Briton's Anatomy of a Revolution

The steps of the revolution are:
The first stage:
       The first action were taken were distinct opposing groups were created and a small and slightly unorganized groups that represent the majority against the grievances. The government is forced to use force but it's late to do so and the power is incapable of ruling.
The second stage:
       There's a conflict between the moderate and extreme revolutionaries, and the radicals win as a result of their better organization. The following revolutionary government creates an era called the Terror, with harsh rules and violence.
The third stage:
       There's an ebb in zealousness and a Thermidorian Reaction occurs. With this reaction, life comes back to back to normal, and another ruler comes to power, bringing a revised version of the former governance.

Neil Ferguson: 6 Killer Apps of Prosperity

Ferguson poses the question as to how the westerners became dominant in the 'global scene', and answers it effectively. He brings up examples of historical figures, who also questioned this and attempted to answer this question such as Muteferrika, who said that is "because they have laws and rules invented by reason". This statement has a great weight to it, as it notes how European institutions (governments etc.) "embraced" the ideas of the people(which were common sense) and laws were made as such. Ferguson also makes it very clear, it was not geography or national character it was ideas and institutions that led to the west's dominance. A great modern example that Ferguson mentioned was the division of a country that has very similar culture but given different governments and that is why became totally different. He refers to the separation of North Korea(which had communism) and South Korea(which was a democratic/republic). North Korea, stagnated technologically and South Korea as a contrast is a much more advanced country, or more "dominant". Ferguson then says how the west diverged from the East, through his "6 killer apps". The first was competition. In Europe there was competition, between all corporations and various institutions versus China which was very monolithic. Then he mentions the scientific revolution; in Europe there was a grand revolution which was not seen anywhere else in the world. Then he mentions property rights; in North America where people actually owned land versus a country like Latin America where a select few owned land. Then he mentions modern medicine(the obvious one!); in Europe(west) because of this life expectancy nearly doubles versus the sorcery( & mercury 'dranks') in China.Then he mentions the consumer society, where people must buy stuff(West produced and sold a bunch of goods). Finally, he mentions the importance of work ethic; where people will work if there are institutions that provide incentive for work(such as the land grants) in the West. To end his talk, he mentions this idea of re-convergence where the East and West will be on the same level in terms of "world dominance". To answer one of his questions, is the west deleting their apps? Yes, as American are simply losing their work ethic(deleted app 6). Whereas, China for example is ahead in terms of math scores and patents(more innovation/technological inventions). To answer another one of his questions, can Africa get the sequence right? Before I answer this, I must say that my answer is based of a Fareed Zakaria segment. Africa is a unique country as they necessarily do not adhere to the usual sequence of events (they do not necessarily need to gain security then gain democracy). Africa has taken use of some of the apps, as it is one of the most promising places (some parts of the country) economically. Africa is developing a thriving, consumer society and they have a great work ethic which may led to Africa being the next superpower(in terms of wealth). Overall, this was a very interesting Ted talk, and points out the obvious which is that the west is not as dominant as it once was. It is intriguing to see how many other countries are catching up to the west, and it will be very interesting to see the affects of this on the "global scene" in the coming years.

Islamic Pocket Map

Olaudah Equiano on the Middle Passage

On the basis of Equiano's account, what measures did the crews of slave ships take to ensure maximum profits from their business of transporting human cargoes?

The enslaved passengers traveled below decks in hideously cramped quarters. The ships had given the slaves enough room to sit but not stand and some were forced to lie in chains on small shelves. The crew of the slave ships had fit a lot of slaves into one ship in order to maximize their profit for business. The conditions on the ship were horrific and the crew member took the initiative to save lives, to gain profit, by forcing them to eat and had pitched the sick out in the ocean before they infect the others slaves and waste limited supplies of food.

Born With A Silver Spoon Reading

Where is the silver going?  Where is it coming from?  Who are the major players in the 'silver trade'?

China was the primary buyer of silver. The Spanish America had led in supply, deriving its silver from American regions such as Mexico, Acapulco, and others in Latin America. The second supplier was Japan, although the country's exports dropped significantly in the 17th century. The major players in the 'silver trade' were Spain, and its American tributaries, Portugal, the Dutch, Japan, China, and the Philippines (it's port, Manilla).  

DBQ

I thought the essay was easy but I couldn't finish it on time. What I like about DBQs is that you don't need to bring in additional information from the outside, you just whatever information is given to you. I think it's easier then the other two types of essay. I forgot to write about why the documents important. I forgot to do analysis. I was about to finish, I only had a few documents that I couldn't mention in my essay so I need to manage my time properly. By managing my time, I can finish the essay on time in the future. I need to work on point of view and a little bit about how the essay will be set up.  

Columbus

Does Columbus deserve his own holiday? Why does he have one? Should we reconsider?

Christopher Columbus has his own holiday because he had "discovered" America. That is however incorrect because the Vikings, Polynesians, and others had already landed in the America before him. Also, one cannot discover a place if they are other inhabitants before. Columbus should not be given that much attention for accidentally landing to the Americas. He refused to acknowledge that he made it to a different, new continent. I do think we should reconsider, after all, he also brought diseases that killed many.