Divide and Rule

Divide and rule was a strategy Britain used in many colonies to prevent and suppress liberation movements that rose or attempted to rise. Divide and rule are grounded on the concept that if an oppressor keeps the many oppressed people divided, the oppressed fight one another while ignoring the failures and malpractices of the oppressor who continues to rule them. In short, division weakens people and makes oppressors have or gain the power to rule and control them. There are many examples of the application of divide and rule strategy globally. They are discussed below. 

British India

British India comprised two major religious groups: the Hindus and the Muslims. The Hindus were characterized by their caste system and intolerance towards other religious groups. They lowly regarded the Muslims who lived with them in British India. The British, who knew this fact, worked towards creating further division between these two religious groups to maintain their rule of India. Their policy was to keep and elevate the Hindu-Muslim antagonism to secure their rule of the territory.

 At one time, the Hindu members of the Indian National Congress resigned because the British had declared that India was at war with Germany without consulting the Congress. The British went ahead and appointed Muslim leaders to their positions. The Muslim leaders had no support of the electorate to hold these posts, yet the British appointed them in their effort to create and increase hatred among the Hindus and the Muslims. This strategy worked. The relationship between the Hindus and Muslims soured because many Hindus grew angry that their elected politicians languished in jail. At the same time, the Muslims assumed their roles in the Indian National Congress as if nothing grave had occurred.

The British used the divide-and-rule policy in India because of the Revolt of 1857, where Hindus and Muslims fought side by side against them and threatened to depose their rule of the territory. The unity the Hindus and Muslims expressed during this revolt surprised them. The British knew that their control of India would not last with such integration. Therefore, they embarked on creating division between the Hindus and the Muslims, which has had long-lasting consequences that are even felt today by the people.

Colonial Kenya

Another example of the British divide-and-rule strategy was in colonial Kenya. In the early 1950s, cooperation between the two major Kenyan tribes, the Luo and the Kikuyu, intensified in their struggle for Kenya’s independence, threatening the British, who had no intention of leaving the country soon. In 1954, a Luo Councilor, Ambrose Ofafa, was killed by the Mau Mau soldiers, a resistance movement mainly composed of Kikuyus, due to his alleged collaboration with the British. The British exploited this opportunity to exercise their divide-and-rule tactic by trying to create division between the Luo and Kikuyu communities. They created propaganda urging the Luo to join Kikuyu Home Guards, a force generated by the British to tackle the Mau Mau, to revenge for the killing of Ambrose Ofafa. Fortunately, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a Luo political leader, saw beyond the British divide-and-rule tactics. He arrived at Eastlands, Nairobi, mainly occupied by the Luo community, to calm his tribe members’ desire for revenge against the Kikuyu. He told his tribe members that the Mau Mau war efforts were focused on freeing the country from the colonialists. There was no need for Africans to turn against their fellow Africans. The real enemy was the British. The Luos took Jaramogi’s message, and the British efforts to divide the two tribes failed. The increased cooperation among the Kenyan tribes ensured that Kenya gained in the next decade.

Application of Divide and Rule Policy Today

Unfortunately, the British divide-and-rule strategy did not end with colonialism. Many politicians learned it and used it to maintain their hold on power. 

The modern-day divide-and-rule tactic in Africa is the promotion of tribalism by top government officials. An example is in President Moi’s 27 years of rule in Kenya. Although many of his speeches were against tribalism, he promoted it with his actions. He often got elected to office based on his propaganda that the small Kenyan tribes were threatened by the prominent tribes, especially the Luo and Kikuyu. He also managed to keep the Luo and Kikuyu divided as he got elected unanimously by the small Kenyan tribes. 

Today, in Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta’s corrupt administration survives by mastering the art of divide and rule through tribalism. This government engages in heinous fraudulent acts and indiscriminate murder of citizens but survives due to a divided people. The people of Kenya cannot speak with one voice to condemn the atrocities committed by this administration due to their division along tribal lines. Tribalism has spurred hatred among tribes, so people are ready to sacrifice values for loyalties to their tribal leaders. This occurrence is a significant problem in Kenya and Africa. Tribalism has also created suspicions among different tribes, which prevents the creation of a thriving democracy in Kenya and the African continent. Many tribes or tribal leaders exploit this mistrust to stick to power and even rig elections to have power.

Therefore, the fact that many African leaders are not ready to fight tribalism and other social divisions is unsurprising. These divisions among people are their source of power. I often imagine that if Kenyans were united and there was no tribalism, would corrupt leaders be tolerated? Would the government kill and maim innocent civilians as others watch and support its actions? The answer is no. 

Political leaders (holders of government positions) survive with social evils because of tribalism, a form of divide-and-rule tactic. One should know that these leaders are not trying to kill tribalism or any other type of divide-and-rule tactic globally. It is their source of power. It was the source of power for the British over their colonized populations. It is the current source of power for corrupt African leaders.

21st Century: A Century of Self-determination

Definition of terms: Capitalist- Rich legal persons focused on profit making.

Nearly 100 years ago, Vladimir Lenin predicted the collapse of capitalism and the rise of communism across the globe. His main argument was that capitalists' accumulation of financial capital would reach a saturation point, leading to the collapse of economies and, finally, the destruction of capitalism. Many economists agree that the 2007-2008 Financial Crisis marked the saturation point of the accumulation of financial capital by capitalists that Lenin had predicted, almost leading to the collapse of the major capitalist economies.

Several government interventions that led to the bailing out of capitalists made capitalism survive this predicted collapse. However, many middle and low-class people felt disappointed by their governments because they bailed out these capitalists who had dug their graves by driving their economies into this crisis. They were disappointed because their states quickly gave these capitalists billions of dollars to save them from bankruptcy. Yet, the many poor or middle-class masses do not have adequate social welfare programs to assist them in getting by each day.
Unfortunately, the laws that try to provide for the social welfare of the poor and the middle class are met with unnecessary debate and rejection due to the capitalists' unwillingness to spend on social welfare. On the other hand, the laws that bail out the capitalists are quickly drafted and passed because capitalists are deemed more critical than proletarians. This example perfectly depicts capitalism's unjust nature, which increasingly irritates more people as time passes.
The wealthy (capitalists) are the ones who matter under capitalism. They control the governments and the fate of everyone, undermining the individual right to self-determination across the globe.

The selfish nature of capitalism has promoted all forms of vices that threaten its collapse. If not the destruction of capitalism, then this skepticism endangers the existence of most capitalist governments. Capitalism has led to the rise of petty politics marred with corruption that hinders service delivery to the masses. Corruption comes in the form of nepotism, tribalism, ethnocentrism, racism, xenophobia, religious discrimination, and much more, as capitalists accumulate more capital while locking out the competition or fair distribution of resources.
This occurrence undermined our forefathers' dreams and agreements when they came together to create nations that offered the equal opportunity, protection, and justice for all. We are called citizens of one country or the other for these reasons (opportunity, security, and justice). A nation or a state is made by groups of people who come together and enter into an agreement to form institutions that can guarantee their protection, create opportunities for prosperity, and settle disputes among them fairly and respectfully.
The failure of capitalist governments to recognize these fundamental reasons for the creation of states by people spurs the growth of skepticism against capitalist governments in the 21st century. The selfish nature of capitalism and the greedy nature of humans has increased calls for cessation by significant pockets of populations who feel short-changed by their allegiance to their countries as citizens. Many nations are threatened by the breakup of the various units that formed them, as many people recognize their rights to self-determination. Many people realize today that they form the state and government, not vice versa. Countries are just institutions made by agreement among different groups of people. A group or groups may always feel short-changed by these arrangements. They deserve a right to opt out of the union or agreement, especially when the union fails to promote cohesion through truth, justice, and equal opportunity.
Unfortunately, political leaders, corrupted by the power excessively harnessed through capitalism, tend to undermine individuals' right to self-determination. We saw such a case recently in Catalonia, where the Spanish government shamefully thwarted a referendum for the people of Catalonia to break away from Spain.

Regardless of the occurrences in Catalonia, the time has come for capitalists and capitalist governments to realize that this century is a century where their very existence is under threat. Many struggling (economically) masses are beginning to review their relationships with the many underperforming capitalist governments worldwide. Thwarting people's determination to self-determine can never succeed. It did not succeed in the past, as demonstrated by the revolutions of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries in America, France, Russia, Cuba, and Africa.


The push for a referendum in Catalonia; the Independence referendum of Iraqi Kurdistan, the Palestinian struggle for independence; the Br-exit; the Scottish referendum; the formation of South Sudan are clear indications of the imminent collapse of capitalism or the underperforming capitalist governments. Admittedly, this century is a century of self-determination.

Monogamy versus Polygamy

Polygamy refers to the cultural practice of a man or a woman having several wives or husbands. It is common among African people and Muslims. On the other hand, monogamy refers to the cultural practice of marriage between a husband and a wife. It is common among Europeans, North Americans, South Americans, and Christians.

Globalization has led to the clash of different cultures sparking several debates. One significant debate concerns monogamy and polygamy and tries to identify which is better. I want to discuss faithfulness as a point rather than delve into the debate.
Colonization spread western culture in new continents such as the Americas, Africa, and Asia. These colonizers introduced new laws, religions, and practices into the new regions that they occupied. Adopting Christianity in several parts of Africa challenged the long-held practice of Polygamy in Africa. Many Christian denominations vouch for monogamy. However, many Africans, although Christians, still consider polygamy an acceptable cultural practice.
The West, like always, criticizes polygamy as one of the "backward" cultures of Africans. They have used feminism and gender studies to criticize polygamy as a form of sexual and economic exploitation and degradation of both women and men. I will focus on the sexual exploitation part and discuss it from a different point of view.
The West has promoted monogamy for a long time. However, my primary concern is the high divorce rates in monogamous marriages. Divorce rates in the US and Europe are very high, which may indicate that monogamous marriages do not form strong bonds between couples. Infidelity or unfaithfulness is a primary cause for the breakup of these marriages.

Many a time, we see Westerners touring our beaches here in Africa. They Indulge in promiscuous behavior with our young men and women that patrol our beaches as sex workers. A majority of these promiscuous westerners are married. This occurrence makes me wonder why Westerners engage in promiscuity far away from their homes, where their spouses are nowhere to supervise them. It could be that monogamous marriages do not satisfy their sexual desires.
Besides, feminists and gender activists should know that promiscuous men and women in monogamous marriages are the greatest abusers of both womanhood and manhood. Engaging in a sexual relationship with somebody and failing to fulfill your responsibility as a partner is the highest form of sexual exploitation. Married men who "sleep" with other women besides their wives exploit these other women sexually because they do not exercise social, emotional, and economic responsibilities towards these women. Similarly, married women who "sleep" with other men besides their husbands exploit these men sexually because they do not exercise social, economic, and emotional responsibilities towards these men. Extramarital affairs are illegal and thus prevent those who engage in them from supporting their sexual partners. The result is the sexual exploitation of extramarital affairs partners by married people. Therefore, monogamous setups insult both manhood and womanhood through infidelity.

Unlike monogamy, polygamy discourages the irresponsibility common in monogamous setups where men and women are exploited sexually by married people. Polygamous setups allow both men and women to marry the people they get attracted to after their previous marriage of unions. These marriages formalize and normalize relationships and enable males and females to fulfill all their responsibilities towards their newly acquired life partners. Therefore, women or men dating married people in polygamous setups are less likely to be sexually exploited because there are formal and recognized channels where they can get married to married people and have their already married partners fulfill all the duties that they have towards them.

This must be the main reason why Africans practice polygamy. Their societies discourage irresponsibility caused by infidelity, such as the sexual exploitation of men and women, which is common in monogamous setups.

Parents or Children, Who Owe the Other?

Children live their lives believing they owe their parents a lot of favor. This belief develops because parents spend their whole life taking care of them. Parents invest millions of shillings in taking care of their children. Therefore, many people claim that children cannot repay the care they receive from their parents during their growth and development. People spend their lives trying to repay their parents’ efforts in bringing them up, which is honorable. However, is it true that our parents did us a favor by bringing us up? Is it a favor that we ought to repay? These two questions ring in my mind all the time.

Firstly, nobody ever requested anyone for birth. Nobody ever applied anywhere for birth. The decision for our birth was made by one, if not both, of our parents. Regardless of the circumstances (love, rape, etc.), the decision to have a child solely lies with the parent, family, or society. A couple can decide to have a child; a family can pressurize a couple to have a child, or a society can prevent a parent from having an abortion through laws that prohibit abortions. Sometimes, health can also play a part in the decision of birth. For example, a parent may not opt for abortion because it risks her health. This challenge needs further exploration. However, this article focuses on parents, family, and society as decision-makers for birth. The decision to give birth lies with the parents, the family, society, and nature (health concerns).

Since children do not decide to be born, they are the products or consequences of their parents’, families’, and societies’ decisions. It is parents, families, and society that bring children into existence. Therefore, they are responsible for living with the products or consequences of their decisions. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the parent to take good care of the children.

Responsibilities are not favors. Parents, families, and societies have to do what they ought to do for their children because they decided to have them. Although it may sound harsh, children owe parents nothing. You do not become indebted to a person who fulfills their responsibility towards you.

Parents owe children a lot. They owe children because they brought them into this world to live unhealthy life from birth to death. According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Rarely do people meet this criterion of health. This implies that nearly all of us are unhealthy every second of our lives. So why should children feel indebted to their parents, yet they spend every second of their lives unhealthy? Our parents owe us our entire lives.

Colonialism and Corruption

Corruption is the opposite of integrity. It is the practice of engaging in fraudulent or dishonest behavior when holding a position of authority. It is an abuse of power or authority for personal gains. This abuse is why corruption is a crime in many jurisdictions. The most common examples of corrupt activities are the embezzlement of funds and bribery. However, corruption goes beyond these two common occurrences. The act or failure to act for personal gain is also considered corrupt. For example, a president may choose to ignore the corrupt activities of the ministers in his administration due to the fear of losing their support. In such a case, the president is also considered a corrupt leader.

 

 an officer receiving a bribe

 

After the European colonizers left Africa, corruption became one of the continent’s biggest problems. Corruption is present in every sector of the many African economies. For example, in Kenya, the transport sector is marred by corruption. Police officers mainly patrol Kenyan roads to take bribes for motorist traffic offenses. In the education sector, parents pay large sums of money to high school principals for their children to get admission. In the healthcare sector, doctors and nurses prioritize patients whose relatives can bribe them with large sums of money. Companies that give large sums of money to government officers in the trade sector receive trade licenses and contracts. There is more to this list than you can imagine.

 The main question is, why does corruption plague African countries? One explanation is that humans are naturally selfish, a concept argued by Ayn Rand, a Russian-American philosopher, novelist, and playwright, in most of her work. Borrowing from Rand’s argument of natural selfishness, one may assume that Africans are very selfish, which is why their countries have the highest incidences of corruption than any other continent of the world. Chinua Achebe almost supports this argument in his novel, “Arrow of God,” where he writes about a certain man made chief of a particular community by the British colonizers. Days after the man lands the chieftainship, he starts taking bribes from members of his community in the form of cattle. This new chief is using the power he had just received a few days ago to exploit his fellow “poor” community members because they fear the punitive expeditions of the British military. Later, to stress the greed of Africans, Achebe writes about how the British officer in charge of the area is surprised by the intense greed exhibited by the newly appointed African chief. This British officer claims he has never seen such greediness anywhere except in Africa.

 However, it is unfair to claim that Africans are greedier than the people of other continents. A deep analysis of Achebe’s “Arrow of God,” other works, and the African colonial history makes it fair to claim that colonialism played a more significant part in creating and encouraging corruption in Africa. This is due to the reasons discussed below.

 

 European missionaries being served by Africans.

 

When the colonizers arrived in Africa, they forcefully drove populations out of their lands and enslaved them. They created unfair labor practices and segregated themselves from the African communities, which they marginalized. They exploited African labor and controlled African economies, mainly built by free African labor. All these acts show the immense greediness and selfishness of the colonizers. In short, colonization in itself was corruption. 

 

 The colonizers exploited their powers to drive “poor” Africans out of their lands and enslave them. These actions led the Africans to believe they could do anything with power and authority, such as displacing and enslaving people. Additionally, the few colonizers, who enjoyed the economic benefits of free African labor, created a feeling within the Africans that personal economic success was all that mattered regardless of how a person achieved it. This is commonly quoted as “the end justifies the means.”

 After African countries gained independence, the new African leaders continued the corrupt practices they had learned from the colonizers. In Kenya, the leaders of the new republic allocated themselves the lands that the colonizers held after grabbing them from the Africans. They also continued displacing populations as they took their lands. This is one of the significant reasons why land clashes are common in Kenya today. Moreover, the new African leaders started practicing nepotism by appointing friends in government positions who helped them loot public coffers. This was a repetition of the colonizers’ actions, who only appointed Europeans in government positions to increase their control of the African populations. The new African leaders continued to stifle disgruntled African voices that opposed the poor management of their countries in the same way the colonizers had done before them. Political opponents were murdered and assassinated. Moreover, in the same way, the colonizers were reluctant to grant Africans freedom; today, African leaders are reluctant to hand over power even after suffering defeats in free and fair elections.

 Chinua Achebe and Ngugi wa Thiong’o vividly elaborate on the effects of colonization on corruption in the African continent in their books, “Arrow of God” and “The River Between.” In the “Arrow of God,” Achebe narrates about an African priest who sends his son to a missionary school to learn the ways of the white man because the future lies in learning “the ways of the white man.” In this case, the ways of the white man are the ability to displace populations, grab land and control people to work for you freely. Similarly, in “The River Between,” Ngugi narrates about an African father who sends his son to a missionary school to learn “the ways of the white man,” which is the future of the African people. 

 

 Africans are learning the ways of the white man.

 

Another good illustration of the colonial effects on corruption is in the novel “No Longer at Ease” by Chinua Achebe. In this novel, Achebe writes about a community that sends one of their sons to study in London. The community hopes that when the man returns, he will get a top government position and bring a larger share of the national cake to the community. The thought of the community wanting a larger share of the national cake illustrates colonization’s effects on the African minds about governance. In the same way, the colonizers were reaping the economic benefits of free labor and colonization. The African people wanted to reap the benefits of “free money” by having their people in the top government positions to allocate them national resources fraudulently.

In short, colonization took a toll on the concept of leadership in Africa, resulting in widespread corruption. The displacement of populations, the enslavement of people, and the segregation of people created an image in the African mind that success through selfishness is right regardless of how one achieves it. Colonization contributed immensely to the spread of corruption in Africa.

Capitalism and Xenophobia

Xenophobic tendencies have increased across the globe. The US has been the latest country to show xenophobia by electing a president who openly dislikes immigrants. He immediately embarked on constructing a wall that separated the US from Mexico. Britain led the way last year by pushing for her exit from the European Union, which allowed the establishment of a borderless Europe. These occurrences have led dormant parties that oppose immigration to re-surge across Europe. These parties believe that immigration is the cause of their problems in Europe, and it must stop as soon as possible. This belief is a fallacy and should be condemned at all costs.
 
 protesters showing xenophobia
 
Great countries, like the US, Canada, and Australia, can attest that immigration is the primary cause that has propelled their growth and development into what they are today. These countries were built through the sweat of immigrants, and they should understand the importance of immigration. They should lead the way in encouraging immigration and discouraging xenophobia.

 Britain has demonstrated double standards through Brexit. When President Mugabe of Zimbabwe unsettled white settlers and forced some of them to leave Zimbabwe, Britain vehemently opposed this move. Today, Britain tolerates xenophobia, yet she has forgotten that British and other white settlers are found worldwide. They are welcomed and given the respect they deserve as fellow humans.

 Moreover, it is unfortunate that a wave of xenophobia is sweeping across Europe. Yet, it has been the most significant source of emigrants to other continents and countries in the past centuries.
Immigration is the scapegoat for the poor performance of the economies in Europe and North America. However, the economic downturn should be blamed on the extreme capitalist tendencies practiced by these countries. It is a time that the US and Europe question their capitalist policies and practices.

 The number of family-owned businesses in the US has decreased significantly. These businesses were the primary source of permanent employment for many US citizens. Today, corporates have taken over family-owned businesses. They are more focused on profit maximization. This is why they shift their production abroad to get cheap labor, which causes unemployment in Europe and US. Immigration has nothing to do with this occurrence.

 Additionally, developing countries have significantly improved their infrastructural facilities over the past few years. India and China have infrastructural facilities that rival those of the developed world. They are attracting multinationals into their countries. The movement of MNCs (multinational corporations) into these countries is causing unemployment in Europe and North America.
 
 Kenyan roads. Developing countries are improving their infrastructure.
 
Finally, developing countries have more favorable policies that attract investment than developed countries. Developing countries are often ready to compromise the environment and labor standards for economic growth. MNCs prefer developing countries to the developed world because developing countries have little regulation. Their movement into developing countries causes unemployment in the developed world.

Immigration has nothing to do with poor economic performance. The pursuit of profit by MNCs is the primary reason for unemployment and slow economic growth in the developed world. Politicians should develop policies that help the developed world keep their MNCs and jobs to spur economic growth and development. It is unfair to promote xenophobia based on unjust reasons. Instead, the US and Europe need to restructure their extreme capitalist tendencies.

Colonial Organizations

I remember a book in Swahili that I read after finishing high school. The book is a play titled "Amezidi" by Said A. Mohamed. This play is set during the colonial periods in Tanzania at a particular firm where workers have gone on strike due to the poor working conditions, which they suffer at the hands of the firm's management. 

The strike was called and enforced by the firm's workers' union, chaired by a brave woman, the main protagonist of the play. Unfortunately, the protagonist's leadership faces many challenges due to betrayal from other leaders of the union, who secretly meet the management and negotiate better packages for themselves at the expense of the workers. The actions of the management and the few greedy leaders of the union show how the "divide and rule" rule policy is employed by the firm's management to oppress workers.

Sadly, colonial organizations still exist today, especially in African countries. In Kenya, workers still suffer at the hands of organizations' management.

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who is a lecturer at a local college. He informs me of how the management of the college works with the Heads of Departments to stifle their voices in the organization and make their working conditions unbearable. Witch-hunting is the order of the day in the organization for dissenting voices. The rate of employee turnover in the organization is very high. Moreover, management comprises authoritative leaders who are not ready to tolerate different and diverse views on running the college. 

This occurrence reminds me of the theory X managers, defined by Douglas McGregor, a professor of management at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Like the theory X managers, the management at the college where my friend works believes that lecturers lack the intellectual capacity to contribute heavily to running the organization. It assumes that the lecturers are lazy and high productivity can only be achieved when tightening the work conditions for the lecturers. Its cooperation with the Head of Departments (HODs) and exclusion of lecturers is a prime example of "divide and rule," a significant feature of colonial organizations. 

People must condemn colonial organizations and their "divide and rule" policies. Research and many studies have proved that cohesive organizations where people work cooperatively and with mutual respect are the best. Firms and managers should know that when their workforce is divided, their potential as managers and the potential of their firms are curtailed.

The Crusades

The crusades were a series of military campaigns the Catholic church carried out between the 11th and 15th centuries against Muslims, pagans, and church opponents (Lock, 2006). Over the past few decades, historians have investigated the occurrence and motivations for the crusades. Some of the motivations for the crusades identified include the need to: capture Jerusalem, free and defend Christian territories, and protect Christians living in non-Christian territories. However, questions still arise on whether these were the motives of the religious and political leaders who called for the crusades or whether they also had particular hidden agendas (Lock, 2006). This article examines the evidence of the first crusade to determine whether it was meant to save Christianity or exploit them for personal gains. 

  

 the crusaders on a battleground 

 

The First Crusade (1096-1099)

 

 Pope Urban II

  Pope Urban II was the first religious and political leader to call for a crusade in Clermont, France. He cunningly crafted his rallying message for the crusade. He said that those who participated in the liberation of God’s Church from the hands of Muslims would be forgiven for their sins. He did this upon the request of Emperor Alexios I of Byzantine, who feared the advancing Seljuk Turks, who had taken over some of his southern territories and were approaching Constantinople. Pope Urban II quickly responded to this request for specific political reasons. He knew that the Byzantine empire was mainly dominated by the eastern church (the Orthodox Church). He saw Emperor Alexios I request as an opportunity he could not forgo to reach out to the Eastern church, which had differed significantly from the Western Church (Catholic Church) in the past. He believed that by helping the Byzantine empire and the Eastern Church, he would be able to unite both the Western and Eastern Churches under his leadership. 

Emperor Alexios I was also dishonest in his request for help against the advancing Seljuk Turks. He presented his problem with the Seljuk Turks so that the problem appeared grave, which was not the case (Mayer, The Mediterranean Region in 1095, 1988). In reality, he wanted help from the other western kingdoms to help him recover the territories he had lost in battles with the Seljuk Turks (Mayer, The Mediterranean Region in 1095, 1988). This is why he quickly demanded that all the territories recovered from the Seljuk Turks be given to him before he could agree to support the crusaders.

Moreover, most senior nobles indulging in the crusades were also dishonest in their motives. Most indulged in this course for honor, financial gains, and adventure. Examples of such men included Count Stephen of Blois, Prince Bohemond I of Taranto, and the crusaders who stayed in Jerusalem. 

Count Stephen of Blois would write letters to his wife, Adela of Blois, informing her of how he gained much wealth through gold, silver, and honors from his expedition (Phillips, 2015). These indicated his prime motive for indulging in the crusade. He was also quick to turn his men away from the purpose of the crusade, which was to advance forward and capture Jerusalem, upon learning that the Muslims were being reinforced by a large relief army (Phillips, 2015). 

 

 Prince Bohemond of Taranto. He felt betrayed by Alexios I during the crusade.

  Another case of self-interest was witnessed in Prince Bohemond I of Taranto. He refused to relinquish Antioch to Emperor Alexios I (Mayer, The Crusader States, 1099-1146, 1988). He claimed victory and the city. He argued that the failure of Emperor Alexios I to support the crusaders in the battle of Antioch had nullified the crusaders’ agreement with the emperor. Therefore, every battle won, together with the booty, belonged to the crusaders.

 

Finally, after the capture of Jerusalem, many crusaders returned home. A few remained in Jerusalem. Those remaining Crusaders had a plausible excuse that they were protecting the city. Apart from that, they made themselves the lords of Jerusalem and acquired holdings within the city (Riley-Smith, 2005). 

Conclusion

The crusades mainly exploited the peasants involved in or affected by it. Pope Urban II called for the crusades to enable him to increase his control over the Church; Emperor Alexios I used the crusades to recover lost Greek territories; Count Stephen of Blois and Prince Bohemond I of Taranto used the crusades to amass wealth, honor, and lands; and the crusaders used their victories to grab the wealth of people in the territories they conquered. In short, the religious and political classes exploited peasants by using them as armies for crusades to advance their interests. In contrast, some peasant crusaders exploited the natives of their conquered lands to amass wealth and acquire titles.

  

References

Lock, P. (2006). Routledge Companion to the Crusades. Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge.

Mayer, H. E. (1988). The Crusader States, 1099–1146. In H. E. Mayer, The Crusades (pp. 60–61). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Mayer, H. E. (1988). The Mediterranean Region in 1095. In H. E. Mayer, The Crusades (pp. 6–7). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Phillips, J. (2015, May 5). The Crusades: A Complete History. Retrieved from History Today: http://www.historytoday.com/jonathan-phillips/crusades-complete-history

Riley-Smith, J. (2005). The Founding of the Settlements. In J. Riley-Smith, The Crusades: A Short History (Second Ed.) (Pp. 50–51). New Haven: Yale University Press.

   

Choosing a Speed Booster for Your Android Phone

We often need help with problems when our Android phones develop annoying sluggishness. Such situations usually require us to install the right speed booster in the phones that can instantly tune and turbo-charge them. Our Android phones work similarly to desktop computers, laptops, and notebooks. Like desktop computers and others, Android phones also have RAMs and processors, which determine how first they process information and are bound to experience failures at certain times. These failures occur when the RAMs of the android phones are full, or their processors are slow. Fortunately, many applications can help speed up Android phones by emptying their RAMs and making their processors work faster than before. Most importantly, consumers should know how to choose the best speed booster for their Android phones. Below is a list of steps one can take in choosing a speed booster for one’s phone

 Firstly, consumers should consider whether a speed booster is available for free or is being sold. Free Speed boosters or free versions of speed boosters usually have limited functions. That is, they can only clean your device occasionally. Additionally, they may not clean all file locations on your device. On the other hand, paid speed boosters or paid versions of speed boosters usually have many options for cleaning your device. They can regularly clean all file locations in your device as you think fit. Therefore, consumers should go for paid speed boosters or versions of speed boosters if they can afford them. 

 Secondly, consumers should consider whether the speed booster application has dubious functions, such as “RAM boosting,” or requires one to install other applications developed by the same company that developed the speed booster. Technically, it is impossible to boost RAM with an application. Additionally, installing many applications contributes to one’s phone’s sluggishness. Therefore, one should avoid speed boosters with dubious functions and other applications. 

These are the two significant factors customers should consider before they install a speed booster. They should analyze the speed boosters based on these two factors before they install them.

Best Hotels

It is the holiday season. You are looking for an ideal place to spend your time as you reflect on your past and dream of your future. Alternatively, you are having a long paid leave from work. You have eagerly waited for this time so that you can get away to a faraway place, which seems like a paradise and relieves you from the daily stresses of your life. You can do yourself a favor by choosing the best hotel that offers and caters to your safety and offers you a variety of fun and stress-relieving activities. 

 For many years, writers of luxury travel and specialists in the hospitality industry have analyzed many hotels concerning various factors, such as facilities, location, seclusion, design, services, and style. These factors have enabled them to identify the best hotels in the world. The latest review and analysis of hotels worldwide place the hotels discussed below in the best category. It would be best if you tried to visit some of them. 

Nihiwatu,Sumba, Indonesia

This hotel's primary difference is its fusion with the local Sumbanese traditional culture. It has an unrivaled connection to the Sumba people of Indonesia. The hotel's villas are designed and built according to traditional Sumbanese architecture. Ikat accents and thatched roofs characterize them. Moreover, nearly all the staff at the hotel are Sumba people, which gives you a new unique experience with another group of people. 

Sumbanese cuisine is one of the best. You will surely love the distinctly palatable seafood prepared by the Sumbanese chefs at the hotel. The hotel also offers guests a variety of activities, such as fishing, horse riding, and trekking to the spa. Its phenomenal surf break was the main reason for its construction at its present site. Surely it would help if you visited this hotel.

 Les Fermes de Marie, Megeve, France

This hotel reminisces a rural hamlet. It has a rustic charm capable of captivating anyone in love with the beauty of nature. The hotel is composed of old timber cabins that blend with the cabins of the rural folk in the region. The hotel has nine cabins with 70 rooms and suites, which are very comfortable. The cabins also have three restaurants serving French dishes, which are widely known for their palatability. Moreover, the hotel has a cowshed-chick spa and a ski shop. Guest who has participated in skiing in the mountains can soak their tired legs in the hot tub, which is situated outdoors. The hotel provides a beautiful scenery of cabins, fragrant pines, and stacked logs down the mountain. Guests can relax around open fires that give them warmth. Mont Blanc, arguably the finest cabin in the world, is part of the hotel. It has simple yet comfortable seating, a large open fire, and a beautiful garden. This hotel is great for tourists who fear traveling to faraway tropical lands.

 The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

If you seek the best service in the world, this is the right hotel. Its staff can help you create and host the best parties, romance, and marriage proposals. They will never disappoint you. On top of this, when it comes to style, it is one of the most stylish hotels across the globe. Its building is magnificent. The affluent residents of Budapest, who have some taste in art and beauty, abundantly love it. It was renovated in 2004 at 100 million Euros, which restored it to its original 19th-century grandeur. The hotel is adorned with beautiful works of art in the art-nouveau style. Moreover, the Zsolnay tiles on its floor blend perfectly with the building's art, and the wrought-iron Peacock gate affirms the majesty of the hotel. The location of the hotel is also perfect. It directly overlooks the Danube and the Chains Bridge. At night, observing the twinkling lights of Chains Bridge offer a serene atmosphere of happiness and composure. 

 UpperHotel, Hong Kong

If you intend to draw inspiration from art and architecture, this is the right hotel to visit. Upper House is a representation of modern beauty and elegance. The balance of stone and straw, light and angles, and water and nature are perfectly exemplified by this hotel. This created a peaceful feeling of belonging to guests. The hotel has a lawn and garden where guests can do yoga or attend evening cocktails. The guest rooms are situated on the 38th floor of the building. The rooms have simple, comfortable furniture. The walls are made of transparent glasses that allow light penetration. The high location of the rooms provides a perfect view of the city. The rooms have fridges that are well-stocked with wine and other non-alcoholic beverages. The top floor of the hotel has a large sitting room, café, restaurant, and bar that offer popular local dishes. If you want calmness and comfort, this is the right place. 

 Castello di Casole, Casole d'Elsa, Italy

Situated in the countryside, between Siena and San Gimignano, this hotel provides a good view of the beautiful serene countryside. Previously, the hotel was a castle with farmhouses spread around it. The former farmhouses have been converted into villas. Today, it is owned by Timbers Resorts. The hotel has 50 bedrooms. Their ceilings are made of beams, and their floors of terracotta. The stonework is exposed. The rooms are furnished with old Italian furniture made of lavish Italian fabrics. Their facilities are of top quality. the hotel hosts the renowned Ristorante Tosca, which prepares local palatable dishes and drinks, such as wine, olive oils, meats, and pasta. The hotel is also adorned with a lavish pool and spa. This is one of the best romantic hotels you will ever come across.

Many hotels across the globe offer quality services that customers want. The hotels discussed above are just a few of the many out there. However, I recommend you consider these hotels.

Concept Car Photography

Have you ever wondered why your dad never lets you drive his DeLorean DMC-12, Lancia Delta Integrale, Ford RS 200, BMW E30 M3, or Porsche 959? Do you ever wonder why your best friend is reluctant to give you his Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z2, Hummer H3T, Holden Coupe 60, or Isuzu D MAX? Nothing is as close to a man’s heart as cool cars and supercars. Men love cars and supercars. The great cars mentioned above, and much more, are products of concepts borrowed from the concept cars.

Concept Cars

Concept cars are made to show new styling or technology that an organization intends to apply to produce new car models. These cars help car manufacturing companies determine customers’ responses to new technologies or styles that may be used to develop new cars. Concept cars are typically displayed at motor shows that customers generally attend. There, customers observe the cars and give their opinions on the new technologies and styles presented by the concept cars. The first concept car, Buick Y-Job, was developed by Harley Earl, a car designer for General Motors, in 1938. 

Since then, several concept cars have been developed by car manufacturers to guide the development of their different models of cars for mass production. Other examples of concept cars are the Cadillac Cyclone, BMW GINA, Aston Martin Atom, Chevrolet Corvette Marko Shark, Ferrari Modulo, and the Ford Nucleon. 

Toyota FT-1

A modern example of a concept car is the Toyota FT-1, which is expected to influence the production of future Toyota cars. The Toyota FT-1 was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2014. The development of this concept car was inspired by past Toyota sports and concept cars, such as the MR-2, Supra, 2000GT, and FT-HS. There was little information about the car. Only information about the layout of the rear wheel and the front engine was available. The car is estimated to cost $60,000 if its production is approved. 

 From a business perspective, the design of the Toyota FT-1 was motivated by the need for Toyota to compete with Lexus’ LFA and Scion’s FR-S. At that time, Toyota was the only brand in the market that had not produced a concept car. Therefore, Toyota awarded Calty Design Research the contract to help them design and develop the concept car. The estimated cost of developing is concept car is $1 million. Currently, Toyota FT-1 is still in the concept stage. In August 2014, its gray replica was displayed at the Monterey Jet Center in Monterey, California. 

Concept Car Photography

Concept cars not only contribute to the development of new models of cars, but they have also created several new jobs and industries, such as concept car photography. Today, several concept car photographers, such as the renowned Tim Wallace, have worked with many car manufacturers and brands, such as Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Peugeot. 

 The need to reach many customers motivated the development of concept car photography. This is because many customers across the globe are unable to attend the motor shows where concept cars are usually displayed. Therefore, good, quality pictures of concept cars need to be taken for publishing in newspapers, magazines, and websites where customers can easily access them. The more customers a car manufacturer can reach, the better idea it can get about customers’ perception of the concept car. Most photographs of concept cars are typically displayed on their manufacturers’ websites or websites owned by car photographers, such as Tim Wallace.

 Concept cars are iconic. The main aim of concept car photography is to bring out this feature in the photos of concept cars. Concept car photography requires photographers who are creative and open to new ideas. 

Factors to Consider in Concept Car Photography

Prospective concept car photographers should consider the following factors to make sure that their works are of quality, which will help them attract many customers (car manufacturers):

Identify a concept car. 

This is because concept car photography is all about concept cars. Many “cool” cars are out there, but most are not concept cars. Concept cars are usually scarce. Most of them are destroyed by automakers sometime later, after their production. The few existing concept cars are found in the stores of car manufacturers. One should visit a car manufacturer and ask for permission to get access to and take photographs of their concept cars. Alternatively, one can attend motor shows where concept cars are displayed. There, you will find an easy opportunity to take photos of concept cars.

Identify the location of your photography session.

Photos of concept cars can be taken in different settings depending on the type of car. Some concept cars are good in natural settings, while others are good in unnatural settings. Roads, car parks, and driveways are good examples of natural settings. Exterior photos of concept sports cars are better displayed on open country roads than anywhere else. One can add the feel in this setting (country roads) by capturing the concept sports car in motion. However, since most concept cars are usually less mobile than regular cars, unnatural settings are preferred to natural settings for photo sessions. A large warehouse of a car manufacturer is a perfect example of an unnatural setting. One can convert it into a large studio and photograph a concept car. However, one should try to be adventurous to avoid clichéd shots. Regardless of your setting, the tone of your shots should complement the car’s color.

Consider the amount of light present in your environment. 

Natural light is the best source of lighting for photography. It is essential to time one’s shots during the twilight hours of the day. During these times, the sun reflects warmly on the concept car without creating the problem of harsh brightness. 

Apart from these, one should ensure one gets the right angles for taking photos. One should also capture every exterior and interior detail of the car. 

Remember, Concept cars are icons. Concept car photography should help maintain this status. The factors discussed above give direction on what one needs to do to maintain the high standards of concept car photography.

How to Choose Socks

Although often ignored, socks constitute an essential part of people’s dressing, especially when they are involved in outdoor activities. It is because pairs of socks have additional benefits to their aesthetic value. They also provide comfort and warmth and are capable of enhancing performance. Surprisingly, many people believe there is no need for many different pairs of socks. It is because they are used to using their few pairs of socks to perform varying functions, such as going to the office and going out for a run. Unfortunately, people have not realized that there is more to socks than their aesthetic value, which makes people use their only single pair to perform different functions repetitively. They have experienced it, yet they ignore that wearing the wrong socks can significantly ruin one’s day. It is because pairs of socks significantly impact a person’s outdoor comfort and performance, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, they must learn to choose the right socks that make them feel comfortable and do not disrupt their performance in outdoor activities. Below are factors that people should consider when selecting or buying socks for outdoor activities. 

Outdoor Activity or Sport

 

 football socks

 

Firstly, people should consider the outdoor activity or sport they wish to engage in. Many different outdoor activities and sports demand different types of socks. These activities and sports include hiking, running, mountaineering, athletics, and skiing. Different socks have been designed specifically for these various activities and sports. For example, mountaineering has mountaineering socks specifically designed for it. Mountaineering socks are the thickest and heaviest available socks on the market. They are made of a thick layer of insulating fabric, which makes them retain heat in one’s feet even in frigid temperatures. Apart from mountaineering, these socks are also suitable for winter activities. Wearing mountaineering socks in summer or the lowlands are uncomfortable because they make a person’s foot extremely warm, which is uncomfortable.

Additionally, hiking activities have hiking socks that are specifically designed for them. Hiking socks are designed mainly to cushion one’s feet and draw moisture from one’s feet to prevent one’s legs from developing blisters. They are a little bit thicker than sock liners. One cannot use hiking socks for mountaineering because they cannot retain the much-needed warmth by the feet in icy conditions. Fortunately, consumers are lucky that some manufacturers of socks today label and classify their socks according to the various activities they are intended to perform. However, they still need to exercise caution in choosing the right socks because a majority of the stores in the US still lack the classification of socks according to their functions.

The thickness of Socks to Shoe Size 

Secondly, people should consider the thickness of their socks to the size of their shoes. When one wears socks, the size of one’s feet increases. The increase in the size of the feet usually affects those with close-fitting shoes. They are likely to feel the pinch of the boots. They also risk developing blisters on their feet due to the tight shoes’ increased friction, temperature, and moisture. Therefore, it is advisable that when wearing one pair of socks makes shoes uncomfortably tight, one should choose a thinner pair of socks. On the other hand, wearing a thick pair of stockings can make shoes that are seemingly more oversized fit. However, this consideration should only be made in temperate regions with a lesser risk of extremely hot or cold temperatures, especially during the spring and autumn.

Types of Shoes

 

 sports shoes for women

 

Thirdly, people should consider the type of shoes they own before they buy socks. It is because different shoes are designed for different socks. For example, the design of the mountaineering boots is made only to accommodate heavy and thick mountaineering socks. Running shoes are designed only to accommodate slim-fit, skin-like socks. Buying hiking or running socks with mountaineering boots is a waste of money. It will make one’s feet not fit the shoes. Similarly, purchasing a pair of mountaineering socks with running shoes wastes money. It will make one’s feet fail to fit in the boots.

The Sock Fabric

Fourthly, people should consider the fabric used to make a pair of socks. Different fabrics and fabric combinations produce socks that perform various functions differently. For example, socks made from a blend of wool and synthetic fabrics are usually good at heat retention, even in wet conditions. Additionally, they are durable due to the presence of synthetic fabrics. On the other hand, socks made purely of wool are less durable and take a long time to dry.

Also, silk socks are light, comfortable, and good at insulation. That is why they are usually used as hiking socks. Additionally, socks that contain synthetic wicking materials absorb moisture, keeping one’s feet comfortably cool. Moreover, socks made of cotton are unsuitable for outdoor activities. It is because they absorb sweat but cannot provide insulation when wet. They increase one’s chances of developing blisters. Therefore, one should consider the material combination used to make the socks to see if the socks have properties that one desires to get from using the stockings.

Weight and Height of Socks

 

 thick mountaineering socks

 

Finally, it is essential to consider the weight and height of the socks. The weight of socks determines the activity or weather condition that the socks are designed for. Socks that are light in weight are usually meant to be worn in warm climates, hiking, and running activities; socks with medium weights are suitable for temperate and partly cold climates, and heavy socks are ideal for cold climates. Regarding height, different sporting activities require socks of different heights. For example, in soccer, soccer players wear tall socks that reach their knees. They help hold pads that protect players against leg injuries that fellow players may inflict. On the other hand, runners in athletics wear very short socks. It is because their legs are not exposed to harm from fellow runners.

In conclusion, different types of socks have different functions. This function variation gives each pair a particular advantage and disadvantage depending on the weather condition and the activity one wants to engage in. Therefore, as advised above, people should choose their socks wisely to ensure they have fruitful days and activities.

Diepio Unblocked

Many organizations, such as schools and workplaces, usually block game sites so they cannot be accessed from their networks. These organization block game sites to increase their workers' and students' concentration and performance. It is because many games are engaging and easily steer one away from their daily organizational performance targets. However, games are okay, and too many restrictions against playing them are unnecessary. Games create fun and happiness in boring situations and lighten the overall mood of people around gamers. Fortunately, experts in IT and the gaming industry have managed to unblock some of these games allowing gamers to access them wherever they are. One of the unblocked games with a thrilling experience and addictive ability is Diepio Unblocked.

 Diepio Unblocked Game is a recently developed online multiplayer game. This game is a tank game whereby each player is in charge of a tank, which they control. Every other player's tank is considered an enemy that should be killed or eliminated. The rule of the game is simple: Bomb all the other tanks so that you can control the land of Diepio and take care so that you are not killed. The game is mind-jogging since it requires you to possess and apply military strategy skills in the game context to survive. It tests and enhances the swiftness of your ability to think and use a strategy.

 During the gameplay, you must hold the firing button momentarily to release missiles at great speed, inflicting the most significant damage on your enemies' tanks. Additionally, it would be best if you held the movement keys for a while to increase the pace of movement of your tank. The gameplay also involves hiding in certain situations, especially when faced with many opponents' tanks that would limit your survival chances in combat. You can increase your overall health by pressing the Up-Arrow Key on your keyboard. It increases your resilience. You can take many hits before you are eliminated.

 Diepio Unblocked Game has eight distinct stat upgrades that add to the intrigues of the game. You can acquire these upgrades are acquired when you advance from one level to the next. They increase your tank's firepower, size, and resilience to attacks. Moreover, you can quickly raise the level of the game by firing at the geometric objects within your tank's environment. However, increasing the game level puts you at risk of encountering experienced opponents with tanks with advanced capabilities that can quickly eliminate you. 

 Generally, the gameplay involves following a map that helps you find enemy tanks that are your elimination targets. Eliminate those tanks and clear any object within the tank's vicinity, then search for the next target until you are the only standing tank.

 Diepio is a fantastic game. You do not want to miss the thrill of collecting weapons, eliminating real online opponents, and receiving a high ranking. Moreover, you can invite friends to play it. It would be best if you tried it. Indeed, you will enjoy the game and even get addicted to it, such that you will play it anytime you are free. If you are in an organization where gaming sites are blocked, you can get access to Diepio at this link. Enjoy yourself.