Marks and Spencer Internal and External Factors

Marks and Spencer Internal and External Factors Analysts did not expect there to be a double-dip recession first, but changes in consumer spending trends raised concerns for keeping a keen eye on consumer confidence by carrying out in-depth customer surveys every month. This was to become and stay realistic. Leaders of large firms are very cautious regarding UK economic environment. UK is considered to come through the deepest ravages of the economic turmoil recently and in such a situation still MS managed to post profits of  £632.5m for the last financial year. With the worst effects of the recession behind , the strong foundations in place, and its core values helped MS set for growth under hard circumstances. At  £632.5m, MSs adjusted pre-tax profits for the 12 months to 27 March were 4.6% higher than a year ago but well below the  £1bn profits achieved in 2008. These stats along with the new budget announcement, impact on consumer spending remains a cautious issue and will have impact on outlook for the year ahead. Business Environment Analysis PESTLE The external environment of Marks Spencer is comprised of all the elements that determine what the it needs to compete in its respective industry. Following is highlighted some factors of MAs external environment and how they effect Marks Spencer in executing its strategies: (P)OLITICAL European Integration and Free Trade Agreements have opened up markets for British other Companies to invest in Europe. Thus, causing MA to fight hard to maintain its market share with aggressive strategies. Generally any trade is allowed in UK provided that it does not oppose public policy, public order, or any existing law in the land. But for Marks and Spencer, the most troublesome political elements that they have to contend to deals with the issue of labour laws and industrial relationship. In the long history of MA, its development efforts have been controlled by many infringements in labour laws in local operations and also in international initiatives. (E)CONOMIC UK Retail sector is quite recession prawn and also very sensitive to changes in interest rates. With the event of September 11, the world economies have suffered heavily, Once the customers and economy was on boom track after September 11 post effects, the financial crisis of 2009-09 has again set the economies struggle for survival. UK economy after fighting hard has now regained its system and consumers are again optimistic and the retail industry is once again booming. The United Kingdom being a hub of commerce in Europe, has consumers not limited to only locals but flocks of tourists also, thus creating much variations in base trends and retail business. (S)OCIAL Changes in consumer taste and lifestyle represent both opportunities and threats for the industry. UK consumer have a loyal tendency particularly towards brand. Quality of the product, but these factors can be easily overcome by fairly competitive pricing strategy from a competing brand. Moreover, consumers preference towards trendy styles rather than classics are also apparent in UK consumer market. This is specially in case of Marks and Spencer, as it has struggled hard to gain a greater market share of its customers. This makes evident that UK consumer places high value on their money. (T)ECHNICAL Changes in retailing methods such as Internet used as online shopping store is a common practice in retailing, widening the scope of ecommerce. Moreover, Paperless operation and use of IT systems has provided flexibility in the executing operations of the business. Online marketing activities over the net is also becoming one of the competitive advantages held by the leading retail companies in UK. (E)NVIRONMENTAL The renewable and environmentally friendly sources of resources used in production are opted by most of the companies across globe now which has posed greater struggle for companies to maintain its market share. For Marks Spencer, careful use of fabric and raw materials is a greater concern now. (L)EGAL National legislation for health and safety both in terms of consumer rights and also in terms of production of own natural renewable resources for making clothes is closely monitoring practices of companies so as to evaluate them on complying with legal restrictions . Analysis of the External Environment of Marks and Spencer The retail environment in UK appears to be extremely attractive. Companies, although have government support still there exists in the market some level of difficulty in penetrating the retail market, especially for new entrants, due to the strong hold of monoliths This is also true companies like Marks and Spencer, having strong historical background that their environment is essentially welcoming and neglecting the fact of cutthroat nature of the competition there are chances of immense demise for companies. PORTERS 5 FORCES Porter explains that five forces exist in a market, which determine the intensity of competition and profitability of MS . The first is the threat posed by new entrants, the high capital expenditure and customers changing expectations put significant barriers to entry, making market also sensitive to reputation. But, with emergence of low cost manufactures a significant threat is posed for MS market. There is an opportunity in the low price/ low economy (fast) sector and BHS and Top Shop or ASDA may also consider introducing low cost home products. The second is the threats from substitutes, as there are many retailers in both clothing and food sector, MS has serious concerns regarding this. The third force is the threats from the bargaining power of buyers, this is strong for both MS and the entire food retailing industry with a large number of alternative suppliers, hence, the aggressive pricing strategy which causes strong competitive rivalry in the industry and is getting intensified because of little or no differentiation in the basic product offered. Last is the threats from the suppliers bargainin g power which is considerably low for food industry, due to a range of alternative sources of supply available for products. SWOT SWOT Analysis will help us in understanding Marks Spencers current situation in terms of strengths and where improvements are required within the business and what outside environmental threats it faces along with what new opportunities are available in the short and medium term. (S)TRENGTHS Diverse ranges of Products Food, Clothing, Financial products, furniture, wine and Home Largest retailer in the United Kingdom by sales. Strong Cash Flow Position Increase turnover and trading profits Leading Premium Quality Food Retailer Brand Awareness (O)PPORTUNITIES New Products Innovation Alliances Customers demand change to more value for money products Develop overseas supply chain (W)EAKNESSES Perception of High Prices Customer disinterest Environmental issues: Pollutions Substitute products or technologies (T)HREATS New existing competition Volatility in Price of raw products New legislations Economic recession Low cost retailers  · Extremely high competition Analysis of the Macro environment Microenvironment MS is rated a successful multinational corporation. It has created its large number of loyal customer base by providing them with its high quality, good service, comfortable shopping environment and convenient access to outlets and products. But, due to the immense competition in market and also MSs own wide product ranged offered it has to revise its marketing segmentation approach, especially in reference to clothing market. Consumers have changing fashionable design and coloring requirements and MS as is facing different target markets need to change its designs, cuts and color schemes to meet their demands. These need to specific and separate for women and young consumers who are its main target. MS also needs to enhance stock management. Combing its information technology system with stock management ca help MS find problems immediately and solve them efficiently to supply products timely. MS also needs to consider the global economic environment, where the economic recession has caused deciling sales for MS, it should focus more towards mid-age and mid-class as its target group as now their incomes can afford the high price of MS. Trend Impact Analysis Proposed Strategic Plan for MS After doing analysis of the environment of the MS, the proposed strategic plan will be considering both the internal as well as external environment. Initially its value chain should be focused on: Value Chain The value chain of the organisation is coined primarily by Porter as a tool to recognise the inherent capabilities of the organisation to realise its competitive advantage. The following will describe the primary activities and support activities of the company. Primary Activities The primary activities take in hand several specific functions of the company: inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, sales and marketing, and service. Marks and Spencer receives its inventories from its suppliers, initially the strategy was to stay limited to English suppliers but eventually this trends is now shifting and now suppliers include international suppliers also. Marks and Spencer is involved in the direct selling of apparel, foodstuff, and even home furnishings. The sales and marketing of the company should be the most prioritised elements for the organisation, due to the intense competition present in the industry, vying for consumer favour and to add value to the brand , it takes a step above the rest of these primary activities. Support Activities For these support activities, the company needs to have hold of its f human resource and technology, where with help of proper training of common employee, the company can ccreate knowledge of its products and their awareness during the processes of selling to customers. Use of technology in similar manner can significantly infused in the operations of Marks and Spencer. This includes providing online transactions and loyalty cards on which they should be doing continuous improvements and innovation. Strategic Options Available To create sound strategic options for the MS, they must consider the benefits and impacts those can have on company financial position and customer base also. Following are discussed some options which following the current recession and UK competitive market structure can be of good benefit for the company   Brand repositioning: this technique if used to create fresh feeling in the minds of customers for the brand after frequent intervals. Moreover brand repositioning requires a lot of work on new targets, segments and options, the changing consumer trends and demands can be well handled by MS using such strategies The rapid competition demand fast and logical decisions which are flexible and designed in such a ways that immediate implementation is possible as customers dont have time now and immediately switch to other brands. Thus the structure of decision making should be redesigned to make it more integrated and flexible. Of the many strategic options available for Marks Spencer it appears that Marks and Spencer could focus on to refurbishing its operations. For instance, the company should look into a partnership with the more current and competitive players in the retail industry. This can help broaden the overall outlook of Marks and Spencer regarding their standing in the market. Marks Spencer needs to move ahead with major technology-driven change projects, despite cautiousness over the economy. Improvement in systems can also take place to improve supply chain processes which includes enhancing stock management systems to provide more accurate real-time stock level information. Getting Cost efficiencies by introducing some new point-of-sale system and better customer service to all stores Building a strong multichannel capability can also be useful which will result in more website development and introduction attractive and more efficient facilities and stock availability information for customers

Politics and the English Language Essay

Eric Arthur Blair popularly known as George Orwell is known for his novels â€Å"Animal Farm† (1945) and â€Å"Nineteen-Eighty Four† (1949). He was born in British India on 1903 and he grew up to detest a person’s control over another which is typical in his writings (Microsoft Student, 2007). He wrote in 1950 the essay â€Å"Politics and the English Language† which is a confrontation of the bad writing habits of the British people that has crept into â€Å"Modern English† during his time. Orwell argues that the English language has gotten worse because of â€Å"political and economic† factors and that political collapse has also been affected by the weakening of the English language. He presented five passages from different writings which he describes as ineffective and careless and enumerated the â€Å"bad habits† of â€Å"written English† which has become common in the modern prose of that period. It also pointed out the ambiguity of language caused people to be deceived. In this essay, Orwell appeals to his readers that they can still reverse what is happening to the English language and to politics and that is to avoid the â€Å"bad habits† and to follow the rules he prescribes. The main idea of Orwell’s essay observes the four canons of â€Å"memory†, â€Å"invention†, â€Å"disposition† and â€Å"style† and its controlling idea that the deterioration of the English language is connected with the worsening of politics is a cyclical process may be true but the connection between politics and the incompetence of the English language has not been clearly established because it does not provide sufficient examples from political writings or speeches that will prove this claim. When analyzed, it can be discovered that the essay follows the four canons of â€Å"memory†, â€Å"invention†, disposition† and â€Å"style†. To start with, the essay begins by drawing upon the belief that â€Å"most people† know about the deterioration of â€Å"our civilization† and that language eventually becomes deteriorated in the process. It also includes the general knowledge of the â€Å"British rule in India†, and the bombing in Hiroshima, Japan. Next, the essay does not mention statistics or record of interviews but it employs an analysis of five passages from various writings that the author cited as well as the examples of phrases or words that have become worn-out or have lost its meaning. Orwell also translated a paragraph written in â€Å"good English† into a paragraph written in what he calls â€Å"modern English of the worst sort† which illustrated how something good can turn into bad or even worse. The result of such methods employed by the writer has been effective in understanding the essay. Another, the essay follows a logical pattern in its organization and structure. After the introductory paragraph which mentions a public belief in the essay. The second paragraph of the essay states the controlling idea that the worsening of politics and economics brings about the decline of language and it goes around in a cycle. It elaborates that this is demonstrated by the â€Å"bad habits† that have spread â€Å"by tradition and imitation† at that time. But, he lays down a solution which is to avoid those â€Å"bad habits†. The essay includes five samples of passages that use metaphors that are no longer effective and accurate from the third to the ninth paragraph. It goes on to enumerate the â€Å"bad habits† of â€Å"dying metaphors†, â€Å"operators or verbal false limbs†, â€Å"pretentious diction† and â€Å"meaningless words† of â€Å"Modern English† in the tenth to thirteenth paragraph. He goes on to give his own example of a paragraph in â€Å"good English† translated into bad â€Å"modern English† from paragraphs fourteen (14) to seventeen (17). Paragraph eighteen (18), explains how the selected passages no longer present vivid imagery and accuracy. In the same paragraph, Orwell mentions that writers use those â€Å"bad habits† because it is convenient and is â€Å"easy†. Paragraph nineteen (19) expounds on how â€Å"political writing is bad writing† by citing examples of situations as well as phrases. Paragraphs 20 to 21 continue to explain that â€Å"political language† has been used to hide the truth from the people. Paragraph 22 elucidates that one uses vague, long and ambiguous words so as to blur the details. Paragraph 23 goes back to clarify what the author has already mentioned in the second paragraph that â€Å"thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. † Orwell also recognizes that he has â€Å"committed the very faults I am protesting against. † He asserts that it is only with constant awareness of the â€Å"bad habits† that one can be liberated from it. The essay gives details on the writer’s idea that the decay of language can still be regenerated in paragraphs 24 to 26. The last paragraph recapitulates the controlling idea and the supporting ideas that have been presented in the body of the essay. Lastly, the style of the text is a combination of short and long sentences in its 27 paragraphs. The shortest sentence in the essay consists of 7 words while the longest can consist of 57 words. The average sentence length per paragraph can range from 21 to 38 words. There is a minimum of 4 sentences and a maximum of 8 sentences per paragraph. Its sentence and paragraph length suggests a formal tone that is at the same time analytical and persuasive. Although the essay follows the four canons, there are still inadequacies in the research method, and in the order of some paragraphs. First, the essay does not include interviews of people who have suffered because language was used in a deceitful way during that time of Orwell’s writing. If one has to look back to that period of World War II when this essay was probably written, there are people who survived the so called â€Å"Holocaust† that the author could have cited or interviewed. The â€Å"Holocaust† was the â€Å"almost† complete annihilation of the â€Å"Jews in Europe† by the Nazis and its allies during World War II (Bankier, 2007). The statements of Hitler before the occurrence of World War II could have been a very good example of political language used to deceive people or to hide the truth from them. In addition, the essay should have also included samples of passages that come from political writings or speeches because the readers can hardly see the connection between the degeneration of language and the political disorder without concrete examples. Out of the five sample passages in the essay, only passage (4) can be considered a political writing. Moreover, the order of some of the paragraphs is not effective. For instance, paragraph 18 which is an illumination on the â€Å"bad habits† that the five passages contain, should be placed in between paragraph 13 and 14. When the writer talks about the sample passages then he should move on to explain those and he should not mention a new topic or idea as he did in paragraphs 14 to 17. Furthermore, the second sentence of paragraph 17 is quite ambiguous. It is not at all very clear because it does not specify what those â€Å"several patches of the same kind of English† are. In conclusion, Orwell’s essay on â€Å"Politics and the English Language† follows the four canons and has achieved its purpose in persuading the readers to avoid â€Å"bad habits† of â€Å"modern English† so that they can think clearly for it is with â€Å"foolish thoughts† that language is corrupted. References Bankier, D. (2007). Holocaust. Microsoft ® Student 2008 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation. Orwell, G. (1946). Politics and the English Language. London: Horizon. Ziemke, E. F. World War II. Microsoft ® Student 2008 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation.

An Essay on Social Contract Theory - 3151 Words

SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY Social contract theory (or contractarianism) is a concept used in philosophy, political science and sociology to denote an implicit agreement within a state regarding the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens, or more generally a similar concord between a group and its members, or between individuals. All members within a society are assumed to agree to the terms of the social contract by their choice to stay within the society without violating the contract; such violation would signify a problematic attempt to return to the state of nature. It has been often noted, indeed, that social contract theories relied on a specific anthropological conception of man as either good or evil. Thomas†¦show more content†¦Jean-Jacques Rousseau Du Contrat social (1762) Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), in his influential 1762 treatise The Social Contract, Or Principles of Political Right, outlined a different version of contract theory, based on the conception of popular sovereignty, defined as indivisible and inalienable - this last trait explaining Rousseaus aversion for representative democracy and his advocacy of direct democracy. Rousseaus theory has many similarities with the individualist Lockean liberal tradition, but also departs from it on many significant points. For example, his theory of popular sovereignty includes a conception of a general will, which is more than the simple sum of individual wills: it is thus collectivist or holistic, rather than individualist. As an individual, Rousseau argues, the subject can be egoist and decide that his personal interest should override the collective interest. However, as part of a collective body, the individual subject puts aside his egoism to create a general will, which is popular sovereig nty itself. Popular sovereignty thus decides only what is good for society as a whole: The heart of the idea of the social contract may be stated simply: Each of us places his person and authority under the supreme direction of the general will, and the group receives each individual as an indivisible part of the whole... Hence, Rousseaus famous sentence: We shall force themShow MoreRelatedAn Essay on Social Contract Theory3139 Words   |  13 PagesSOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY Social contract theory (or contractarianism) is a concept used in philosophy, political science and sociology to denote an implicit agreement within a state regarding the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens, or more generally a similar concord between a group and its members, or between individuals. All members within a society are assumed to agree to the terms of the social contract by their choice to stay within the society without violating the contract;Read MoreEssay On Social Contract Theory1950 Words   |  8 PagesIn this paper, I will prove that Social Contract Theory is a good philosophy to follow. Social Contract Theory allows society as a whole to function the best, has he most fairness for all people in a society and generates the greatest amount of happiness in society. Social Contract Theory was founded by Thomas Hobbs and was presented in his book the Leviathan in 1651. The theory is the idea that the people within a society all agree to act in a moral way to avoid the State of Nature, this way ofRead MoreThe Social Contract Theory Essay1249 Words   |  5 Pages1a. The Social Contract Theory According to the Social Contract Theory, it suggests that all individuals must depend on an agreement/ or contract among each person to form a society, in which they live in. 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Do these values and principles apply to both venues? †¢ What are the key principles associated with Locke’s social contract theory? †¢ How are these principle inculcated in the U.S. Bill of Rights? †¢ How do the principles play out in the criminal justice system and security settings? †¢ DescribeRead MoreEvolution and the Modern Social Contract Theory : Essay Outline1050 Words   |  5 PagesThe Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory Essay Outline POLS 14033 – Political Ideas and Ideologies The Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory Essay Question: Firstly, in this essay, we will describe and analyze the various concepts of the evolution and emergence of the modern social contract theory thru the analysis of several of its key political thinkers. We will provide a detailed review of the concepts that have developed and that were crucial for theRead MoreIn This Essay, I Will Examine Social Contract Theory And1619 Words   |  7 Pages In this essay, I will examine social contract theory and explain the perspectives of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. From there, I will explore Dostoyevsky’s poem, Grand Inquisitor, and conduct an analysis of the relationships between the Grand Inquisitor and his subjects as well as Jesus and his followers. After, I will draw parallels associating The Grand Inquisitor’s relationship to his subjects with Thomas Hobbes’ perspective on social contract theory. Similarly, I will analogize Jesus’ relationshipRead MoreSocial Contract Theory of John Locke Essay1153 Words   |  5 PagesSocial Contract Theory of John Locke Given the honored and extensive authority that the social contract theory upholds, the supposition still endures various assessments. 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If that’s the case, the citizens will disregard traffic sign, traffic light, restriction sign and etc. I agreed with the idea of social contract because it’s very much similar to the Declaration of IndependenceRead MoreEssay on Thomas Hobbes and the Social Theory Contract597 Words   |  3 Pagesexperience of ages â€Å"(Hamilton). Hamilton harkens to the great English Philosopher, Thomas Hobbes and the Social Theory Contract for a clear understanding of the issues. The Social Contract Theory is the basis for the Declaration of Independence and the guiding theories for the Unite States Government as well as many other governments, such as the European Union, England and France, to name a few. The theory is about why people choose to give us some of their rights and powers in order to form a government

Games During The Civil War - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1811 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/05/08 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: Civil War Essay War Essay Did you like this example? Games During the Civil War The Civil War was a time of hardship, struggle, and sometimes boredom for soldiers of both the North and the South. All of the hardships that were endured during the Civil War caused many soldiers to find distractions to steer their attention away from the negative effects of the war, and to something fun that they can enjoy with not only themselves, but others as well. Checkers is a classic game that was played among many soldiers and their families at home. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Games During The Civil War" essay for you Create order Often called â€Å"America’s Pastime,† baseball was a popular sport that was played by soldiers during breaks at camp. American football was another popular game that was played during the Civil War in camps. A pastime that was enjoyed by soldiers during the winter were snowball fights. Many card games were played among soldiers. Chess was also a popular game among soldiers during the Civil War. The games and board games that were played during the Civil War helped the soldiers to steer their attention away from the war. Soldiers during the Civil War played and founded many games that changed the way that they looked at the war. Checkers is a classic board game that many soldiers during the Civil War played. The checkers board has 64 squares with â€Å"checkered† colors. There are twelve game pieces or checkers that occupy one color each. To win, you must eliminate all of the other player’s checkers by diagonally eliminating them. During the Civil War, checkers was played among soldiers and their families. Checkers was a common game that was played in camps, where soldiers who were waiting for their orders would play checkers, among other board games, and many checker boards and checker pieces have been recovered from former camp locations from both the North and the South. Baseball, also known as America’s Pastime, was a common outdoor game that was very common within camps that helped soldiers to stay active while they were waiting for the next plan of attack. The rules are that there are four bases, including the home base. The batter stands by the home base and waits for the pitcher to pitch the ball to him. The batter then attempts to hit the ball past nine fielders, and a team gets a point or a run when a base runner reaches every base on the field. Rather than the game dying during the Civil War, it would eventually get bigger and better after the Civil War due to the amount of soldiers and families that played the game. Players would play baseball to not only give themselves a distraction from the constant fighting going on, but to give themselves something active and fun to do during the long hours of waiting for the next battle. Another sport that was played during the Civil War was â€Å"a very often-brutal version of American football.† (â€Å"Civil War Games,† n.d.) Football is sometimes described as being â€Å"more like a huge brawl than the game we know today, and often resulted in broken noses and broken limbs† (â€Å"Leisure Activities During the Civil War,† n.d.) which tells some that the game that was played during this time could have both positive and negative effects on the army due to the possibility of injury. Football was a modified version of rugby that was played in Civil War camps, and would grow significantly. Eventually, Rutgers and Princeton would play the first college football game in 1869. In the 1800’s, legendary rugby player Walter Camp would reinvent American football and it would prosper to what it is today. During the Civil War, a common pastime among soldiers during the winter were snowball fights. Soldiers would often eliminate their boredom and take part in snowball fights. After a couple of snowstorms in February of 1863 blanketed the ground with over eight inches of snow, soldiers of the Confederate had a â€Å"friendly snowball battle amongst rival divisions of Confederate troops near Fredericksburg, Virginia.† (Ambrose, Henry, and Weiss, 2002) In this such snowball fight, thousands of soldiers that were a part of the Confederate army took place in the massive fight. Many other large scale snowball fights took place around not only the Confederate side of America, but in the North as well. Although there were many snowball fights that took place between soldiers of each side, none of the snowball fights would compare to the snowball fight that took place in February 1863 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. During the Civil War, many card games were played among the soldiers to pass the time. One such card game that was played was different poker games. Many Civil War soldiers â€Å"spent the vast majority of their time in camp† (Huets 2012) which caused many soldiers to be bored. Poker is a gambling game that many thought of as sinful during the Civil War era, but desperate soldiers decided that poker is not a bad game to play. Another card game that soldiers spent hours playing was Whist, which â€Å"claimed gentlemen, and ladies when available.† (Huets 2012) To play Whist, each player must be placed into a partnership, and once the cards are dealt, each player will have thirteen cards in their hands. Like Euchre, a trump card is revealed and belongs to the dealer. The goal is to win the most tricks by placing the highest card down to win them. Another board game that was played during the Civil War was chess. There are six different chess pieces on the chess board. The first piece is the pawn, and there are a total of eight pawns on each side of the chess board, and they are also the weakest piece on the board, as unlike all of the other pieces, they are unable to move backwards. The rook is a piece that â€Å"looks like a small tower.† (â€Å"The Rules of Chess,† n.d.) The rook can move â€Å"in a straight line horizontally or vertically for any number of squares† (â€Å"The Rules of Chess,† n.d.) and there are two of them on each side of the board. The bishop can move â€Å"in a straight line diagonally for any number of squares† (â€Å"The Rules of Chess,† n.d.) and there are two of them on either side of the chess board. The Queen is the â€Å"most powerful piece in chess† (â€Å"The Rules of Chess,† n.d.) and can move in any direction on the board for any number of squares. The King is the most valuable piece on the board and a player loses when their king is put into â€Å"checkmate† or put into a position where they cannot move anywhere without getting knocked off of the board. The Knight usually resembles a horse and moves in an â€Å"L-shaped pattern.† (â€Å"The Rules of Chess,† n.d) Chess was not only played by the regular soldiers, but was also played by high position officials in army camps. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was an â€Å"avid fan† (â€Å"Union Officers Diverted by Chess†, n.d.) and he would even implement ideas from chess not only while he was talking, but when he would draw up his battle plans. Games that were played by both Union and Confederate soldiers affected each soldier in many different ways. When soldiers were awaiting their next move in their camps, they would play games to not only pass time, but to distract themselves from the ongoing battles that were taking place all around them. Due to Civil War camp life being very tedious and boring at times, soldiers interacted with each other in many ways, and playing board games and sports were no exception. Many soldiers in Civil War camps were described as having â€Å"disease and boredom† (â€Å"Union Officers Diverted by Chess,† n.d.) which gave them not only a want for something to do, but a need for something to do to keep their morale high. Soldiers in camps also kept their physical and mental well-being in check by playing these different types of sports and games. During the many hardships of the Civil War, members of the Northern and Southern armies found ways to keep themselves occupied, and decided that they were not going to let boredom and struggles overcome them. Among the many board games played was Checkers. Baseball was also a common staple among camps in both the North and South. A rougher version of American football was played among soldiers in their camps. Snowball fights were a fun way for soldiers to relieve stress and keep them busy during the long breaks between battles that would often give soldiers a sense of boredom. Countless card games were also played in camps by members of each side in the Civil War. Chess was a very popular board game that could be found in many camps, even gaining the attention of generals like Confederate general Robert E. Lee. American soldiers founded and played many games to keep themselves busy during the Civil War, and it helped them to change the way they looked at the war. References Primary Sources Kirsch, G. B. (2013). Baseball in Blue and Gray: The National Pastime during the Civil War. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Morris, P. (2008). But didn’t we have fun?: An informal history of baseballs pioneer era, 1843-1870. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee. Harvey, O. W. (1863). [Letter]. Parker, A. B. (1863). [Letter]. U. (1862). [Letter]. Putnam, G. (n.d.). [Letter]. Ambrose, K., Henry, D., Weiss, A. (2002). Washington weather: The weather sourcebook for the D.C. area. Fairfax, VA: Historical Enterprises. Blanchard, H. (1864, May 1). [Letter to Horace Blanchard]. Secondary Sources Civil War Games Include Checkers, Chess and Cards. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.civilwaracademy.com/civil-war-games Baseball and the Civil War. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pacivilwartrails.com/stories/tales/baseball-and-the-civil-war Pastimes of the 1860s. (2018, October 18). Retrieved from https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/pastimes-1860s (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ushistoryscene.com/article/baseball-and-the-civil-war/ Schaefer-Jacobs, D. (2016, January 24). Civil War baseball. Retrieved from https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/2012/08/civil-war-baseball.html Onion, R. (2014, October 06). The Pro-Union Civil War Board Game That Was the Chutes and Ladders of 1862. Retrieved from https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/10/history-of-civil-war-board-game-1862-pro-union-game.html Lab, D. S. (n.d.). The History Engine. Retrieved from https://historyengine.richmond.edu/episodes/view/4569 Civil War Baseball. (2017, April 17). Retrieved from https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic/fortward/default.aspx?id=40132 Rebel and Yank Snowball Wars: Fighting Winter Boredom. (2011, October 01). Retrieved from https://civilwarstoriesofinspiration.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/rebel-snowball-wars-fighting-winter-boredom/ A Desperate Snow Battle. (2017, May 11). Retrieved from https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/desperate-snow-battle Kevin. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.civilwar.com/index.php/overview/soldier-life/148551-leisure-activities-during-the-civil-war.html Your One-Stop Page for the Basic Rules of Chess. (n.d.). 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