A Analytical Review Of The Battle Of Hastings History Essay

A Analytical Review Of The Battle Of Hastings History Essay In October 14, 1066, the tragic Battle of Hastings took place. It was fought between the Norman Army of Duke William II of Normandy and the English army of King Harold II. The battle took place at Senlac Hill, about 6 miles northwest of Hastings. Harold II was killed during the battle; historians predict or believe that he was shot through the eye by the barraging arrows fired from the Norman armies. The battle was the decisive Norman victory in the Norman Conquest of England. Although there was further English resistance after the Norman victory, the battle is seen as the point at which William gained control of England, becoming England’s first Norman ruler as King William I. The famous Bayeux Tapestry shows the events of the battle. Many battles later on were built on the site of the conflict, such as Battle Abbey in East Sussex. Belonging to the most authoritative family in England, Harold Godwisnon claimed the throne soon after Edward the Confessor died in January 1066. Some historians say that Edward had verbally promised the throne to his cousin William the Duke of Normandy, but decided just before his death to give it to Harold. While Edward the Confessor had a great English nephew who might have qualified as his heir, he was considered to be too young. William had been instituting policy in England for over 15 years, and by taking Harold’s crowning, he declared the start of a great battle. He planned to invade England and take over the throne. However, at that time, the Norman army was not strong enough, so nobles as far as Southern Italy were called to gather at Caen in Normandy. In order to convince them to aid him, he promised lands and titles to his followers and supporters and claimed that the voyage was secured by the Pope. William assembled an enormous fleet of about seven hundred ships, over twenty thousand men. This force waited at the port through summer, probably because of unfavorable weather conditions and more likely from f ear of a clash at sea with the large English fleet. The Norman ships finally sailed for England after the exhaustion of supplies forced Harold to dismiss his fleet and army, to add to that, many English ships were destroyed by a storm. On the day of September 28, 1066, William landed unobstructed at Pevensey. Harold, who had been waiting for Normans to start their invasion, rushed his armed forces to the north to attack an invading Norwegian Viking army led by King Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson, Harold’s brother. He completely shattered the invaders at the battle of Stamford Bridge, near York. Upon hearing that the Duke’s forces had landed, Harold hurried southward to meet the invaders. Harold’s brother, Earl Gyrth, recommended a delay in the attack, but Harold was determined to show his people that he could defend his kingdom against anyone who tries to invade it, hence demonstrating his power. He headed toward London on the morning of 12 October, gather ing all the forces he could on his way. He arrived at Senlac Hill on the night of 13 October.

Ottoman Empire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ottoman Empire - Essay Example The Empire was a strong force in the Middle East and it had extended its territories to all the sides. The Byzantine capital, Constantinople fell in the hands of the Ottoman ruler, Mehmed II thus making an end to the Roman Empire. After the fall of Roman Empire in 1453 the Ottoman Empire witnessed a fast extension to far and wide. In the 15th and 16th century the Empire was extended to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It was during the period of the emperor, Suleiman the Magnificent who ruled during the 16th century witnessed the golden age of the Empire. He had made use the agencies like military and government efficiently and further through magnificent administration of both economy and military he could capture many of the places on all sides of his boundary. The Ottoman Empire’s contribution to the world is immense in the fields of art and architect, military, economic measures and administrative reforms. It can be witnessed that the dominance of the Empire in the golden age tur ned to be a defect in the decline period. So, in the present essay, an attempt is made to analyze the areas as, government and administration, military strength and economic power of the Ottoman Empire in golden age and in decline period. ... The sultans ruled the empire by the help of the imperial council headed by the Prime Minister (New Challenges for Africa and the Islamic World 1450-1750, p.476). But, towards the 17th and 18th centuries political changes caused for the decline of the empire. â€Å"The practice of raising the ruler’s sons as indulged prisoners in the palace to prevent rebellions contributed to a long series of uninformed, inexperienced, and often debauched sultans and shahs† (Africa, Southwest Asia, and India in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, Ch.6 p.189-190). The emperor governed the country through different religious communities but these communities later became powerful and so the emperor’s control over them was weakened (Africa, Southwest Asia, and India in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, p.479). Moreover, the Ottoman state was not centralized and so the control of the imperial was difficult. All these factors of loose administration and changes contribut ed for its decline which came in the 18th century. Military Strength: Military strength was the once the major domain of the Ottoman Empire. Until 1600 the weapons used by the Ottomans were the supreme in Europe. â€Å"The Ottomans adopted gunpowder weapons, especially cannons, which were often built and operated by mercenary Hungarian Christians in Ottoman service† (New Challenges for Africa and the Islamic World 1450-1750, p.476). Until 1600 the weapons used by the Ottomans were the supreme in Europe. The navy of the Ottoman led by the Muslim refugees from Spain was very excellent (New Challenges for Africa and the Islamic World 1450-1750, p.476). The Ottoman military during its golden age was very

Leadership Style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Leadership Style - Essay Example Also it is a fact that qualities of a leadership cannot be taught at a class room or at any training centre. This study can be referred to as a reflective analysis of my leadership style. I will be making orientation with the leadership theories. After completing the study I have noticed that I show signs of situational leadership and action centred leadership but later I also observed that I show evidences of transformational leadership. Situational leadership states that there is hardly any superlative style of leadership. The most effective leadership style is that which gets adapted or adjusted according to the situation. In simple words situational leadership emerges from the environment, circumstances, place and time (Aluya, 2009, p.6). It resembles similarities with democratic style, authoritarian and laissez-Faire leadership styles. Situational leadership also emphasizes on directing, controlling, supporting and entrusting other styles according to the situation (Kloppenborg, Shriberg and Venkatraman, 2003, p.7). While on the other hand action centred leadership was developed by John Adair in the year 1960 (Reed, 2003, p.53). It can be referred to as a simple management and leadership model, which helps to apply the leadership styles according to the demand of the situation. ... type of leadership where the leader recognizes the need for change, creates a sense duty, raises learning experiences and achieves it by stimulating new and innovative ways of thinking (Griffin, 2010, p.566). In other words it tries to gauge the proper leadership style for a specific situation (Lussier, 2011, p.338). However out of the mentioned behavioural style I portray democratic style. Although since I am a follower of situational leadership, I also adopt leadership styles according to the need of the situation. Providing leadership to colleagues In an office event I was given the duty of entirely organizing a cultural event. The cultural event will have some of the eminent celebrities taking part. I knew that in the course of event I have to devote most of time towards the activities related to it. Also I could not give time to my family which is strictly against my principles. I always believe family comes first than anybody else. In the event I have authorized some individual to look after few areas. Since I thought that would not be able complete the entire process on my own. Therefore it is always better to authorize somebody else to accomplish the task. I have selected some of my colleagues whom I think has the capability of leadership. I was very much confident on them and they also relied on me. When the event was supposed to take place, I noticed that everything was in place and finally the event was completed successfully. The upper management of the organization praised me for my work. I also acknowledged it and congratulated my team mates as they were instrumental towards the completion of the project. I felt that I am also very much attached with the colleagues and remain true to myself. Working with Others I work in a small consultancy firm which