Business Operation And System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business Operation And System - Essay Example Through innovation power, the organization has thought of new thoughts and fresh out of the plastic new encounters. The organization is perceived because of its assortment of items, for example, online organizations, game, music and picture. It is positioned among the main organization in the globe because of its client brands. Sony-Ericson cell phone fragment serves a worldwide interchanges showcase with unique cell phones, PC-cards and frill (Worthington and Britton, 2006, p. 37). The organization was built up following a merger of Sony and Ericson in 2001. Its corporate capacities are situated in London despite the fact that the organization has a worldwide workforce and has innovative work habitats in Japan, China, Europe and America (Lewis and Slack, 2011, p. 85). Cell phone items delivered by Sony-Ericson need to rival different items from other significant cell phone makers, for example, Nokia, Samsung and Alcatel among different producers. Firms shift from numerous points of view, however the basic element is that they are totally associated with change of crude materials into yield by brushing different assets, for example, work and innovation (Worthington and Britton, 2006, p. 30). The change procedure happens inside a setting being impacted by outside variables which influences the activity of an organization. The outer condition is normally unstable, complex, and intuitive which can't be disregarded in the investigation of business action. In the outer business condition, PESTLE investigation is basic for it shows the different outside impacts the organization is confronting. PESTLE is an abbreviation of political, monetary, social, innovative, legitimate and ecological factors in the firm’s full scale condition (Worthington and Britton, 2006, p. 38). Following a PESTLE examination, Sony has had the option to react likewise to mechanical progression to think of Sony Ericsson Smart Phone. This exhibits the impact of mechanical progression on the activities of an organization. Beforehand, Nokia and Sony had the most unrivaled telephones in the market. In any case, iPhone and Android presented the advanced cells in the market. What's more, there is expanded interest for telephones in the market and the way of life and level of training of the cell phone clients is chan ging with more clients requesting advanced mobile phones. This affected Sony Ericsson to go to assembling advanced mobile phones so as to satisfy the customer’s needs. Authoritative and pervasiveness of soundness inside the market it works in permits Sony Ericsson to advertise its items in various nations and to decentralize its innovative work workplaces to Asia, America and Europe (Georgiou, 2006, p. 450). Sony Ericsson never drove the route in the assembling of PDAs however just reacted along these lines to the manner in which its rivals were moving as dependent on the CATWOE model. CATWOE depends on a standard where an organization associated with frameworks advancement holds on to be given a change and data on others engaged with the change and they way they are included (Georgiou, 2006, p. 450). Additionally, CATWOE tries to know why change is significant and the limitations when wanting to execute change. Sony Ericsson should do a CATWOE investigation where utilizing a n information database it can break down the proposition to change its activities to produce advanced mobile phones. CATWOE examination mulls over the outside condition of the organization and showed that creation of advanced cell would profit its clients whose interest for telephones ready to get to the web quicker and run different applications could be met. What's more, Sony would have the option to expand its deals. The organization in building up its advanced cell re-appropriated the

Analyze a passage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 10

Break down a section - Essay Example At the point when God advised man to repress the world, He implied that he ought to improve the world for his advantage. There was still enough and sufficient left. Notwithstanding, man’s fenced in area for himself left next to no for others to utilize. The creator gives a couple of reasons in help to his theory. For example, he says that on the off chance that somebody leaves as much as possible utilize, does similarly comparable to the one that has taken nothing by any stretch of the imagination. He goes further to state that work was the title for the land that God provided for humankind. In any case, on the off chance that one intrudes with what has been improved by another man’s work, it is doubtful that he has wanted the advantages accumulated from another man’s work. As indicated by the author, this isn't right on the grounds that each man should work for his own benefits. The reasons the creator gives bolster his proposal. He stresses on man’s voracity and censures those that longing what isn't legitimately theirs. The reasons are conceivable on their own right. This is on the grounds that when God made man and told him to till and curb the earth, His expectations were that individuals should live in amicability. Be that as it may, man’s eagerness expanded that he added what was at first normal for all men. This section has a critical job to the remainder of the world. The creator makes reference to a model that serves to remind individuals that normal land isn't singular land. He says that even in England, or any piece of the world, inside an administration, nobody has the option to proper or encase any part without the assent of the remainder of the individuals

Alcoholism a Family Disease

Alcoholism a Family Disease February 14, 2020 kristian sekulic/Getty Images More in Addiction Alcohol Use Children of Alcoholics Binge Drinking Withdrawal and Relapse Drunk Driving Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Alcoholism is a family disease because it affects the family as a whole and each member individually. Living with alcohol abuse means being in an unsafe environment filled with disruptions to normal routines, the tension of strained relationships, and dishonesty. The  disease of alcoholism  affects every family members life, attitude, and way of thinking perhaps more dramatically than it does for the drinker.   Although more than 10 percent of kids live with a parent who has alcohol problems, your familys situation may also involve an alcoholic teen.?? There are over 861,000 kids ages 12 to 20 who use alcohol heavily according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcoholism Takes Your Family by  Surprise With alcoholism, the heat is constantly being turned up, but nobody notices. Cunning and baffling! As a  progressive disease. It may start out with casually accepting unacceptable behavior.  Oh, he didnt mean that. He just had too much to drink last night. A few years down the road the behavior has slowly grown more and more  intolerable, but it is still being accepted and becomes the norm. Your family ends up with chaos in your own home that a few short years ago would have been unthinkable. If you looked out the window and saw the same kind of things taking place across the street at the neighbors house, you would probably pick up the phone and call 911 to get  those  people some help! Alcoholism and the Children Children lack positive role models in an alcoholic family and need stability to thrive. The alcoholic parent is dysfunctional. The other parent models enabling behavior and may be a victim of physical abuse. Children are sensitive to the arguments and psychological warfare going on in an alcoholics home.   One minute mom  is screaming and threatening him with everything from divorce to death. The next minute she may be compassionately rescuing him from the consequences of his latest episode by dutifully cleaning up his messes, making excuses for him and accepting an increasing degree of unacceptable behavior. Potential Impacts of Parental Alcoholism on Children The Partner As the Enabler As the alcoholic behavior escalates and becomes routine in your own home, the last thing that would occur to you is to get help. Youve been slowly drawn into the thinking that you should protect the alcoholic because you care. You cover for him, lie for him and hide the truth. You keep secrets, no matter how bad the chaos has become. Protecting him by telling lies has actually created a situation that makes it easier for him to continue (and progress) in his downward spiral. Rather than help the alcoholic, and yourself, you have actually enabled him to get worse. Are You Enabling an Addict or Alcoholic? When Will Your Loved One Get Help? The disease of alcoholism typically continues to progress until the person is ready to reach out and get help for himself. However, waiting for that to happen is not your only choice. Family members can begin to recover whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not by contacting an Al-Anon Family group, SMART Recovery Family Friends, or other outreach organization for support and advice. There is hope and help out there. You just have to take the first step. 8 Steps to Organizing an Alcoholic Intervention

Civil War Essay - 625 Words

After the Civil War ended in 1865, the south was in total ruins. Houses were destroyed, crops were gone, and lives would never be the same again. It wouldn’t be until years after the war that people would get their lives back on track. Whites in the south now hated the blacks and still think they are inferior. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The process of rebuilding that followed the American Civil War was known as reconstruction. The war left a set of pressing questions concerning with what to do with the South. These questions involved the relationship with the former Confederate states and the Union; the type of punishment that should be imposed on the ones responsible for the rebellion; the status of the freed slaves and how to†¦show more content†¦Under his plan a majority of the voters had to pledge loyalty to the United States and the 13th amendment had to be ratified. Southern whites quickly switched their governments according to Johnson’s plan and restricte d the rights of the newly freed slaves. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The Radical Republicans did not see things as lightly as President Johnson did. They wanted to punish the Southern aristocracy and strip them of their rights. They also were not pleased with the black codes. Their intentions were to protect the freedmen’s rights nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In the north however, it was a total triumph. Their goal for slaves to be free was granted. All the former slaves moved up north to try to find jobs, but for most of them it was disappointing to see that they couldn’t find work because most of them couldn’t read or write. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Before the Civil War started in 1861, Americans in the east were starting to take advantage of the lands in the western part of the country. People took their families their to start a new life. The west was inhabited by so many Native Americans. Because the Americans wanted the land so much, they killed off the Native Americans, and would later give them reservations. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;After the Civil War, the south was so destroyed that they didn’t even have a government. Everyone was too busy trying to rearrange their lives. Bridges were in ruble, train tracks wereShow MoreRelatedThe War Of The Civil War921 Words   |  4 PagesThere are no doubts that acts of war can have a negative impact on the individuals involved. There are countless stories of the soldiers’ experiences in the war, and how it affected their lives, families, and attitudes. However, there is a large demographic that is hardly accounted for: children, specifically during the Civil War era. Understanding the children that lived in the time of the Civil War is important because it affected their future careers, shaped their attitudes towards race, and affectedRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War964 Words   |  4 Pageswasn’t one sole cause of the Civil War but there were many events that took the country to war and put brother against brother and states against states. Abraham Lincoln wanted to preserve the union and that could only be attained by civil war. Slavery which was an underlying cause for the war played its role in the division that divided the North against the South. Ultimately the preservation of the union, slavery and the consequences and conflicts leading to the Civil War all rested on President Lincoln’sRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1522 Words   |  7 PagesCosts The war produced about 1,030,000 casualties, including about 620,000 soldier deaths—two-thirds by disease, and 50,000 civilians. The war accounted for roughly as many American deaths as all American deaths in other U.S. wars combined. Based on 1860 census figures, 8% of all white males aged 13 to 43 died in the war, including 6% in the North and 18% in the South. Union army dead, amounting to 15% of the over two million who served, was broken down as follows: Notably, their mortality rateRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War777 Words   |  4 PagesThe widespread violence that turned into the Civil War began with the election of 1860. Abraham Lincoln won the election of 1860 without a single vote from the states below the Ohio River. South Carolina was the first state to respond to Lincoln’s election. On December 20, 1680, South Carolina seceded from the Union. South Carolina was the first of the â€Å"Original Seven† who seceded from the Union, including Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. This became known as â€Å"secessionRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1039 Words   |  5 PagesThe civil war is by far the bloodiest war in American history. In the four deadly years of war, over six-hundred thousand Americans were killed. Many disputes that led to the civil war. These conflicts started under Presiden t James Buchanan who was a Democrat elected in the election of 1856. The issue of slavery, states’ rights, the abolitionist movement, the Southern secession, the raid on Harper’s Ferry, the election of Abraham Lincoln all contributed to the start of the civil war. The civil warRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War Essay1444 Words   |  6 PagesThe story of this outlaw originated during the Civil War years, April 12,1861-May 9, 1865. The War were the rich sat and watched, while the poor died. A War that wanted to keep black people as slaves permanently by the South (Confederates). Newton Knight quickly grew unhappy with the situation that the people of Jones County, where he was originally from were in. He also did not approved of slavery at all. Newt was the Outlaw who freed Jones County s people, whites and blacks alike when they mostRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1284 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish 30 January 2015 The Civil War There are many facts most people generally do not know about the Civil War, so much research is needed to improve one’s knowledge about the Civil War. Authors such as: Robert G. Lambert, Rustle B. Olwell, and Kay A. Chick were all helpful in this research. Many people think that everyone on the Union side of the war believed that blacks should be equal to whites. Most people also think that everyone on the Confederate side of the war believed in slavery. SomeRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1723 Words   |  7 PagesThe Civil War is by far the bloodiest war in American history. In the four deadly years of war, over six-hundred thousand Americans were killed. Many disputes that led to the civil war. These conflicts started even before the presidency of James Buchanan, who was a Democrat elected in the election of 1856. The issue of slavery, states’ rights, the abolitionist movement, the Southern secession, the raid on Harper’s Ferry, the election of Abraham Linc oln all contributed to the start of the Civil WarRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War Essay944 Words   |  4 Pages The War of Succession, universally known as the Civil War, was a war unlike any other. According to the Civil War Trust, â€Å" it was the most immensely colossal and most destructive conflict in the Western world between the cessation of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and the onset of World War I in 1914.† It commenced when the Confederate army assailed Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. The Civil War was a rigorously catastrophic event for both the North and the South. About 360,000 of the Union’s men wereRead MoreThe War Of The Civil War1704 Words   |  7 Pagesof thousands of Americans volunteered to fight in the Civil War, also known as the First Modern War. The main causes of this war were the economic and social differences between the North and the South. These differences led to other fundamental issues such as slavery and its abolition. In addition to that as the war was coming to its end, federal authorities found themselves presiding over the transition from sla very to freedom.After the war, there was a 12-year period best known as the Reconstruction

American Legalization of Marijuana Essay - 1248 Words

American Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana should be legalized nationwide because it can help many different walks of people with their medical issues and maximize revenue for the government. The legalization would positively impact the economy of not only individual cities, but of entire states as well. Medical marijuana is also constantly used as a painkiller in the place of Vicodin and other prescribed drugs. Pot, skunk, kush, mary jane, chronic, weed, grass, herb, hemp and ganga are just a few of the abundance of nicknames that marijuana has. Of Indian origin, the actual drug is green, brown and grey, with incorporation of seeds, leaves and stems. â€Å"Some 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14†¦show more content†¦The THC in marijuana is the chemical that gives people the â€Å"high† that they pursue like madmen. The isomer can be used to treat pain, as a relaxant, alter vision, auditory and other senses, and minimize fatigue and appetite. Since medical marijuana is already legal in several states such as California and Colorado, why shouldn’t it become a legal and normal treatment across the United States? The numerous medical benefits clearly show that marijuana, when used correctly, will benefit the user tremendously and help him or her feel much better. Legally distributing marijuana will also make a large amount of annual revenue for the government through taxation of the drug. â€Å"According to a 2010 study from Cato, legalizing marijuana would generate $8.7 billion in federal and state tax revenue annually.† (Fairchild 1) The legalized circulation of the drug would also lead to a positive impact on the revenue of the state and the country due to the high sales tax on the drug. The U.S. government will most likely tax the drug the same way that they tax alcohol and cigarettes as well. The higher the demand for the product, the higher the tax is. Another reason why this drug should be sold nationwide is so that the government does not have to constantly regulate the drug anymore. â€Å"By one governmentShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Legalized?939 Words   |  4 PagesThe American people have been watching Reefer Madness since 1936 while reading the foreword: â€Å"Marihuana is that drug - a violent narcotic - an unspeakable scourge - The Real Public Enemy Number One!† Many Americans still believe that marijuana is a highly addictive and life threatening drug. However, there have been zero reported cases of cannabis overdose. Marijuana prohibition and propaganda have caused America to fail to benefit from marijuana legalization. The factors of the consequences of theRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1449 Words   |  6 PagesSince the first efforts to legalize marijuana in the 1960s, Americans have become progressively more accepting of requests to liberalize laws restricting possession and use of marijuana, but the shift has not been a straight line. After 11 states de criminalized marijuana possession in the 1970s, recoil led by suburban parents led too much harsher implementation of drug laws. But since California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, outlooks toward the drug have relaxed significantly.(A Brief HistoryRead MoreShould Marijuana Legalization Be Legal?1532 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana Legalization Marijuana legalization is an issue that the United States is currently facing. Through all branches and aspects of government, the concept of marijuana legalization can be applied and understood. In order to better frame the policy issue, the policy should be viewed through different lenses and all aspects of government. In this essay, it will be shown how marijuana legalization truly incorporates all areas of government interest. First, the politics of marijuana legalizationRead MoreLegalization of Marijuana: A Review of the Literature1843 Words   |  7 PagesCalifornia was the first state to pass a marijuana law in 1913 followed by the rest of the states in the nation until the year of 1937, when marijuana became completely illegal at the federal level. (Guither) Before then, marijuana and specifically hemp had many uses for colonists and farmers and was such a critical crop for a number of purposes, that the government even encouraged its growth. It was not until Henry J. Anslinger saw the Bureau of Narcotics as a fascinating career opportunity thatRead MoreMarijuana Decriminalization and Legalization636 Words   |  3 PagesThe validity of marijuana decriminalization (and even legalization) is illustrated in the following analysis of the social, fiscal, political, and medical attributes and conceptions associated with the drug. Marijuana has been used for thousands of years, in 2008; archeologists disco vered over two pounds of cannabis in a 2,700-year-old grave of a shaman found in Central Asia. (Armentano, 1) Should marijuana be legalized or at least decriminalized in America? The following information may give theRead MoreLegalization Of Marijuana Should Be Regulated987 Words   |  4 PagesThe use of marijuana in the United States used to be a rather taboo subject. The infamous slogans of â€Å"Just Say No† and â€Å"Reefer Madness† filled the ears of society and many listened. However, in recent years marijuana legalization has come to the forefront of politics, as more and more Americans are opening up to the idea of legalizing marijuana nation wide for medical and recreational purposes. With about half of adults in the United States in favor of legalizing marijuana it shows that this mayRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?922 Words   |  4 Pagesfor smoking marijuana? Do you know someone that is in jail for possession of marijuana? This is an issue that h as become prevalent in recent years. The whole country along with its citizen is divided on legalization of marijuana. ? How marijuana became illegal is by a tax act. The citizens that desired to consume marijuana had to pay a marijuana tax act. Most people didn’t pay the tax act and that led to prison time and hefty fines. A drug prohibition was initiated and targeting marijuana. AnslingerRead MoreMarijuana Should Be Legalized Essay1130 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana is a cannabaceae plant, which has always been associated with negative connotations until recently, when it has been discovered that this plant may be used to cure diseases and improve a country economy. Thus, the American opinion is split on the question of â€Å"Marijuana Legalization†. In fact, a survey undertaken by CNN/ORC International Poll states that 55 % of Americans believe that the use of marijuana should be legal, while only 44 % think it should be illegal (CNN). I also share theRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuan A Positive And Negative Effects On American Society849 Words   |  4 PagesThe legalization of marijuana can have many positive and negative effects on American society. State budgets are constantly looking for new avenues of revenue and ways to create new industry. The legal system in place is exhausted and unable to sustain the current rate of incarceration and enforcement. Our jails and prisons are overcrowded and law enforcement budgets are challenged every year trying to keep up with the enforcement of marijuana use, smuggling and production in addition to its otherRead MoreWeed Be Better Off Without Marijuana1728 Words   |  7 PagesLauren Leatherman Professor Dillon American Government 25 October 2015 Weed Be Better Off Without Marijuana Dope, Mary Jane, Pot, Grass, Weed, Blunt, Joint, and Nuggets are only a few of the countless names for marijuana, a narcotic drug used for recreational and sometimes medicinal uses across the world. Recently growing enough popularity among younger generations due to the glamorization of media, and the overwhelming financial gains through taxes and fees seen in Colorado, have caused Ohio legislators

Positive Influence on Kids Free Essays

Rhetorical Analysis Being a high school and college athlete, I have gained a lot of skills both physically and mentally. I have learned how to work with different personalities and learned how to adapt to them. Also, I have learned how to cope with winning and losing. We will write a custom essay sample on Positive Influence on Kids or any similar topic only for you Order Now I honestly believe that playing sports shaped me into the person I am today. I have great leadership skills, I interact well with others, I adapt well with new people and I do not give up on anything that I do. In his New York times editorial † Sports Teaches Kids Valuable Lessons,† Keener notes that while striving to win (on an organized ports team), children learn about teamwork and sportsmanship, two keys that can contribute to developing into a solid citizen. In sports, there is a bigger picture than just merely winning and losing. Once you have learned how to stay grounded and humble when you win, or even learning from a terrible loss, I believe you have overall gained a lifetime skill. Some play sports Just for the fun, while other play for the competitiveness of the game. Personally, I play for both reasons. Keener’s argument is stating that these skills of teamwork, and sportsmanship may be acquired though ifferent realms other than sports, but they are enhanced through sports. He feels that they help children learn when the right time is to express those characteristics. Playing sports is a learning experience, you learn how to interact with different people, learn how to cope with losing, and learn how to persevere. In the editorial, Keener expresses that athletics build character and discipline, as well as teamwork and hard work. An organized sports team with members cooperating with one another to achieve a common goal, sport participation is a good way of further instilling the important principles of teamwork in a group. If one person does not do their part the whole team can and will suffer. If one individual dominates then the performance of others will be adversely affected in both areas the only way to achieve a victory is with a team working in harmony and on equal terms with one another. As with sport, a team may comprise multiple talents but if they don’t work well together then the team will quickly fall apart. You win as a team and lose as a team. So with that, you have to learn, with your team, how fix the problem and be able to come together and win. Realistically, it is not guaranteed that you will win. Some teams go on with the worst records of not winning one game in a season. Keener explains, you learn how to get back up every time you get knocked down. With that, you will learn to thrive and compete through any recurring disappointments or setbacks. In the text, he illustrates how taking on a sport may take sacrifice. It can be transformation of your body from to fit the sport; there is a wide range of injuries, or even time away from daily activities. Sports should serve the purpose of general development, keeping the body strong and maintaining healthy life style. Keener noted that sports help the child keep up a healthy lifestyle. He notes that with athletes competing at a competitive level can lead to positive psychosocial, developmental and health benefits for girls. Research shows that sport participation and positive self-perceptions and also better success rates in the classrooms. Lastly, Keener takes a different approach by explaining how participating in sports gives athletes the ability to develop tight and lasting friendships. This is an experience that usually leaves them with lasting life long memories. There are some positive social benefits to sports participation that are easily overlooked by many. Keener tried to connect on a very person and emotional level. In high school, everyone wants a friend. Everyone wants to feel accepted or have that sense of belonging to something. Some kids may not have that sense of family at home, so they may Join a sport to fill in where their home life is lacking. After reading the editorial, I still have the same feelings toward the topic. I absolutely agree with everything Keener had to say. Although some may say that there are some character traits that only parents can instill in their children. But there is something special to a child about having howing those skills off through some type of medium. Overall, Keener was very successful in his editorial. He clearly stated his argument and his claim. He factually and emotionally connected to different types of audiences, mostly athletes, future athletes and parents of athletes. What made it so successful was how he proved his claim through facts and thoughts, and also connecting with the right audience. It all made sense. He was able to connect with actual athletes and parents of athletes. He challenges the child to strive to be a better athlete by adhering to the life lessons learned. He also challenges the parents to challenge their child by encouraging them to get involved with a team. Keener touched upon different aspects ofa child’s life that later on down the road requires usage of those skills they learned. Kids may never use their physical talents or skills again after high school or college, but one thing they will use is their leadership skills, teamwork and perseverance. Those are fundamental keys to being successful in the real world and work force. How to cite Positive Influence on Kids, Papers

Soviet Union Essays - Dissolution Of The Soviet Union, Perestroika

Soviet Union Joseph Stalin (1927-1953) led the Soviet State through the challenges of World War II. Although the war was a terrible drain on the already impoverished and exhausted society, it resulted, paradoxically in strengthening the Soviet dictatorship. The war distracted the Soviet people from Stalin's excesses in previous years and generated patriotism and national unity. It also greatly strengthened the Soviet military. The Soviet Union emerged from the war as second in power only to the United States. (Dr. Minton F, Goldman) So what were the factors that contributed to the collapse of the super power and what is preventing Russia from re-entering the international community as a stabilized independent country. In the beginning, Communism seemed to be the utopian ideal for the people of Russia because it promised elimination of classes, guaranteed employment, and gave hope that "The creation of a comprehensive social security and welfare system for all citizens that would end the misery of workers once and for all." In 1917, when Lenin came to power the socialist dictatorship underwent radical changes in it's economic doctrines adopting the New Economic Policy giving control of the majority of means of production to the government. Lenin's government made many achievements and in fact throughout the majority of Communist rule, censorship and subordination of interest groups was imposed to stop dissension and increase conformity to the new government's policies. After Lenin's death in 1924, his predecessor Joseph Stalin continued his reforms and at length became completely totalitarian making himself the most powerful man in Russia. Stalin began the Great Purge (campaign of removing all opposition to the Communist rule) in which millions of people were arrested and either harassed or killed. The economic system was changed so that the government controlled the entire system. All the private ownership ended, industrialization was commenced, and the strength of the military was substantially increased. During this period, agricultural production output diminished resulting in food shortages. These shortages were only enhanced by the mass exportation of food. Stalin also put the production of manufacturing machinery over basic consumer goods and other staples. To top things off, the Second World War broke out and drained most of what was left of the already impoverished state. Although Russia came out of the war a super power, the death of Stalin in 1953 marked the end of supreme power for the head of the Communist party. For the next several years, Russia went through different leaders trying to find one to save the suffering society. Khrushchev achieved minor reforms, but was dismissed due to shortages in grain and dairy products and his blame for the Cuban Missile Crisis. Leonid Brezhnev reversed most of the progress made by Krushchev and restored many of Stalin's political disciplinary policies. During this time, there was an inefficient use land, labor and resources, which resulted in an economic slackening. Bureaucrats were paid for loyalty with material wealth and public interests were placed secondary to personal gain. In the 1980's, the already impoverished standard of living for Soviet citizens dropped dramatically. This caused strikes and public outcry against the administration, which threatened the stability of the Soviet Union. The people were angry because in exchange for their obedience, the Communist Party had promised them employment, free health care, and a level of comfort. None of these promises was fulfilled. When Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary in 1985, he began a program called "Perestroika" which was the organizational restructuring of the Soviet economy and government apparatus. He also began a policy called "Glasnost" to support the restructuring. "Glasnost" which emphasized openness with regard to discussion of social problems and shortcomings. The purpose of these reforms was to elevate the Soviet standard of living in order to reaffirm the citizenry's loyalties to the Communist Party and to enable the restoration of the Soviet economy and ideal. State control was lessened and individual initiative encouraged. He took many different steps to ease international affairs as well. However, during this period of change, strong nationalistic opinion started in the republics of the Soviet Union causing major upheaval. In 1991, as the Soviet economy deteriorated, Gorbachev faced competing pressures from hard-line Communists, from free-market reformers, and from nationalists and secessionists seeking independence for their republics. Gorbachev suspended party activities, placed reformers in charge of the military and KGB, and allowed Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to become independent republics. The USSR voted itself out of existence in 1991, and Gorbachev resigned as its president. Under the Communist regime, there were immense social problems. In the period before Gorbachev, all religion was made extremely difficult to practice