Timelines of World History - Report Example

World History World history entails evaluation and examination of multiple cultural and national histories from a globalperspective. This implies that world history seeks to find mutual patterns within different cultures and nations thereby deriving similarities and differences of human experiences across different parts of the world. This evaluation is arguably done through study of various major events that happened in the past such as wars, rise of new nations, and creation and adoption of new theories. 1. Atlantic Revolution The Atlantic revolutions mark a highly significant trend that saw the rise of several revolutions between 1770s and 1820s. The series of revolutions saw rise of the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783, leading to independence of America hence formation of the United States of America (USA) from British colonization. These revolutionary wars a protest against the tyrannical rule of the British and were led by General Washington and his army. The French Revolution also emanated during this period between 1789 and 1799 in which absolute monarchies were replaced by democracies and republics hence strengthening of France (Strayer, 2013). Although causes of the French revolution are still debatable up to date, issues revolving around taxation schemes and inequality were dominant factors. Napoleonic wars took center stage and the fall of major monarchies set stage for modern nations sparking new revolutions such as in Russia. The period between 1790 and 1804 saw the rise of Haitian Revolution leading to the independence of Haiti. Haitian Revolution is quite significant in the world history especially since it was the only slave revolution that experienced victory and led to formation of an independent state. The revolution had begun with the black African slaves who opposed the French leadership and after years of struggle defeated the French at the Battle of Vertières in 1903. All the revolutions that sprung during Atlantic Revolution period were arguably facilitated by the knowledge and need of sovereignty and freedom. As such, the revolutions were mostly orchestrated by the emergent elite group of people in the various societies that saw the need for equality and that no particular group of people deserved to be oppressed. Moreover, attempts to exert more oppression invoked the need for democratic leadership where people choose leaders from among themselves. Additionally, people realized that there was power inherent in unity and will of the people capable to change the course of leadership. For example, the French went to the aid of America during the American Revolution and in fact they had great impact on the outcome. The period of the Atlantic Revolution also saw increased revolts arguably due the realization that the oppressing powers could be defeated. For example, the French Revolution started almost immediately after their participation in the American Revolution. 2. French Revolution The French Revolution arguably holds great importance in the world history mainly because it seemingly changed the course of nations’ history (Strayer, 2013). The revolution was marked by a mixture of liberal and radical ideas that sought to bring a different form of leadership in France. However, its effects swept across other regions such as Caribbean and Middle East with people coming to the realization that other forms of leadership other monarchy were also applicable and somewhat better. In the dawn of the French Revolution, France’s financial economy was straining and with pressure from the rising bourgeoisie seeking to destroy aristocracy, conflict was almost inevitable. Moreover the unhealthy economy had caused food and transport costs to rise significantly amid an unwanted taxation system due to rising government expenditure on wars. As such, people made demands for a regime change in a bid to improve the deteriorating economic state of France that had direct negative implications on the people. Moreover, there were concerns of equality with major focus on the privileges enjoyed by a section of the society such as the nobility. During this period the Catholic Church held significant influence over public policies and people wanted this to change including being allowed to freely choose religion. However, all these seemingly new reactions and realizations were triggered by enlightenment and rise of Freemasonry that emphasized on necessity of liberty and equality. During the first phase of the French Revolution, members of the Third Estate took control following the passage of the Declaration of Man and Citizen Rights. The rising tensions saw the royal court’s return to Paris and eventually the abolition of feudalism thereby scraping privileges enjoyed by some portions of the society. After several years of political struggles without much physical conflict, the international condemnation saw the execution of Louis XVI in 1793. Transformations made during the French Revolution are crucial to nation’s histories especially France whose politics are influenced greatly by these transformations up to date. On a global scale, the French Revolution can be attributed to the adoption of new political ideologies such as nationalism, feminism, and liberalism. Moreover, advancements such as the Declaration of Rights of Man can be considered to have pioneered establishment of human rights that are pivotal in modern societies. 3. Capitalism Capitalism is an economic system that either partially or fully supports private ownership industries and other business activities with the core aim of profitability. This implies that capitalism is a composition of private ownership of property and competition for resources between entities. Capitalism took center stage after the collapse of feudalism with each person seemingly having equal opportunities and relying on personal capabilities rather than state favors. Although capitalism seemingly started later, it has its foundations deeply rooted in the fall of the manorial system in the 14th century. This is because after the fall of the manorial system there was need for profitability especially with emergence of labor costs. As such, principles of capitalism during its origins are similar to modern capitalism principles. However, in earlier days equality in relation to opportunities was quite faint compared to the modern day where everyone has seemingly equal opportunities for advancement. The origins of capitalism can be traced back to Northern Europe following the adoption of mercantilism that was seemingly profit oriented. Additionally, Northern Europe has been accredited with the pioneering of commercial innovations ranging from insurance to accountancy and banking. During this period the main business venture was trade and in a bid to attain balanced trade in which Europe’s sales would be equivalent to purchases, there emerged industrialization. Increased concentration on production as a result of capitalism led to emergence of new cities some that are in existence up to date. Additionally, there were massive settlements in the newly formed cities in a bid to maintain proximity to working places. As such, cities were overpopulated consequently leading to increased crime rates due to increased competition and some segments of the population lacking employment opportunities. Moreover, capitalism led to creation of social classes due to the disparities created by accumulation of wealth and emergence of new professions such as bankers. However, the general economic status of nations rose significantly due to increased production. Implications of capitalism have shaped even modern societies with people striving to achieve personal success. Additionally, in most settings success is measured in terms of wealth accumulation which is a direct impact of capitalism ideology. 4. Empire and Imperialism An empire is geographically large region comprising of distinct states and people under one large territory governed by one ruler such as a monarch. As such, empires are a composition of diverse cultures and ethnicities implying that an empire cannot constitute of people form a single culture or ethnicity. Additionally, states within an empire can either be attained through a forceful militaristic approach or a coercive manner that is seemingly less violent. Imperialism is arguably a result of an empire and it basically entails extension of a country’s power and influence to regions beyond its borders. However, it is important to note that imperialism is not held within the proximity of the imperial country but can rather extend to areas far from its territorial boundary. This implies that imperialism is basically the coercive and forceful exertion of influence in territories beyond a country’s territorial boundaries. Imperialism can take several forms depending on the extent of dominion and influence exerted. Colonization is a form of imperialism that entails conquering a country mainly through militaristic approaches and then controlling it from the mother country. For example, colonies of the British Empire such as India, Canada, and others in Africa where all the major affairs pertaining to this colonies were controlled from London. Imperialism may also take a protectorate form in which protectorate countries are under partial control of superior countries. As such, matters pertaining to protectorate countries are decided by the superior powers while leaving seemingly minor affairs to favored natives of the protectorate country. For example, British’s control in Egypt was a protectorate form of imperialism where it took control of the Suez Canal but left native leaders with some power. Finally, imperialism may take a form of spheres of influence whereby superior powers are given control over beneficial aspects such as trading rights within the victim countries. This implies that spheres of influence are mainly selected due to their economic gains to the superior powers. For example, British’s first move to Africa during the European competition for expansion was imperialism taking the form spheres of influence hence the massive natural resource utilization. 5. Colonial Empires Emergence of colonial powers began in the 15th century with the then advanced and major powers, Portugal and Spain. This period was marked by increased trading activities and the need to promote and expand trade was the major cause for colonization ideologies. Additionally, it was shortly after the European Renaissance that had created a sense of capitalism hence the need for increasing trade gains and agreements of division of the world between the two powers in 1479, 1493, and 1494. Portugal efforts began during the leadership of Henry the Navigator with major plans to extend trade to other regions that seemed suitable. For example, Portugal sought to extend its colonial domains running from South America all the way to Africa touching countries such as Guinea and Angola. Conversely, the Spanish Empire had already attained significant dominion in some parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe such as Italy and France. However, there seemed to be more opportunities for expansion including taking total control in areas where it had partial dominion such as Germany. Nonetheless, the coming years saw the rise of new empires such French, English, and Japanese Empires that also sought to expand their territories in a bid to increase their power. In the mid-17th century, the Russian Empire and hence the Soviet Union was established making it the largest state in the world. During the European competition of expansion the Empires scrambled for new territories with each seeking to occupy the largest portion. During this period the British Empire was at its height gaining dominion over extensive geographic areas making it the largest empire. The increased power of the British Empire was facilitated by transport technology advancements and a strong military force enabling it to defeat its colonial targets and opposition. 6. Spanish Colonization vs Colonial empires of mid-19th century The Spanish colonization of Mexico started with the conquest of the Aztec Empire with the aid of some allies from indigenous city states. This was followed by colonization of Yucatan, Guatemala and Chichimeca thereby extending Spanish territories throughout Mexico. Conversely, in 1532 Spain set course towards what became a long campaign of the Peru conquest. The major challenge was colonization of the Inca Empire due to its strength and effective militaristic strategies over the years. However, the Inca Empire was weakened by misunderstandings between the two leaders, Emperor Atahualpa and Huascar, giving Spain a chance to attain a successful conquest. The 19th century saw the colonization of parts of Asia and Africa by the then colonial empires such as the British and Dutch. In Asia the British Empire took control of India through collaboration with the Indian leaders thereby increasing their influence. In relation to the Southeast Asia, there was scramble between the British, United States, and Dutch Empires. Colonization of Africa was also a competition of several empires such as British, Portugal, and French. However, the British Empire took control of the greatest portion seemingly due to its strong military and resources. In the African colonization there was a mixture of collaboration from the British, assimilation by the French, and in other areas use of force. Colonization of Africa and Asia in the 19th century is similar to the Spanish conquest in Mexico and Peru. For example, colonization was made possible by and simpler by participation through collaboration of some of the regions and individuals. Additionally, the colonization were meant for territorial gains and can be attributed to the spring of capitalism. However, there is difference in the mode of operation with some empires such as French opting for less forceful strategies such as assimilation while other preferred force. 7. Manchurian China In 1839 China banned the foreign trade of Opium leading to the spring of the First Opium War that saw China’s defeat and signing of the Nanking Treaty. However, China tried to stop the trade again in 1856 leading to the Second Opium War in which China was once again defeated. Additionally, China forcefully agreed to the terms of the Tientsin Treaty that saw the opening of new ports facilitating foreign trade and entry of missionaries. China’s efforts were an attempt to stop the Western imperialism that had ensued in the recent years. Although Great Britain was the main player, United States and Russia were also involved although it was through different treaties. Moreover, China was faced more subjugation form Japan and efforts to resist were futile following China’s defeat. During this period China was seemingly a platform for scramble with different nations seeking to exert dominion and gain from China. For example, Germany was allowed to carry out mining activities and build a railroad in Shandong province while Russia got access to Dairen and allowed to build a railroad in Manchuria giving it great dominion over a large portion of northeast China. However, extensive division of China into several spheres of influence serving different powers, United States gave a proposition of equal trading rights in China. The proposition was accepted in 1900 by several powers thereby making China a free to trade zone. However, this was in correspondence to the wishes of Western powers whose main agenda was to weaken China while simultaneously economically gaining from it. Additionally, the sovereignty of China was diminished and any attempts to strengthen it were met by great opposition from European powers through military attacks. 8. Modern Turkey The makings of modern Turkey started from the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century under the leadership of Osman I. However, main impacts of the Ottoman Empire were arguably felt after the death of Osman I starting with the capture of Bursa City making it the Capital of Ottoman state. Ottoman Empire’s strength grew stronger in the following years with victories over other major cities such as Kosovo in 1389. Although the Turkish-Mongolians threatened the existence of the Ottoman Empire, after some years of civil war it emerged victorious thereby extending its territories even further. At this time there was great focus on foreign territories such as in Poland and Hungary following the victories experienced. However, later on in the 18th century the Ottoman Empire faced a stronger challenge from Russia following a series of conflicts and defeats. However, there were attempts of peace that led to signing of treaties but the Ottoman Empire kept on strengthening its armies. As such, the Ottoman Empire embarked on efforts to modernize its armies. Throughout the 19th century there were efforts to strengthen the political status of the empire such as establishment of the constitution although it was quite short-lived. Additionally, there were developments on general societal affairs such as building of significantly many schools. The years that followed saw new challenges for the existence of the Ottoman Empire especially form a political front. In 1914, the empire joined World War I and experienced a number of victories although there were also high casualty levels such as the Armenian Genocide. In 1916 the rise of the Arab Revolt threatened existence of Ottoman Empire but the occupation of Constantinople saw creation of Turkish national movement that won the Turkish war of independence. 9. Modern Japan The Empire of Japan rose in 1868 following extensive economic and political developments making it one of the then rising powers. Establishment of the Japanese Empire saw Japan’s colonization of Taiwan and increased influenced in other areas such as China. However, the Japanese Empire encountered defeat after the end of the Second World War in 1945 following a defeat by the allied forces. However, before the rise of the Japanese Empire there were encounters with the West following some trade treaties. For example, Mathew Perry headed for Japan in 1852 following the navigation advancements that had been made in the previous years. However, Perry’s visit was forceful especially the seemingly poor reception by the Japanese. As such, Perry threatened to use force and invoke the power of the US army were the Japanese adamant to let him finish his mission. This forced Japan to Cooperate with Perry who on his second visit found that Japan was ready to comply with the provisions of his first letter. Nonetheless, after the rise of the Japanese Empire, Japan sought to colonize some parts of America. However, this was met with great opposition leading to several years of conflict and war all through to the era of the World Wars. However, Japan lost the war during the final years of Second World War where US used some nuclear bombs on Japan’s cities. After the warring period Japan embarked on efforts to ensure development recovery from the losses suffered during the war. For example, in 1989 there was remarkable economic growth that saw the Yen gain great value. However, there have been some challenges such as natural calamities that have derailed development but in general there has been great progress. Works Cited Strayer, Robert. Ways of the World With Sources, High School Edition A Global History. Bedford/st Martins 2013. Read More