Managing coastal environments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managing coastal environments - Essay Example In 1950-1970s, one of the methods used to achieve protection is the establishment of hard rock protections. Although the said method is aimed to minimize the effects of coastal erosion, it caused negative effects such as the increase of the power of the energy waves that can hit the land. This can be attributed to the magnification of wave action that intensified the momentum of the waves. The accumulation of knowledge on the basis of research and data gathering, the advancement of new methods led to the continuous improvement of methods to lessen the effects of coastal erosion. There are different strategies that can be cited that were applied and empirically observed in different localities and countries. One of the examples of methods applied is located in Townsville, North Queensland. The case of the said locality is having natural erosion in the coast in relation to the two tropical cyclones that affected the area for two consecutive years. The protections that had been established had not been enough to sustain the effects of the erosion. This had effects in the tourism of the area since the recreational beaches, which are the main source of livelihood, became seriously eroded. For that matter, actions had been taken by the local council and the authorities to be able to restore facilities to prepare for the vacation season. Included on the proposed action plan is the establishment of new facilities for the tourists, restoration of the beach and construction of four rock headlands to slow the waves and trap sediments. Through the state legislations and redevelopment proposals, the main sources of funding are the state disaster fund and the council supplementary fund. Another case is the Tweed River in New South Wales which is human induced erosion. Actions were taken to be able to keep the river mouth clear on the basis of the susceptibility to erosion. The training

Innvovation and Sustainability Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Innvovation and Sustainability - Research Paper Example population is multiplied by (A) which is the consumption per individual then multiplied by (T) which is the technology that drives and services consumption. The product of these factors including P, A, T and I represent a rough estimate of the much humanity degrades the ecosystem services that it depends upon. Hence, the impact of the population on the environment is determined by the number of people involved as well as the used technologies and relative levels of affluence and material consumed (Ehrlich, 1995). One of the factors affecting the consumption habits is overpopulation. The population of the earth is around 6.5 billion today. In the recent decades, environmental scientists and ecologists have fixated on the factor of P, population as the number of human in the 1900 was two billion to almost a figure of seven 2010. The high number of individuals translates to a high environmental degradation. Much of the greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. If this number is opting for driving as a means of transport rather than riding, consumption of this much petroleum will be damaging to the environment. The factor of overpopulation has led to the collapse of human societies. The addition of population causes more damage to humanity’s life-support systems that are critical (Turk & Bensel, 2011). For instance, when the population of the farmers living in well fertile lands goes up, the additional people would move to the ever poorer lands, deeply drill the wells and then spend farm fields, homes and factories. The concerns on the growing population are focused on developing countries that are poorer, though IPAT and footprint analysis have both shown that the high rates of consumption in the developed countries are also significant impacts of the environment (Turk & Bensel, 2011). Technology encompasses the need for alternative fossil fuel energy. It involves switching to the ultra-light and cars that will provide for a short-term advantage that are

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Studying In University English Language Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Studying In University English Language Essay Students choosing studying master degree in a University have a number of advantages, at same time they will meet some problems. This essay will around four questions and talk about my study life in Bangor University, through these four questions it will analysis the characteristic of my motivation, learning approaches. To find out what kind of problems will I meet in the group works and what should be avoid meeting these problems, and how to deal with them. First, this essay will analysis the motivations of choosing the master degree in Bangor University and it will combine the point of views of motivations to study from other researchers. Second, it will discuss the learning approach which I used to study. Third, this essay will summarize some problems or issues which we will meet in our group work. Finally, I will find out the effective method to deal with these problems and discuss how to avoid or decrease them as much as possible. Motivated to study in Bangor University In our normal life, study is not only for find a good job, but also have a numbers of reasons, that is study motivation. Generally, motivation can drive students get more power to do the action in order to close their goals, therefore, motivation as a peoples behavior existed in our life. I choose study Master Degree in Bangor University that because I feel Bangor University will bring me the information which I need and want to know, for example, the motivation to study in Bangor University can promote me to continue my academic learning everyday and it can make me to prepare my exam regularly in order to pass my examination successful, that bring me nearer to my final target. Figure 1 Through this figure (1), it is shows three steps for Maslows hierarchy pyramid according to these steps I will analysis form the basic needs to self-fulfillment needs. First step is basic need, it is include safety needs ¼Ã‹â€ security, safety ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °and physiological needs(food, water, warmth, rest) these two sections all contained people lowest level of demand, that mean the first thing people need in their life it is only the material demand. Second step is psychological needs. this part is more high-ranking than basic need. That includes esteem needs (prestige and feeling of accomplishment) that contains some mental and immaterial demand from external power. Third step is self-fulfillment (achieving ones full potential including creative activities) and esteem needs (prestige and feeling of accomplishment) that is the highest level, it all about the self-enhancement. As far as I am concerned, for the first step, I realized the environment of Bangor University satisfied my anticipation; here is suit for students to study. It is satisfied my material demand and Bangor is the most safety city in UK. For the second step, knowing new friends and having group work with other countries student satisfied my belongingness and love needs, during studying time, my classmate may friendly and respect you, it can lead you have a sense of self-worth. The last step was based on the front two steps in order to create personal study motivation. That can make you have more power to study in Bangor University. As Sergi(2004) supported that people choose a particular action and continued with it at last, they will try their best to do it ,that is motivation behavior. Bangor University possesses a long history and it was a part of second biggest federal University of Wales. Now, Bangor University has 10000 students and 2000 staffs. It has the top teaching quality and learning environment. Therefore, study master degree in Bangor University satisfied all conditions of my ideal studying places. Faye (2008) claimed that through the three basic psychological required (particular goals, values, and behaviors), study environment issues could influences the integration and organization of students. Martin (2008) also pointed out ambient environment effects may affect students academic achievement, a numbers of factors impacted their motivation to study, that include nature of University education background, he also claimed that the culture and structure also can influences students motivation. That means University life is a platform for student stepping into society, students need to make a decision in their different life contributions. For instances, in my experiences, I was study in Glasgow which is a florescent and fashion metropolis, there are filled with several intense emotions and temptations, plenty of students towards thus enticement, they are hardly to control themselves to doing well in University. Therefore, I choose continue my master degree in Bangor University, the reason is the learning environment is suit for study and this city do not have such complicated society background. It is benefit to have academic research. Owing to English is not my native language; therefore, foreign language learning is the second biggest motivation for me to study in Bangor University. This University has a number of foreigner students, everybody using English as first language here, improve my English skills will achieve my personal target therefore, it can improve my self-actualization. Therefore, study motivation is a step from basic motivation to top motivation. That depend on the choices from students, different people have different motivation to study. However, in a world, all motivations are connected students personality and expectation. Learning approaches Approaches to learning are separated into three different parts; they are deep, surface, and strategic learning approach. The characteristic of deep approach learning is focus on the material that will cost long time to take a broad view and relate ideas; they always relate new ideas to previous knowledge and tend to read, always study beyond the course requirements. The characteristic of surface approach learning is try to learn in order to repeat they have learned, make use of rote learning, focus on the few view and collect the main points, tend to stick closely to the course requirements. The characteristic of strategic approach to learning is intended to obtain high grades, always use previous exam paper to predict questions. Marton(1997) demonstrated normally students have two definitely different approaches to learning, they are surface and deep approach.

Willa Cathers Death Comes for the Archbishop: A Narrative Essay

Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop: A Narrative When one thinks of a novel, a word that usually will come to mind is fiction. In fact, other meanings for the word novel are new and unique. Although an author may use real places, real time, or base their story on real events in part, their outcome is essentially a creation. We, as readers, are in a sense captive to the writer's imagination and must conform to the rules of the worlds they create. If we accept this, then Willa Cather's piece Death Comes for the Archbishop must be seen as a narration, rather than a novel. She is not fabricating, but rather recounting the story of Father Latour (based on Father Lamy) and his experiences in New Mexico. Her descriptions of the landscapes and people are so recognizably accurate; we can see her more as a reporter than a fiction writer in this book. For example she writes about the desert west of Albuquerque as a "country of dry ashes; no juniper, no rabbit brush, nothing but thickets of withered, dead-looking cactus, and patches of wild pumpkins" which "looks less like a p...

Career Study: Dental Assistant

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARYiv Introduction1 Facts and Findings2 Occupational Inventory2 Work environment2 Perks. 3 Market trends. 3 Personality Fit4 Stress level/mental strains. 4 Personality traits recommended/required. 4 Personal interests and passions. 5 Future Potential5 Continuing education requirements. 5 Advancement Opportunities. 5 Conclusion6 References7 List of Figures Figure 1 Gender of Dental Assistants3 Figure 2 Current Wages Earned for Dental Assistants3 Figure 3 Estimated Yearly Growth of Dental Assistant Jobs in Alberta4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe career area of dental assistant does, in many ways, relate directly to the skills and knowledge learnt in the Administrative Office Professional program (APRO). Skills such as computer knowledge, bookkeeping, customer service, human relations, reading and writing, verbal communication, and active listening are an essential part of being a dental assistant. APRO students already obtain these skills. This report shows how be coming a dental assistant is a great career choice for APRO students. With only an additional eight to ten months of training, an APRO student could become a ental assistant and earn a great wage, as well as acquire many sought after job perks. Job perks of a dental assistant include Monday to Friday daytime hours, free dental care, monthly or yearly bonuses, and medical benefits. Dental assistants primarily work in dental offices; however, there are jobs available in health care units and hospitals as well. The research that was conducted for this report consists of both primary and secondary sources. The primary research sources include an interview of a local dental assistant, as well as the researcher’s own experience and knowledge.Secondary sources of research include Google searches, ALIS website, STATS Canada, and APRO text books. The three main aspects covered in this report are as follows: 1) Occupational Inventory a. Work environment b. Perks c. Market trends 2) Per sonality Fit d. Stress level/mental strains e. Personality traits recommended/required 3) Future Potential f. Continuing education requirements g. Advancement opportunities Potential Career Choice: Dental Assistant Introduction Weekends off, daytime hours, decent wages, free dental care, medical benefits, and yearly bonuses! These, in many cases, are the perks that career seekers are looking for.Look no further. These, among others, are the perks the career of dental assistant has to offer. One might think that dental assisting has nothing to do with the tasks or skills learnt in the Administrative Office Professional program (APRO); however, there are many duties involved in dental assisting that relate directly to APRO knowledge. Skills such as computer knowledge, bookkeeping, customer service, human relations, reading and writing, verbal communication, and active listening are essential in a dental assisting career. As an APRO student, one obtains those skills.However, an APRO st udent would need to further their education. A dental assistant training program is needed to pursue a career in dental assisting. This training program would typically only be an additional eight to ten months over and above the APRO program. The APRO program is a good foundation as it gives students many of the basic skills needed to be successful in any program or career area. The dental assistant program differs by educational institution, but for the most part, prerequisites include a 30-level of English (which all APRO students already have), biology, and chemistry. Dental assisting is a very diverse career.One never knows what sort of situation or emergency may arise. For example, an appointment may be as simple as a routine check-up or a filling, and may be as complicated as a tooth breaking off at the gum line during an extraction which can lead to dental surgery. Duties of dental assistants are as diverse as the job itself. Duties will change from office to office, and day to day, but will include tasks such as: * Prepare patient, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures * Take and prepare dental diagnostic x-rays Record treatment information in patient records * Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient * Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist * Assist dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies * Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs * Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth * Schedule appointments, prepare bills, and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records using computer or manually Because dental assisting does entail working in someone’s mouth, it may not be appealing to everyone.However, dental assistants are a vital part of the heath care profession. Most people have, at some point in time, experienced the excruciating pai n of a tooth ache. Without dentists and dental assistants, one would have to suffer through the pain, or extract the tooth one’s self. One might choose dental assisting as a career if one enjoys working in an office environment, prefer daytime hours, and the medical field is of interest to them. There are many perks associated with being a dental assistant such as wages and bonuses.Dentistry is a rapidly growing field, therefore leaving many new jobs available both now and in the future. One who enjoys helping others, and wants to make a difference in the lives of many, would be satisfied in the career of dental assisting. Dental assisting is a relatively low stress-level job. Because life-long learning is a required part of being a dental assistant, one must have a love of education and be committed to life-long learning. This report will look at the occupational inventory of dental assisting, including work environment, job perks, and market trends.It will also look at the personality fit for one interested in seeking a career in this area. The personality fit will include such information as the stress level of the job, personality traits required/recommended, and potential interests and passions one might have. Finally, this report will look at the future potential of this career choice for APRO students. The future potential will share information such as continuing education requirements and advancement opportunities. The facts and findings in this report are based on both primary and secondary sources.The primary sources include an interview with a dental assistant. I chose to interview a local dental assistant who works at Dr. Lo’s office here in Brooks, Alberta. The researcher will also be using her own experience and knowledge as primary research. The secondary research consists of Google searches, ALIS website, STATS Canada, and APRO textbooks. Facts and Findings Occupational Inventory Occupational inventory is an especially important aspect of a career because it looks at things such as work environment, career perks, and market trends.These specifics can help one decide if a certain career, in this case dental assisting, is right for them. Work environment. Dental assistants have a variety of different working environments to choose from. Dental assistants work as part of a dental health care team. Their duties can vary and can include working as chair-side assistants, intra-oral assistants, administrative assistants, community health assistants, sterilization assistants, research assistants, or treatment coordinators. Dental assistants can also work in dental sales and insurance or dental education.However, dental offices are the primary employer of dental assistants, with 97% of dental assistants working in dental offices. Typical hours of dental offices are Monday to Friday, 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. Some offices, however, are open during the evenings and weekends to accommodate a larger portion of the population. As shown in Figure 1, according to STATS Canada 2011, 99% of dental assistants are women. In larger offices, one can expect to work alongside many women. In smaller offices, on the other hand, one can expect to work closely with the dentist and a few other staff. Figure 1 Gender of Dental AssistantsPerks. There are several perks in the career of dental assistant. These perks may include good wages, good hours, free dental care for one’s family, yearly or monthly bonuses, and paid continuing education. As shown in Figure 2, according to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Dental Assistants’ occupational group earned between $15. 00 and $34. 00 per hour (2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survay, 2011). Therefore, the average wage of dental assistants in Alberta is around $26. 40 an hour. As stated previously, most dental office hours are Monday to Friday, with daytime hours.In many cases, dental offices provide their staff with free dental care for both the employee and the employee’s family. Many offices offer incentives in the form of either monthly or yearly bonuses. If the office is busy and makes over a certain amount of money in a month or year, a percentage of the excess money will be awarded to staff according to seniority and hours worked. Because dental assistants are required to keep up-to-date with their education and skills, most dental offices pay for continuing education. Figure 2 Current Wages Earned for Dental AssistantsCurrent Wages Earned for Dental Assistants| Wages| Low (5th percentile)| High (95th percentile)| Average| Median| Starting| $15. 00| $27. 00| $21. 82| $23. 00| Overall| $21. 00| $32. 57| $26. 40| $27. 00| Top| $25. 24| $34. 00| $30. 14| $30. 47| Figure 2 Figure 2 Market trends. Over 4,100 Albertans are employed in the Dental Assistants’ occupational group. It is expected to have an annual average growth of 3. 2%, which is above average. (Dental Assistant's Occupation Group, 2012) It is expected that about 131 new positions will be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boomer generation will be retiring over the next few years. Figure 3 shows the estimated yearly growth of dental assistant positions available in Alberta over the next few years. Figure 3 Estimated Yearly Growth of Dental Assistant Jobs in Alberta Personality Fit Being happy and comfortable at work is very important. One usually spends more time at work than they do anywhere else. Therefore, the personality fit of a given career, specifically dental assisting, is crucial.Personality fit for a career includes the stress level and mental strains, personality traits recommended, and personal interests and passions. Stress level/mental strains. Dental assistants can come across some stressful situations. Sometimes, a procedure does not go as planned, leaving it up to the dentist and dental assistan t to determine what to do next to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Although this may not be a regular occurrence, a dental assistant must have critical thinking ability and work well under pressure.When an appointment runs over time, this often leaves the next scheduled patient waiting longer than anticipated for his/her turn. This can sometimes lead to a stressful situation if the patient who is waiting does not understand the situation. Overall, most dental assistants have a low- to moderate-level of stress in their everyday work. Personality traits recommended/required. Dental assistants are required to work closely with their patients and co-workers. In order to communicate well with both patients and co-workers, one should be kind, patient, outgoing, an active listener, and organized.The ability to stay calm while under pressure and during emergencies is essential. Because dental assistants work side by side with dentists, one must be a team player and pay close attention to detail. It is the dental assistant’s job to know what the dentist needs next. Personal interests and passions. One who has a passion for helping others and for making a real difference in people’s lives may enjoy being a dental assistant. One should also have a general interest in the medical field. Dental assistants require continuing education; therefore, life-long learners would be satisfied in this career. Future PotentialIn many cases, employees want to be able to advance within their career area. Therefore, looking at the future potential of a career, in this case dental assistant, determines whether or not it is for him/her. Future potential information includes continuing education requirements and advancement opportunities. Continuing education requirements. Dental assistants must maintain their competency through the CADA Continuing Competence Program (CPP) (Dental Assistant Registration Process, 2012). This program assesses, maintains, and moni tors ongoing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgments of professional dental assistants.According to the Alberta Government, dental assistants must do the following activities each year in order to keep their Continuing Competence current: * Complete one hundred (100) hours in the dental field, or three hundred (300) in the past three (3) years * Review the Competency Profile * Complete the Competency Self-Assessment * Complete a Proposed Learning Plan by the renewal deadline * Undertake appropriate Learning Activities to complete your proposed Learning Objectives * Keep the proof of your completed Learning Activities.At least once in every five years you will be asked to send in Verification of Learning documents and Completed Learning Plans. CADA will want to see evidence of two completed Learning Objectives for each year Advancement Opportunities. Depending on the size of dental office, there are advancement opportunities for dental assistants. Although a dental assistant is a dental assistant, there are different skill sets and knowledge levels involved. If a dental assistant has furthered his/her education with advanced courses in specialty areas, for example, he/she would make a higher salary.Also, some dental assistants move on to be administrative managers of the dental offices where they work. Conclusion Based on the facts and findings in this report, dental assistant is a great career choice for APRO students. With only an additional eight months of training, an APRO student can have the opportunity to be a vital part of the health care system by becoming a dental assistant. Many of the skills already learnt in APRO are essential in the career area of dental assisting.If one loves to work with people, is outgoing, patient, and loves helping others, dental assisting may be for him/her. If one chooses this career path, one can look forward to good pay, hours, and benefits. References 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey. (2011). Retrieved February 25 , 2013, from ALIS: www. alis. ca Dental Assistant's Occupation Group. (2012). Retrieved February 25, 2013, from Statistics Canada: www. statcan. gc. ca Dental Assistant Registration Process. (2012, May). Retrieved February 25, 2013, from Government of Alberta: http://www. albertacanada. com/Dental_Assisant_May_2012. pdf

Within the Context of 1789-1890, Was the Unification of Germany a Result of Economic, Political or Military Forces?

Numerous factors have lead to the progressive creation of a unified Germany by 1871; such factors are fundamentally related to economic, political or military origins. To accurately understand the reasoning behind the unification, one must look at the history preceding it – The after-effects of the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire; The significance of the French revolutions and Napoleonic Wars on Germanic national identity; the degradation of Austria’s national power; the introduction of the Zollverein in 1834 and the Prussian economic superiority that followed in addition to the industrialisation of the German states all contribute towards economic and political factors relating to the formation of a unified Germany under Prussia’s direction. Military factors contributing towards the unification of Germany include the defeat and exile of Napoleon Bonaparte; Otto Von Bismarck’s foreign policy based strongly around ‘realpolitik’; the significance of the ‘New Model Army’ on Prussia’s military prominence in addition to the conclusive Franco-Prussian war. The Germanic region is immersed in a rich cultural heritage extending back, within the context of recorded history to a wild, untamed land coupled with the indomitable spirit of the indigenous people who populated it. Numerous tribes took residence within Germania including but not limited to the Saxons, Franks and Chatti. Several centuries on, the Frankish territories within Germania had spread across the Central European landmass under the tactical prowess of Charlemagne to encompass large parts of Western Europe and Northern Italy, thus forming â€Å"Teutonicorum† or â€Å"Germanic Realm†. This newly formed empire was later consolidated by Otto the Great to become the Holy Roman Empire and is considered by numerous historians as the formation of the First Reich. The period from 936 C. E onwards saw the further expansion and consolidation of the Holy Roman Empire’s territory; this territory was however still rather localized to the Central European landmass. The conglomeratic nature of the Holy Roman Empire’s territory in addition to Otto the Great’s ecclesiastical reformations and papal disputes provide a poignant appreciation to French philosopher Voltaire’s phrase (1)â€Å"This agglomeration which was called and which still calls itself the Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empireâ€Å". Nevertheless, the Holy Roman Empire laid immeasurable foundations in the construction of a modern Germanic national identity; this national construct was further built on by the shared linguistic and cultural background of the denizens of Central Europe and as such, the importance of this rich heritage in the creation of a unified Germany must not be neglected. Analysis must be made in order to quantify the involvement economics played in the unification of the German states. The main economic impact on the Germanic states pre-1834 was the French Revolution and subsequent Napoleonic Wars, the French Revolution in particular stemmed partly from an economic crisis based in France; although providing unseen benefits that later amalgamated into the creation of a unified Germany, the wars were extremely taxing on the German states, such an economic drain arguably perpetuated the view that the German states would be unquestionably stronger if they were unified economically with consideration to the possibility of a future surge of French imperialism. After the creation of the German Confederation via the Congress of Vienna, inter-state trade began to increase but was severely limited by individual state tolls on goods passing through their respective territories, as such; Prussia introduced the Trade Reform Act 1818 which effectively removed intrinsic customs tariffs boosting internal trade massively. From this sphere of economic influence, neighbouring states began to adopt a similar tariff system in the interest of long-term economic growth. This indoctrination of sorts paved the way for the rapid economic development of the states that had adopted Prussia’s tariff system. Not only did this economic revolution increase the wealth of the states that adopted it, it also laid the foundations for an economic national identity which became synonymous with interstate politics. The increased political involvement between states can only be looked at positively when attributing its involvement in the creation of a unified Germany, with such involvement taking place, it is apparent that the German Confederation was already beginning to function as a single entity. With the boost in economic co-operation came a degree of cultural integration as a result of the increased inter-state involvement. It can certainly be argued that the introduction of the Trade Reform Act and the resulting economic co-operation contributed to the formation of a unified Germany. The positive effects of the newfound increased economic co-operation were further exemplified by the introduction of the Zollverein in 1834. The Zollverein’s influence furthered a national identity, both through the solid participation of the constituent states of the German Confederation and ‘monuments’ under which unification could prosper such as the customs-parliament and the formation of a governing body of the economic aspects of the German Confederation. The synonymous nature of economics and politics meant that it was only a matter of time before the latter was formalized just as the economic union of states had been formalized by the Zollverein. With the Zollverein came a rapid increase in foreign trade which bolstered the confederation’s economic armoury as a result of commercial treaties with Holland, Britain and Belgium. Not only did this bolster the Prussian-dominated Zollverein’s coffers, it paved the way for a diplomatic stability with the nations; the fact that it is arguable that the majority of the states within the German Confederation were interested in international relations is further indicative of the collective will of the Germanic states to be unified. A further benefit towards unification that the Zollverein brought was the industrialisation of the German states as a result of the increased trade and wealth that the Zollverein had provided; this industrialisation emerged primarily with the introduction of the railways. Not only did the railways further bolster trade and strengthen the bond that the Zollverein had provided for the German states, it removed a large portion of pre-existing inter-state cultural segregation and local prejudice as a result of the increased social and cultural contact made available by the addition of the railways to the German Confederation’s transport system. An additional economic aspect that must not be neglected is the effect the Zollverein had on Prussia’s main rival for unification – Austria. Due to the fact that the Zollverein was fundamentally born from the Prussian womb as a result of previous success of the Tariff Reform Act, it allowed Prussia to refuse entrance of the Zollverein to Austria despite three arguably frantic attempts to join in 1852, 1853 and 1862. This further weakened Austria’s hold over the German Confederation and as a result, it became more apparent that Prussia was to lead a unified Germany. The fact that one nation had clear dominance within the German Confederation provided a rallying point for German states under a Prussian banner and furthered the now Prussian-biased ideology of German dualism. It is also possible to consider that the German states may have used the example of Prussian economic solidarity and political dominance as a justification for a Prussian-lead unified Germany. In contrast, Lombardy was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy during 1859 as a result of the Second Italian War of Independence, further weakening Austria’s economic position due to the fact that Lombardy was a significant Austrian trade hub; in addition, this led to the defeat of the Hapsburg family. The war was a catalyst for liberalism/nationalism. From a political point of view, it can be said that political activities both intrinsic to the German states and extrinsic such as political ideological revolutions across Europe contributed to the unification of Germany. The political effects Napoleon exercised on the Germanic states and their relevance to German unification almost a century later must be appreciated in order to properly understand the political basis for unification. A principle factor was the continuation of the War of the Second Coalition and the subsequent Peace of Luneville. Although initially enforced to allow easier management of German territories, it can be argued that Napoleon had unknowingly paved the way for German nationalism. German nationalism was further exemplified by the martyr Friedrich Staps(2); his attempt on Napoleon’s life and subsequent refusal to denounce his will to assassinate Napoleon after being asked by Napoleon whether he would thank him if he was pardoned became a beacon of unification and furthered the German nationalist identity; he was quoted as saying â€Å"Long live freedom! Long live Germany! † before being executed by firing squad. The fact that an attempt on Napoleon’s life was made in the first place is strongly indicative of an inherent nationalist awareness and disagreement with French hegemony; collating to form a strong will for unification under a single identity. The Congress of Vienna was a further spoke in the wheel of unification. Although initially intended to reconsolidate existing Germanic states and quash nationalist views, the German Confederation was formed which can be considered a major step towards unification; this further amalgamated German states and as a result of the denomination of the states under a single name, caused political arguments over who should rule the confederation. Although political tensions were fierce between Prussia and Austria, it can be considered positive that there was a title of ‘ruler’ of the German Confederation to quarrel over at all; this is highly suggestive that most German states had unification to some degree planned or had at least considered it by 1820. What the Congress of Vienna did not take into account however was the growing economic power and ambition of Prussia. The Zollverein further reinforced Prussia’s political influence over the majority of states within the German Confederacy and continued to isolate Austria – Prussia’s main contender for the crown of unification due to the lack of inclusion within the Zollverein. In addition to Austria’s waning political influence as a result of the Zollverein, Prince von Metternich’s resignation in 1848 brought an end to Austria’s largely protectionist policy and allowed for a continued nationalist view with Prussia firmly secured to unify Germany. This nationalist â€Å"will† to become a single nation is supported by Heinrich von Treitschke, a German nationalist historian’s statement (3)â€Å"Every virile people has established colonial power. All great nations in the fullness of their strength have desired to set their mark upon barbarian lands and those who fail to participate in this great rivalry will play a pitiable role in time to come. † From a nationalist point of view, it is suggestive of the yearning that citizens of the German states had to be a part of the new world that was forming as a unified identity. As a result of the degeneration Austria was experiencing, Frederick William IV of Prussia took control of German Confederacy affairs and called the Frankfurt National Assembly. Although the assembly was hugely biased towards the middle class populace, boasting 325 middle class delegates and only 5 of a working class background, it was not the fact that it was unsuccessful, it was the fact that delegates from the Germanic peoples met at all. Although Frederick William IV declined the crown mainly due to opposition from the other German princes in addition to strained relations with Austria and Russia, he quickly summoned the German princes to Erfurt to create a plan to unite Germany. The activities that transpired during the Frankfurt National Assembly indicated a step away from autocracy and a step towards a constitutional monarchy, suggestive that a unified Germany was imminent. Perhaps the greatest political influence on the unification of Germany was Otto von Bismarck. He has been described by William Carr as (4) â€Å"a giant among pigmies† due to his political and diplomatic influence. Bismarck was appointment as Minister President of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1862 and had a profound effect on nationalism and the foreign policy of the German Confederation. Bismarck’s progressive domestic policy can be considered a great stepping stone towards unification. One such subjectively important measure Bismarck took was the secularization of the Klein Deutschland via the May Laws; these laws helped delegate power to the state therefore strengthening the Reich’s position within society. A principle factor of the May Laws relating to the continued unification of Germany was the state’s newfound governance of education over the Catholic Church; this helped promote modernist ideas to the future German population, thus allowing Germany’s continued survival in a progressive world post-industrial revolution. Additionally, Bismarck’s social welfare reforms further strengthened the fabric of the new society that was beginning to flourish. The introduction of sick pay in 1883 and pensions in 1889 helped quell the large socialist unrest which can be said to have helped towards the social stability of the nation. Bismarck’s foreign policy also provided a basis for the unification of Germany. Bismarck took a strong political stance of diplomatic isolation and pacification. Bismarck’s primary aim diplomatically was to maintain good relations with Russia and Austria and prevent a Franco-Russian alliance through the League of the Three Emperors as Bismarck realised that if diplomatic relations broke down with Russia, there was a strong possibility that Germany could be hit from both the Eastern and Western fronts. Bismarck maintained a â€Å"three against two† diplomatic philosophy; he is quoted as saying (5) â€Å"you forget the importance of being a party of three on the European chessboard. The foreign policy Bismarck employed enabled the diplomatic isolation and subsequent defeat of both France and Austria, the two main barriers standing in the way of a unified Germany. Following the unification, Bismarck employed a clever aggressive diplomatic move in the shadow of the Congress of Berlin’s negative effects on relations with Russia. A dual alliance was formed with Austria in 1879 in order to both coerce Russia into seeking a clos er diplomatic relationship with Germany and to secure Germany’s southern border in the event of a diplomatic breakdown with Russia. This was a very wise move on Bismarck’s part as it further pacified a real threat to Germany’s continuity. A further show of Bismarck’s diplomatic engineering unveiled itself in light of the Spanish revolution; As a result of the uprisings, the throne of Spain became available. Tensions between France and Prussia had escalated beyond all measure as a result of an offer to a German Prince to take up the throne and war was declared between France and Prussia as a result. The diplomatic supremacy portrayed by Bismarck aided greatly in the provocation of a Franco-Prussian war and as a result of the French defeat, aided greatly in the unification of Germany with one of its major enemies defeated. The Napoleonic wars and the resulting military encounters may be looked upon as a catalyst for the unification of Germany, a common â€Å"wartime enemy† gave the citizens of the German states a common goal which cumulated with the significant Prussian role within the Battle of Waterloo and the heroism shown by Gebhard von Blucher’s troops. The German revolutions of 1848 may be considered a military catalyst towards German unification. During the revolutions, Austria was mainly preoccupied with the First Italian War of Independence; this coupled with Prussia’s newfound superiority within the German Confederation meant that the German states relied upon Prussia to assist with the uprisings, this reliance further strengthened the political role Prussia played within the German Confederation and took the states one step closer to unification under a Prussian banner. The first major military effect on the unification of Germany came with the realisation in 1859 that the Prussian army was ineffectively trained and archaic, Albert von Roon, war minister of Prussia proposed the Army Bill of 1860. It planned to substantially increase the size of the Prussian army and improve its equipment; furthermore, national service was to be extended. The bill was passed by Bismarck in 1862 contrary to liberal opposition and hence the â€Å"New Model Army† was created. Despite continuous liberal opposition to Bismarck’s policies, as a result of the success his policies had, liberal support for him did grow. This is supported by the American historian Peter Viereck: (6) â€Å"The liberal university professors, Metternich's fiercest foes and now so prominent in 1848, were often far from the cloudy idealists pictured in our textbooks. From his own viewpoint, Bismarck erred in mocking their lack of Realpolitik. The majority†¦ as more Bismarckian than Bismarck ever realized. Many liberals†¦ later became leading propagandists for Bismarck, along with the new National Liberal Party,† Danish annexation of Schleswig brought the modernized German army to life and in February 1864, a combined Prussian and Austrian force crossed the Danish border into Schleswig. The Danish army consisted of around 40,000 troops and was swept away by a force superior in numbers, equipment and tactics. The Second Schleswig War accumulated into a victory for Prussian and Austrian forces, resulting in the re-annexation of Schleswig and the acquisition of the duchy of Holstein for both nations. This military move allowed Prussia to re-affirm its dominance and perpetuated to the German states that it was capable of defending its territories if provoked; this furthered nationalist views within the German states and contributed towards a unilateral notion that Prussia was able to lead a unified Germany. A further military factor of unification displayed by Prussia was the Austrian-Prussian war in 1866; through Bismarck’s diplomatic puppeteering, Austria declared war on Prussia. Austria was quickly isolated diplomatically and militarily. This isolation coupled with the Italian mobilization for the Third Italian War of Independence meant that Prussia had hit Austria at its weakest; Austria was quickly overwhelmed resulting in the loss of a thorn in Germany’s side. In addition to this, Austrian influence on German states waned due to both the defeat itself and that it became apparent that was unable to focus on the affairs relating to German states. This further solidified Prussia’s hold over both the states themselves and the Zollverein. Austria’s defeat also resulted in the further diplomatic isolation of France which would later aid Prussia in the Franco-Prussian war and make the path to unification more straightforward. By 1870, Prussian dominance was prolific across the German states, primarily as a result of the Prussian show of military force in the Second Schleswig War and indeed the Austrian-Prussian War. The interstate alliances that were formed meant that any European aggression on a German state would result in action being taken from all German states allied with Prussia, it was apparent from such diplomatic relations that the German states were at this point a pseudo-nation of sorts. As a result of the diplomatic breakdown over the Spanish crown, War was declared by France on Prussia in the summer of 1870. Napoleon III decided to invoke a strategy similar to his uncle’s strategy several decades ago however, the war was soon lost as a result of the unified German states being able to co-ordinate in addition to the Prussian military might resulting from the earlier Army Bill of 1860 in addition to the experience it had gained from the Schleswig-Holstein conflict and the Austrian-Prussian War. The British historian A. J. P Taylor summarized Napoleon III’s failure to take into account a key factor of his strategy (7) â€Å"Like most of those who study history, he (Napoleon III) learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones. † The importance of the military must not be neglected when considering the factors relating to the unification of Germany. The seeds of nationalism were planted at the turn of the 19th century as a result of the Napoleonic Wars. Military action formed a cornerstone of Bismarck’s foreign policy which subsequently can be considered a key piece of the unification. As a result of the modernization of the Prussian army, it was able to exert its dominance over both Denmark and Austria – the main contender to unify Germany and a stark opponent of the militaristic manner in which Bismarck was conducting in order to do so. Prussia was also able to eliminate France as the main rival to the formation of a unified Germany and prosper from the post-war reparations that France had been forced to pay both financially and in terms of territory thus aiding the continuity of the newly formed Germany. To conclude, it may not be accurate to attribute the unification solely, or even primarily to one set of factors but to a broad spectrum, each with their own significance, relevance and effect on other factors, for example; the Franco-Prussian war may not have resulted in a victory for Prussia had the Army Bill of 1860 not have been passed, nor would Prussian economic dominance be exerted in the later 19th century if the Zollverein had not been introduced in 1834 and as a result, Prussia may not have had the funds to introduce the Army Bill in the first place, this is testament to the theory that the economic, political and military factors relating to the unification of Germany are linked and as such, a denomination cannot be made towards the prevalence of one but indeed the combined significance of all of these factors. These interwoven strands of fate may be recognised by the Borussian Myth, a theory perpetuated by 19th century nationalist German historians such as Heinrich von Tr eitschke and Theodor Mommsen. The Borussian Myth states that German unification was inevitable; it is based off a teleological argument which suggests that all factors of an event are directed toward a final outcome. This theory is contrasted by post World War II historians searching through the immediate German past in order to better understand the root causes of World War II. It was progressively realised that Prussia was not the centre of German culture as suggested by the German nationalist historians of the 19th century and that 19th century German history wasn’t entirely centred on Prussian success attributed to accumulative fate but a time of great social, economic and cultural change for the German states. Although the Borussian Myth may be flawed by nationalist bias, the linked significance of the factors relating to the unification of Germany does suggest that Prussia was â€Å"destined† to unify Germany to some extent. Nevertheless, the unification of Germany cannot be attributed to one set of factors, but a precise combination of all factors executed with crucial timing whether intentional or not, sprinkled with a dash of luck.