Monday, December 30, 2019

American Revolution - New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga

Previous: Opening Campaigns | American Revolution 101 | Next: The War Moves South The War Shifts to New York Having captured Boston in March 1776, General George Washington began shifting his army south to block an anticipated British move against New York City. Arriving, he divided his army between Long Island and Manhattan and awaited British General William Howes next move. In early June, the first British transports began appearing in lower New York Harbor and Howe established camps on Staten Island. Over the next several weeks Howes army grew to over 32,000 men. His brother, Vice Admiral Richard Howe commanded the Royal Navys forces in the area and stood by to provide naval support. The Second Continental Congress Independence While the British amassed strength near New York, the Second Continental Congress continued to meet in Philadelphia. Convening in May 1775, the group contained representatives from all thirteen American colonies. In final effort to reach an understanding with King George III, the Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition on July 5, 1775, which asked the British government to address their grievances in order to avoid further bloodshed. Arriving in England, the petition was discarded by the king who was angered by the language used in confiscated letters written by American radicals such as John Adams. The failure of the Olive Branch Petition gave strength to those elements in Congress that wished to press for full independence. As the war continued, Congress began to assume the role of a national government and worked to make treaties, supply the army, and build a navy. Since it lacked the ability to tax, Congress was forced to rely on the governments of the individual colonies to provide the needed money and goods. In early 1776, the pro-independence faction began to assert more influence and pressured colonial governments to authorize reluctant delegations to vote for independence. After extended debate, Congress passed a resolution for independence on July 2, 1776. This was followed by the approval of the Declaration of Independence two days later. The Fall of New York In New York, Washington, who lacked naval forces, remained concerned that Howe could outflank him by sea anywhere in the New York area. Despite this, he felt compelled to defend the city due to its political importance. On August 22, Howe moved around 15,000 men across to Gravesend Bay on Long Island. Coming ashore, they probed the American defenses along the Heights of Guan. Finding an opening at Jamaica Pass, the British moved through the heights on the night of August 26/27 and struck American forces the next day. Caught by surprise, American troops under Major General Israel Putnam were defeated in the resulting Battle of Long Island. Falling back to a fortified position on Brooklyn Heights, they were reinforced and joined by Washington. Though aware that Howe could cut him off from Manhattan, Washington was initially reluctant to abandon Long Island. Approaching Brooklyn Heights, Howe turned cautious and ordered his men to begin siege operations. Realizing the dangerous nature of his situation, Washington left the position on the night of August 29/30 and succeeded in moving his men back to Manhattan. On September 15, Howe landed on Lower Manhattan with 12,000 men and at Kips Bay with 4,000. This forced Washington to abandon the city and assume a position to the north at Harlem Heights. The next day his men won their first victory of the campaign in the Battle of Harlem Heights. With Washington in a strong fortified postion, Howe elected to move by water with part of his command to Throgs Neck and then on to Pells Point. With Howe operating to the east, Washington was forced to abandon his position on northern Manhattan for fear of being cut off. Leaving strong garrisons at Fort Washington on Manhattan and Fort Lee in New Jersey, Washington withdrew to a strong defensive position at White Plains. On October 28, Howe assaulted part of Washingtons line at the Battle of White Plains. Driving the Americans off of a key hill, Howe was able to compel Washington to retreat again. Rather than pursue the fleeing Americans, Howe turned south to consolidate his hold on the New York City area. Assaulting Fort Washington, he captured the fortification and its 2,800-man garrison on November 16. While Washington was criticized for attempting to hold the post, he did so on Congress orders. Major General Nathanael Greene, commanding at Fort Lee, was able to escape with his men before being attacked by Major General Lord Charles Cornwallis. The Battles of Trenton Princeton Having taken Fort Lee, Cornwallis was ordered to pursue Washingtons army across New Jersey. As they retreated, Washington faced a crisis as his battered army began to disintegrate through desertions and expiring enlistments. Crossing the Delaware River into Pennsylvania in early December, he made camp and attempted to reinvigorate his shrinking army. Reduced to around 2,400 men, the Continental Army was poorly supplied and ill-equipped for winter with many of the men still in summer uniforms or lacking shoes. As in the past, Howe displayed a lack of killer instinct and ordered his men into winter quarters on December 14, with many strung out in a series of outposts from New York to Trenton. Believing an audacious act was needed to restore the publics confidence, Washington planned a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton for December 26. Crossing the ice-filled Delaware on Christmas night, his men struck the following morning and succeeded in defeating and capturing the garrison. Evading Cornwallis who had been sent to catch him, Washingtons army won a second victory at Princeton on January 3, but lost Brigadier General Hugh Mercer who was mortally wounded. Having achieved two unlikely victories, Washington moved his army to Morristown, NJ and entered winter quarters. Previous: Opening Campaigns | American Revolution 101 | Next: The War Moves South Previous: Opening Campaigns | American Revolution 101 | Next: The War Moves South Burgoynes Plan In the spring of 1777, Major General John Burgoyne proposed a plan for defeating the Americans. Believing that New England was the seat of the rebellion, he proposed cutting the region off from the other colonies by moving down the Lake Champlain-Hudson River corridor while a second force, led by Colonel Barry St. Leger, advanced east from Lake Ontario and down the Mohawk River. Meeting at Albany, Burgoyne and St. Leger would press down the Hudson, while Howes army advanced north. Though approved by Colonial Secretary Lord George Germain, Howes role in the plan was never clearly defined and issues of his seniority precluded Burgoyne from issuing him orders. The Philadelphia Campaign Operating on his own, Howe prepared his own campaign for capturing the American capital at Philadelphia. Leaving a small force under Major General Henry Clinton at New York, he embarked 13,000 men on transports and sailed south. Entering the Chesapeake, the fleet traveled north and the army landed at Head of Elk, MD on August 25, 1777. In position with 8,000 Continentals and 3,000 militia to defend the capital, Washington dispatched units to track and harass Howes army. Aware that he would have to face Howe, Washington prepared to make a stand along the banks of the Brandywine River. Forming his men in a strong position near Chadds Ford, Washington awaited the British. In surveying the American position on September 11, Howe elected to use the same strategy he employed at Long Island. Using Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausens Hessians, Howe fixed the American center in place along the creek with a diversionary attack, while marching the bulk of this army around Washingtons right flank. Attacking, Howe was able to drive the Americans from the field and captured the bulk of their artillery. Ten days later, Brigadier General Anthony Waynes men were beaten at the Paoli Massacre. With Washington defeated, Congress fled Philadelphia and reconvened at York, PA. Outmaneuvering Washington, Howe entered the city on September 26. Eager to redeem the defeat at Brandywine and re-take the city, Washington began planning a counterattack against British forces located at Germantown. Devising a complicated assault plan, Washingtons columns became delayed and confused in the thick morning fog on October 4. In the resulting Battle of Germantown, American forces achieved early success and were on the verge of a great victory before confusion in the ranks and strong British counterattacks turned the tide. Among those who had performed badly at Germantown was Major General Adam Stephen who had been drunk during the fighting. Not hesitating, Washington sacked him in favor of the promising young Frenchmen, the Marquis de Lafayette, who had recently joined the army. With the campaign season winding down, Washington moved the army to Valley Forge for winter quarters. Enduring a hard winter, the American army underwent extensive training under the watchful eye of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. Another foreign volunteer, von Steuben had served as a staff officer in the Prussian army and imparted his knowledge to the Continental forces. The Tide Turns at Saratoga While Howe was planning his campaign against Philadelphia, Burgoyne moved forward with the other elements of his plan. Pressing down Lake Champlain, he easily captured Fort Ticonderoga on July 6, 1777. As a result, Congress replaced the American commander in the area, Major General Philip Schuyler, with Major General Horatio Gates. Pushing south, Burgoyne won minor victories at Hubbardton and Fort Ann and elected to move overland towards the American position at Fort Edward. Moving through the forest, Burgoynes progress was slowed as the Americans felled tree across the roads and worked to obstruct the British advance. To the west, St. Leger laid siege to Fort Stanwix on August 3, and defeated an American relief column at the Battle of Oriskany three days later. Still commanding the American army, Schuyler dispatched Major General Benedict Arnold to break the siege. As Arnold approached, St. Legers Native American allies fled after hearing exaggerated accounts regarding the size of Arnolds force. Left on his own, St. Leger had no choice but to retreat west. As Burgoyne neared Fort Edward, the American army fell back to Stillwater. Though he had won several minor victories, the campaign had cost Burgoyne heavily as his supply lines lengthened and men were detached for garrison duty. In early August, Burgoyne detached part of his Hessian contingent to search for supplies in nearby Vermont. This force was engaged and decisively defeated at the Battle of Bennington on August 16. Three days later Burgoyne made camp near Saratoga to rest his men and await news from St. Leger and Howe. Previous: Opening Campaigns | American Revolution 101 | Next: The War Moves South Previous: Opening Campaigns | American Revolution 101 | Next: The War Moves South Two miles to the south, Schuylers men began fortifying a series of heights on the west bank of the Hudson. As this work progressed, Gates arrived and took command on August 19. Five days later, Arnold returned from Fort Stanwix and the two began a series of clashes over strategy. While Gates was content to remain on the defensive, Arnold advocated striking at the British. Despite this, Gates gave Arnold command of the left wing of the army, while Major General Benjamin Lincoln led the right. On September 19, Burgoyne moved to attack the American position. Aware that the British were on the move, Arnold secured permission for a reconnaissance in force to determine Burgoynes intentions. In the resulting Battle of Freemans Farm, Arnold decisively defeated the British attack columns, but was relieved after a fight with Gates. Having suffered over 600 casualties at Freemans Farm, Burgoynes position continued to worsen. Sending to Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton at New York for aid, he soon learned that none was forthcoming. Short on men and supplies, Burgoyne resolved to renew the battle on October 4. Moving out three days later, the British attacked American positions at the Battle of Bemis Heights. Encountering heavy resistance, the advance soon bogged down. Pacing at headquarters, Arnold finally departed against Gates wishes and rode to the sound of the guns. Aiding on several parts of the battlefield, he led a successful counterattack on the British fortifications before being wounded in the leg. Now outnumbered 3-to-1, Burgoyne attempted to retreat north towards Fort Ticonderoga on the night of October 8. Blocked by Gates and with his supplies dwindling, Burgoyne elected to open negotiations with the Americans. Though he initially demanded an unconditional surrender, Gates agreed to a treaty of convention whereby Burgoynes men would be taken to Boston as prisoners and permitted to return to England on the condition that they not fight in North America again. On October 17, Burgoyne surrendered his remaining 5,791 men. Congress, unhappy with the terms offered by Gates, overruled the agreement and Burgoynes men were placed in prisoner camps around the colonies for the remainder of the war. The victory at Saratoga proved key in securing a treaty of alliance with France. Previous: Opening Campaigns | American Revolution 101 | Next: The War Moves South

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Illusion vs. Reality in Tennessee Williams The Glass...

Illusion vs. Reality in Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, contains multiple themes. While there are many themes, the theme that holds the piece together is illusion versus reality. This theme is established very quickly, In fact, the first paragraph of the play describes the illusions to take place, But I am the opposite of a stage musician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion (1866). During Toms monologue, he discusses the premise of the play; when it takes place, who the characters are, and how the play is to be perceived (as a memory). His reference to illusion is not used†¦show more content†¦Even if she did, she loses touch with reality by refusing to let go of her early adulthood. She has repeated these stories so much that she finds them to be completely true. Its almost like she refused to grow up with the times, especially once things got harder. Although Amanda appears to often be stuck in the past, without any idea of reality, she bounces back and forth. She first says to Laura, I know so well what becomes of unmarried women who arent prepared to occupy a position. Ive seen such pitiful cases in the South-- barely tolerated spinsters living upon the grudging patronage of sisters husband or brothers wife. . . encouraged by one in-law to visit another (1871). When discussing the future, she seems to be very inept, clear, and very much realistic. However, next she completely falls back into illusion when talking about Lauras gentleman caller. She unrealistically reminds Laura that her defect can overshadowed by simple charm. She refuses to let Laura refer to herself as crippled (1872). Not only is Amanda refusing to live in the reality, she is denying Laura the opportunity to be realistic about her disability. Laura appears to be the most important character in the play, perhaps the main character intended by Williams. Although she also engages in a world of illusion, hers is much different then Amandas. She has no pretenses, no real faults to speak of. She is whoShow MoreRelatedIllusion Vs. Reality In The Glass Menagerie By Tennessee Williams1022 Words   |  5 PagesIllusion versus reality is a theme that illustrates the conflict people have when they have difficulties in their lives. They want to deny or ignore the difficulty, so they force themselves to think in a different way and believe something that is not true, thus, making an imaginary world for themselves. They have a desire to live in a different world and fool themselves to thinking that they are, but in reality, they are not. Authors use this theme in their writing to highlight the effect of theseRead MoreTennessee Williams and Works, a Look at Illusion vs. Reality1625 Words   |  7 PagesIllusion Vs. Reality Tennessee Williams and his works deal heavily in the contrast of illusion and reality and the characters struggle with this. Illusion vs. Reality is a major theme is mostly all of his dramatic works. The majority of these characters find themselves in a state of illusion. This was intended by Tennessee Williams to show how unavoidable and definite falling into illusion, or insanity, can be. Williams sister Rose affected him greatly when she became schizophrenic. ThisRead MoreImportant Symbols and Themes of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams7390 Words   |  30 PagesImportant Symbols and Themes of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams Tennessee Williams play, The Glass Menagerie is considered a memory play because it is told from the memory of the narrator. The narrator, who is also a character, is Tom Wingfield, the youngest member of the Wingfield family. The other characters are Amanda Wingfield, his mother; Laura Wingfield, his older sister; and Jim OConnor the gentleman caller. A fifth character is represented by the photograph Read More Illusion vs. Reality in The Glass Menagerie Essay2797 Words   |  12 PagesIllusion vs. Reality in The Glass Menagerie      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams uses the roles of the members of the Wingfield family to highlight the controlling theme of illusion versus reality. The family as a whole is enveloped in mirage; the lives of the characters do not exist outside of their apartment and they have basically isolated themselves from the rest of the world. Even their apartment is a direct reflection of the past as stories are often recalled from the

Friday, December 13, 2019

Ch 3 Kidwell Free Essays

CHAPTER 3 THE RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA AND INTEREST RATES How is an increase in the cash rate likely to affect mortgage interest rates? Increases will be announced almost immediately in variable rates. How is an increase in the cash rate likely to affect imports An increase in the cash rate may attract an additional flow in of foreign investment funds which will increase the AUD exchange rate. Foreign goods priced in a currency against which the AUD has appreciated will be cheaper in AUD terms and thus the quantity of the goods sold may will increase. We will write a custom essay sample on Ch 3 Kidwell or any similar topic only for you Order Now How is an increase in the cash rate likely to affect the exchange rate? An increase in the cash rate may attract an additional inflow of foreign investment funds which will increase the AUD exchange rate (appreciate the currency). 20. Will a drop in the cash rate affect inflation? Explain. Theoretically it will. A drop in the cash rate will stimulate borrowing, investment and economic activity. The increased demand for resources will put upward pressure on the prices of resources and may lead to inflation. Answers to in-chapter questions 3. What is likely to happen to the monetary base when (a) Centrelink credits age pension to pensioners’ bank accounts? – increase in money supply, (b) the RBA buys government securities from Australian investors and (c) banks raise funds by an overseas note issue? A – increase in money supply B – increase in money supply C – no change as if the payments are received in forex, then they exchange the currency for AUD already in the money supply. If the payments are received in AUD, then other agents have already exchanged the forex for AUD. 3. Why do the financial markets pay so much attention to the cash rate? The cash rate reflects the monetary policy stance and the influence the RBA is trying to exert on the level of economic activity. It also has a significant impact on consumer and business confidence, willingness to invest and spend and ability to service their debt. 3. 4 Describe the likely consequences for GDP growth when the RBA sells CGS to raise funds for the Commonwealth Government A sale of CGS will reduce the supply of money in the economy all other things being equal. This will lead to increased in interest rates as money supply reduces. Higher interest rates reduce the spending power of consumers and business. This results in less spending, investment and a general decline in asset values as spending tightens. Consumers and business are also likely to become more conservative as rates increase. This would then limit GDP growth. It also must be consider for what purpose the funds will be used and this may mitigate the restrictive monetary policy position. How to cite Ch 3 Kidwell, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Visual Rhetoric free essay sample

In this piece of visual rhetoric, there is a very strong message conveyed. Depicted in the medium are lips, very disturbing lips. The creator of this piece uses image to connect to the viewer visually, expressing a very serious tone. Image is a very powerful tool; it makes the author more credible and the audience more apt to agree and believe. The creator of this image intends to affect its viewers in a powerful way: through surprise and contrast, and it is well executed. The viewer of the image should look at it and ponder its meaning. No words accompany this picture, permitting the viewer to have free interpretation. However, the core message is clear. The core message is about smoking. The design of this anti-smoking advertisement is very intriguing, being a cropped picture of a woman’s bright red lips. They are not normal lips; they are lips with a black hole through them, as if burned by a cigarette. We will write a custom essay sample on Visual Rhetoric or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The image is composed so that the viewer’s eyes are drawn right to the hole, a stain in perfection. The bright, cherry lipstick contrasted with the revolting, charcoal hole—placed right where a cigarette would sit—appalls the viewer. This placement was very effective in conveying a message about smoking. In the background of the picture there is a pore less, porcelain-like skin surrounding the lips. This, coupled with the red lips, only makes the woman appear even more perfect, despite the gaping, metaphorical hole in her lips. Light is used to brighten the picture, contrasting with the hole as well. Light is often utilized to symbolize hope and knowledge, ideas that smoking is not associated with. There are subtle shadows sitting in the corners of the woman’s mouth and below her lower lip, making the picture even more realistic. The viewer’s eyes move from the focal point (the burn hole) to the red lips, and then to the perfect skin, finally ending on the shadows in the teeth. The creator of this image was well versed in making an affective, persuasive design. The visual text in this advertisement assumes that its viewers are smokers so that they can persuade the smoker to quit. Another viewer could be a non-smoker, allowing the anti-smoking message to act as a preventative. All of the viewers might not concur with the idea that smoking ruins what might be close to perfection. For smokers in denial, this might be a difficult concept to grasp. The author was simply trying to persuade them to make the best decision, even if it meant doing so with a contorted image. This instills a negative opinion about smoking in the viewer. This visual rhetoric makes a lasting impression that, through thought, can be interpreted in different ways. It will invoke ideas about life and happiness in its viewers. The purpose of this visual rhetoric piece is to persuade, inform, and almost warn its viewers. Through the shocking hole in the lips, there is a significant amount of persuasion, for it does not appeal to many people. They are warned that smoking will stain their lives permanently. The argument, simply stated, is that smoking is bad. The image will evoke the value of a good life that does not include the depicted vice of smoking. Women often have desires to be perfect, while men may desire to be with a perfect woman, and glistening red lips symbolize this. This appeal of perfection is interrupted by the cigarette hole, crushing the desires of the viewers, and creating an instinctive affliction towards smoking.