Unit 1: Foundations of World History Eras 1-3

This foundational unit encompasses several key changes in human history until 300 C.E. The unit focuses on the development of Homo Sapiens, hunter gatherer societies, pastoral nomad, ancient civilizations and classic civilizations. Three major and significant changes occurred during the first era of human history: (1) the physical development of human beings, (2) the human populating of most major regions of the earth and (3) the Agricultural Revolution. World historians frame this early period to highlight the ways human beings adapted physically and then culturally to a wide variety of environments. Thus, the era provides a rich opportunity to investigate the populating of the earth by humans; to consider the various geographic and climatic environments where early humans survived and flourished; to examine the challenges Paleolithic peoples faced and how they developed cultural responses to those challenges; and to compare the similarities and differences of these early social organizations. A defining feature of this era is the Agricultural Revolution. In studying the origins of farming and its impact upon emerging human cultures, world historians utilize the work of archeologists and anthropologists, and employ a wide range of data sources including artifacts, photographs, and geographic information. During the second era of this unit, two dramatic and significant developments occurred: the rise of and interaction among early agricultural-based (river valley) civilizations and the growth of larger pastoral communities. The interactions among these civilizations allowed agricultural techniques to spread, created long distance trade systems, and encouraged the growth of militaristic attitudes among communities in Eurasia and Africa. The growth of agriculture provided not only new sources of food, but also greater social complexity. Humans drew upon renewable energy sources and large governments developed to manage these relationships. The final era of this unit is characterized by three significant changes: (1) the beginning and development of classical civilizations; (2) birth and spread of major world religions; and (3) the growth in population and the emergence of large scale empires. A consequence of this population growth was that more people were living in large and complex societies. Increased population and technology led to food surpluses and allowed for job stratification, the development of a class structure, and class privilege. In the end, historians see the emergence of a ruling class, a necessary predicate for territorial or economic expansion. These societies developed complex systems of government, control, and methods of communication to manage life for large numbers of people living across wide areas. The emergence of class structure was a precursor to philosophical (Plato, Aristotle, Confucius) and religious (Hindu, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity) discourses concerning the relationship between the ruler and the ruled. Some historians argue that because of new developments in writing, governance, travel, and constructions, rulers of empires were able to extend their control over unprecedented amounts of lands and peoples. For example, at its height the Han Empire in about 75 B.C.E and the Roman Empire in 100 C.E. controlled land about two thirds the size of the United States. These empires not only ruled over huge expanses of lands, but also over vast numbers of very different people, speaking different language and practicing different religions. The Greek, Roman, Han, and Indian empires developed complicated bureaucratic systems of management, elites who handled information, taxes and the military, and means – sometimes militaristic – to meet the challenges of governing diverse peoples. Indeed, during this era most of the peoples living in Eurasia came under the sway of these new empires. These states demanded tribute, taxes, and loyalty, but at times provided stability, prosperity, and safe travel across their empires and into others.

How did major transformations affect societal structures in early history and set the foundation for expanding networks of exchange?