Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Secondary education

The Unification of Germany (1815–1871)

Following the 1815 Congress of Vienna, an association of German states known as The German Confederation was established. After the failed 1848 revolutions, German nationalists were divided as to how Germany should be unified:

• The Greater Germany Solution: Centered on Austria as the leading Catholic power.
• The Lesser Germany Solution: Excluded Austria and was led by Prussia, the dominant Protestant power.

Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck successfully managed to unify Lesser Germany through a series of decisive wars with neighboring states.

Bismarck's Wars of Unification

1. German-Danish War (1864)

   This conflict secured territory and set the stage for future Prussian dominance.

2. Austro-Prussian War (1866)

   Prussia

Sources of Commercial Law

The legal framework governing commercial transactions, particularly credit instruments, is derived from both primary and secondary sources.

Primary Sources of Commercial Regulation

1. Law and Applicable Statutes

   The primary law applicable to credit instruments is the LGTOC (General Law of Credit Instruments and Operations). Other commercial regulations are also applicable to fill legal gaps, such as the Commercial Code, specialized commercial laws, and the Federal Civil Code. All commercial regulations are federal in nature.

2. International Treaties

   Agreements and conventions ratified internationally that pertain to commercial transactions and credit instruments.

Secondary Sources of Commercial Regulation

3. Jurisprudence

   Jurisprudence

Kukuyuan Tea Company: Imperial Ambitions

During a meeting, a journalist discussed a tea company named “Kukuyuan Tea Company”. Their objective was to increase profits, leading them to expand operations to Kenya.

Kenya: A Strategic Colonial Target

Kenya was chosen for its fertile land, abundant rivers suitable for cultivation, a large labor force, and perceived security. The Industrial Revolution's impact on population dynamics meant a readily available workforce in the colonies. Significant scientific progress also suggested opportunities for new discoveries and knowledge acquisition in the region. From their perspective, the concept of 'white supremacy' justified their control over indigenous populations and the 'civilization' of the region.... Continue reading "Kukuyuan Tea Company: Imperialism in Kenya" »

Behind the iris is a lens which changes shape in order to focus the image.

The Colonization of Africa

Causes of Colonization

• Finance capitalism: The rise of finance capitalism during this period led to the need for new markets and sources of raw materials and energy outside of Europe.
• White supremacy: White people felt superior to the indigenous people of Africa and believed it was their duty to bring their culture and religion to them.
• Overpopulation and unemployment: The growth of the population in Europe and the use of machinery in factories had caused high levels of unemployment, leading people to seek new opportunities abroad.

Steps of Colonization

1. Occupation: The land was occupied by conquest, thanks to the military advantage of the colonizers.
2. Administration: Political and administrative control was established by

• Isotopes

  • Same elements with different numbers of neutrons

• Ions

  • Same element with an unequal number of protons and electrons

• Electric Fields

  Things with charge (protons and electrons) generate electric fields (E) (Likewise, electric fields can affect things with charge)

• Energy and Matter

  When atoms or molecules “happen across” energy, [usually] 1 of 2 things can happen: 1) they wiggle-jiggle more [we classify the amount of “wiggling-jiggling” by the quantity of temperature] 2) the energy, if it is a) in the form of a special type of electromagnetic field and b) of a specific frequency, can be absorbed

  λ∙f = c

  λ = wavelength of the wave [m]

  f = frequency of the wave [Hertz, Hz=1/s]

  c = speed of light = 3∙108 m/s

  Electromagnetic Waves

Competition Policy in Mexico vs. the European Union

Statement: There is a popular belief that competition policy in Mexico is oriented towards consumer protection. However, this is not the case. This criterion differs from that proposed by the European Union, which does consider consumer protection among the pillars of its competition policy.

Question: What is the main orientation of competition policy in Mexico, and how is it different from other jurisdictions? Consider at least one jurisdiction other than Mexico in your interpretation.

Answer: Consumers are the ultimate beneficiaries of competition policy. In an environment of effective competition, companies strive to be better than their competitors and, therefore, win customers, reduce their... Continue reading "Competition Law and Policy in Mexico: A Comparative Analysis" »

LFCE Criteria for Substantial Power Determination

The LFCE proposes several criteria for determining substantial market power:

• Market share and the ability to fix prices unilaterally without competitors being able to counter such power.
• The existence of barriers to entry.
• The existence and power of competitors.
• The possibilities for the Economic Agent(s) and their competitors to access input sources.

Efficiency Gains Under LFCE Article 55

Article 55 of the LFCE defines efficiency gains. Some examples include:

• The introduction of new goods or services.
• The utilization of residual lots, defective, or perishable products.
• Cost reductions resulting from creating new techniques and production processes, asset integration, increases in production scale, and

1. What is economic competition?

The set of actions that undertakings (companies) take to obtain the preference of consumers, these actions include rivalry among companies and are only feasible because there are conditions that facilitate open and participative markets.

2. Mention and describe at least three negative effects that occur in markets when there are no conditions of effective competition.

• There are no alternatives in goods and services
• High prices
• There is no innovation, which causes inefficiency

3. What is the difference between economic regulation and the correct policy of economic competition? Describe at least two differences.

Regulation: Preserve the most valued elements by a given group through mechanisms of standard setting, information... Continue reading "Understanding Economic Competition: Effects, Regulation, and Characteristics" »

Absolute and Constitutional Monarchies

Characteristics of Absolute Monarchy

The King held absolute power over everybody. This power was justified by divine right, guaranteeing peace and stability for the realm.

Representative Example of Absolute Monarchy

The French Monarchy under **Louis XIV**.

Characteristics of Constitutional Monarchy

The King’s power was limited by courts and Parliament. This structure protected against the absolutist pretensions of the monarchy. Monarchs were selected by Parliament and their power was formalized by the acceptance of the **Bill of Rights**.

17th Century European Society and Economics

Population Trends in 17th Century Europe

The population of Europe decreased during the 17th century due to several factors:

• Poor harvests
• Wars