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Many modern-day readers would consider Christians a peaceful people, but their history is steeped in war and bloodshed. This book focuses on a series of military campaigns known as the Crusades, during which Christian warriors attempted to regain the Holy Land (Palestine) from Muslim rule. This inclusive text begins with the origins of these campaigns, with reference to the Selijuq Turks' defeat of the Byzantine armies and Pope Urban II's Council at Clermont, and leads readers through seven well-known crusades to their decline and ultimate failure. It also contains an in-depth look at three special orders of knighthood: the Knights Hospitallers, the Knights Templars, and the Teutonic Knights

For approximately six hundred years after the death of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, the Muslim community formed a cohesive state called the Caliphate. This book follows the four distinct Caliphates (Rightly Guided, Umayyad, 'Abbasid, and Fatimid) through their periods of leadership, to the state's prolonged downfall at the hands of the Seljuqs and the Crusaders, and its ultimate defeat by the Ottoman Empire. This text includes a focus on contributions made to the arts, literature, medicine, astronomy, science and mathematics, among other disciplines, particularly during the golden age of the Caliphate spanning the eighth and ninth centuries

From tiny organisms to plants and people, all living things need nitrogen. This engaging STEM resource introduces elementary school readers to the importance of the nitrogen cycle in clear, easy-to-follow text. Readers will learn why nitrogen is an essential nutrient for growth, where nitrogen is found, the important role legumes play in the nitrogen cycle, and more. Colorful illustrations and photographs add interest and additional information to each page. Compare and Contrast, Vocabulary, and Think About It sidebars support Common Core standards. This is a must-have book for any shelf

Climate change is a hot topic, but few readers understand exactly how it has disrupted Earth's natural cycles. This text offers a straightforward explanation of the carbon cycle, including what carbon is, the places where it is found, and how it is exchanged. In addition, readers will gain insight into how human activity affects the carbon cycle in nature. Each chapter features charts or photographic illustrations to enhance comprehension, as well as vocabulary boxes and open-ended questions that invite readers to think critically about the topic

Gaining momentum in the early decades of the 20th century, a number of fascist and other authoritarian regimes could be found around the world by the 1950s. Many persist into the present day. Often led by oppressive dictators, these regimes share many characteristics, though each differ in various ways as well. This volume examines the historical trajectory of dictatorship, fascism, and totalitarianism; their characteristics; where they intersected and how they differed; and some of the individuals-including Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, among many others-infamous for violently imposing t

Capitalism is first and foremost an economic system that prizes free and competitive markets, private ownership, and a comparatively small role for government intervention and regulation. Yet capitalism also has many political undertones and has become associated with notions of freedom, individualism, self-determination, and anti-unionism. As a political and economic philosophy, it was a major player in the Cold War, squaring off against communism and seemingly triumphing. The colorful history of this economic system that doubles as a political philosophy is recounted here, from Medieval-era

Anthropology, politics, and history come together to form an insightful blend in this authoritative title covering kinship, tribalism, and nonurban cultures the world over. Both the theory and practical examples of tribal cultures are presented, with several chapters dedicated to the various schools of anthropological thought on nonurban societies, accompanied by a survey of tribal and indigenous cultures both historically and in modern times. American Indians, the indigenous peoples of South America, nomadic tribes of the Middle East, and Aboriginal Australians are a few of the societies expl

The concept of democracy is far from new, but this comprehensive volume addresses some of the volatile questions that continue to puzzle even the best of us. Readers will get a survey of the development of this form of government, dating back to its invention in ancient Athens and continuing to the present, following its development with the changing times. Thoughtful questions provoke discussion about its pros and cons, its strengths and weaknesses, and how, even after all these years, this method of governing could be even more effective in the future

The story of socialism and communism is a saga of idealism and cynicism, revolution and repression, power and powerlessness. The entire political and economic history of the modern era is contained in this account, forming a detailed and lively panorama. The world is still grappling with age-old questions regarding governance, equality, justice,and freedom. As this enthralling text details so vividly, socialism and communism attempted to answer these questions definitively. In that they failed, but in doing so, they highlighted the importance of the questions themselves and of the ordinary peo

This title is an indispensable resource for those who are interested in the ways that small ideological groups can and have overthrown governments to further their political agendas. Spanning history, this resource looks at some of the most famous revolutionary groups, their beliefs, and the ways in which they achieved their goals. From national revolutions to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, this book shows how revolutionaries have changed the world, for both good and evil

Stories of pageantry associated with kings, queens, and the upper class have long captivated readers of all ages. The reality behind how these entities have operated within set governmental systems has not always been as glamorous as these tales, but it retains an allure of its own nonetheless. This book provides a firm grounding in the historic political, social, and economic implications of rule by monarchy, including the prevalence of the feudal system in medieval Europe. Modern monarchies and the role of the aristocracy in every age are also detailed

Despite its comparatively small size, England has been a nation of considerable stature on the international stage for much of its history. As the home of parliamentary government, William Shakespeare, and the English language, England has been an influential player in the political and cultural development of nations the world over. The story of England is captured in this compelling volume, which provides an overview of its rich past, remarkable present, and promising future

Although vastly different in many ways, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia together form the heart of Central Europe. Austria has historically been much more visible in European politics than either Croatia or Slovenia, but as with the latter two, it has also been a part of various alliances over the centuries. Despite that, however, all three have retained their own sense of national identity through it all, weathering the fall of Austria-Hungary, both World Wars, the collapse of Yugoslavia, and entry to the European Union over the course of one hundred years. This comprehensive volume traces the

The idea of espionage might immediately bring to mind images of danger, state secrets, and cutting-edge technologies. While these can be elements of intelligence operations, they do not provide a complete picture. There are numerous methods intelligence agencies, such as the CIA, might employ to gather information, and any number of threats that might be examined given the political climate of the day. This compelling volume examines the models intelligence agencies around the world have used both in the past and present, notable individuals, and the intelligence priorities of the Middle East

Political leaders have the power to effect great change and unite disparate peoples. Unfortunately, as Lord Acton and others have noted, power also can corrupt those who wield it. Throughout time, the world has witnessed the reigns of both benevolent and brutal leaders, some guiding nations to greatness and others perpetrating unspeakable atrocities. This inclusive volume examines the lives of some of history's most notable and notorious leaders from around the globe. Readers are invited to consider the nature of governance and the qualities that define true leadership