Writing Response #1 (April 4, 2014)

Chris Monsour

Professor Stull

Economics of Global Travelers

April 2, 2014

Why Did Human History Unfold Differently On Different Continents For The Last 13,000 Years?

Jared Diamond's debate on why human history unfolded differently on different continents is largely centered around how differences in the geography, climate, and domestication of plants and animals had affected the evolution of the world's cultures. Diamond uses numerous continents as examples and thoroughly points how the similarities, advantages, and disadvantages between them shaped how their inhabitants came to thrive in the world.

Some of Diamond’s key themes include the importance of geography, the effects of unsteady climate, and the domestication of plants and animals. Citing numerous continents as examples, Diamond goes as far as to explain how their locations on the earth’s axis affected how their civilizations evolved. He was very interested in understanding how certain cultures were able to utilize ocean-going ships, bronze and steel weapons, and domesticated animals, while other cultures with similar climates and resources were unable to produce the same. Diamond even delves into how immunities to certain diseases in the Eurasian cultures were not present in the Americas, thus speeding up the process of plague expansion. These realizations led to the destruction of indigenous people in many places, simply because they lacked the technology and health to defend themselves upon attack.

Diamond places a heavy importance on technology, geography, and the ability to domesticate animals. Society’s success depends on how well people are able to defend themselves and thrive as a culture from day to day. What was apparent in Eurasia was not the same in places like the Americas, Africa, and Australia. The layout and climate of Eurasia complimented a lifestyle of innovation in technology and the raising of farm animals. Domesticated farm animals led to Eurasia's world dominance due to their ability to create opportunity. As Diamond had stated, "the differences between human societies on different continents seems to me to be attributable to differences among continental environments." With the proper geography, advancements in technology and agriculture were able to be achieved, which then led to political power and military dominance.

 Today, countries with advanced technology and geographical benefits reign supreme in a world dominated by varying cultures. America and Somalia for example both exist on the same planet and have both gone through the evolution of their own inner civilizations, however America is a land of opportunity and wealth while Somalia is a seemingly lawless, desolate, and extremely dangerous country. The principal ideals of successful societies from the beginning of time until now have not changed. What’s apparent is which societies in the world have utilized their geographical advantages to produce a dominance in technology and culture that stands out amongst the rest.