History 4th week - Book Report/Review Example

[Due History 4th Week Question The four most important points made by Holliday are: the history of gold mining; its evolution, especially in terms of equipment; challenges and issues related to gold mining; and the future of the industry.Question 2History of Gold Mining A lot of people do not really understand how gold mining begun in California. Although some may think that the history is not important, that mindset is what prevents current stakeholders from coming up with appropriate solutions for the current challenges facing the industry.

Understanding its history provides an aerial view of the whole sector, giving anyone who is interested in solving its problems now and in the future a good starting point.Evolution of the industry The industry has undergone numerous changes since its conception. From primitive equipment and technologies to the current state-of-the-art tools and technologies, understanding this transition enables any interested party to know the areas of improvement, and identify the right technologies and innovations to make such improvements.

Particular emphasis is often placed on mining and processing.Challenges and issues associated with gold miningThis should not be confused with point (b). as is common with the mining of other minerals, gold mining has its complex and long-standing challenges involving remuneration of workers, job security and layoffs, adapting to trends, and environmental concerns. Labor issues and environmental concerns are especially sensitive, with workers pushing for better working conditions and salaries regardless of economic circumstances, and environmental disasters (e.g. the BP oil spill) driving more focus towards the energy and mining sector.

This point needs to be well understood by all interested parties, whether they are investors, workers, or consumers.Future of the industry This concerns future developments that can impact the gold mining industry, including but not limited to technology, social changes, economic conditions, and consumer preferences. Investors, traders, workers, and governments need to understand and prepare for the impact of such developments so as to cushion themselves against possible negative ramifications, but take advantage of positive impacts.

Question 3 Rice and Holliday’s historical versions are similar in their coverage of the background of gold mining in California, as well as the challenges and issues affecting the sector. However, their versions differ in their coverage of the future of the industry. Rice dedicates much more time to the history, evolution, and challenges, with a slight coverage of the future of the sector. Holliday, on the other hand, adopts a more detailed and comprehensive approach to the aspect, delving in a discussion of how technologies, social and economic conditions will affect the industry in the future, and what can be done to prepare for their impact.

Question 4Holliday’s discussion of how European settlers and natives clashed over gold mining was very interesting and conspicuous for me. The natives’ willingness to defend the “erosion” of their lands, and prospectors’ determination to get gold were really intriguing. Also, the evolution of gold mining equipment inspired a deep appreciation of how far the industry has come, and how much more can be done through innovative and futuristic approaches. Finally, the role of the government in all this provided a very good read, and cultivated an understanding of the dynamics and machinations involved in the gold mining industry since its beginning.

Commentary1. Although men led the way in gold mining in California, various studies have been established that there were women involved and that they have not been given the recognition they deserve. The reason, so far, has been because of a lack of supporting evidence to corroborate the claim. However, new evidence shows that women played an active role in the gold mines of California.2. I acknowledge that Rice adopts a deeper and darker perspective, while Holliday’s approach is more positive.

However, this is not consistent throughout their discussions. For example, as previously mentioned, Rice employed a laid-back approach in discussing the future of the industry (which is very important) compared to Holliday. This is worth noting. Generally, however, Rice’s view is deeper and darker.