Aztecs and the Aztec Civilization

Aztecs and the Aztec Civilization Aztecs are the collective name given to seven Chichimec tribes of northern Mexico, who controlled the valley of Mexico and much of central America from its capital during the Late Postclassic period from the 12th century AD until the Spanish invasion of the 15th century. The main political alliance creating the Aztec empire was called the Triple Alliance, including the Mexica of Tenochtitlan, the Acolhua of Texcoco, and the Tepaneca of Tlacopan; together they dominated most of Mexico between 1430 and 1521 AD. For a complete discussion see the Aztec Study Guide. Aztecs and their Capital City The capital city of the Aztecs was at Tenochtitlan-Tlatlelco, what is today Mexico City, and the extent of their empire covered almost all of what is today Mexico. At the time of Spanish conquest, the capital was a cosmopolitan city, with people from all over Mexico. The state language was Nahuatl and written documentation was kept on bark cloth manuscripts (most of which were destroyed by the Spanish). Those that survive, called codexes or codices (singular codex), can be found in some small cities in Mexico but also in museums around the world. A high level of stratification in Tenochtitlan included rulers, and a noble and commoner class. There were frequent ritual human sacrifices (including cannibalism to some degree), part of the military and ritual activities of the Aztec people, although it is possible and perhaps likely that these were exaggerated by the Spanish clergy. Sources An  Aztec Civilization Study Guide has been developed with loads of details on lifestyles of the Aztecs, including an overview and detailed timeline and king list. The photograph used on this page was provided by the Field Museum for a part of their new exhibit Ancient Americas. Also Known As: Mexica, Triple Alliance Examples: Azcapotzalco, Malinalco, Guingola, Yautepec, Cuanahac, Templo Mayor, Tenochtitlan

The War Against Iraq essays

The War Against Iraq essays Many say that the Bush Administration is justified in its attempts to wage war against Iraq. Citizens that believe in this course of action should stop and examine some of the finer details. After the conflict in Afghanistan our government shifted its attention to Iraq in its search for weapons of mass destruction. Simply because Iraq has the capability to one-day produce nuclear arms is not justification for a preemptive attack from the U.S. Countries across the globe and the majority of the U.N. opposes the U.S.s proposal of a preemptive attack on Iraq simply because the country could one day threaten freedom. Iraq has shown no signs of aggression towards the U.S. that merits military actions. Another point that was brought up a former U.N. weapons inspector was that Iraq no longer poses a threat to the U.S. in any way. If our government proceeds with its plans to invade Iraq our efforts to eliminate terrorist threats in other countries would be useless due to the overwhelming w orld-wide disapproval of our governments actions involving Iraq. Also our already-troubled economy would suffer due to the amount of resources needed for a war against Saddam. A preemptive strike against a non-aggressive country is not only immoral but is illegal. The Bush Administration claims that they are enforcing the will of the security council by attacking Iraq, but also state that they are willing to defy the council to attack Saddam. The few remaining government officials that have experience in war almost all agree that out nations method of handling this situation is not taking into account the bigger picture. One major flaw in the plan for an attack on Iraq is that Saddam has not threatened the U.S. in any way. This alone is enough reason for us to rethink our plans. Other countries like North Korea who actually possess nuclear arms and have shown signs of willingness to use them seem a much more ...

International Business Strategy assignment Term Paper

International Business Strategy assignment - Term Paper Example As a result, the Turkish market realized a 35% decline in domestic demand for household appliances. At this juncture, the company is forced to revise its strategic potentiality in promoting its key goal of international expansion. This case study will explore Arcelik’s principal motives for international expansion. It will also evaluate different tactics that would assist the firm to achieve this aim. Principal motives for international expansion The major international growth motive that drives Arcelik is its intention to achieve economies of large scale operation. While sales increase, there would be a proportional increase in profitability also. In order to increase total sales volume, it is necessary for the firm to deal with large scale production processes that would in turn assist the firm to cut down various expenditures. When the company involves in large volume production, it is forced to purchase raw materials in bulk quantities which would aid the firm to earn the benefits of more cash and trade discounts. This strategy would also enable the company to take advantages of transportation costs and warehouse charges. Efficient use of capital equipment and employment of specialized labor are other objectives that lead Arcelik Home Appliances to set international expansion as the key aim. ... It is obvious that international expansion directly contributes to international identity or brand reputation in the global market. When the firm earns a good market stature, it assists them to raise cheaper credits at the time of contingencies. Since large business houses leveraged with stable and potential financial sources and other special reserves, creditors generally believe that these business entities have the potential to repay the money even in the times of difficulties. Therefore, banks and other financial institutions are willing to provide them credit facilities at cheaper rates without having much legal procedure. However, the international expansion and thereby low cost of credit would benefit Arcelik to reduce cost of production. Presently, Arcelik is highly dependant on the volatile local market; it will certainly impede the further economic growth of the organization. Hence, access to international market is Arcelik’s primary motive for international expansio n. Since Arcelik deals with household appliances, it would get prospective markets anywhere across the globe. Anyhow, America and Europe will be the most prospective markets for Arcelik as they are considered as the focal points of world’s trading. Ghemawat (2008) reflects that Turkish government eliminated tariffs on imports of household appliances from the European Community in 1996. This liberalization policy intensified imports from Europe and it severely affected Arcelik’s domestic market demand. It also drives them to enter international market. In 1970s and 1980s, the firm acquired technologies from General Electric and Bosch-Siemens; but these companies imposed many restrictions on Arcelik. By the end of 1990s, Arcelik developed its own appliance designs and hence it wished to