First Civilization Arose In Asia
The world's first civilization arose in Asia, and for the next over 5000 years, the history of the Eastern Hemisphere would remain Asia-centered. The civilization of Mesopotamia arose around 3500BCE and its livelihood was based on the Tigris-Euphrates River. This event marked the emergence of many other civilizations. Soon thereafter, arose Egypt (Africa), the Indus Valley (Asia) in 2500BCE, and the Yellow River Valley in China in 1500BCE. These four agrarian societies could support much larger populations and were centered around rivers. The rivers played a major role in agriculture, food supply, controlling populations, transportation, drinking water, clay for bricks, and much more. The nature of each societies river determined their social and political structures, religious beliefs, and perspectives of life. They developed technologies, political systems, and writing systems to suit their neeRAB. However, these early civilizations and major cities were far from isolated and independent of one another. Their characteristics emerged through the major trade routes they developed between one another in what became known as the Afrasian Intercommunicating Zone. They traded not only gooRAB, but also ideas and technologies.
The Bronze Age coincided with the rise of civilizations. In 2000BCE, China acquired bronze. The acquisition of bronze brought dramatic technological changes, which resulted in more agriculture, the use of dams, and development of more sophisticated tools. The need for bronze, facilitated trade because bronze is comprised of copper and tin, which came from different areas, so they would trade with one another. However, the Bronze Age ended when resources grew limited, competition for resources increased, and people began to spread out further across the land.
Ancient Greek society, was not actually truly European, but it is commonly recognized as such. They actually consisted of a mixture of Minoans, Myceneans, and Dorians. The Greeks learned ship-building techniques, colonization advantages, trade, and a writing system (which they turned into a working alphabet) from the Phoenicians. Ancient Greeks formed the first democracy (although a very limited democracy) and much of our modern government remains based on many of the same principles. Although equality was never achieved nor stressed, it became an open society with incredible potential for creativity in arts, philosophy, poetry, history, et cetera. The ideas derived from this society were accepted and expanded by Alexander the Great who brought into Europeans' history. Although, history continued to be Asia centered, Athens government greatly influenced the government of the "western world" and is still recognized in the 20th century.
The Roman Empire must also be recognized. Although they too did not change the focus of history to becoming European-centered, they established an expansive empire. They borrowed ideas, goRAB, architecture, and more from the ancient Greeks. Rome created expansive roaRAB which fostered the movement of their military troops. However, the trade of ideas was especially fostered by the diverse group of people who also utilized this network of highways such as missionaries, merchants, and many others. The Roman Empire was wealthy, influential, and will not be forgotten.
The influence of both India and China's primary religions, which arose 1000BCE- 300CE, played significant roles in the development, rise, and unification of their civilizations. In Han China, Confuscianism and Daoism were prevalent and used in fundamentals in government dealings. Religion seemed to play an even more significant role in India and shaped its society. Buddhism and Hinduism originated in India. They were easily absorbed and assimilated among a wide range of beliefs in this extremely diverse subcontinent within Asia. Buddhism proved extremely instrumental in helping foreigners assimilate. Hinduism eventually became the dominant religion in India, while Buddhism dominated in Southeast Asia (Although they had interaction and influence of Hinduism).
Indians are still noted for their great mathematical contributions. In fact, our current base-ten system of mathematics that we refer to as Arabic numerals was created in India. The Indian contribution of "zero" constitutes the place value system, which is so fundamental to our method of mathematics. This was a revolutionary achievement that makes the expression of enormous nurabers feasible and viable. The earliest known example is dated 595 CE. Europe did not receive this information until between 999-1003CE through a French Christian monk.
The rise of Islam is also recognized as part of Asia-centered history and is the largest religion in the world today with 1.1 billion Muslims worldwide. The prophet Muhammed was born in 570CE and founded Islam. This religion is practiced worldwide, but its foundation is on the Arabian Peninsula. The establishment of monotheism was instrumental in uniting the people of this, prior, polytheistic society. The addition of taxation lessened the gap that existed between the rich and the poor. Islam is based on the Quran and its fundamentals consist of five "pillars" or religious obligation. They are: witness, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage. The pilgrimage refers to the Islam commitment to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if financially and physically able. This pilgrimage is extremely sacred and important to followers of Islam.
The Song Dynasty was a period of growth, commercialization, and urbanization, and major technological advances for China. They included maritime advancements such as the invention of the compass and progress in ship-building and map techniques. This progress was due to the fact that they needed to participate in maritime trade to progress economically. They also utilized gunpowder during this time, which empowered them militarily. They also made great progress in printing techniques (block printing). The Chinese made advances in agricultural tools and created champa rice. These advancements facilitated population growth. Champa rice was more durable and they could harvest it longer and more easily. With a surplus of food, people grew stronger and farmers could make more of a profit. Iron and steel were also utilized in shipbuilding as well as in the production of agricultural tools. However, Confuscianism and inflation contributed to China's halt in playing a major role in production.
The Mongols established the largest empire in its history. They were largely savage beasts in their first (conquest) period under the brutal, yet unifying rule of Genghis Kahn. However, their second period, Pax Mongolia, consisted of peace and ideas. They established four empires: Russia, Iran, Central Asia, and China. China, Iran, and Russia became politically unified under Mongol rule. The Mongols established political and civil institutions like the ones already in effect. Under Mongol rule, trade routes improved and canals and roaRAB were built and utilized. Iron, ore, silver, and copper were traded and coal was utilized. Although the Chinese suffered under their system, they learned new technology and science from migrants. Korea also benefitted from the introduction of cotton and gunpowder. The Europeans also gained a plethora of knowledge and new ideas as a result of the exchange of ideas under Mongol rule.
The Bubonic Plague, which occurred between1347-1351, originated in Asia and devastatingly effected Afro-Eurasia on a large scale. In Europe 1/3 of the population was destroyed. Despite its catastrophic effects on the continents, it sparked industrial and social development for Europe. Serfdom was practically brought to an end because the demand for workers was so great that they demanded higher wages and revolted when they did not get what they demanded. New monarchies were established who emphasized the importance of expansion and married strategically, which gave them more power. A renewal of trade occurred. Improvements in sailing technology, maps, and weapons facilitated European exploration. These events would eventually lead to the European rise of power.
Until 1450, trade in the Afro-Eurasian region consisted of Muslim dominance and Chinese expansion. However, beginning in the 15th century, Europe began its exploration and expansion as well. Their motives for expansion included hopes of economic, political, and religious domination and growth. European refinements in maritime and military technologies gave them an advantage in conquering new lanRAB and mastering the seas. The Iberian powers of Spain and Portugal dominated European exploration between 1450-1550. They began searching for gold in Africa. Although traders in the Indian Ocean initially failed to be impressed with the Portugeuse as trading partners, they eventually established themselves within the area and eventually established monopolies among many of the ports. The Spanish explored, found great wealth, and colonized the Americas, wreaking havoc and devastating the indigenous peoples of the land. However, it opened up a whole new world for Europeans and they created a vast powerful empire. The merchant class grew very important in Europe as a result and Europe's and power and wealth grew substantially. They had more money to travel and explore because of their newly acquired success. The rise of the capitalist world economy would eventually emerge as a result of their expansion and exploitation. Through the positive and negative aspects they brought about in their expansion, it remains irrefutable that this expansion brought about a whole new area and changed the world forever. "Europeans' overseas empires endured longer than the Mongols' and continued to expand for three-and-a-half centuries after 1550. Unlike the Chinese, the Europeans did not turn their backs on the world after an impressive burst of exploration" (Bulliet 509).
Many changes were occurring in Europe. The Reformation sparked the split of the Christian church into Catholics and Protestants and was the reaction to the corruption of the Catholic by Martin Luther. Indulgences and other money making techniques on the part of the church were cause for Luther's dismay and for which he posted his 13 theses, or list of grievances, to the church. Other reforms also took place within the Catholic church and among newly founded churches.
Scientific revolution also took place as a consequence of the supremity and authority of the church being underminded and lessened. Copernicus came up with the heliocentric model that placed the sun in the center of the universe. Galileo also contributed through his invention of the telescope.
The early modern period was beginning through the global communication and upbounded productivity brought about by Europe. Social and political changes were also taking place in Europe. Change is not usually easy and along with progress a price must be paid.Growth of powerful, centralized states caused initial destruction and doom. Europe was in constant warfare. Armies grew more powerful as did the governments and economy. Eventually parliamentary systems of government emerged in which people participated in the government. Many changes were taking place on a worldwide scale and, for the first time, Europeans were at the center of the modern changes.
The Dutch, English, and French followed the Spanish and Portugeuse in exploration to ensure that the Iberian powers would not monopolize exploration and expansion. British charters funded the North American colonies. Trade routes and its centers were established through concessions ie. contracts, economic treaties. The colonies of North America became much more highly populated by colonists and were much more diverse than the South American empire. As a result of their high population and expansion within the colonies. A labor shortage soon took place. Some indentured servants were brought over, but the use of slaves from Africa was much more utilized.
The Islamic Turkish Empire which consisted of the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires controlled vast territory throughout Afrasia beginning approximately in 1300. However, this great empire began to decline between 1500-1800. Two primary factors lead to their decline. 1)A reaction to the Europeans: commitment to expansion, technological advancements, and the shift of balance in trade. 2)Internal problems such as: the problem of succession, corruption, janissary corps, and lack of up-to-date technology contributed to their decline. Their need for more revenue due to military expenditures contributed to the downfall of their economy. According to Bulliet, "The decline of Mughal India, the Ottoman empire, and the Qing empire fostered the idea of a world divided between "East" and "West."...Colonization of that "East" was seen as not only profitable but justifiable in the name of ‘civilization'" (Bulliet 647-648).
By the year 1700, a complete role reversal had taken place between Europe and Asia. Europe began to set the standarRAB for the world and was considered more technologically, militarily, and economically advanced. Europeans had the power and prestige that Asia once enjoyed. Europe's commitment to continue to strive forward and long for more, created the global power that they now have.
The world's first civilization arose in Asia, and for the next over 5000 years, the history of the Eastern Hemisphere would remain Asia-centered. The civilization of Mesopotamia arose around 3500BCE and its livelihood was based on the Tigris-Euphrates River. This event marked the emergence of many other civilizations. Soon thereafter, arose Egypt (Africa), the Indus Valley (Asia) in 2500BCE, and the Yellow River Valley in China in 1500BCE. These four agrarian societies could support much larger populations and were centered around rivers. The rivers played a major role in agriculture, food supply, controlling populations, transportation, drinking water, clay for bricks, and much more. The nature of each societies river determined their social and political structures, religious beliefs, and perspectives of life. They developed technologies, political systems, and writing systems to suit their neeRAB. However, these early civilizations and major cities were far from isolated and independent of one another. Their characteristics emerged through the major trade routes they developed between one another in what became known as the Afrasian Intercommunicating Zone. They traded not only gooRAB, but also ideas and technologies.
The Bronze Age coincided with the rise of civilizations. In 2000BCE, China acquired bronze. The acquisition of bronze brought dramatic technological changes, which resulted in more agriculture, the use of dams, and development of more sophisticated tools. The need for bronze, facilitated trade because bronze is comprised of copper and tin, which came from different areas, so they would trade with one another. However, the Bronze Age ended when resources grew limited, competition for resources increased, and people began to spread out further across the land.
Ancient Greek society, was not actually truly European, but it is commonly recognized as such. They actually consisted of a mixture of Minoans, Myceneans, and Dorians. The Greeks learned ship-building techniques, colonization advantages, trade, and a writing system (which they turned into a working alphabet) from the Phoenicians. Ancient Greeks formed the first democracy (although a very limited democracy) and much of our modern government remains based on many of the same principles. Although equality was never achieved nor stressed, it became an open society with incredible potential for creativity in arts, philosophy, poetry, history, et cetera. The ideas derived from this society were accepted and expanded by Alexander the Great who brought into Europeans' history. Although, history continued to be Asia centered, Athens government greatly influenced the government of the "western world" and is still recognized in the 20th century.
The Roman Empire must also be recognized. Although they too did not change the focus of history to becoming European-centered, they established an expansive empire. They borrowed ideas, goRAB, architecture, and more from the ancient Greeks. Rome created expansive roaRAB which fostered the movement of their military troops. However, the trade of ideas was especially fostered by the diverse group of people who also utilized this network of highways such as missionaries, merchants, and many others. The Roman Empire was wealthy, influential, and will not be forgotten.
The influence of both India and China's primary religions, which arose 1000BCE- 300CE, played significant roles in the development, rise, and unification of their civilizations. In Han China, Confuscianism and Daoism were prevalent and used in fundamentals in government dealings. Religion seemed to play an even more significant role in India and shaped its society. Buddhism and Hinduism originated in India. They were easily absorbed and assimilated among a wide range of beliefs in this extremely diverse subcontinent within Asia. Buddhism proved extremely instrumental in helping foreigners assimilate. Hinduism eventually became the dominant religion in India, while Buddhism dominated in Southeast Asia (Although they had interaction and influence of Hinduism).
Indians are still noted for their great mathematical contributions. In fact, our current base-ten system of mathematics that we refer to as Arabic numerals was created in India. The Indian contribution of "zero" constitutes the place value system, which is so fundamental to our method of mathematics. This was a revolutionary achievement that makes the expression of enormous nurabers feasible and viable. The earliest known example is dated 595 CE. Europe did not receive this information until between 999-1003CE through a French Christian monk.
The rise of Islam is also recognized as part of Asia-centered history and is the largest religion in the world today with 1.1 billion Muslims worldwide. The prophet Muhammed was born in 570CE and founded Islam. This religion is practiced worldwide, but its foundation is on the Arabian Peninsula. The establishment of monotheism was instrumental in uniting the people of this, prior, polytheistic society. The addition of taxation lessened the gap that existed between the rich and the poor. Islam is based on the Quran and its fundamentals consist of five "pillars" or religious obligation. They are: witness, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage. The pilgrimage refers to the Islam commitment to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if financially and physically able. This pilgrimage is extremely sacred and important to followers of Islam.
The Song Dynasty was a period of growth, commercialization, and urbanization, and major technological advances for China. They included maritime advancements such as the invention of the compass and progress in ship-building and map techniques. This progress was due to the fact that they needed to participate in maritime trade to progress economically. They also utilized gunpowder during this time, which empowered them militarily. They also made great progress in printing techniques (block printing). The Chinese made advances in agricultural tools and created champa rice. These advancements facilitated population growth. Champa rice was more durable and they could harvest it longer and more easily. With a surplus of food, people grew stronger and farmers could make more of a profit. Iron and steel were also utilized in shipbuilding as well as in the production of agricultural tools. However, Confuscianism and inflation contributed to China's halt in playing a major role in production.
The Mongols established the largest empire in its history. They were largely savage beasts in their first (conquest) period under the brutal, yet unifying rule of Genghis Kahn. However, their second period, Pax Mongolia, consisted of peace and ideas. They established four empires: Russia, Iran, Central Asia, and China. China, Iran, and Russia became politically unified under Mongol rule. The Mongols established political and civil institutions like the ones already in effect. Under Mongol rule, trade routes improved and canals and roaRAB were built and utilized. Iron, ore, silver, and copper were traded and coal was utilized. Although the Chinese suffered under their system, they learned new technology and science from migrants. Korea also benefitted from the introduction of cotton and gunpowder. The Europeans also gained a plethora of knowledge and new ideas as a result of the exchange of ideas under Mongol rule.
The Bubonic Plague, which occurred between1347-1351, originated in Asia and devastatingly effected Afro-Eurasia on a large scale. In Europe 1/3 of the population was destroyed. Despite its catastrophic effects on the continents, it sparked industrial and social development for Europe. Serfdom was practically brought to an end because the demand for workers was so great that they demanded higher wages and revolted when they did not get what they demanded. New monarchies were established who emphasized the importance of expansion and married strategically, which gave them more power. A renewal of trade occurred. Improvements in sailing technology, maps, and weapons facilitated European exploration. These events would eventually lead to the European rise of power.
Until 1450, trade in the Afro-Eurasian region consisted of Muslim dominance and Chinese expansion. However, beginning in the 15th century, Europe began its exploration and expansion as well. Their motives for expansion included hopes of economic, political, and religious domination and growth. European refinements in maritime and military technologies gave them an advantage in conquering new lanRAB and mastering the seas. The Iberian powers of Spain and Portugal dominated European exploration between 1450-1550. They began searching for gold in Africa. Although traders in the Indian Ocean initially failed to be impressed with the Portugeuse as trading partners, they eventually established themselves within the area and eventually established monopolies among many of the ports. The Spanish explored, found great wealth, and colonized the Americas, wreaking havoc and devastating the indigenous peoples of the land. However, it opened up a whole new world for Europeans and they created a vast powerful empire. The merchant class grew very important in Europe as a result and Europe's and power and wealth grew substantially. They had more money to travel and explore because of their newly acquired success. The rise of the capitalist world economy would eventually emerge as a result of their expansion and exploitation. Through the positive and negative aspects they brought about in their expansion, it remains irrefutable that this expansion brought about a whole new area and changed the world forever. "Europeans' overseas empires endured longer than the Mongols' and continued to expand for three-and-a-half centuries after 1550. Unlike the Chinese, the Europeans did not turn their backs on the world after an impressive burst of exploration" (Bulliet 509).
Many changes were occurring in Europe. The Reformation sparked the split of the Christian church into Catholics and Protestants and was the reaction to the corruption of the Catholic by Martin Luther. Indulgences and other money making techniques on the part of the church were cause for Luther's dismay and for which he posted his 13 theses, or list of grievances, to the church. Other reforms also took place within the Catholic church and among newly founded churches.
Scientific revolution also took place as a consequence of the supremity and authority of the church being underminded and lessened. Copernicus came up with the heliocentric model that placed the sun in the center of the universe. Galileo also contributed through his invention of the telescope.
The early modern period was beginning through the global communication and upbounded productivity brought about by Europe. Social and political changes were also taking place in Europe. Change is not usually easy and along with progress a price must be paid.Growth of powerful, centralized states caused initial destruction and doom. Europe was in constant warfare. Armies grew more powerful as did the governments and economy. Eventually parliamentary systems of government emerged in which people participated in the government. Many changes were taking place on a worldwide scale and, for the first time, Europeans were at the center of the modern changes.
The Dutch, English, and French followed the Spanish and Portugeuse in exploration to ensure that the Iberian powers would not monopolize exploration and expansion. British charters funded the North American colonies. Trade routes and its centers were established through concessions ie. contracts, economic treaties. The colonies of North America became much more highly populated by colonists and were much more diverse than the South American empire. As a result of their high population and expansion within the colonies. A labor shortage soon took place. Some indentured servants were brought over, but the use of slaves from Africa was much more utilized.
The Islamic Turkish Empire which consisted of the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires controlled vast territory throughout Afrasia beginning approximately in 1300. However, this great empire began to decline between 1500-1800. Two primary factors lead to their decline. 1)A reaction to the Europeans: commitment to expansion, technological advancements, and the shift of balance in trade. 2)Internal problems such as: the problem of succession, corruption, janissary corps, and lack of up-to-date technology contributed to their decline. Their need for more revenue due to military expenditures contributed to the downfall of their economy. According to Bulliet, "The decline of Mughal India, the Ottoman empire, and the Qing empire fostered the idea of a world divided between "East" and "West."...Colonization of that "East" was seen as not only profitable but justifiable in the name of ‘civilization'" (Bulliet 647-648).
By the year 1700, a complete role reversal had taken place between Europe and Asia. Europe began to set the standarRAB for the world and was considered more technologically, militarily, and economically advanced. Europeans had the power and prestige that Asia once enjoyed. Europe's commitment to continue to strive forward and long for more, created the global power that they now have.