Battle of Agincourt - Hundred Years War

Battle of Agincourt - Hundred Years' War Battle of Agincourt: Date Conflict: The Battle of Agincourt was fought October 25, 1415, during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Armies Commanders: English King Henry Vapprox. 6,000-8,500 men French Constable of France Charles dAlbretMarshal Boucicautapprox. 24,000-36,000 men Battle of Agincourt - Background: In 1414, King Henry V of England began discussions with his nobles regarding renewing the war with France to assert his claim on the French throne. He held this claim through his grandfather, Edward III who begun the Hundred Years War in 1337. Initially reluctant, they encouraged the king to negotiate with the French. In doing so, Henry was willing to renounce his claim to the French throne in exchange for 1.6 million crowns (the outstanding ransom on French King John II - captured at Poitiers in 1356), as well as French recognition of English dominion over occupied lands in France. These included Touraine, Normandy, Anjou, Flanders, Brittany, and Aquitaine. To seal the deal, Henry was willing to marry the young daughter of the chronically insane King Charles VI, Princess Catherine, if he received a dowry of 2 million crowns.  Believing these demands too high, the French countered with a dowry of 600,000 crowns and an offer to cede lands in Aquitaine.  Negotiations quickly stalled as the French refused to increase the dowry. With talks deadlocked and feeling personally insulted by French actions, Henry successfully asked for war on April 19, 1415. Assembling an army of around, Henry crossed the Channel with around 10,500 men and landed near Harfleur on August 13/14. Battle of Agincourt - Moving to Battle: Quickly investing Harfleur, Henry hoped to take the city as a base before advancing east to Paris and then south to Bordeaux. Meeting a determined defense, the siege lasted longer than the English had initially hoped and Henrys army was beset by a variety of diseases such as dysentery. When the city finally fell on September 22, the majority of the campaigning season had passed. Assessing his situation, Henry elected to move northeast to his stronghold at Calais where the army could winter in safety. The march was also intended to demonstrate his right to rule Normandy. Leaving a garrison at Harfleur, his forces departed on October 8. Hoping to move quickly, the English army left their artillery and much of the baggage train as well as carried limited provisions. While the English were occupied at Harfleur, the French struggled to raise an army to oppose them. Gathering forces at Rouen, they were not ready by the time the city fell. Pursuing Henry, the French sought to blockade the English along the River Somme. These maneuvers proved somewhat successful as Henry was forced to turn southeast to seek an uncontested crossing. As a result, food became scarce in the English ranks. Finally crossing the river at Bellencourt and Voyenes on October 19, Henry pressed on towards Calais. The English advance was shadowed by the growing French army under the nominal command of Constable Charles dAlbret and Marshal Boucicaut. On October 24, Henrys scouts reported that the French army had moved across their path and was blocking the road to Calais. Though his men were starving and suffering from disease, he halted and formed for battle along a ridge between the woods of Agincourt and Tramecourt. In a strong position, his archers drove stakes into the ground to protect against cavalry attack. Battle of Agincourt - Formations: Though Henry did not desire battle due to being badly outnumbered, he understood that the French would only grow stronger. In deploying, men under the Duke of York formed the English right, while Henry led the center and Lord Camoys commanded the left.  Occupying the open ground between the two woods, the English line of men at arms was four ranks deep. The archers assumed positions on the flanks with another group possibly being located in the center. Conversely the French were eager for battle and anticipated victory. Their army formed in three lines with dAlbret and Boucicault leading the first with the Dukes of Orleans and Bourbon. The second line was led by the Dukes of Bar and Alenà §on and the Count of Nevers. Battle of Agincourt - The Armies Clash: The night of October 24/25 was marked by heavy rain which turned the newly plowed fields in the area into a muddy quagmire. As the sun rose, the terrain favored the English as the narrow space between the two woods worked to negate the French numerical advantage. Three hours passed and the French, awaiting reinforcements and perhaps having learned from their defeat at Crà ©cy, did not attack. Forced to make the first move, Henry took a risk and advanced between the woods to within extreme range for his archers. The French failed to strike with the English were vulnerable (Map). As a result, Henry was able to establish a new defensive position and his archers were able to fortify their lines with stakes. This done, they unleashed a barrage with their longbows. With the English archers filling the sky with arrows, the French cavalry began a disorganized charge against the English position with the first line of men-at-arms following. Cut down by the archers, the cavalry failed to breach the English line and succeeded in doing little more than churning the mud between the two armies. Hemmed in by the woods, they retreated through the first line weakening its formation. Slogging forward through the mud, the French infantry was exhausted by the exertion while also taking losses from the English archers. Reaching the English men-at-arms, they were able to initially push them back. Rallying, the English soon began inflicting heavy losses as the terrain prevented the greater French numbers from telling. The French were also hampered by the press of numbers from the side and behind which limited their ability to attack or defend effectively. As the English archers expended their arrows, they drew swords and other weapons and began attacking the French flanks. As a melee developed, the second French line joined the fray. As the battle raged, dAlbret was killed and sources indicate that Henry played an active role at the front. Having defeated the first two French lines, Henry remained wary as the third line, led by the Counts of Dammartin and Fauconberg, remained a threat. The only French success during the fighting came when Ysembart dAzincourt led a small force in a successful raid on the English baggage train. This, along with the menacing actions of the remaining French troops, led Henry to order the killing of the majority of his prisoners to prevent them from attacking should the battle resume. Though criticized by modern scholars, this action was accepted as necessary at the time. Assessing the massive losses already sustained, the remaining French troops departed the area. Battle of Agincourt - Aftermath: Casualties for the Battle of Agincourt are not known with certainty, though many scholars estimate the French suffered 7,000-10,000 with another 1,500 nobles taken prisoner. English losses are generally accepted to be around 100 and perhaps as high as 500. Though he had won a stunning victory, Henry was unable to press home his advantage due to the weakened state of his army. Reaching Calais on October 29, Henry returned to England the following month where he was greeted as a hero. Though it would take several more years of campaigning to achieve his goals, the devastation wrought upon the French nobility at Agincourt made Henrys later efforts easier. In 1420, he was able to conclude the Treaty of Troyes which recognized him as the regent and heir to the French throne. Selected Sources History of War: Battle of Agincourt

Freedom of Speech in China and Political Reform

Freedom of Speech in China and Political Reform Introduction Freedom of speech is a human right that is very essential and entails the expression of ideas and opinions freely hence promoting peace and order in a country or even an institution as people feel represented and honored. It is through the expression of opinions that invention and innovation is nurtured and hence there is growth and development.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Freedom of Speech in China and Political Reform specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Freedom of speech enhances free flow of information and ideas hence promoting democracy, creativity and growth. Political reform on the other hand is a social and political movement that makes gradual changes in the society or country and therefore freedom of speech is necessary in the process of political reform. Freedom of speech is an essential basic human right and each and every individual is entitled to have it. It should however not be misused u nder any circumstance but used constructively to promote growth rather than rebellion. The introduction of political reform in China ought to be gradual just as the economic reforms so that it can be easily absorbed without interfering with the functioning and continuity of the state (Cuizon 1). Background Information China worked on the principles of a political thinker, Confucius, until the start of the twentieth century. He emphasized on the importance of ethics and morals in all undertakings rather than the use of force and violence to make things done. The importance of human rights like the freedom of speech was however not taken into consideration. Towards the end of the twentieth century, China became business oriented and there were lots of economic and political reforms under the rule of Deng. He believed that for a nation to progress and develop there had to be enlightened people and so he allowed for more open debate and discussions that would enhance exchange of ideas a nd opinions that lead to development. There was great freedom of speech, press and movement but this idea was not received well and some people thought that too much freedom was not necessary and that they should have gone back to the earlier days. This was because although the reforms had led to growth and development, it also brought about inflation leading to peaceful and even violent demonstrations as citizens demanded more democracy (Rana 2). Although the constitution of China has the provision of the freedom of speech, association, press and even demonstration, the freedom is not there in reality since the constitution forbids the undertaking of anything that is contrary to the interests of the states. The rights are not implemented unless a supplementary law is passed by the national legislature.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There are therefore restrictions to hum an rights and people who are seen to express and advocate for freedom are punished and prosecuted for the offense of inciting others or trying to undermine the state’s powers. Some face penalties like losing their jobs, detention and rebuke. Freedom of speech and press are vital concepts in attainment of political reform in China. This is because it enhances decision making in regard to the country’s politics through engaging the citizens in the current social and political affairs. The involvement of the citizens in the nation’s decision making is fundamental as it makes them feel represented and also prepare the citizens socially on all the changes that are bound to happen in their nation and hence avoid resistance as it could be the case when the changes would occur without their consent or knowledge. Political reform in China is triggered by the widespread corruption in the nation as there are many instances of abuse of public funds and resources for individ ual gains. Corruption is exacerbated by the fact that the citizens have got no powers and the state is in control of all the aspects involving the citizens for instance, it possesses power over the legislature, judicial and executive arms of the government, the press or media, colleges and universities and even markets. Democracy is therefore viewed as a solution to this problem and it can only be introduced through political reform. The idea of democracy is however received with a lot of controversies because in however much the leaders desire to eliminate the aspect of corruption, they have the fear of losing the monopoly power prevalent in the communist party. Even with the realization that something needs to be done, allowing for democracy, the Chinese leaders are still resistant on the need for change (Zhao 3). It is however evident that the process of establishing democracy in China has been slower that that of capitalism. This is because of the monopoly of power of the Chines e Communist Party and the lack of freedom of speech and press and independent government body. Although China is not a democracy, its view on democratic aspects is changing and there is the possibility of the adoption of democracy as a political system in future (Li Viii). There have been changes in the China’s political ideology due to the urge to have freedom of speech and democracy and as a result, there have been major political changes and developments for instance there has been the emergence of civil society as opposed to the Mao’s era where there was no chance for formation of any independent civil society.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Freedom of Speech in China and Political Reform specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There has been an increase in formation independent and legitimate civil organizations and associations that give the citizens a medium to air their opinions. The political reform has also led to improved national legal system and promotion of the rule of law. This is because the leaders in China have recognized the need to establish and promote a good legal system to compliment the growing market economy. This promotes democracy in the political system in China. Local autonomy and direct elections is another concept that was enhanced by political reform in China. Democracy was viewed as a stepping stone to political development and the citizens were allowed to make their leadership decisions by directly voting for or electing their leaders. This enhanced peace and order as the citizens felt comprehensively represented. Political transparency is another key aspect. The political reform emphasize on openness and transparency in all affairs of the government through involvement of the citizens. The government has the obligation to inform the citizens of the policies and regulations and all the government affairs affecting them comprehensively and at the right time to ensure that they are aware of the events taking place or those that are to take place and voice their opinions. The National Leading Group on Governmental Transparency promotes this by emphasizing openness in governmental affairs as a legal obligation of the government at al levels, adoption of a service commitment and responsibility investigating system, and establishment of a disaster management system. Due to consideration of the citizens in the government political affairs, there has been an improvement in public services provision as the government become service oriented. This has been achieved through simplification of the administrative examination and approval system and implementation of one stop shopping service model. Incorporation of public hearings and considerations in decision making is another positive factor brought about by political reform. This has made use of the public to ensure that the services offered by the government are in line to the needs of th e citizens hence satisfaction and contentment that promotes peace and order. Although the political reforms have been associated with major positive results, its main goal is to set up a modern system that promotes democratic governance in the nation and hence recognizing and protecting the citizen’s rights under all circumstances (Li 50). Freedom of speech and political reform in China are directly related and affect one another. When the citizens are given the freedom of speech, they are able to participate fully in the nation’s development and hence contribute positively to the political reforms.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, the leaders may consider restricting the freedom of speech of the citizens so as to exercise monopoly and carry out activities the way they desire. This however cannot succeed as the citizens will be rebellious as they feel neglected. It is therefore advisable to allow democracy and freedom of speech to enhance the process of political reform. Conclusion Political reform is a positive step in any country when it follows the right direction and procedures. It should always aim at attaining political legitimacy and promoting social welfare and development. It should also cater for the needs of all citizens especially the marginalized and promote political, social and economic stability in the nation. Cuizon, Gwendolyn. â€Å"What is Freedom of Speech?: Importance of Free Speech.† Suite 101.com. 2009, March 6. Web. Li, Cheng. Chinas Changing Political Landscape: Prospects for Democracy. Washington D.C: Brookings Institution Press, 2008. Rana, Mitter. â€Å"A Short History of Free Speech in China: New Internationalist.† FindArticles.com, 2010. Web. Zhao, Suisheng. Debating Political Reform in China: Rule of Law vs. Democratization. New York: M.E. Sharpe, 2006.

The Antitrust Battle Ahead Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Antitrust Battle Ahead - Essay Example It may so happen that the merged organizations gains at the expense of the consumer. This is where the government chips in, through its antitrust regulations. The government reserves the right, and rightly so, to intervene and block any merger deal which it feels would reduce competition in the industry and thereby adversely affect the consumers, either by way of high prices or by way of low quality. In some cases, these mergers may lead to less innovation thus indirectly putting consumers at a loss. Section 7 of the Clayton Act disallows mergers and acquisitions when such transactions may significantly lower competition, or may create a monopoly, or may lead to formation of cartels (Federal Trade Commission 2011). Simply put, the purpose of antitrust legislations is to enforce laws that promote competitive markets. These laws thus ensure efficient allocation of resources in a free market and prevent market failures. The focal point of antitrust economics is competition (Scheffman 2002). It is competition that is at the heart of many important business decisions and to a large extent determines the firms pricing strategies and tactics. The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition, along with the Bureau of Economics is entrusted with the enforcement of such antitrust laws in the United States. The FTC and Department of Justice review scores of merger filings every year of which 95 percent have no competitive issues (Federal Trade Commission 2011). The first category consists of merger proposals wherein the competitive concerns can be resolved by mutual consent of the parties concerned. The revised merger proposal, so arrived after negotiations, retains the beneficial aspects of the deal and discards the threat. The federal regulators negotiated a settlement in the proposed merger deal of Comcast and NBC Universal. As a part of the revised deal, Comcast agreed to give up