Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf

Introduction The domestic dog is a member of the Canidae family. This is a biologically cohesive group of carnivores and consists of thirty-eight species (Serpell 10). thus far, man has managed to fully domesticate the dog (Canis familiaris) although he has also attempted to breed the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in captivity for their fur (Klinghammer and Goodmann 36). Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The current paper tries to show the link between the modern domesticated dog and the grey wolf using documented evidence from morphological, molecular, and DNA investigations. Tracing the origin of the domesticated dog In 1868, Darwin argued that the various domesticated varieties of the dog could have originated from several wild species or from a single wild species. A number of authors contend that the domesticated dog could have originated from the jackal, the wolf, or other unknown and extinct species (Serpell 10). Darwin also suggested that it would be almost impossible to ascertain the origin of the domesticated dog. However, the combined results of vocalisation, morphological behavior and molecular biology of the domesticated dog now show that the wolf is the principle ancestor of the dog (Grandin and Johnson 87). In the 1950s, Konrad Lorenz proposed that certain modern breeds of the dog could have been the descendants of the wolf, while others could have originated from the jackal. However, Lorenz soon realised that the jackal had a characteristic and complicated howling repertoire that is quite different from that of the wolf or dog. This discovery made Lorenz to rescind his earlier view that the domestic dog could have been a descendant of the jackal (Serpell 11). Another hotly contested idea is the origin of the Australia dingo. Molecular and anatomical invest igations indicate that the dingo may be categorized as a feral dog of ancient descent. In addition, these findings reveal close resemblance between the Australian dingo, the wolf, and the pariah dogs in South-east Asia. What are the ‘precursors of the modern domesticated dog? Bones belonging to wolves in the Middle Pleistocene period have been found alongside those of early hominida. This association is indicative of an overlapping of the hunting activities and occupation of wolves and humans. Human hunters may also have killed wolves occasionally for their skins which they used as clothing (Serpell 12). Advertising Looking for research paper on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Once in a while, human hunters would be accompanied by a live pup that they ended up eating but occasionally, such a pup would get accustomed to the family group, effectively becoming tamed. The wolf pups that turned out to be less submiss ive with maturity would undoubtedly be driven away or killed. Others that showed signs of submission were tamed by humans (Savolainen et al 1611). Such tamed wolves are the precursors of the true domesticated dog, although they are many generations apart. Some remains of these animals that were discovered at late glacial sites reveal slight morphological differences in comparison with the remains of wild wolves. Wolf skulls believed to belong to the last Ice Age have also been retrieved at Fairbanks, Alaska. This are thought to be approximately 10,000 years old. These wolf skulls are characterized by shortened facial regions and for this reason, they are thought to be the remains of tamed wolves. This information is supported by evidence of humans having crossed into North America via the Bering Straits around this time. Theories of domestication of dogs from wolves Although it is still not clear how the actual domestication of the Grey Wolf took place, nonetheless, a number of the ories have been proposed on how the domestication process took place. One such theory has to do with the orphaned wolf-cubs. Several studies have suggested that humans were able to tame and socialize some wolf pups that they took while still young. One study has also endeavoured to show that it is possible to socialize the adult wolves successfully (Koler-Matznick 99). In contrast, other scholars contend that socializing adult wolves can be time consuming especially when pups are more than 21 days old. Many scientists are convinced that the early humans adopted orphaned wolf cubs and then proceeded to nurse them. Thereafter, the adopted wolves began to breed, in effect bringing forth â€Å"wolf-like† domesticated animals. As more generations of these â€Å"wolf-like† domesticated animals were born, they bore a lot of resemblance to dogs. Another theory holds that the early wolves were scavengers and as such, they would often be attracted by the refuse that humans lef t behind at campsites. Some of these wolves proved quite successful in their ability to interact with humans and as a result, these traits were passed on to future generations. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ultimately, there emerged a generation of wolves that had a tendency to be domesticated. Humans decided to keep those dogs that showed the least amount of fear and those that demonstrated high level of socialization. Consequently, the early dog developed unique traits that we can now recognize the modern day dog. One of the behavioural characteristics of the gray wolf that made it easier for humans to domesticate them is what is known as â€Å"flight distance†. Flight distance is a measure of the level of closeness that an animal can allow something that it considers dangerous before deciding to run away. If an animal ha s a shorter flight distance, it means that it is not scared by the presence of humans even when feeding. Such a behavioural trait might have been passed down to successive generations of the animals and over time it was amplified to the point that the animals felt comfortable in the presence of humans. Ideally, wolves are believed to have separated into two populations. The first group was made up of a pack of hunters while the second group was made up of village-oriented scavengers. Although there are scanty details as to how the next steps evolved, however, sustaining these two divergent populations must have required the presence of selective pressure. DNA evidence Prior to the development of the DNA technology, scientists held two schools of thought regarding the origin of the domesticated dog. Most of the researchers assumed that the early dogs were the descendants of the tamed wolves and through interbreeding and evolving, this had resulted in a domesticated species. We also have another school of thought that suggests that the modern dog is the distant descendant of the wolf. The same school of thought also believes that the jackal and the coyote could also have been distant relatives of the modern dog. However, DNA evidence now points at the wolf as the sole ancestor of the domesticated dog. One scientist who has done a lot of DNA work on the ancestors of the domesticated dog is Carles Vila. Through his numerous studies, he has analyzed various types of wolf DNA from some 27 populations across North America, Europe and Asia (Vila et al 1687). He has also compared the results of his studies with DNA of some 67 breeds of modern dogs from various parts of the world.Advertising Looking for research paper on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More DNA evidence has revealed the most diverse group of wolves possess similar sequences to the ones found in the most ancient breeds of the domesticated dog, including the dingo of Australia. The German Shepherd Dog was shown to share a close resemblance to wolf sequences, in comparison with the sequences of the main dog group (Vila et al 1688). This is a sign that such breeds may have been produced by crossing wild wolves with dogs. Conclusion Over the years, a lot of research has been carried out on the origin of the domesticated dog, with scientists divided into two schools of through. The first and largest school of through believed that dogs could have been the descendants of the gray wolf. Other scientists suggested that the older domesticated dog could have been the descendant of the red fox, or even the raccoon. However, there is now compelling evidence to suggest that the early humans most likely domesticated the modern dog from the gray wolf. This assertion has been supporte d by molecular, morphological and DNA evidence that point at a closer relationship between the domesticated dog, and the gray wolf, more than the red fox and the raccoon. However, because the origins of some of the morphological differences between wolves and dogs are still not clear, there is need to undertake more DNA studies. Such studies also need to be supplemented by a re-evaluation of canidae fossil and archaeological records so that we can resolve the many questions regarding one of man’s ancient domesticated animal. Works Cited Grandin, Temple and Catherine, Johnson. Animals in translation, New York, NY: Scriber, 2005. Print. Klinghammer, Erich and Goodmann, Patricia. â€Å"Chapter 2: Socialization and management of wolves in captivity†. In Frank, Harry. Man and Wolf: Advances, Issues, and Problems in Captive Wolf Research. The Hague, The Netherlands: Dr  W.  Junk Publishers, 1987. Print. Koler-Matznick, Janice. The origin of the dog revisited. Anthrozoos , 15.2(2002):98–118. Print. Savolainen, Peter, Zhang, Jing, Luo, Joakim Lundeberg, and Thomas Leitner. â€Å"Genetic Evidence for an East Asian Origin of Domestic Dogs†. Science, 298. 5598(2002): 1610–1613. Print. Serpell, James. The domestic dog: its evolution, behavior, and interactions with people. Cambridge, Mass: Cambridge University Press, 1995. Print. Vila, Carles, Peter, Savolainen, Jesus, Maldonado, John, Rice and Rodney, Honeycutt. Multiple and ancient origins of the domestic dog. Science, 276.5397(1997): 1687-1689. Print. This research paper on Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf was written and submitted by user Memph1s to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Your APA Reference Page Will Be a Disaster If You Dont Follow These 11 Rules

Your APA Reference Page Will Be a Disaster If You Dont Follow These 11 Rules If you are in a university program focusing on the social sciences, it is likely youll become very well acquainted with APA (American Psychological Association) style. APA is a specific guideline for formatting your research writing, including everything from the font to use to how to create a reference page of your sources. For an overview of the style, as a whole, check out this video.This style is most often used in fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology and education, so if youre in (or plan to be in) one of these areas of study and research, youll eventually need to learn APA style- or at least, need to learn where to find information about it. To help you do that, here are 11 rules that will help keep your APA reference page from being a disaster.APA is an academic writing style most often used in fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology and education. Photo by Tookapic on Pexels.Rule #1: Put your references at the end of your paper but before your appendi xPart of the reason different fields use consistent styles is to make sure researchers know where to look in a paper to find the information they need. If someone wants to know a source for a quote, figure, statistic, or finding youve used as evidence, they can always remember that the reference page- otherwise known as your list of sources- can be found at the end of the paper (but before the appendix).Rule #2: Start your reference list at the top of a new page, with References centeredYou can always tell a fresh-out-of-high-school college student by the various ways he or she will format the reference page of a research paper. Some will put REFERENCES in all caps, bold it, italicize it, put it in quotation marks or underline it- but all of them will be wrong in doing so.The correct way to being your reference list in an APA paper is to place the References heading at the top center of a new page, without any other font styles added. You can go to this link to see an example of thi s if youre still unsure of what to do.Rule #3: Be sure that each source used is includedA common mistake made by research writers, newbie and experienced alike, is to mention a fact taken from a source- even cite it in the text- but then forget to include the full citation for that source in the reference page section of an APA paper.Theres a way to avoid this but it requires a bit of forethought and planning on your end. First, as you write the paper, be sure to include the in-text citation for each quote, statistic, figure, finding, or reference to a study that you use. As soon as you do that, include it on a master sheet of references. This master sheet, which can be handwritten, will then be alphabetized, organized, and formatted to become your official APA reference page.Rule #4: Double-space your reference list with a hanging indent on the second and subsequent lines of each entryThis rule is a hard rule to remember- mostly because when you see a citation at the back of a text book or footnote of an article, its typically single spaced. However, APA format requires that the entire paper be double-spaced, including the references list.The hanging indent part takes a little practice. If youre a whiz on Microsoft Word, you can adjust the style and Word will automatically create the hanging indents for you on each reference entry.Rule #5: Invert all authors names and include their full last name plus first name initialOn your reference list, youll alphabetize all sources based on the name of the author(s) who published them. In order to do this easily, you should invert all authors names to list their last name first, then the initial of their first name and middle name (if known).Example:Montcastle, V. B. (1997, April). The columnar organization of the neocortex. Brain Journal, 120, 701-722.This particular example is for citing a journal article and follows the following format:Author, A. A., Author B. B., Author C. C. (1994, January). Title of article. Tit le of Magazine, volume number(issue number), xxx-xxx.Rule #6: If there are more than seven authors, list the first six then use ellipses before listing the last authors nameSome studies are conducted and published by more than seven authors. While these studies might be rare, you will likely run into one at some point in your academic writing experience. APA has a specific format for citing such a study- list the first six in standard format (last name, A.A.) then the final author following the sixth one and separated by ellipses. If youre citing a journal article, your citation will look like this:Miller, F. H., Choi, M. J., Angeli, L. L., Harland, A. A., Stamos, J. A., Thomas, S. T., . . . Rubin, L. H. (2009). Web site usability for the blind and low-vision user. Technical Communication, 57, 323-335.Rule #7: Alphabetize by the last name of the first author of each entry and chronologically if the same authorIn cases where you have multiple authors, always use the name that is firs t listed on the study as the first author, and therefore, the name youll eventually alphabetize in your reference list when completed. Follow that authors name with the other authors in the order they are listed- not in alphabetical order within the citation.In cases where you have multiple citations for the same author, as in several books and/or articles written by the same person, list the citations in chronological order- from the earliest to the most recent.Example:Berndt, T. J. (1981).Berndt, T. J. (1999).However, it gets a little more complicated if youre citing an author who has published on their own as well as with other authors. In these cases, always put the citation for the solo work first (regardless of chronology), then the collaboration next.Example:Berndt, T. J. (1999). Friends influence on students adjustment to school. Educational Psychologist, 34, 15-28.Berndt, T. J., Keefe, K. (1995). Friends influence on adolescents adjustment to school. Child Development, 66, 1312-1329.If an author is listed as the first author on several studies with other authors, list the citations based on alphabetizing the second author.Example:Wegener, D. T., Kerr, N. L., Fleming, M. A., Petty, R. E. (2000). Flexible corrections of juror judgments: Implications for jury instructions. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 6, 629-654.Wegener, D. T., Petty, R. E., Klein, D. J. (1994). Effects of mood on high elaboration attitude change: The mediating role of likelihood judgments. European Journal of Social Psychology, 24, 25-43.Aphabetizing citations with multiple authors can be one of the most tricky parts of writing an APA reference list. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.Rule #8: Dont abbreviate the journal title or use the ampersand, and maintain its capitalizationWhile some formatting styles allow both of these, APA does not. When writing out the journal citation in your reference list, write the whole journal name (without abbreviation) and dont use an ampersand () to replace and unless the journal itself prints it that way. Also maintain the capitalization for the Journal in title case.Example:Journal of Education and CurriculumRule #9: Capitalize the first word and the first word following a colon or dash, as well as proper nouns in books, chapters, articles, dissertations, speeches or webpagesCapitalization rules in APA follow a standard format that applies to most writing. You need to capitalize the first word of the sentence, as well as the first word that follows a colon or dash. Youll also need to capitalize all proper nouns. Note that the title of a book or article should not be in title case, only the journal name should be.Rule #10: Italicize titles of longer works such as books and journalsAs with most writing, youll need to italicize titles of books and journals (the name of the journal, not the article). Do not italicize, underline, or put quotes around the title of the article.Rule #11: Use the manual or OWL at Purdue for specific rules relating to entries based on type of sourceThe Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University is one of the most accessible and thorough APA resources available online. In fact, most of the examples I used throughout this article were taken from that website.The site is organized (in the left-hand column) by APA general format, in-text citations, footnotes/endnotes, reference list, stylistics, headings, tables and figures, and FAQs. It also provides sample papers written in APA format to allow you to see the style rules applied to writing. On the sample papers page, it even offers an automatic generator where you can plug in information about your source and the website will make the APA citation for you.Since there are so many rules related to citing and organizing an APA paper, and some complicated ones (multiple works by the same author, were looking at you!) youre likely not going to memorize every detail of the style- even if you write in it often. Thats why knowing where to go for a solid source online is helpful. I have the OWL site saved in my laptops bookmarks to access easily whenever I need to look up a formatting rule.

Introduction to Discrete Event Dynamic Systems Research Paper

Introduction to Discrete Event Dynamic Systems - Research Paper Example It is evident that the deterministic expression in automata is just mere regular languages. From the article, there is the need to illustrate impacting on the feedback. These entail observability, stability, and invertibility. The inclusions are parameters used to define the characteristics of the language. This section addresses the determination of current states of the system. Particularly, there is an interest regarding the observable events in relation with the state of DEDS automaton. In reference with the definition of the term observability, there is the concentration of the intermittent observation of the model, among other inclusions. We will only concentrate with the events under P U ∑ and not the events in ∑ ∠© á ¿â€º. In the observation process, it is difficult to understand or identify when these occur. However, it is crucial to identify where to resolve the intervals of events to bring out a basis for identification the bounders. There is also development of state ambiguity where ∑ is not equal to á ¿â€º. To illustrate this state of observability, we need to extend graphically draw the inclusions. Below is an illustration of the graph. We can depict that the output is stabilized if the observer’s state, denoted by E is the subset of E. This is a guarantee that the system is within E. The compensator should therefore ensure that there is correspondence between the observer and the subset E within the finite á ½ · in reference with the observable transitions. The formalization of output stability is as follows: This section expounds on inevitability. The problem concerning inevitability arises from the notion that DEDS is an observable system. This means that seeing these events does not really imply that the events will happen. This requires restructuring the whole sequence of the output. This is a section that needs emphasis to solve the inevitability of the problem. This will facilitate the calculation of the performance

To what extent has North Korean foreign policy became less Essay

To what extent has North Korean foreign policy became less isolationist since the Cold War - Essay Example The tension between these two states has led to the loss of million lives in each side of the parallel from 1948 until 2002 (Foreign and Commonwealth Office 2008, cited in Turku, 2009). North Korea claimed that South Korea is a puppet of the United States. In addition, the North Korea accused South Korea of being anti-national and as an aid to foreign aggressors. Kim II Sung, throughout his reign, asked South Koreans to initiate a revolution that would abolish the US fascist military dictatorship. He further reiterated that armed struggle serves as the only means in order for the South Korea to be liberated from colonizers and oppressors. Kim II-Sung asserted that South Koreans, inspired by the construction of the Northern half and achievements in the socialist revolution, will be impelled to seek for reunification of the nation (Turku, 2009). The two nations agreed to discuss normalizing their relations starting on August 1971. The Inter-Korean summit on June 13 to 15, 2000, which is followed on October 2 to 4, 2007 in Pyongyang, marked the greatest progress that these two nations took towards peaceful coexistence. The two nations agreed to produce a joint declaration for national unification in the Korean peninsula and peaceful co-existence in the first summit (Moon 2002, cited in Turku, 2009). These historical summits were facilitated by the â€Å"sunshine policy† of South Korea. This policy has three principles namely, engage in economic terms with North Korea, respect the sovereignty of the North, and lastly zero tolerance for aggression manifested by North Korea (Turku, 2009). The present administration in South Korea abandoned the â€Å"sunshine policy† term; however, its policy still continues to concentrate on cooperation, principles of engagement, and dialogue with the North Korea. A summit that occurred on June 15, 2000 serves as historical milestones for the two nations. What was deemed as impossible in the past finally

Poverty Policy In The Land Of Milk And Honey Essay Example for Free

Poverty Policy In The Land Of Milk And Honey Essay People might think that poverty is the last thing to be occurred in the United States of America –the land of milk and honey as they say, because America is known for having a Tiger Economy ever since. But it is a shame should the government of America admits that they too can experience poverty? Let them allow having an excuse that nothing is perfect. Everything is possible. However, we all know that we can attain the 0% rate of poverty in our country if everyone will work it out together. How the poverty is being measured in the United States of America? The United States Department of Health and Human Services says that there are two slightly different versions of the federal poverty measure. One is the poverty threshold which is used mainly in Census Bureau for statistical purposes, and the other one is the poverty guidelines which are basically for administrative purposes. (2007). But the US government do not really understand that the only thing this policy or measurement can do is the knowledge about figures and recoded data of how many could pass yearly in the poverty line in accordance to the standards that they have set. They never realize that the poverty measurement has nothing to do with poverty itself and how to totally demolish the poverty problem in the United States of America – the land of milk and honey! As a citizen, all I can say is that we have to go back to the main roots of the problem. What are those problems that lead us to poverty? Are we ready to face them? I guess we should. And it is not just facing them but to act on them for the betterment of any individual or household concern but also for the good of the common people, government and country. Poverty has not to be measured in starvation and emptiness only. There are many factors involve including illiteracy, illegitimacy, immorality, unemployment, dirty politics, bureaucracy, environment, lifestyle, vices, crime, over population, sickness, mortality or even having your own identity and citizenship. But as long as the scarcity and level of consumptions of every household are the major factors that we keep on measuring, we will never resolve the problem of poverty. Again, I suggest that we go back to the main roots of the problem. I affirm to David Brooks’ optimism outlook in his argument â€Å"†¦these rapid improvements (which refers to globalization) at the bottom of the income ladder are contributing to and correlating with declines in illiteracy, child labor rates and fertility rate. † (2004). But there are also some things that should be remembered. Tiger economy or third world country has the equal opportunity of experiencing poverty. However, addressing the issue of poverty lies not to the government alone. Every human beings living on Earth has to do their fair share of opinions and actions in fighting poverty. It could be done by helping others or the nation. But I guess the best poverty alleviation policy is improving first your own quality of life wherever you are; hence, every place you could have been has the chance to be a poverty-free land of milk and honey.

Ted Hughes Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow Essay -- Crow Fr

Social Issues and Creation Stories in Ted Hughes' Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow      Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many mythological stories that exist in this age.   Within these different myths, there are many answers to how our world was created.   Yet, one must become open-minded to other myths that do not necessarily discuss creation; Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow can be seen to fall into this category.   This collection of Ted Hughes' poetry is intertwined with social issues and creation stories.   Throughout this collection, the poems not only involve Classical and Christian related ideas they also include several twentieth century advancements.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The myths that Hughes creates have the central character as the crow.   In the book Myth in the Poetry of Ted Hughes, Hirschberg gives a brief statement of how crows are viewed in different mythologies, "In folk mythology the crow is an animal figure predominantly associated with the twin motifs of death and guilt, a stark figure who embodies boldness, intelligence, adaptability to change and a twisted vitality" (126).   This description is widely evident throughout Ted Hughes' collection.   Crow goes through many phases and meditations.   Among the topics found in Crow   are views of religion, human actions, and destruction.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout Crow, there are many references to Christianity.   Yet, in each poem that includes this topic, the original stories are altered to give a new style of myth.   "A Childish Prank" is one of the poems that Hughes begins altering the original biblical references.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "A Childish Prank" is a poem about a malicious trick that Crow plays on Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.   This poem is about Adam and Eve l... ...en though we hear ideas from different sources, we must still make our own interpretations. Crow is a great mythology that has unique parallels with society and human struggles.   A mythology is meant to relate to people, and give them warnings and answers.   Through looking at the religious, emotional, and destructive implications in the collection, we see that it is a mythology; thus, if we are open-minded enough to study and accept other mythologies, why not accept the life, songs, and philosophy of Crow as well? Works Cited Hirschberg, Stuart.   Myth in the Poetry of Ted Hughes:  A guide to the poems .   Totowa, New Jersey: Barnes and Noble, 1981. Hughes, Ted.   Crow:   From the Life and Songs of the Crow.   New York:   Harper and Row, 1971. Scigaj, Leonard M.   The Poetry of Ted Hughes:   Form and Imagination.   Iowa City, Iowa: U of Iowa P, 1986.

To What Extent Did Stalin Establish a Personal Dictatorship in the Years 1929

To what extent did Stalin establish a personal dictatorship in the years 1929-1939? Between 1929 and 1930 Stalin used various ways to establish a personal dictatorship. This allowed Stalin to establish a personal dictatorship in these years. In order to do this Stalin instituted a party purge to silence the opposition of Riutin and his supporters, the assassination of Kirov, executed delegated party congresses, The trial of the twenty-one and general Purges. A purge was the systematic elimination of opponents by Stalin, The assassination of Kirov allowed Stalin to use it as an excuse to begin the purges. In 1932, Kirov had helped to defeat Stalin on an important issue concerning Mikhail Riutin, who had circulated a document that was highly critical of Stalin. Stalin was furious and demanded Ruitins execution. However the central committee and the politburo refused to order Ruitins execution, Stalin viewed this as a betrayal. In December 1934, Kirov was murdered by Nikolayev who claimed was working for a secret terror group who wanted to overthrow the soviet government; however Zinoviev and Kamenev were arrested for the conspiracy of Kirov’s Murder. This murder rid Stalin of his most powerful rival, whilst allowing him to imprison two of his old opponents, basically â€Å"two birds with one stone†. The Murder of Kirov allowed Stalin to establish dictatorship because with the death of Kirov, it gave Stalin an excuse to purge and the purges became more systematic and far-reaching. In the spring of 1937, Stalin argued that the conspiracy against the Soviet people was not restricted to the forty or so people involved in the show trials, and so the start of the purges against the party and army began. The effects on the party were dramatic. Between 1934 and 1938, some 330,000 party members were convicted of being enemies of the people. Stalin had never fully trusted the Red Army because the majority of its senior officers had been appointed by his arch rival, Trotsky. For this reason Stalin feared that the military might try to seize power. In June 1937 eight Generals were tired. In the following eighteen months, 34,000 soldiers were purged from the army. This silenced the opposition of Riutin and his supporters. With this Stalin had no problems to establish a personal dictatorship as his opponents would have been in fear to rise up or oppose against Stalin’s ideas. The Trail of the twenty-one in 1938 was the trial of Bukharin, Rykov and their accomplices. The defendants were accused of attempting to overthrow socialism and of the murder of Kirov, Bukharin was personally charged with attempting to assassinate Lenin. Bukharin tried to prove his loyalty to Stalin but failed on several occasions. Bukharin confessed to political responsibility for the crimes of which he was accused, however Bukharin never confessed to trying to assassinate Lenin. All attempts failed and Bukharin was sentenced to death. With the execution of Zinoviev, Kamenev and Bukharin, Stalin had shown that there will be no mercy for those who opposed his power. With the elimination of Bukharin and the right, Stalin had no opposition to prevent him from gaining power. The show trials targeted the previous generation of the Communist Party. The Purges of 1937 wiped out younger members of the party, and dealt with unreliable elements within the army. A general purge of the Russian people kept the country in a state of fear and obedience. This enabled Stalin to establish a personal dictatorship as he eliminated any future rivals and kept Russia in a state of fear to prevent uprising. To conclude Stalin used various ways to establish personal dictatorship between 1929 – 1939. The Murder of Kirov allowed him to begin the purges as an excuse which allowed him to suppress his opponents. With the assasination of Kirov, Stalin was free of his rival and was able to lock away Zinoviev and Kamenev; however this was only the start to which he established a personal dictatorship. The main reason I believe that allowed him to establish a personal dictatorship was the trial of twenty one. This trial rid of him his rivals and allowed him to eliminate the right. The trail gave him power and sent fear into anyone who tried to oppose him.