The Antiwar Movement During the Vietnam War :: Vietnam War Essays

The Antiwar Movement in the U.S. - End the War in Vietnam! The antiwar movement against Vietnam in the US from 1965-1971 was the most significant movement of its kind in the nation's history. The United States first became directly involved in Vietnam in 1950 when President Harry Truman started to underwrite the costs of France's war against the Viet Minh. Later, the presidencies of Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy increased the US's political, economic, and military commitments steadily throughout the fifties and early sixties in the Indochina region. Prominent senators had already begun criticizing American involvement in Vietnam during the summer of 1964, which led to the mass antiwar movement that was to appear in the summer of 1965. This antiwar movement had a great impact on policy and practically forced the US out of Vietnam. Starting with teach-ins during the spring of 1965, the massive antiwar efforts centered on the colleges, with the students playing leading roles. These teach-ins were mass public demonstrations, usually held in the spring and fall seasons. By 1968, protesters numbered almost seven million with more than half being white youths in college. The teach-in movement was at first, a gentle approach to the antiwar activity. Although, it faded when the college students went home during the summer of 1965, other types of protest that grew through 1971 soon replaced it. All of these movements captured the attention of the White House, especially when 25,000 people marched on Washington Avenue. And at times these movements attracted the interest of all the big decision-makers and their advisors (Gettleman, 54). The teach-ins began at the University of Michigan on March 24, 1965, and spread to other campuses, including Wisconsin on April 1. These protests at some of America's finest universities captured public attention. The Demonstrations were one form of attempting to go beyond mere words and research and reason, and to put direct pressure on those who were conducting policy in apparent disdain for the will expressed by the voters (Spector, 30-31). Within the US government, some saw these teach-ins as an important development that might slow down on further escalation in Vietnam. Although several hundred colleges experienced teach-ins, most campuses were untouched by this circumstance. Nevertheless, the teach-ins did concern the administration and contributed to President Johnson's decision to present a major Vietnam address at Johns Hopkins University on April 7, 1965. The address tried to respond to the teach-ins campus protest activity.

Internationalization of RMB: The Impacts on China and Its Trading Partner Essay

After the thirty years of great economic reforms, imposed in 1978, China has been showing an incredible results and performance. Due to the suitable economic conditions such as cheap labor force and low domestic currency’s (RMB) exchange rate, China has become the largest manufacturer of goods and receiver of foreign direct investments, the majority of which has been in manufacturing industry. And today China has totally changed from the poor agricultural country to the world’s arising economic power state. So with the rise of Chinese economy, its deep integration and significant influence in the world market and at the same time with the instability of euro area and in international monetary system in a whole, the issue of RMB internationalization and China’s exchange rate policy has become of huge importance to the world. So in this essay I will briefly analyze the characteristics of the international currencies, their benefits and costs, and then I will explain China’s interest and steps toward the RMB internationalization and will mainly focus on its impacts on China and its partners. The term of international currency has defined characteristics so that a currency can be considered international if it is used outside the issuing country for the transactions between other foreign states (Investopedia). And according to Chinn and Frankel (2008) (as cited in Lee, 2010) there are four criteria to determine â€Å"international currency status†: 1) Large enough size of country’s trade and output; 2) Liberal developed financial market; 3) Stable currency exchange rate; 4) High level of demand of the currency. Moreover, Kenen(1983) and Chinn&Frankel(2005) (as cited in Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu) stated that the international currency has several functions : 1. act as a store value(i.e. country’s international reserve); 2. act as a medium of exchange(e.g. in trade transactions ) and 3. be a unit of account. So, considering all these, let’s check the suitability of Yuan for international currency status and Chinese government’s challenges and policy steps in internationalizing RMB (Eichengreen, 2010). As their first step China stimulated the use of RMB in setting trade and trade transactions with the neighboring countries by allowing the companies to open RMB-denominated accounts in the banks in Hong Kong and make operating transactions (payments, transfers, etc.) in Yuan. Secondly, they encourage using Yuan in all kinds of financial transactions and permit private institutions to issue their RMB-denominated bonds, making Hong Kong the offshore RMB bond market center. And as the third step, China made arrangements with interested foreign central banks about adding RMB into their international reserve baskets, reaching total of China’s bilateral currency swap agreements in RMB to over RMB 800 billion (Cookson & Dyer 2010, as cited in Otero-Iglesias) and making RMB a world reserve currency. However, RMB is still far from the international status(due to highly government-controlled banking system and capital control) and its internationalization is just beginning and all these shows only China’s commitment to that policy and market’s increasing interest. But still it is obvious that the internationalization of RMB is just only a matter of time. There are several obvious benefits of RMB internationalization for China and it’s trading partners (Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu). Since there will be more RMB-denominated trade and financial transactions, the exchange risk for the trading parties (both Chinese and foreign) be will red uced and the related costs be eliminated. And this in turn will increase the cross border bilateral transactions and gains from it, especially in the East Asian region, where RMB has already become a dominant currency. Secondly, with the internationalization of RMB, China and other countries will be less dependent on USD (Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu). Since USD accounts for more than 70% of China’s exchange currency reserve, China faces a huge risk of big losses as a result of USD exchange rate fluctuations. However, with the RMB-denominated claims, China would not be so dependent on USA. Moreover, with RMB other countries will have more choice on reserve currency and will not be so dependent on USD as well. Thirdly, RMB internationalization will allow the foreign direct investments into China and also cross-border outward investments from it be in RMB. This will obviously benefit the investors, expand the circulation of RMB in both directions of investments and will expand China’s financial market, and its competitiveness and influence as well (Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu). Lastly, since the developed financial market, the currency exchange rate and currency convertibility are the criteria of the international reserve currency; China will face a need for currency and capital account liberalization reforms and further financial reforms in a whole, including unpegging RMB and RMB appreciation. Although for an export-based Chinese economy appreciation of RMB would be harmful in a short run, besides the drawbacks there are the benefits of strong RMB. Appreciation of RMB means the increase in cost of production, therefore an increase in cost for the importers from China. So the importers and the customers will switch to the cheaper substitutes produced in other countries (this statement may vary in different industries). The increasing demand for cheap substitutes will lead to developments and expansion of production in other countries, and will reduce their unemployment rates and etc. Thus, strong RMB as an international currency may benefit China’s neighbors and other developing countries. Moreover, strong RMB benefits China as well. Losing competitiveness in manufacturing industry, China will have to switch from low-efficiency and labor-intensive industries to a more efficient and developed ones and transform from an industry-based economy to a knowledge-based economy (with dominating services sector). In conclusion, with the increasing role of China in the world trade and growing demand for RMB, the internationalization of RMB is just only a matter of time. Although changing the anchor currency(USD) to RMB may cause uncertain effects, the internationalization of RMB will obviously have positive impacts on both China and the rest of the world. And in the nearest future RMB is likely to become the third international reserve currency, after euro and USD. References: Investopedia, Currency Internationalization, What Does Currency Internationalization Mean? Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/currency_internationalization.asp#axzz1f5mjUVqB Lee, J-W.(2010, June) Will the Renminbi Emerge as an International Reserve Currency? Retrieved from http://aric.adb.org/grs/papers/Lee.pdf Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu. Internationalisation of the renminbi. Retrieved from http://www.bis.org/repofficepubl/arpresearch200903.05.pdf Eichengreen.B.(2010, January). The Renminbi as an International Currency Retrieved from http://elsa.berkeley.edu/~eichengr/renminbi_international_1-2011.pdf Otero-Iglesias. M. The Internationalisation of the Renminbi (RMB): A Strategy of Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones. Retrieved from http://www.igadi.org/china/2011/pdf/moi_the_internationalisation_of_the_renminbi.pdf

Commodore Matthew Perry and the Opening of Japan

Commodore Matthew C. Perry was a noted American naval officer in the first half of the 19th century who earned fame for opening Japan to American trade. A veteran of the War of 1812, Perry endeavored to promote and develop steam technology in the U.S. Navy and earned the nickname Father of the Steam Navy. During the Mexican-American War, he directed operations in the Gulf of Mexico and captured several towns along the coast. In 1853, Perry received orders from President Millard Fillmore to force the opening of Japanese ports to American trade. Arriving in the islands the following year, he successfully concluded the Convention of Kanagawa which opened two ports to trade as well as ensured the protection of American sailors and property. Early Life and Career Born at Newport, RI, on April 10, 1794, Matthew Calbraith Perry was the son of Captain Christopher Perry and Sarah Perry. In addition, he was the younger brother of Oliver Hazard Perry who would go on to earn fame at the Battle of Lake Erie. The son of a naval officer, Perry prepared for a similar career and received a warrant as a midshipman on January 16, 1809. A young man, he was assigned to the schooner USS Revenge, then commanded by his older brother. In October 1810, Perry was transferred to the frigate USS President where he served under Commodore John Rodgers. A strict disciplinarian, Rodgers imparted many of his leadership skills to the young Perry. While aboard, Perry took part in an exchange of gunfire with the British sloop-of-war HMS Little Belt on May 16, 1811. The event, known as the Little Belt Affair, further strained relations between the United States and Britain. With the beginning of the War of 1812, Perry was aboard President when it fought an eight-hour running battle with the frigate HMS Belvidere on June 23, 1812. In the fighting, Perry was slightly wounded. War of 1812 Promoted to lieutenant on July 24, 1813, Perry remained aboard President for cruises in the North Atlantic and Europe. That November, he was transferred to the frigate USS United States, then at New London, CT. Part of the squadron commanded by Commodore Stephen Decatur, Perry saw little action as the ships were blockaded in port by the British. Due to these circumstances, Decatur transferred his crew, including Perry, to President which was anchored in New York. When Decatur unsuccessfully attempted to escape the blockade of New York in January 1815, Perry was not with him as he had been reassigned to the brig USS Chippawa for service in the Mediterranean. With the wars end, Perry and Chippawa cruised Mediterranean as part of Commodore William Bainbridges squadron. After a brief furlough in which he worked in the merchant service, Perry returned to active duty in September 1817, and was assigned to the New York Navy Yard. Posted to the frigate USS Cyane in April 1819, as executive officer, he aided in the initial settlement of Liberia. Captain Matthew C. Perry. U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command Fast Facts: Commodore Matthew C. Perry Rank: CommodoreService: U.S. NavyBorn: April 10, 1794 in Newport, RIDied: March 4, 1858 in New York, NYParents: Captain Christopher Perry and Sarah PerrySpouse: Jane SlidellConflicts: Mexican-American WarKnown For: First and Second Battles of Tabasco, Capture of Tampico, Opening Japan Rising Through the Ranks Completing his duty, Perry was rewarded with his first command, the twelve-gun schooner USS Shark. Serving as the vessels captain for four years, Perry was assigned to suppress piracy and the slave trade in the West Indies. In September 1824, Perry was reunited with Commodore Rodgers when he was posted as executive officer of USS North Carolina, the flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron. During the cruise, Perry was able to meet with Greek revolutionaries and the Captain Pasha of Turkish fleet. Before returning home, he was promoted to master commandant on March 21, 1826. Naval Pioneer After moving through a series of shore assignments, Perry went back to sea in April 1830, as the captain of the sloop USS Concord. Transporting the U.S. envoy to Russia, Perry declined an invitation from the czar to join the Russian Navy. Arriving back in the United States, Perry was made second-in-command of the New York Navy Yard in January 1833. Deeply interested in naval education, Perry developed a naval apprentice system and helped establish the U.S. Naval Lyceum for the education of officers. After four years of lobbying, his apprentice system was passed by Congress. During this time he served on the committee that advised the Secretary of the Navy in regard to the U.S. Exploring Expedition, though he declined command of the mission when offered. As he moved through various posts, he remained devoted to education and in 1845, assisted in developing the initial curriculum for the new U.S. Naval Academy. Promoted to captain on February 9, 1837, he was given command of the new steam frigate USS Fulton. A significant advocate for the development of steam technology, Perry conducted experiments to improve its performance and ultimately earned the nickname Father of the Steam Navy. This was reinforced when he founded the first Naval Engineer Corps. During his command of Fulton, Perry conducted the U.S. Navys first gunnery school off Sandy Hook in 1839-1840. On June 12, 1841, he was appointed the Commandant of the New York Navy Yard with the rank of commodore. This was largely due to his expertise in steam engineering and other naval inventions. After two years, he was appointed commander of the U.S. African Squadron and sailed aboard the sloop-of-war USS Saratoga. Tasked with fighting the slave trade, Perry cruised the African coast until May 1845, when he returned home. Second Battle of Tabasco, June 15-16, 1847. Public Domain Mexican-American War With the beginning of the Mexican-American War in 1846, Perry was given command of the steam frigate USS Mississippi and made second-in-command of the Home Squadron. Serving under Commodore David Connor, Perry led successful expeditions against Frontera, Tabasco and Laguna. After returning to Norfolk for repairs in early 1847, Perry was given command of the Home Squadron and aided General Winfield Scott in the capture of Vera Cruz. As the army moved inland, Perry operated against the remaining Mexican ports cities, capturing Tuxpan and attacking Tabasco. USS Mississippi (1841). U.S. Navy Opening Japan With the end of the war in 1848, Perry moved through various shore assignments before being returned to Mississippi in 1852, with orders to prepare for a voyage to the Far East. Instructed to negotiate a treaty with Japan, then closed to foreigners, Perry was to seek an agreement which would open at least one Japanese port to trade and would secure the protection of American seamen and property in that country. Departing Norfolk in November 1852, Perry proceeded around the Cape of Good Hope and across the Indian Ocean before reaching Shanghai on May 4, 1853. Sailing north with Mississippi, the steam frigate USS Susquehanna, and the sloops-of-war USS Plymouth and Saratoga, Perry reached Edo, Japan on July 8. Met by Japanese officials, Perry was ordered to sail for Nagasaki where the Dutch had a small trading post. Refusing, he demanded permission to present a letter from President Millard Fillmore and threatened to use force if denied. Unable to resist Perrys modern weaponry, the Japanese permitted him to land on the 14th to present his letter. This done, he promised the Japanese that he would return for a response. Commodore Matthew C. Perry lands in Japan, 1854. Public Domain Returning the following February with a larger squadron, Perry was warmly received by Japanese officials who had acquiesced and prepared a treaty that fulfilled many of Fillmores demands. Signed on March 31, 1854, the Convention of Kanagawa ensured the protection of American property and opened the ports of Hakodate and Shimoda to trade. His mission complete, Perry returned home by merchant steamer later that year. Later Life Voted a reward of $20,000 by Congress for his success, Perry embarked on writing a three-volume history of the mission. Assigned to the Efficiency Board in February 1855, his main task was the completion of the report. This was published by the government in 1856, and Perry was advanced to the rank of rear admiral on the retired list. Living in his adopted home of New York City, Perrys health began to fail as he suffered from cirrhosis of the liver due to heavy drinking. On March 4, 1858, Perry died in New York. His remains were moved to Newport, RI by his family in 1866.