The Tang Dynasty in China A Golden Era

The Tang Dynasty, following the  Sui  and preceding the Song Dynasty, was a golden age that lasted from 618 to 907 A.D. It is considered the highpoint in Chinese civilization. Under the rule of the Sui Empire, the people suffered wars, forced labor for massive government construction projects, and high taxes. They eventually rebelled, and the Sui dynasty fell in the year 618. The Early Tang Dynasty Amid the chaos of the end of the Sui Dynasty, a powerful general named Li Yuan defeated his rivals; captured the capital city, Chang’an (modern-day Xian); and named himself emperor of the Tang Dynasty empire. He created an efficient bureaucracy, but his reign was short: In 626, his son Li Shimin forced him to step down. Li Shimin became Emperor Taizong and reigned for many years. He expanded China’s rule westward; in time, the area claimed by the Tang reached the Caspian Sea. The Tang empire prospered during Li Shimin’s reign. Situated along the famed  Silk Road trade route, Changan welcomed traders from Korea, Japan, Syria, Arabia, Iran, and Tibet. Li Shimin also put in place a code of law that became a model for later dynasties and even for other countries, including Japan and Korea. China After Li Shimin:  This period is considered the height of the Tang Dynasty. Peace and growth continued after Li Shimin’s death in 649. The empire prospered under stable rule, with increased wealth, growth of cities, and the creation of enduring works of art and literature. It’s believed that Chang’an became the biggest city in the world. The Middle Tang Era: Wars and Dynastic Weakening Civil War:  In 751 and 754, armies of the Nanzhao domain in China won huge battles against Tang armies and gained control of the southern routes of the Silk Road, leading to Southeast Asia and Tibet. Then, in 755, An Lushan, general of a large Tang army, led a rebellion that lasted eight years, seriously undermining the power of the Tang empire.External Attacks:  Also in the mid-750s, the Arabs attacked from the west, defeating a Tang army and gaining control of western Tang lands along with the western Silk Road route. Then the Tibetan empire attacked, taking a large northern area of China and capturing Chang’an in 763. Although Chang’an was recaptured, these wars and land losses left the Tang Dynasty weakened and less able to maintain order throughout China. The End of the Tang Dynasty Reduced in power after the mid-700s wars, the Tang Dynasty was unable to prevent the rise of army leaders and local rulers who no longer pledged their loyalty to the central government. One result was the emergence of a merchant class, which grew more powerful due to the weakening of the government’s control of industry and trade. Ships loaded with merchandise to trade sailed as far as Africa and Arabia. But this did not help to strengthen the Tang government. During the Tang Dynasty’s last 100 years, widespread famine and natural disasters, including massive floods and severe drought, led to the deaths of millions and added to the empire’s decline. Eventually, after a 10-year rebellion, the last Tang ruler was deposed in 907, bringing the Tang Dynasty to a close. The Tang Dynasty’s Legacy The  Tang Dynasty had a major influence on the culture of Asia. This was particularly true in Japan and Korea, which adopted many of the dynasty’s religious, philosophical, architectural, fashion, and literary styles. Among the many contributions to Chinese literature during the Tang Dynasty, the poetry of Du Fu and  Li Bai, considered China’s greatest poets, is remembered and highly regarded to this day. Woodblock printing was invented during the Tang era, helping to spread education and literature throughout the empire and into later eras. Still, another Tang-era invention was an early form of gunpowder, considered one of the most important inventions in pre-modern world history. Sources â€Å"The Tang dynasty.† China Highlights (2015).Tang dynasty. Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica (2009).Nelson SM, Fagan BM, Kessler A, Segraves JM. China. In The Oxford companion to archaeology, Brian M. Fagan, Ed. Oxford University Press (1996).

Why Is Divorce Acceptable in Society Essay - 777 Words

Mary Kirkland Professor Tate-Owens English 1020 23 February 2010 Why is Divorce Acceptable in Society? Divorce is something that has become more common in today’s civilization. It’s happening all over the world but mostly in the United States of America. Most marriages that have fail in the last 5 years have not succeeded have resulted in divorce. In earlier periods in life divorce was considered shocking and terrible, whereas in today’s world it’s accepted. Divorce has become acceptable in society for numerous reasons and will continue to be accepted. Though, many think divorce is frowned upon, it’s more acceptable in society because the images portrayed by the media, the morals of marriage have changed and because it’s no firm†¦show more content†¦In today’s society marriage is all about the perfect dress, the size of the ring and how much money can you spend to have the most platinum wedding. The vows at the altar are just routine to society, it’s suppose to be read by the pastor and recited by the bride and groom. The wedding vows are not taken serious and neither is the marriage. People in society lose sight of the morals of marriage which is why they get divorced and society accepts it. Divorce is acceptable in society because society has changed its meanings and morals of marriage. Equally important, divorce is becoming acceptable in our society because it’s allowed and isn’t frowned upon. Divorce has always been legal but it has become an escape route for some. In today’s society people feel if their marriage isn’t working out for them, divorced is the first resort. People don’t try to work out their marriages anymore; they feel if this person can’t do what they need them too someone else will. People in society continue to jump in and out of marriages because it isn’t a divorce requirement. They are allowed to get married and/or divorced as many times as they would like too because they can. If there wer e requirements to getting divorce society would not have as many divorces as it does. The fact that people can get as many divorces as they want due to the fact of the marriage not benefitting themShow MoreRelatedThe Reasons for Changes in the Patterns of Marriage, Cohabitation and Divorce in the last 30 Years845 Words   |  4 PagesChanges in the Patterns of Marriage, Cohabitation and Divorce in the last 30 Years Over the last 30 years there has been a significant change in the pattern for marriage, co-habitation and divorce. There are many reasons for these changes that have taken place. For example, since 1971, when a divorce act was introduced, divorce has been more acceptable in todays society. This has slowly increased the figures of divorce at a steady rate. 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For many people, it is hard to understand how any individual can love someone of their sam e gender. Nonetheless despite the percentage of the population that is muddled by the act, same sex marriage should be legalizedRead MoreHow the Western Concept of Marriage has Changed Essay990 Words   |  4 Pagesphysical health† (â€Å"Marriage and Divorce,† 2014). For children, growing up in happy homes help with their mental, physical, educational, and social well-being. Unfortunately, about 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce. The rate is even higher for subsequent marriages (â€Å"Marriage and Divorce,† 2014). The social institution influence (structural) differs from the individual influence (life choices) in divorce by the scope of perception on why divorce occurs (Amato, Previti, (2003)

Relationship Between Traits Motives and Effectiveness of Leaders

Question: Discuss about theRelationship Between Traits Motives and Effectiveness of Leaders. Answer: Introduction: A leader is a person who ensures creation of a far-fetched vision which all needs to achieve. Thus it enables to motivate and guide the people towards such achievement. Leadership is a quality which leaders should possess so as to enable to drive a group of people or a team towards achievement o a common goal. It is a leader who ensures that all its team members thrive towards one mission and any deviation or fraction which arrives is sorted out by him. There exists a very strong relationship between the traits of a leader, the motives behind the leadership and the effectiveness with which one pursues the role of a leader (Heyi et. al. 2007). A leader should have some basic traits within him so as to guide its team, subordinates, and the colleagues. By traits it is meant how one perceives the other persons qualities with regards him or her to be a good and an effective leader. If we find a person to be confident in his attitude and work performance, then he is considered to be a good leader. So as to ensure that effective leadership traits are present one should try to work as a team, maintain a cordial yet a strict relationship with subordinates where in the leader should be polite and cordial but at the same time he should have the ability to make people work (Dubrin et.al. 2006). All people have leadership traits within them but how effectively one utilizes the same is an art which differentiates good and bad leaders. For becoming an effective leader traits such as confidence in ones own mission and goals of accomplishment, control over the emotional quotient, a good sense of humour, enthusiastic attitude, ability to tolerate frustration, self sufficient, positive outlook, dominating as well as being assertive enough to ensure that the motive is communicated to the subordinates and the other followers in clear terms are some of the sought after traits that leaders should possess so as to ensure that the work they perform is effective. However, depending upon the kind of team a person is leading his traits are developed accordingly. A manager who is leading a sales team needs to be more enthusiastic as compared to a manager who is managing the stock taking team. The intensity of various traits differ according to the kind of work and the group one leads. There is a very close knit relationship between traits, motives and effectiveness of leaders as it is these traits which they have that help in achieving the goals and the motives of the organizations that they lead. Thus these traits have to be explored by the leaders to such an extent which ensures fulfilment of motives in the most efficient manner. Thus the behavioural traits mentioned earlier above are the ones that leaders apply to ensure effectiveness in their tasks (Zaccaro, 2006). Many theories have also confirmed that it is the attributes of ones effective and charismatic personality that helps to achieve motives of an organization in a successful manner. But it is also seen that this relationship does not hold good for every situation. A leader may be good in a particular situation or between specific groups but may not be able to drive a similar force with regards some other team. Behavioural adaption is possible in any circumstance but characteristic adaption is difficult (Musoma, 2006). Amongst the various traits, the emotional intelligence trait is of utmost importance. In todays scenario a successful leader is one who knows how to empathize and not sympathize. Winning over trust of their subordinates is generally very difficult for the bosses. To understand the requirements of the employees and colleagues will enable the leader to communicate in a manner that will have a considerable impact on their minds. If the emotional quotient of the team members are understood and communication is done in accordance then it becomes easy to persuade the team members for performance of work in an efficient manner (Simmons, 2011). The motive of a good leader is not only to ensure performance of tasks on time, but to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner that beats the expectations of people. His motive is to gain appreciation and ensure ethics are maintained at the highest possible level. Their motive to accomplish tasks by overcoming all the possible hindrances is possible only if their leadership traits are explored to an extent which makes them work effectively and confidently (Derue et. al., 2011). The most sought after public figure who is an ideal example for defining this relationship in theory as well as practice is the President of the United States of America- Barack Obama. He as a leader proved that he is one who is born to lead USA for the benefit of the masses and not for his own selfish stances. A good leaders trait is that he should be honest, truthful and reliable. Barack Obama is one such leader who was chosen twice by the people of America. A good leaders trait is one whose character is so strong that he would never compromise on ethical standards (Friedberg, 2008). When he had taken up the president ship of America, the country was fighting the war of the economic disaster which took place in the year 2008. But Barack Obama dint shutter and as a strong effective leader he knew that he had to build up the lost confidence of the people. As a true leader he tried to regain the confidence of the masses. He made a statement in one of his initial speeches which was remarkable Starting today , we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America. A good leader should not be good in his speeches but also should have the ability to ensure conversion of promises. This is what has helped the Americans now to deal with any crisis (Noctor, 2015). A leader can be effective if his thoughts and views are not dominated by any kind of prejudices and Barack Obama has very rightly proven this statement. He has always preferred to be surrounded by people who do not follow the crowd blindly. He has always encouraged views of people and acted in a rational manner before arriving at any conclusion. As a leader one should learn to believe in its ownself. If the leader itself is not sure about his decisions then he will not be able to drive the crowd in his favour. Barack Obama is well known for his capability of taking decisions after due deliberations but once he arrives at a consensus then he believes in it and goes to any extent to defend the same. Until and unless he is proven wrong with the help of acceptable evidences he would not deter from the decision. The notion that leaders always have to be at work is disagreed by the US president Barack Obama. He gives ample time to his family as his motive is that leaders to work successfully need some stress busters as well and for him giving time to family is best method to ensure the same. Thus this also shows his honesty and loyalty towards family. Thus Barack Obamas ability to connect with the people is what makes him the most effective leader who knows what are his motives and motto in life. His leadership skills are phenomenal as a good leader is one who knows how to share credit of his success with his fellow members as well. He understands that no one can work in isolation. Barack Obama knew that America was lacking the leadership of a good President and people found one in him (Rosebush, 2014). The confidence, compassion, patience, clarity in thought process, knowledge base and empathy are some of the traits that Barack Obama has which makes him one of the most effective, efficient and demanding leader. He has never demanded for respect but always commanded the same by virtue of his leadership traits (Scordo, 2013). Thus on a conclusive note, it is very clear the there exists a very transparent linkage between traits, motives and effectiveness of a leader. To be able to become a good leader one should possess certain educational as well as non-educational traits, personal as well as professional traits and at the same time behavioural traits so as to be able to lead a team with full support efficiently and fulfil the motives and aims with ease. Also it is to be remembered that a leader should ensure refinement in its methodologies and ways and means of leading a team depending upon the scenarios which are very dynamic in nature. References: Dubrin, A., Daglish, C., Miller, P. (2006). Leadership (2nd Edition). Queensland: John Wiley Sons Australia Friedberg, M., (2008), Barack Obamas Leadership and Character Traits, Available at https://jcsd-cl-obama.weebly.com/obamas-leadership--character-traits.html [Accessed 18th August 2016] Heyi, S., Na, M., Dan, G., (2007), The study on Relationship between the Traits of Leaders and the Performance of the Leaders under Different Organizational Culture, Canadian Social Science, vol. 3, no.1, pp. 39-46 Musoma, C., (2006). Leadership traits, motives and characteristics. Available at : https://jcc-good-leadership.tripod.com/id10.html [ Accessed 18th August 2016] Noctor, C., (2015), Good Leaders help ordinary people believe extraordinary things are possible, Available at https://www.stpatricks.ie/blog/good-leaders-help-ordinary-people-believe-extraordinary-things-are-possible [Accessed 18th August 2016] Derue, D.S., Nahrgang, J.D., Wellman, N., Humphrey, S.E., (2011), Trait and Behavioural Theories of Leadership : An Integration and Meta Analytic test of their Relative Validity, Personnel Psychology, vol. 64, no.1, pp. 7-52 Simmons, B.L. (2011). Leadership Traits and Behaviours : Four Evidence Based Suggestions, Available at https://www.bretlsimmons.com/2011-04/leadership-traits-and-behaviors-four-evidence-based-suggestions/ [Accessed 18th August 2016] Rosebush, J., (2014), The Most Effective Leaders Have These 2 Traits, Available at https://www.businessinsider.com/effective-leaders-have-these-traits-2014-12?IR=T [Accessed 18th August 2016] Scordo, V., (2013), What Barack Obamas Personal Traits Can Teach us About Leadership and Management, Available at https://www.scordo.com/general-life-skills/what-barack-obamas-personal-tr.html [Accessed 18th August 2016] Zaccaro, S.J., (2006), Trait Based Perspectives of Leadership, Available at https://depts.washington.edu/nwphli/2006/docs/Trait_based_perspectives_of_leadership-2.pdf [Accessed 18th August 2016]

Nurse Unions free essay sample

Pros cons, impact on health care field, nurses views, decentralization of authority, pay, motivation, communication. An increasingly important labor-management issue in the nursing profession is that of unionization. Todays hospitals are under intense pressure to contain costs. This translates into the need to reduce labor-related expenses, since staffing costs are a hospitals largest budgetary expenditure, and nurses comprise a significant percentage of hospital staff. More and more nurses, experiencing widespread anxiety over job security, are turning to unions to address their grievances. Nurses in private and nonprofit hospitals and nursing homes have the right to organize for purposes of collective bargaining subject to the terms outlined in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Despite their legal right to do so, many nurses have not chosen to unionize. Estimates are that approximately 18 percent of nurse and service workers in acute care hospitals are union