French Revolution. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain) |
French RevolutionThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition French Revolution political upheaval of world importance in France that began in 1789. Origins of the Revolution Historians disagree in evaluating the factors that brought about the Revolution. To some extent at least, it came not because France was backward, but because the country's economic and intellectual development was not matched by social and political change. In the fixed order of the ... Read moreSee also: |
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water pollution. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain) |
water pollutionThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition water pollution contamination of water resources by harmful wastes; see also sewerage , water supply , pollution , and environmentalism . Industrial Pollution In the United States industry is the greatest source of pollution, accounting for more than half the volume of all water pollution and for the most deadly pollutants. Some 370,000 manufacturing facilities use huge quantities of freshwa... Read moreSee also: |
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Canadian Illustrated News, 1880, "Come to Stay". Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain) |
immigrationThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition immigration entrance of a person (an alien ) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important. High rates of immigration are frequently accompanied by militant, and sometimes violent, calls for immigration restriction or deportation... Read moreSee also: |
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socialized medicine. Flickr (Flickr user aflcio, CC) |
socialized medicineThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition socialized medicine publicly administered system of national health care. The term is used to describe programs that range from government operation of medical facilities to national health-insurance plans. In 1948, Great Britain passed the National Health Service Act that provided free physician and hospital services for all citizens. The system was later amended, now charging a small fee for th... Read moreSee also: |
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global warming. Wikimedia Commons (Xavax, GFDL) |
global warmingThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition global warming the gradual increase of the temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution . The temperature of the atmosphere near the earth's surface is warmed through a natural process called the greenhouse effect. Visible, shortwave light comes from the sun to the earth, passing unimpeded through a blanket of therma... Read moreSee also: |
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United Nations. Wikimedia Commons (Madden, CC) |
United NationsThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition United Nations (UN), international organization established immediately after World War II. It replaced the League of Nations . In 1945, when the UN was founded, there were 51 members; 192 nations are now members of the organization (see table entitled United Nations Members ). Organization and Principles The Charter of the United Nations comprises a preamble and 19 chapters divided into 111 a... Read moreSee also: |
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Federal Reserve System. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain) |
Federal Reserve SystemThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Federal Reserve System central banking system of the United States. Established in 1913, it began to operate in Nov., 1914. Its setup, although somewhat altered since its establishment, particularly by the Banking Act of 1935, has remained substantially the same. Structure The Federal Reserve Act created 12 regional Federal Reserve banks, supervised by a Federal Reserve Board. Each reserve bank ... Read moreSee also: |
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food adulteration. Shutter stock (ShutterStock) |
food adulterationThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition food adulteration act of intentionally debasing the quality of food offered for sale either by the admixture or substitution of inferior substances or by the removal of some valuable ingredient. The Greek and Roman classics contain allusions to wine makers and dealers who colored and flavored their wine. In England as early as the 13th cent., bakers cheapened their wares or scanted the weight, an... Read moreSee also: |
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baseball. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain) |
baseballThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition baseball bat-and-ball sport known as the national pastime of the United States. It derives its name from the four bases that form a diamond (the infield) around the pitcher's mound. Basic Rules Teams consist of nine players who use a leather-covered hard ball, a wooden (in the professional game) or aluminum bat, and padded gloves. Additionally, the batter, catcher, and home-plate umpire wear spe... Read moreSee also: |
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Iran. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain) |
IranThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Iran , officially Islamic Republic of Iran, republic (2005 est. pop. 68,018,000), 636,290 sq mi (1,648,000 sq km), SW Asia. The country's name was changed from Persia to Iran in 1935. Iran is bordered on the north by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea; on the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan; on the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; and on the west by Turkey and I... Read moreSee also: |
