He was a famous writer who opposed the previous government.
British aristocracy had a lot of money but in general they weren't allowed to do any work. They would have to devote to things like art or or philosophy or such things. They used the money to invest into businesses and participate in such a way that was allowed for them by the society. They helped develop numerous new innovations with their money.
Many countries wanted to control over many economic activities in other countries as well as utilize other countries for cheap labor. In addition, some countries wanted to explore the world and conquer for their homeland while other countries thought that their own country and race was superior to all other countries and therefore believed it was needed that they invade other countries and educate them as well as some countries practicing imperialism to convert people to their religion.
Beirut, Lebanon was once known as the paris of the middle east
