As one of the super powers in the past, it is highly interesting to know the Soviet Union collapsed. It was considered as the legitimate successor of the Russian Empire. Throughout the world, it was then famous for the advanced scientific research that it conducted on weaponry and space technology. More importantly, this country was famous because it provided aid to developing countries, economic stability and military strength. It was also part of the United Nations Security Council, which served as one of the most influential nations in the world.

The Collapse of the Soviet Union

Why did the Soviet Union collapse? Two major factors caused this massive break down, namely the weakened political structure and economic problems. The United States, under former President Ronald Reagan, convinced Saudi Arabia to reduce their oil prices. In doing so, the U.S.S.R cannot profit from its very own oil products. This move resulted in the depletion of the hard currency reserves of the Soviet Union.

In 1985, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev introduced the Glasnost and Perestroika. These economic policies aimed for a much-needed improvement. The Glasnost eventually led to greater freedom of information. More importantly, it opened up the minds of the public about the mistakes and limitations of the government. Aside from a bad economy, some of satellite states in the eastern part of Europe started to abandon the ideals of communism. These factors pressured Gorbachev to put an end to the Cold War.

With all the problems of the country, Gorbachev decided to end its war with Afghanistan in 1988. After that, the leader ordered not to offer military aid in defense of former satellite states. The situation only got worse as various communist regimes gained control in these highly important states. Later on, West Germany and East Germany settled their differences, which led to the destruction of the Berlin Wall.

In the closing years of the 1980s, its constituent republics cried for sovereignty. Estonia and Latvia declared full independence in August 1991. The Belavezha Accords was signed by Belarus, Ukraine and Russia on December 8, 1991. This deal ordered the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States, which replaced the dissolved Soviet Union.

Gorbachev resigned as president on December 25, 1991. Boris Yeltsin assumed his position as Russian president. The following day, the collapse and bankruptcy of the Soviet Union was declared officially. This event concluded the end of the Soviet Union. Thereafter, numerous organizations remained in place such as the police forces and the Soviet Army. However, they were phased out slowly sometime in the second half of 1992.

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Reasons for the Assassination of the U.S. President Abraham Lincoln

Why did John Wilkes Booth kill Abraham Lincoln?

John Wilkes Booth passionately resented the consistent efforts made by Lincoln to promote the rights of black people to vote. On the 11th of April in 1865, he attended a speech of the president that seriously backed the voting rights of black people. The speech went directly against the principles of the Confederates. After this, John Wilkes Booth carefully designed and organized a plan to assassinate the president.

Aside from being a popular actor during that time, Booth also worked as a spy for the Confederates. The initial plan was to kidnap the president. They would then use him in exchange for the release of captured Confederates. When he heard about the president’s call to grant blacks their voting rights, Booth decided to kill the president instead of kidnapping him.

A chance came when he learned about the president’s plan to watch the play, Our American Cousin. The show was performed at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. on April 14, 1865. The plan also included the assassinations of Secretary of State William H. Seward and Vice-President Andrew Johnson. As Lincoln was busy enjoying the play, Booth waited for the moment when the president’s bodyguard was not around.

When this moment arrived, he then made his way to the special box where the president was seated. He timed the assassination perfectly. Once he was in position, he drew the 0.44 caliber Derringer that he had brought with him. He fired a single shot which hit the back of the president’s head. At some point after the assassination, he fought Major Henry Rathbone before he was able to escape. Before leaving the scene, he clamored the words ‘sic semper tyrannis’, which mean ‘thus always to tyrants’.

For 12 long days, Federal agents conducted a manhunt. When they finally caught up with Booth, they cornered him and then shot him to his death. Bullet fragments entered his skull and into his brain. He was in a state of coma until he died the following day, which was April 15th, 1865.

Some More Facts About the Lincoln Assassination

The following are some more noteworthy facts about the Lincoln assassination.

• Abraham Lincoln was the first president in the U.S. history to be successfully assassinated.
• John Wilkes Booth was an actor, son of famous British actor, Junius Brutus Booth.
• Booth is believed to have said that he enjoyed playing the role of Brutus  whom he described as ‘the slayer of a tyrant’.
• Abraham Lincoln is said to have had a nightmare about being assassinated, a few days before his death. He described seeing himself in a casket, with inconsolable people mourning around his dead body.
• Ironically, Edwin Booth, the older brother of John Wilkes Booth, saved Lincoln’s son’s life when he fell between the platform and the train tracks.

• There are some bizarre coincidences between the Lincoln and Kennedy assassination. For instance, both of them were shot with a single bullet, on the back of their heads. Both of them were killed on a Friday. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946, exactly 100 years after Lincoln (1846). Also, both their successors were named Johnson (Andrew Johnson and Lyndon Johnson).

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln is one of the most tragic and significant losses in the American history. There are several conspiracy theories that surround this assassination and till date, the interest to know more information about what happened in 1865 is still pursued with fervor.

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The Importance of Archaeology to Modern Society

Why is archaeology important? With the help of this all-important branch of science, we can learn more about the behaviors and existence of earlier people. This can help a lot especially in understanding the societies and cultures of the people who have gone ahead of us. Even with the unavailability of written records, understanding people during those times is very much possible with the help of this science. It has been used to document interesting data like how the first cities came about, how the folk religion practiced cult and how agriculture was developed.

Without the help of this science, the early parts of human civilization will remain unclear. People can use it to chronicle the different events that transpired even during pre-historic times. As a result, we can get to know more about lifestyles and cultural histories of the various groups of earlier people. In addition, it also offers a clearer view of cultural life and religious practices in the past.

Because of its extensive coverage, scientists have decided to classify this science into various kinds of specialties. For instance, underwater archaeology helps people understand more about the activities and practices of earlier people, specifically those submerged underwater. Meanwhile, it is best to refer to historical archaeology when referring particularly to cultural studies. There are also newer divisions such as urban archaeology and salvage archaeology, both of which deal with data obtained from excavation sites.

In the absence of written historical records, people can rely greatly on this science for highly relevant information, especially when planning to reconstruct the prehistoric period. In this kind of task, archaeologists use material remains recovered from a particular site to explain events that actually transpired in the past. These materials include weapons, pottery and other significant artifacts. They can also base their findings on wall inscriptions that can be found inside caves and other recovered structures.

Finally, this science is also very important in the process of re-writing history. Archaeologists can use various artifacts and other material remains recovered from expeditions to correct earlier recorded data. Likewise, these materials can also be used in concluding whether certain events and situations actually took place during a particular period in history.

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Reason Behind the Construction of the Sears Tower

Why was the Sears Tower built? The reason for the construction of this massive commercial structure in 1969 was to consolidate numerous Chicago area employees of Sears, Roebuck & Co. under one building. As the biggest retailer in the world during that time, the company has a whopping 350,000 employees within this particular area alone. It then hired Skidmore, Owings and Merrill to design an office building that would be considered one of the biggest in the world. With this kind of massive structure, future growth was also part of the plan.

The addition of a couple of television antennas took place in February 1982. This move increased the height of the building to 1,707 feet. On June 5, 2000, one of the antennas was extended to 1,730 feet in order to enhance the reception of WMAQ-TV, which is the local television station of National Broadcasting Co. Because of tough competition during that time, Sears had a problem contending against other retailers. By 1992, it started to move out its numerous offices out of the building.

In 1994, AEW Capital Management purchased the building from Sears. The year after, Sears has left the structure completely. It relocated to a new office within Hoffman Estates in Illinois. In 1997, TrizecHahn Corp. decided to buy the building. In 2003, the property was surrendered to MetLife. In 2004, numerous investors bought it including American Landmark Properties.

Additional Details and Other Important Information about Sears Tower

Because of its super tall stature including the antennas, this building is susceptible to lightning strikes. Annually, the antennas are struck by lightning at an average rate of about 650 to 675 times. At 1,353 feet, this structure has restrooms situated on the 103rd floor. These are the second highest recorded in the western hemisphere. Only the restrooms of Shanghai World Financial Center in China are higher.

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To this day, the reasons why China invaded Tibet are still being debated and argued. There are differing opinions and some background information is necessary for forming an opinion.

The British and Chinese Agreement

During the 12th century, Russia and Britain were battling for control of Central Asia. In 1904 the British sent thousands of troops to Tibet. Hundreds, if not thousands of civilians were killed. Shortly afterwards the British took control of the land.

In 1906 Britain and China entered into an agreement. The Chinese agreed to pay Britain 2 million rupees. In exchange London recognized China’s right to annex the country, which they said has always belonged to them anyway. To this day, the reason why China invaded Tibet is its belief that it rightfully belongs to the mainland.

1912 to 49: Independence for Tibet

In 1912 the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibet, made his return to the country after years in exile. During this period, China was in chaos as the Qing dynasty had collapsed. The few Chinese troops that were stationed in Tibet where easily defeated. The Dalai Lama proclaimed independence.

The Invasion in 1950

In 1949 under Mao Zedong, China launched an invasion of Tibet. On October 1950, the Chinese Army took over the country, starting at Chamdo. A year later the Dalai Lama through his representatives, signed a treaty with the Chinese.

In it they recognized the authority of China over their country. When looking at the reasons why China invaded Tibet, the importance of this agreement (the 17 Point Treaty) cannot be overlooked. While the Chinese say it verifies their claim, the Dalai Lama states that they were forced to sign it.

Tibetan Viewpoint

Since the 1990s, the Dalai Lama has been governing in exile. Along with his supporters they claim that under Chinese rule the local population has been subjected to economic, social and racial inequalities. According to their supporters, over half a million Tibetans have died since the Chinese occupation.

They also pointed out that the entire country is being absorbed into the mainland. The reason why China invaded Tibet was to turn it into a home for its own people. The time will come when Tibet and its culture will disappear as it gets assimilated into he Chinese culture.

Chinese Viewpoint

The People’s Republic of China disputes this claim. The authorities in Beijing say that from 1912 to 1949, the economic situation in the country had deteriorated. What the Chinese Army did was to liberate the people from suffering and inept leadership.

With help from the mainland, the economic and individual status of the people had improved. The government also releases statistics saying GDP figures have risen tremendously since the occupation.

They also point out that workers there are paid high and infrastructure has improved. The Chinese authorities have also stated that they have embarked on a mission to preserve historical sites in the country.

There is no easy answer to the question of why China invaded Tibet. It is bound to provoke passionate and heated responses. To this day, the issue has yet to be settled.

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Producing Energy

While most DNA is contained in chromosomes, these ones are stored in the mitochondria. These elements are found in the cells around the body. What it does is take the food we eat and turn them into energy. There are thousands of these contained in every cell. Specifically these are located around the cytoplasm.

The way energy is produced is done by oxidative phosporylation. The basic procedure involves taking sugar and oxygen. These are converted into adenosine triphostate. This leads to further processes and become energy. The importance of mitochondrial DNA becomes obvious; it allows the human body to produce the energy necessary for it to function.

Regulatory Functions

It also keeps the apoptosis in check. Apoptosis refers to the cells’ self destruction. Cells are programmed to destroy themselves after specified periods. However it is this DNA that regulates this activity. Without it, the destruction would occur at a much faster rate than normal.

Producing Vital Elements

This DNA also helps in producing important substances in the body. This includes heme. Heme is a part of hemoglobin. This is the molecule that takes oxygen along the bloodstream. In addition, it also assists in the development of cholesterol. The importance of mitochondrial DNA becomes apparent as these are two of the most vital substances in the body.

The DNA has 37 genes. Almost all of these contain information for making enzymes and RNAs. These are crucial for creating proteins and amino acids. These lead to the creation of more proteins. Just like cholesterol and heme, the amino acids are crucial compounds.

Shedding Light on Evolution

Aside from the above, this element has helped in identifying and establishing genetic relationships. This has been used in solving crimes and forensic science. However it can also be used in determining human origins and evolution. In this regard, the importance of mitochondrial DNA will extend beyond the human body.

As technology has improved, molecular anthropologists have used it in numerous ways. By mapping out the genes of various races, it becomes easy to make evolutionary charts. It also becomes easier to study genetic mutations. These are not necessarily illnesses. Rather they are the elements that give people their unique
characteristics.

With DNA technology, the disputes about the evolution theory may be resolved. The first is that all human beings came from Africa. The other is that we evolved from other species like Homo erectus.

By studying human genes, the problem may be resolved. This may not happen in the near future. But there’s no question that it is clarifying a lot of things already about the subject.

As discoveries are made, the value and importance of mitochondrial DNA will become greater. Not only can it make a difference in the future. It can also make sense of the past and the present.

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Sir John Harington and His Works

Sir John Harington was well known for his literary prowess though most of his works enjoyed the height of popularity mostly during his lifetime. Letters and Epigrams is a masterwork where he shows sketches of writings and social life in the Elizabethan era. He translated Orlando Furioso in 1591.

And, though not related in the medical field in any way, John Harington made a loose translation of Regimen Sanitatis Salernitanum from Latin to English in 1608. One of his notable works, however, is ‘A New Discourse of a Stale Subject, called the Metamorphosis of Ajax’ that marks his name on the development and invention of the flush toilet.

‘A jacks’ or ‘a jakes’ is what is known as a privy or toilet during the Elizabethan era. The Metamorphosis of Ajax, published in 1596, discusses the construction of a flush toilet in detail. This gives us the meaning behind using his name as a euphemism for a toilet or bathroom.

Looking into the Euphemism

The Metamorphosis of Ajax, at first glance, is simply a lengthy description of how to make a bathroom or toilet, which is the one he has in his Kelston manor. This invention, which is really a forerunner to our modern day bathroom, is the reason for the American euphemism. However, his work, the Metamorphosis of Ajax goes even further other than just being some sort of instruction material.

It was published under his pseudonym Misacmos. The work itself is an allusion to state of political affairs of the day. It is in many ways a coded attack on the current royalty, which inevitably angered the queen and put him in bad standing with the royal courts. This work gained popularity in 1596 but it cost John Harington’s banishment from the queen’s court.

John Harington’s fortunes went on a further decline when James I rose to the crown after the queen’s death. He served time in prison as surety for his cousin’s debts. He escaped custody in 1603 since he did not enjoy the idea of languishing in jail. James I made him a Knight of the Bath, recognizing his loyalty, and granted him all forfeited properties. However, he never again regained his social status in England’s high society after that.

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A multi-talented individual who has shown the world great skills as a dancer, singer and comedian, Carol Burnett came to known as a writer. She was also a highly successful performer, with major appearances in the hit television program entitled “The Gary Moore Show” as well as lead roles in “The Carol Burnett Show,” which lasted for at least 10 long years. Here is a look back at her illustrious life and career including why Carol Burnett sued the tabloid National Enquirer.

The Reason Behind the Lawsuit

Why did Carol Burnett sue the National Enquirer? She filed a lawsuit against the tabloid for libel in 1981. During that very same year, the newspaper reportedly told how she got drunk in public. According to the report, she was sensitive about that particular issue because her parents also had problems concerning alcoholism. It was a big development in the world of entertainment. It served as a landmark case, particularly for celebrities who were subject to defamation and false reports.

The verdict went in her favor, wherein the court awarded her $1.6 million for damages. As the tabloid appealed, the court reduced the verdict later on to about half of the original award, significantly reducing the award to $800,000. In the end, an out-of-court settlement took place between the involved parties. She later on gave part of the award to the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California in Berkeley. According to her, the purpose of the move was to educate the students of journalism the downsides and bad effects of false reports and defamation against other people. For her, principle was one of the major reasons why she filed the lawsuit. Winning or losing was not a priority.

Additional Information and Other Interesting Details About Carol Burnett

Burnett was a highly respected celebrity. In 1998, she went on to become the Grand Marshal of the 84th Rose Bowl Game as well as 109th Rose Parade. The year after, she bagged the honor of becoming one of the first honorees of the prestigious Back Stage West Garland Awards. When she reached 70, she was awarded with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003. In November 2005, then-President George W. Bush granted her the highly special Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In November 2007, the Public Broadcasting Service or PBS made her as one of its major subjects in the documentary “American Masters.” As one of the most influential celebrities of her time, she was given a spot at the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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To Avoid Tyranny of the Majority

The Founding Fathers believed that by voting for representatives rather than the President, tyranny could be avoided. It was their belief that the masses could be easily swept away by a cunning speaker.

Alexander Hamilton and the others felt the people wouldn’t be able to make the right choices. By voting for able and qualified group of individuals, crowd manipulation will be avoided.

The group wasn’t meant to rob the people of their right to choose. Rather it would be set up to protect them. The reason why the Electoral College was created was to keep the people safe. Not only would dictatorships be avoided, but also manipulation by foreign countries.

Compromise between the States

Another reason is that it promotes equality among the states. Under the law they set up, every state’s electoral vote was equal to their Congressional representatives. The numbers are adjusted as the population increases. Under this system, all the states get equal representation when it comes to choosing the President.

Promoting Federalism

This system was also a good way to promote the idea of federalism. The system meant the state and national governments would share power evenly. One reason why the Electoral College was created was to balance the state and the national government. The Founding Fathers didn’t want the US to end up like a tyrannical state, but their initial attempt proved ineffective.

These were the Articles of the Confederation. Under these rules the states were given too much power. Under the revised Constitution, the problems were worked out. The establishment of this collegiate group was another example of this.

Representative Democracy

Under this setup, it becomes possible for a candidate to win in the popular vote but lose in the electoral vote. To many people this practice seems undemocratic, and this is what critics of the system point out.

Those who believe in it counter that it is a form of representative democracy. This means the people elect representatives to perform certain tasks like choosing Presidents. The reason why the Electoral College was created was to implement this system. This is opposed to direct democracy wherein people vote directly to choose the President.

America is a representative democracy. As stated the Founding Fathers knew that letting the people vote directly would produce dangers. Some delegates felt that the masses were ignorant of the true facts and could be manipulated easily.

It is also argued that because the members of the group are selected by the people, it is still democracy in action. The members of the College are subject to reelection so people can replace them if they want.

The reason why the Electoral College was created and if it’s the right system will always be subject to debate. Until proposed changes are accepted, it still remains the method by which the President of the US is chosen.

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As president of the U.S. during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address as part of an important ceremony to dedicate a cemetery for deceased soldiers. This carefully written speech became a highly significant and symbolic piece in U.S. history. It clearly redefined the Union’s participation in the war, which posed as a major challenge to a politically unstable country. Let’s have a look back at history and learn why Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address.

The Purpose for Writing the Gettysburg Address

Why did Lincoln write the Gettysburg Address? Because of the massive death toll caused by the Civil War, Lincoln needed to make the people understand the real purpose and reason for fighting. During the public address that he delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Pennsylvania, he redefined the meaning and purpose of what the Union soldiers have been fighting for. This event took place at Gettysburg on the 19th day of November 1863. At that point, the Civil War was still ongoing.

According to many historians, the speech was the best ever written in the history of the United States. It has endured numerous years. Until now, many politicians and government leaders use this as reference for their very own speeches. When Lincoln wrote this one, he carefully chose the words to deliver a very clear message. As reference, he discussed the significance of the Declaration of Independence. He expounded on the importance of human equality in order to form a unified nation.

Although the Union came out victorious in the Battle of Gettysburg, the aftermath was not that good. The death toll was very high, with more than 160,000 soldiers involved in the war. The estimated number of dead soldiers was 7,500. The ceremony was dedicated in honor of these brave soldiers. An estimated 15,000 individuals joined the event. It was also participated by several governors from various states. David Tod represented Ohio, Horatio Seymour stood for New York and Joel Parker represented New Jersey. The other special guests were Augustus Bradford of Maryland, Andrew Gregg Curtin of Pennsylvania and Oliver P. Morton of Indiana.

Additional Information and Other Relevant Details

The ceremony at Gettysburg was held to dedicate the cemetery. More importantly, it was a tribute paid to the noble and courageous efforts of the soldiers, who were fighting for the establishment of a free government. For these reasons, the importance of the Gettysburg Address is undeniable. At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., the south wall featured this text for everyone to see and remember.

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