The Life and Work of Mahatma Gandhi Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Life and Work of Mahatma Gandhi - Essay Example These three aspects are his contribution to the social justice against apartheid in South Africa, the leadership of the non-violent freedom struggle in India and his principled life that finally led to his assassination in 1948. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was to go on and become Mahatma Gandhi, was born in at Porbandar, in the state of Gujarat in India on October 2, 1869. He reached the shores of Africa in 1893 after completing his education to become a lawyer. South Africa in those days was steeped in racial discrimination of the Europeans consisting of the white population. The discriminated population consisted of the native Africans, the coloured people of mixed race and the Asians, which were mostly Indians. Any non-white person in South Africa faced prejudice in every aspect of social activity because of the colour of his skin and it was into this environment that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi stepped into. Gandhiji was to spend nearly twenty-one years of his life in South Africa as an attorney and a public worker. He considered himself as much as a South African as he did that he was an Indian. It was in this foster motherland that Gandhiji realized his vocation in life, in the service of his countrymen and mankind. It was during his stay and work in South Africa that his philosophy of life was to take shape and so too with his attitude to the social problems being witnessed in India. South Africa was where he introduced the unique and non-violent protest form of Satyagraha. Gandhiji was to bring about unity in the Indian community in South Africa and then use this united strength to oppose the policy of racial segregation in all spheres of social activity that was practised in those times in South Africa. The road to unity was not easy, but Gandhi persisted with his efforts and his perseverance bore fruit. His attempts to win concessions from the ruling white community met with very limited success.  

Walmart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Walmart - Essay Example This is done to maintain the quality in Hard Rock Cafà ©. They have rating scale from 1 to 7. If it fails to achieve scale of 7 then the quality and service is believed to be not up to the mark. For efficient process and capacity design, Hard Rock Cafà © educates their staffs to present high quality entertainment. They design the facility through exclusive design, procuring and displaying unique music related merchandizes that includes Jimi Hendrix’s guitars and music events. Hard Rock Cafà © follows a systematic approach for location. It narrows down the search from the country to a city then a particular street corner. They try to enter the right market at the right time (University of Mizzou, 2011). Since it’s a theme restaurant, strategies include music, different visuals and memorabilia. The theme is used to expose memorabilia to customers for the purpose of sales. A dynamic working environment is present and that needs to be inculcated among the staffs. Hard Rock Cafà © inventories consist of merchandize that are related to the history of rock, i.e. memorabilia, special menus and decorations. They have spent approximately US$ 40 million for collecting rocks-and-roll memorabilia inventories. The outsourcing of the supply chain management assists in reducing the transportation cost, optimizes the distribution network and reduces operational cost by 20% (Avicon, 2003). The schedule is flexible as customers are mostly tourist and this is done to render service according to their demand and culture. With regards to maintenance, they provide exclusive activities and excellent performances. The unique music collection are rotated and shared between branches globally. Avicon, (2003). Avicon Leads Hard Rock Cafe’s Successful Transition to Outsourced Logistics, Fulfillment and Distribution. Avicon Engagement to Provide Improved Working Capital, Inventory Management and Operating Margins. Retrieved Online on March 03, 2011

Trying to Downsize Try Downsizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Trying to Downsize Try Downsizing - Essay Example The author quotes Lola O'Rourke, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, as saying, "If people could simply reduce their portions by a third, they would cut out a huge amount of calories". The author cites a study that was reported in Obesity and Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. The study found that dieters who used pre-packaged managed portions lost significantly more weight than a group that were allowed to choose their own portions. Being able to select the proper amount of food to consume is the first key to successful dieting. The author suggests that we simply become more aware of the serving size. She contends that the size of bagels, cheeseburgers, and soft drinks have grown dramatically in recent years and has resulted in calories that have more than doubled. In the midst of this super-sized climate it's important that the dieter be able to select the correct amount. Doheny suggests splitting a meal with a partner or simply ordering a smaller portion. Of course, there is always the doggy bag to take home food that is in excess of your dieting needs. The author also suggests we weigh our food at home when we prepare it. In the event that weighing is not possible she offers several tips on visualizing the correct portions.

Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligence Essay Example for Free

Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligence Essay Many years ago it was quite common to label someone with a high IQ as a â€Å"genius† or as being more intelligent than others. Albert Einstein is one of those men who were labeled as a genius because of all that he had accomplished at such a young age. Undeniably, Einstein’s smarts were extremely remarkable, but records show that he was not the best student. Although Einstein scored extremely well in areas like Math and Physics, it has been noted that in areas like linguistics, he did not excel (Albert Einstein, 2005). Does this make Einstein, any less of a genius? According to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, a person’s intelligence isn’t necessarily measured in standardized testing or school grades. Gardner identifies that each person’s learning style is different, so the intelligence could excel in any of the eight styles: Linguistic, Musical, Logical, Naturalistic, Visual, Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal (Kowalski Westen, 2011). This means that someone like Ludwig van Beethoven who may not have been as scholarly as Albert Einstein, can still be considered a genius due to his musical intelligence. The eight different intelligences described by Gardner are what he believed to be the eight strengths in which a person can learn. Gardner believed that because everyone can learn in one of these eight different styles, then they could excel in any of the respective fields. A person who possesses a linguistic intelligence is described as someone who uses words and communication effectively. A person with linguistic intelligence would have excellent auditory skills, and translates everything into words or speech. On the other hand, someone who possesses the learning style of spatial intelligence would be most comfortable with graphics, physical imagery, and visuals (Campbell, 1992). However, someone with a preference to the kinesthetic style of learning would be most comfortable with being hands on. They learn by doing, touching, and anything that involves physical activity, therefore their intelligence might look more like acting out, or role playing. Another learning style of multiple intelligences described by Gardner is naturalistic. Someone who possesses a naturalistic style of learning is more in tune with their surroundings, and focus a lot with what nature is giving them. The naturalistic intelligence was not added to the multiple intelligences until much later. Gardner’s theory was introduced to naturalistic in response to the nature versus nurture debate, in which a person learns from their surroundings, or environment in which they are in (Sulaiman, Hassan, Yi, 2011). One of the bigger learning styles in Gardner’s theory is that of intrapersonal and interpersonal. Intrapersonal is that in which a person learns from themselves. Someone who keeps to themselves and does not get socially involved (Campbell, 1992). On the complete different spectrum, is the interpersonal learning style. Like a social butterfly, interpersonal refers to someone who works well with others, enjoys working in teams, center of attention, and just like they seek attention of others, others seek their attention as well. I personally identify with the interpersonal school of learning the best out of all of the intelligences in Gardner’s theory. I mostly work well when accompanied by others. I am a team player, and team leader. Others usually seek to me for advice, and I tend to deliver my best results, when working with others. This is the intelligence that is mostly credited with the slang term of â€Å"street smarts† (Sulaiman, Hassan, Yi, 2011). Having played sports for a big part of my life, I tend to carry my thoughts as a team. I carry the team and make sure to understand everyone on the team. I always think of others first, and having that one on one interaction is most important to me. Throughout my career, I have found myself to be in leadership roles quite frequently , because many others who are not strengthen by the interpersonal intelligence feel as if I can lead better due to the emphasis I put on team work, and my adequate level of communication with the entire team. In the work place I have found this quite helpful, and it has helped me become very successful. The two other intelligences outlined in Gardner’s theory are that of musical and logical, or mathematical. Musical intelligence is referred to a person when they can relate everything to a rhythm, or sequence. Someone who possesses musical intelligence is also aware of the sounds and music space in their surroundings. Someone with musical intelligence would be aware of dichotic listening, and understand the importance of noise (Kowalski Westen, 2011). Music is a very big part of my life, what I do, and how I do it. I can remember growing up and not being able to go to sleep until music was playing in the background. I find myself being almost allergic to quite. I tend to do my best work when either I have music playing in the background, or if the TV is on. While in school, I usually found myself while studying, to be singing. I tend to associate rhyme and rhythm to a lot of the new things that I learn. According to Gardner, someone who possesses a musical intelligence is sen sitive to sound, and could hear music, or find the rhythm to anything, even before the words are spoken (Campbell, 1992). The last intelligence in Gardner’s theory is logical intelligence, or most commonly known as mathematical intelligence (Sulaiman, Hassan, Yi, 2011). Someone who occupies the logical intelligence are said to think abstractly. They mostly need to learn and form concepts before they can deal with details. They calculate results, enjoy working the mind in the way that really uses the prefrontal vortex more than any other intelligence. Someone with logical thinking is believed to be someone who takes their time to analyze all possible circumstances, and work the problem for an answer. This type of person likes puzzles and word games to stimulate the brain. I identify myself as being a logical thinker due to the fact that one of my strengths is to be analytical. Albert Einstein was believed to belong in this intelligence field, due to his work in mathematics and physics. I find my intelligence to not be at the level of Einstein by any means, but I do relate to his earlier work being proficient in the math field over the linguistic (Albert Einstein, 2005). Since English is not my first language, growing up in the United States, going to school was very difficult for me, but numbers became my safe haven. Having learned numbers at a very young age (according to my teachers, I knew how to add and subtract by the time I was 3) I find myself most attracted to professions in which analytical thinking is required. Having worked as a District Investigator, it was required of me to look at paperwork and identify the fraud, or identify the theft by finding the patterns, or the number sequence. A big part of my job was to analyze transactions, and compare them to video images. Things are always better explained to me if broken down into patterns. Although Gardner divided the intelligences into eight separate categories, his theory believed that a person does not just dominate one intelligence, but rather takes a bit from all of the intelligences collectively. Just like it could be clearly identified that Albert Einstein that dominated the logical intelligence, his work shows that he might have possessed the intrapersonal intelligence as well as the spatial intelligence (Campbell, 1992). Gardner believed that the intelligence of someone could not necessarily be measured, by testing, but mainly by teachings, and learning styles. I feel as if I most identify with musical intelligence, logical intelligence, and interpersonal intelligence. My career thus far would suggest that these fields have brought me much success, but in my recent career change from Criminal Justice to Psychology, I will most likely learn to domain in the linguistic and spatial intelligence.

Economic Inequality between Countries Essay -- income disparity, loren

Inequality can be traced as far back as possible. It can also be described as disparity. This disparity can be in terms of income, wealth, class etc. Economic inequality can be described as the disparity between income of individuals or household within and outside a country. When â€Å"income inequality† is mentioned, most people think about it in a within the country context, but in a world that is becoming more integrated, economic inequality between countries is becoming more relevant. In a world where other people’s income and wealth affect our perception of life, one might ask the question, â€Å"is economic inequality the biggest issue of our time†. The history of economic inequalities between countries can be traced back to the 18th century and has taken different forms since then, especially, in the 19th century till date. Firstly, the Lorenzo curve. This is a model use for measuring inequality. It was developed by Max Lorenz in 1905. The Lorenz curve is usually in a form of graph on which the cumulative proportion of income is plotted against the cumulative proportion of population on the in which their axes ranges from [zero (0) to one (1)] or [0% to 100%]. The Gini index, another method of measuring inequality is derived from the Lorenz curve. The Lorenz curve is shown in the graphical illustration (figure 1) below. The first calculation of inequality across world citizens were done in the early 1980s (Berry, Bourguignon and Morrisson, 1983; Grosh and Nafziger, 1986). This is because in order to calculate global inequality, one needs to have data on (within country) national income distributions for most of the countries i n the world, or at least for most of the populous and rich countries. But it is only from the early to m... ...ries. Points explained under this topic include the history, current information, trends and its future directions and with these points explained above, one might still ask, â€Å"is economic inequality the biggest issue of our time?† and if so, how can we solve this?. â€Æ' References (n.d.). (2014). Global Risks 2014. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GlobalRisks_Report_2014.pdf Milanovic, B. (2006a). Global Income Inequality: What It Is And Why It Matters. DESA. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/esa/desa/papers/2006/wp26_2006.pdf Milanovic, B. (2011b). Global income inequality: the past two centuries and implications for 21st century. Retrieved from http://www.ub.edu/histeco/pdf/milanovic.pdf Milanovic, B. (2012c). Global Income Inequality by the Numbers: in History and Now. The World Bank. doi:10.1596/1813-9450-6259

Case Study of Bg Group

A. METHODOLOGIES: 1. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) Approach: This method offers a wide range of advantages. For instance, the Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) is employed in the calculation of the Cost of Equity. Thus, the discounted rate of 7. 58 percent used in figure 1. 12 Appendix is likely to be precise. The total value of the firm is $4. 73 billion. Nonetheless, in view of the probabilities of forecasting errors in the estimation of cash flows, the degree of precision does not guarantee an accurate result.Another drawback of the approach would be the failure to allow for the impacts of real options available to management on future cash flows. Hence, this method is considered as an alternative for crosschecking. The assumptions are the dividends grow constantly in perpetuity at 3 percent and the debt ratio is also constant at 28. 1 percent. For further analysis, please refer to item 2a and 3c in the Appraisal. 2. The EBIT Multiples Approach: Under this methodol ogy, the debt-equity ratio was not required. Thus, the value of the firm is approximately $4. 3 billion after liquidity discount was taken into account. This yields an insignificantly different result compared to the result under the WACC method. However, since the average EBIT multiples strongly depend on the comparable companies in the industry, reliable information is less likely to be available in practice. Therefore, another approach is employed. 3. Adjusted Present Value (APV) Approach: The APV method is more complicated than two methods mentioned earlier inasmuch as it takes account of unlevered value of the firm and the interest tax shield.Recent complexity of the method notwithstanding, APV provides management with an explicit valuation of interest tax shield and an assumption of constant debt-equity ratio is unnecessary. According to figure 1. 10, the total value of the firm before synergies is $5. 02 billion. Nonetheless, this method ignores the costs of financial distres s, which might lead to an overvaluation of the firm with a significantly high debt ratio. 4. Conclusion: Under different methods employed above, the range of difference appears to be immaterial.Thus, the value of the firm before synergies is expected to be approximately $4. 89 billion on average. For the purpose of consistency, APV method is selected for further analysis of the value of the firm both before and after synergies. B. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: 1. Free Cash Flows (FCFs) Valuation: The present value of the cash flows is calculated based on the WACC rate and it is estimated at $1. 28 billion. The rate is used by reason of the assumption of different components, for instance cost of equity and cost of debt. For further information of the assumption, please refer to the Appraisal. . Terminal Values and Long-term Growth: The terminal value before synergies is $3. 45 billion whereas this amount after synergies is $8. 36 billion. In details, the synergies revenues and the backhaul sy nergies savings are the major contributors to the significant difference. Additionally, the terminal value represents the market value of free cash flows from AirThread Connections at all future dates. This, thereby, lends the analyst the plausibility to believe that the discounted rate is equal to the WACC rate of 7. 58 percent.Lastly, to be conservative, that is, in the worst scenario, the figure of growth rate obtained in the Appraisal is around 3. 0 percent. 3. Non-operating Investment in Equity Affiliates: This amount of $1. 72 billion is equal to Equity in Earnings of Affiliates times the historic P/E multiple for the industry at 19. 1. These investments are valued under the market multiple approach because a thorough due diligence is not possible to be conducted. 4. Value of Operating Assets: This value is equivalent to the present value of the target company on a going concern basis.It is estimated at $5. 02 billion before the synergies and at $10. 38 billion after the syner gies. However, since the value of non-operating assets is not taken into account, the total value of the target company is not fully reflected. 5. Enterprise Value: The Enterprise value is equal to the sum of the value of operating assets and the value of nonoperating assets. i. Before Synergies: In this case, the synergies related business revenues and the backhaul synergies savings are not considered. The FCFs ppear to be more immaterial accordingly. It, therefore, leads to a lower Intermediate Term Value of $1. 57 billion and a lower Enterprise Value of $6. 74 billion. ii. After Synergies: With the effect of synergies, the FCFs and, thus, the Enterprise Value of $12. 1 billion appear to be more material. Importantly, the significant difference is contributed by the cost-saving efficiency in backhaul costs and the network utilization. Thus, more advantages would occur. Firstly, administrative expenses such as auditing fees are reduced.Secondly, the market share will, in essence, i ncrease and monopoly gains due to large regional client bases from the target company could be expected. The company will be able to set a higher price and to increase a sheer volume of sales. Also, the company will gain more reputation and the cost of capital will be lower accordingly. Lastly, due to its new size, the company will have more bargain power and the relationships with banking entities will be better. Consequently, the cost of borrowing tends to decrease. Case Study of Bg Group A. METHODOLOGIES: 1. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) Approach: This method offers a wide range of advantages. For instance, the Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) is employed in the calculation of the Cost of Equity. Thus, the discounted rate of 7. 58 percent used in figure 1. 12 Appendix is likely to be precise. The total value of the firm is $4. 73 billion. Nonetheless, in view of the probabilities of forecasting errors in the estimation of cash flows, the degree of precision does not guarantee an accurate result.Another drawback of the approach would be the failure to allow for the impacts of real options available to management on future cash flows. Hence, this method is considered as an alternative for crosschecking. The assumptions are the dividends grow constantly in perpetuity at 3 percent and the debt ratio is also constant at 28. 1 percent. For further analysis, please refer to item 2a and 3c in the Appraisal. 2. The EBIT Multiples Approach: Under this methodol ogy, the debt-equity ratio was not required. Thus, the value of the firm is approximately $4. 3 billion after liquidity discount was taken into account. This yields an insignificantly different result compared to the result under the WACC method. However, since the average EBIT multiples strongly depend on the comparable companies in the industry, reliable information is less likely to be available in practice. Therefore, another approach is employed. 3. Adjusted Present Value (APV) Approach: The APV method is more complicated than two methods mentioned earlier inasmuch as it takes account of unlevered value of the firm and the interest tax shield.Recent complexity of the method notwithstanding, APV provides management with an explicit valuation of interest tax shield and an assumption of constant debt-equity ratio is unnecessary. According to figure 1. 10, the total value of the firm before synergies is $5. 02 billion. Nonetheless, this method ignores the costs of financial distres s, which might lead to an overvaluation of the firm with a significantly high debt ratio. 4. Conclusion: Under different methods employed above, the range of difference appears to be immaterial.Thus, the value of the firm before synergies is expected to be approximately $4. 89 billion on average. For the purpose of consistency, APV method is selected for further analysis of the value of the firm both before and after synergies. B. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: 1. Free Cash Flows (FCFs) Valuation: The present value of the cash flows is calculated based on the WACC rate and it is estimated at $1. 28 billion. The rate is used by reason of the assumption of different components, for instance cost of equity and cost of debt. For further information of the assumption, please refer to the Appraisal. . Terminal Values and Long-term Growth: The terminal value before synergies is $3. 45 billion whereas this amount after synergies is $8. 36 billion. In details, the synergies revenues and the backhaul sy nergies savings are the major contributors to the significant difference. Additionally, the terminal value represents the market value of free cash flows from AirThread Connections at all future dates. This, thereby, lends the analyst the plausibility to believe that the discounted rate is equal to the WACC rate of 7. 58 percent.Lastly, to be conservative, that is, in the worst scenario, the figure of growth rate obtained in the Appraisal is around 3. 0 percent. 3. Non-operating Investment in Equity Affiliates: This amount of $1. 72 billion is equal to Equity in Earnings of Affiliates times the historic P/E multiple for the industry at 19. 1. These investments are valued under the market multiple approach because a thorough due diligence is not possible to be conducted. 4. Value of Operating Assets: This value is equivalent to the present value of the target company on a going concern basis.It is estimated at $5. 02 billion before the synergies and at $10. 38 billion after the syner gies. However, since the value of non-operating assets is not taken into account, the total value of the target company is not fully reflected. 5. Enterprise Value: The Enterprise value is equal to the sum of the value of operating assets and the value of nonoperating assets. i. Before Synergies: In this case, the synergies related business revenues and the backhaul synergies savings are not considered. The FCFs ppear to be more immaterial accordingly. It, therefore, leads to a lower Intermediate Term Value of $1. 57 billion and a lower Enterprise Value of $6. 74 billion. ii. After Synergies: With the effect of synergies, the FCFs and, thus, the Enterprise Value of $12. 1 billion appear to be more material. Importantly, the significant difference is contributed by the cost-saving efficiency in backhaul costs and the network utilization. Thus, more advantages would occur. Firstly, administrative expenses such as auditing fees are reduced.Secondly, the market share will, in essence, i ncrease and monopoly gains due to large regional client bases from the target company could be expected. The company will be able to set a higher price and to increase a sheer volume of sales. Also, the company will gain more reputation and the cost of capital will be lower accordingly. Lastly, due to its new size, the company will have more bargain power and the relationships with banking entities will be better. Consequently, the cost of borrowing tends to decrease.

Classical and post-Classical periods Essay

The Silk Roads were created when classical empires were established, and the scope of long distance trade expanded, connecting much of Eurasia. Throughout the Classical and post-Classical periods, the Silk Roads provided a way for not only goods to be introduced to new lands, but also ideas, religions and technology. The Silk Roads changed drastically due to expanding empires, new technology and diseases. Although the effects and empires with which the Silk Road was connected changed continuously throughout the Classical and post-Classical period, the thing that remained constant was the trade of spices and goods to and from Asia and Europe, and the Silk Road never lost its importance to the economies of the empires. The growing empires directly affected the Silk Roads. The growth and spread of empires was a direct result of who had the most control over the routes and what ideas were being spread, for instance religion. When disease decreased much of a population, that empire would stop trade with other nations and focus on interregional trade, until their empire was back up on its feet, and then it would again join in trade on the silk roads. This constantly happened with the introduction of new diseases to empires throughout the end of the Classical period and all of the post-Classical period. One example of this was China, when diseases were brought to its shore from the ships, its population decimated and they stopped trading with vast nations for luxuries and kept the trade within its empire till its economy grew and then they continued in trade throughout the silk road. The new technology introduced to the Silk Road had the most impact on the trade patterns. Throughout the classical period not many changes in technology occurred, however during the post-Classical, you start to see many new technologies introduced to the Silk Road. Yolks, saddles and stirrups were just some of the new transportation technology developed. In the 600s B.C.E., yolks, saddles and stirrups were used to allow more goods to be carried on horse, camels and ox and allowed them to travel further distance. Saddles were first developed in Southern Arabia for transportation. Then, Stirrups first appeared in Afghanistan, created by the Kushan folk. The stirrup is a piece of equipment that extends from a saddle on both sides, and the person sitting in the saddle can put their feet into the stirrup while riding to gain better control of the animal being ridden and to be more secure on the animals back. Lastly, the yoke allowed for more than one ox to plow fields. The yoke would link the two oxen together and attach them to something heavy, like a plow or a tool used for turning the earth. Another invention, which came from China, was a compass, which pointed north, and allowed sailor to navigate more easily. They also invented better-equipped, long-lasting ships to travel greater distances for the sole purpose of acquiring goods that people at home in China so desperately desired. These boats were called junks, and allowed for the Chinese to sail great distances for the goods they desired. However, they were not alone in the making of these big ships, Indians also began to craft larger and improved boats called dhows. Another major innovation that fueled trade was the Grand Canal. Created under the authority of Sui Yangdi in the Sui Dynasty. The Chinese needed a fast and easy way to transport essential crops, such as rice, from the Yangzi River to the North. Therefore they built the Grande Canal running through North and Southern China, creating an efficient way to transport good through northern and southern China. Other than transportation technology, there was other technology introduced in the post-Classical period. The Chinese invented printing and paper, which created an even faster and easier way to spread ideas, religion, and technology throughout the Silk Roads. Although the Silk Roads had many positive features, along with the spread of ideas came the spread of disease. This occurred throughout the whole period. Unbeknownst to the traders the ships and caravans, with which they traded, brought disease along with their many goods. Worlds apart, neither the two parties, the transmitter and the infected, were aware, at least primarily, of what the devastating effects would be when coming in contact with these diseases. Due to the fact that they were from different parts of the world, and seas away from each other, those who were infected were not immune yet to the diseases the merchants carried, and it had devastating effects of the population. These massive disease outbreaks resulted in drastic changes, beginning at the end of the Classical period. As the germs traveled from one side of the world to the other, they became more dangerous. One of the most obvious examples of what disease did throughout the Silk Road was in the Americas. When European settlers came to colonize America, they brought with them infectious diseases such as the bubonic plague, and malaria, killing off almost 90% of the native people. This made it especially easy to conquer lands and force Natives to work, and when they were running out of native workers, they just imported slaves from Africa. The diseases they brought made it possible for them to conquer as much land as they did and it also made it possible for the Europeans to destroy many of the Natives history, because the Natives could not stop them, for they only had few people left. Other than the natives in the Americas, both the Han Empire and the Roman Empire, tremendous trade destinations, had immense problems with disease in the 100s and the 200s C.E.: most likely these people experienced the bubonic plague, smallpox, and measles. For example, in the 100s C.E., about 45 million people lived in the Roman Empire, but in the 400s C.E. the population dropped at least 5 million. Likewise, the population in China dropped by 10 million in the 200 years following 200 C.E., sinking to 50 million. Unfortunately, the transfer of these devastating diseases to places without natural immunity to them caused devastating population decline throughout the classical and post-classical period. Despite the constant changes in materials traded, the original purpose of the Silk Road remained undamaged throughout the Classical and Post-Classical period. Asian goods were traded with European merchants along the Silk Road and vice versa. In particular, spices from Asia, which were traded with most wealthy empires, particularly Europe, fueled Asia’s economy. These spices were wanted by the Europeans constantly and elaborated the importance of the Silk Road. During the Post-Classical period, many countries like Portugal and Spain, tried to take control of the Spice trade. Although unsuccessful, it shows the importance of the spice trade to the Silk Roads. The spice trade created an economic boom in Asia and every other country wanted that leading to wars and a race to find the quickest route to Asia. Furthermore, Asia’s economy, specifically China’s economy, was dependent on the money from trade on the Silk Road, regardless the type of goods that were traded to fuel their economy. Likewise, Asian trades drove Europe’s economy. Throughout 200 B.C.E to 1450 C.E., the Silk Roads had drastic changes due to its growing empires, new technology and spread of diseases. One thing that remained constant was trade between Asia and Europe and their economies’ reliance on such trade. The effect the Silk Road had on empires and how it allowed ideas, like religion and philosophies, to be spread throughout the Silk Roads also remained constant throughout the Classical and Post-Classical period. Growing empires contributed new ideas, technology and crops. It also controlled much of the influence throughout Eurasia. New technology provided better transportation and faster ways to spread ideas. Lastly, diseases directly affected populations that were not immune to foreign diseases such as the bubonic plague, malaria and small pox and decimated populations.