrupts and addresses Walton directly, or when Walton signs the letters he is sending off to his sister. These are the first encounters with the different language devices that Mary Shelly uses to create more depth in addition to a different structure to other books. Moreover, the reader is compelled to give more attention to the book, in order to understand the plot, and have an own opinion about the different situations in the book.Furthermo re, the letters also display the similarity between Walton and Victor, since they both seek to discover and complete objectives for the world. For example Walton describes how it will benefit the entire human race â€Å"Inestimable benefit on all mankind to the last generation† (pg.16 Walton) and Victor states that it will reveal the greatest power in the world â€Å"pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation† (pg.49 Victor). The ambition to figure out the answer drives them both to their death and that of other innocent lives, demonstrating how the pursuit to solve such mysteries, with desire and determination, can result differently than one’s expectations.On the other hand the letters also surface the resemblance between other characters. Walton and the creation, Frankenstein, both present their loneliness and their wish to find a friend to share their stories. The isolation and loneliness in the novel is one of the most significant themes, which are presented throughout the form of epistolary. In the opening of the letters Walton expresses his lonesomeness â€Å"I shall commit my thoughts to paper, it is true; but that is a poor medium for the communication of feeling.I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me, whose eyes would reply to mine. You may deem me romantic, my dear sister, but I bitterly feel the want of a friend† (Shelley 10). This is one of the first encounters with the theme, but later on this suffering repeats itself with the creation, Frankenstein, ‘When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, the, a monster, a blot upon the earth from which all men fled and whom all men disowned?'†Chap. 13 pg. 105 The most appropriate reason why Mary Shelly would come to such a structure, would be to show the similarity between a normal human and a creature, also known as a monster, and matching hopes of not resulting abandoned. Mary Shelly questions here if humans and monster share a similarity, and if the humans can also posses these qualities of monsters. This insight to the emotions and perspectives of the characters, establishes an insight for the reader to their feelings and deeper thoughts, as well as a bond between the reader and character. Mary shelly motivates the reader to develop a personal opinion about these characters and the entire story and to judge whether or no the creature is a monster or simply misunderstood.Frankenstein has a very creative structure that helps create a meaningful effect on the reader, and compelling story. This form of frame narration, multiple different perspectives, provides us with the opportunity to develop our own opinion towards the characters and their actions. Not only opinions  are formed, but we also come to realize that creatures and humans, in this novel, share certain similarities. These can be interpreted that us humans have traits, similar to monsters , or the other way around. Overall, the novel has effects that cannot be established if the form of epistolary would have not been applied. This shows the complexity of layers in this novel and how the variety stimulates the story and provokes the reader.

Absolutism and Baroque Art in 17th Century

Europe in the 17th century was a continent in upheaval. Even this early on, it must be acknowledged that what was just said can be considered as an understatement. There is just not enough space and enough phraseology to describe the depth and sweeping changes occurring at that time. The transformation from Medieval Europe into Industrialized Europe can be likened to birth pangs – painful experiences that would result in something amazing if one can only go through the ordeal.In this period of turbulence there are two ideas and concepts that until now has caught the imagination of historians and art connoisseurs: a) Absolutism (political/religious) and b) Baroque (art). The complexity of these two terms offers a glimpse into a Europe emerging from slumber and into a collection of states that will rule the world. This paper will look into the relationship of absolutism and Baroque art in the context of the events that shaped 17th century Europe.At the end of the study the follo wing questions will be answered:1. What exactly is absolutism?2. What is Baroque art?3. What exactly is the relationship between absolutism and Baroque art?Absolutism For a 21st century American, a simple understanding of absolutism may be a form of rule that is anti-democratic. The modern world is so used to freedom of speech, freedom to assemble/protest and finally ability to choose its own leaders. Thus, anything that displays the opposite is ofcourse absolutism.But an accurate definition of absolutism is problematic. First of all there is an extreme difficulty tracing its origins and how it developed. According to Peter Wilson, in his book, â€Å"Absolutism in Central Europe†, â€Å"There seems little agreement as to when it emerged, what drove it forward, whether it progressed through distinct phases and when it came to an end† (2000, p. 10). But historians could not be denied. Many had pointed to the end of the Thirty Years War, as the beginning of the age of abs olutism.Wilson elaborated on this timeline when he wrote â€Å"The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 [†¦] not only concluded the Thirty Years War in a major European peace settlement confirming France as a major power, but strengthened the German princes by weakening the authority of the Holy Roman Emperor† (2000, p. 12). Absolutism therefore is a transition phase between the Dark Ages and the coming capitalist society. And to simplify it much further, â€Å"†¦absolutism existed as a real form of monarchy†, according to Wilson (2000, p. 11).It is now easy to understand that this kind of rule which was exemplified by France, can find its origins in the past monarchial systems that ruled Europe and this include the display of absolute power by an infallible pope. Politics and Art The connection between Baroque art and absolutism is subtle. There is no proof that can show that Kings had a direct hand in developing this art form. Still, the force that propagated it an d encouraged it to flourish comes from leadership soaked in absolute power.This is because the line that connects absolutism and Baroque art is the term counter-reformation. It would be helpful to take one step backwards and see the development of counter-reformation and the subsequent use of an art form as a kind of information disseminating tool. It quickly developed into a fashionable thing for Kings to indulge in – collecting Baroque art and commissioning artists to create the same. Baroque Art The cultural product of the 17th century Europe was described as â€Å"Baroque† (Kleiner & Mamiya, 2005, p. 569).Kleiner and Mamiya then added that it is, â€Å"†¦a convenient blanket term. However, this term is problematic because the period encompasses a broad range of developments, both historical and artistic, across an expansive geographic area† (2005, p. 569). Since it is impossible to have an accurate description of Baroque art that will give justice to al l artwork done in this period, then it would be better to console oneself with a basic understanding of Baroque through Mary Marien’s work.In Fleming’s Arts and Ideas, Marien remarked that in this technique there is more emphasis on forceful striving and restless motion as opposed to calm and repose (2004, p. 359). Mariend added that, â€Å"Grandeur and magnificence prevailed in the baroque arts. Emperors, kings, popes, and princes vied with one another to attract great artists to their courts by offering large commissions† (2004, p. 359). Counter-Reformation The motivation and the directive to use baroque arts in the Counter-Reformation was traced by Klein and Zerner.It emanated from the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and they wrote, â€Å"In reaction to the Protestant’s attacks against images, the Council of Trent, restating the ideas of the 15th century ‘Catholic Reformation,’ required art to regain dignity in its forms and coh erence (Klein & Zerner, 1966, p. 119). But the effect of baroque arts was not merely to create icons that are proper and dignified. It was able to move people by the way the subjects are portrayed.Reich and Cunningham elaborated on this and they wrote: Carvaggio’s work is emotional and dominated by strong contrasts of light and darkness. Annibale Carracci painted scenes of movement and splendor [†¦] Rembrandt used strong contrast of light and dark to paint deeply felt religious scenes†¦(2005, p. 195). Conclusion Attempting to define both Baroque art and absolutism proved to be problematic for the proponent since the two terms were used to describe a wide range of developments in 17th century arts and politics.Still, it was ascertained that absolutism is a form of monarchial rule that existed after Europe emerged from the Medieval Period. It was also a transition phase from the feudal type of governing the land to the more sophisticated nations states and unto the mo re recent capitalistic society of Europe. Around the same time that this kind of governance was used in Europe – of which France was the prime example of a more distinguishable absolutism – there were other events and movements that could be indirectly linked to said form of governance.In reaction to an earlier kind of absolutism – of which the Holy Roman Emperor was the prime example – Protestantism was the result of the discontentment of such rule. The counter-reaction of the Roman Catholic Church to the act of splitting the church in two is a program called counter-reformation. In essence it was a method aimed at strengthening Roman Catholics remaining strongholds at the same time actively defending the Catholic Church from further incursions by the Protestants.Baroque was one of the major tools used to display the superiority of the Roman Catholics, as opposed to the crudeness of the breakaway sect. But it was not only the Church who realized its impo rtance, the rich and royalty spared no expense in collecting and commissioning artists to produce one. Thus, there were two ways that Baroque art became a utilitarian tool in relation to those wielding absolute power. With regards to the Catholic Church an explanation was already given earlier. Concerning royalty, the nobility and wealthy merchants, it was a way of displaying opulence and status.ReferencesReich, J. & Cunningham, L. (2005). Cultures and Values: A Survery of the Humanities. CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Marien, M. (2004). Fleming’s Arts and Ideas. CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Kimmel, M. (1988). Absolutism and Its Discontents: State and Society in Seventeenth Century France and England. New Jersey: Transaction, Inc. Kleiner, F. & Mamiya, C. (2005). Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: The Western Perspective. CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Wilson, P. (2000). Absolutism in Central Europe. New York: Routledge.