Guns, Germs, and SteelGuns, Germs, and SteelThe Fates of Human SocietiesThe Fates of Human Societies

By, Jared DiamondBy, Jared Diamond

Group Members: Mike Group Members: Mike Gregory, Leslie Day, Kyle Gregory, Leslie Day, Kyle

Senescu, and Peter Senescu, and Peter EstlickEstlick

ThesisThesis

Yali’s QuestionYali’s Question ““Why is it you white people developed so much Why is it you white people developed so much

cargo and brought it to New Guinea, but we black cargo and brought it to New Guinea, but we black people have little cargo of our own?”people have little cargo of our own?”

Why did wealth and power become distributed as Why did wealth and power become distributed as they now are, rather then in some other way? For they now are, rather then in some other way? For instance why weren’t Native Americans, Africans, instance why weren’t Native Americans, Africans, and Aboriginal Australians the ones who and Aboriginal Australians the ones who decimated, subjugated, or exterminated decimated, subjugated, or exterminated Europeans and Asians?Europeans and Asians?

NeanderthalsNeanderthals

Penetrated no farther than northern Penetrated no farther than northern Germany and KievGermany and Kiev Lacked the necessary technology to Lacked the necessary technology to

survive in the cold (needles, sewn survive in the cold (needles, sewn clothing, and warm huts)clothing, and warm huts)

Cro-MagnonsCro-Magnons

Technology allowed them to live and adapt to cold Technology allowed them to live and adapt to cold environment environment allowed them to migrate to colder places. allowed them to migrate to colder places.

Modern people expanded into Siberia around 20,000 years Modern people expanded into Siberia around 20,000 years ago.ago.

may have led to the extinction of Eurasia’s wooly mammoth, may have led to the extinction of Eurasia’s wooly mammoth, and wooly rhinoceros.and wooly rhinoceros.

“ “About 40,000 years ago the Cro-Magnons, with their modern About 40,000 years ago the Cro-Magnons, with their modern skeletons, superior weapons, and other advanced cultural skeletons, superior weapons, and other advanced cultural traits spread into Europe. Within a few thousand years there traits spread into Europe. Within a few thousand years there were no more Neanderthals, who had been evolving as the were no more Neanderthals, who had been evolving as the sole occupants of Europe for hundreds of thousands of sole occupants of Europe for hundreds of thousands of years.” years.”

Australia/ New GuineaAustralia/ New Guinea

Many radiocarbon dated sites attest to human presence in Australia/ Many radiocarbon dated sites attest to human presence in Australia/ New Guinea between 40,000 and 30,000 years ago. New Guinea between 40,000 and 30,000 years ago.

Early Australians and New Guineans were probably capable of Early Australians and New Guineans were probably capable of traveling over water barriers, using watercraft. Evidence for traveling over water barriers, using watercraft. Evidence for watercraft does not happen for about 30,000 years later anywhere watercraft does not happen for about 30,000 years later anywhere else in the world.else in the world.

Australia once had big mammals much like Africa today. Big animals Australia once had big mammals much like Africa today. Big animals including a giant kangaroo, a giant python, land dwelling crocodiles, including a giant kangaroo, a giant python, land dwelling crocodiles, and a 400 lb. Ostrich like flightless bird.and a 400 lb. Ostrich like flightless bird.

His theory is that humans killed these animals. “Personally, I can’t His theory is that humans killed these animals. “Personally, I can’t fathom why Australia’s giants should have survived innumerable fathom why Australia’s giants should have survived innumerable droughts in their tens of millions of years of Australian history and droughts in their tens of millions of years of Australian history and then would have chosen to drop dead almost simultaneously (at least then would have chosen to drop dead almost simultaneously (at least on a time scale of millions of years) precisely and just coincidentally on a time scale of millions of years) precisely and just coincidentally when the first humans arrived.”when the first humans arrived.”

Migration to The Americas Migration to The Americas

Earliest human remains found in Alaska date back around 12,000 B.C Earliest human remains found in Alaska date back around 12,000 B.C followed by a profusion of sites south of the Canadian border and in followed by a profusion of sites south of the Canadian border and in Mexico just before 11,000 B.C. These sites are called Clovis sites. Mexico just before 11,000 B.C. These sites are called Clovis sites. Named after the Clovis arrowhead found at these sites.Named after the Clovis arrowhead found at these sites.

The Americas filled up very quickly because people were reproducing The Americas filled up very quickly because people were reproducing at a rapid rate. This led us to travel and expand more south to at a rapid rate. This led us to travel and expand more south to Patagonia. We went from the Canadian/ US border to Patagonia, Patagonia. We went from the Canadian/ US border to Patagonia, which is about 8,000 miles south of Canada in 1000 years. An which is about 8,000 miles south of Canada in 1000 years. An average of about 8 miles a year, which would make sense because average of about 8 miles a year, which would make sense because they were hunter gatherers and needed to keep moving in order to they were hunter gatherers and needed to keep moving in order to have adequate food. have adequate food.

Like Australia/ New Guinea, the Americas had originally been full of Like Australia/ New Guinea, the Americas had originally been full of big mammals. One can pinpoint many of the big mammals big mammals. One can pinpoint many of the big mammals extinctions to happen around the time of the first findings of human extinctions to happen around the time of the first findings of human bones. The Shasta ground sloth and Harrington’s mountain goat in bones. The Shasta ground sloth and Harrington’s mountain goat in the Grand Canyon area both disappeared within a century or two of the Grand Canyon area both disappeared within a century or two of 11,100 B.C. 11,100 B.C.

Chapter 2: A Natural Chapter 2: A Natural Experiment of HistoryExperiment of History

On November 19 ship carrying 500 Maori armed with guns, clubs, On November 19 ship carrying 500 Maori armed with guns, clubs, and axes arrived followed on December 5, by a shipload of 400 and axes arrived followed on December 5, by a shipload of 400 more Maori. Groups of Maori began to walk through Moriori more Maori. Groups of Maori began to walk through Moriori settlements, announcing that the Moriori were now their slaves, settlements, announcing that the Moriori were now their slaves, and killing those who objected.and killing those who objected.

The outcome of this event could have been predicted. The Moriori The outcome of this event could have been predicted. The Moriori were a small group of hunter gatherers, had very simple were a small group of hunter gatherers, had very simple technology and weapons, had a lack of strong leadership, and technology and weapons, had a lack of strong leadership, and were inexperienced at war. The Maori invaders came from were inexperienced at war. The Maori invaders came from opposite conditions. They had a dense population of farmers, had opposite conditions. They had a dense population of farmers, had a long history of wars, had more-advanced technology and a long history of wars, had more-advanced technology and weapons, and also had strong leadership.weapons, and also had strong leadership.

This story illustrates a brief, small-scale natural experiment that This story illustrates a brief, small-scale natural experiment that tests how environments affect human societies. tests how environments affect human societies.

Polynesia ContinuedPolynesia Continued

““What can we learn from all of Polynesia about What can we learn from all of Polynesia about environmental influences on human society? What environmental influences on human society? What differences among societies on different Polynesian differences among societies on different Polynesian islands need to be explained?”islands need to be explained?”

Large populations that thrive with food production Large populations that thrive with food production such as domestication of animals and farming have such as domestication of animals and farming have time to develop technology. We can see that time to develop technology. We can see that without efficient means of production of food, without efficient means of production of food, people had to hunt for themselves, and didn’t have people had to hunt for themselves, and didn’t have the time to develop new weapons or technology. the time to develop new weapons or technology. With efficient production of food, people are able to With efficient production of food, people are able to specialize in other areas.specialize in other areas.

Chapter 3: Collision At Chapter 3: Collision At CajamarcaCajamarca

The Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro led a group of The Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro led a group of 168 Spanish soldiers to the Inca city Cajamarca on 168 Spanish soldiers to the Inca city Cajamarca on November 16, 1532. November 16, 1532.

Major battle between New World and SpainMajor battle between New World and Spain Atahuallpa was absolute monarch of the largest and most Atahuallpa was absolute monarch of the largest and most

advanced state in the New World, while Pizarro represented advanced state in the New World, while Pizarro represented the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (also known as King the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (also known as King Charles I of Spain), monarch of the most powerful state in Charles I of Spain), monarch of the most powerful state in Europe.Europe.

The Spanish (only 168) killed about 5000-6000 of the panic The Spanish (only 168) killed about 5000-6000 of the panic stricken Incas, and captured the ruler Atahuallpa. Later stricken Incas, and captured the ruler Atahuallpa. Later exploiting him for a ransom that would give Spain a exploiting him for a ransom that would give Spain a massive amount of gold, then later killing Atahuallpa.massive amount of gold, then later killing Atahuallpa.

““How did Pizarro come to be at How did Pizarro come to be at Cajamarca? Why didn’t Atahuallpa Cajamarca? Why didn’t Atahuallpa

instead try to conquer Spain?”instead try to conquer Spain?” Pizzaro had European technology, like the Pizzaro had European technology, like the

ships that took them to the Americas. Lacking ships that took them to the Americas. Lacking such technology, Atahuallpa did not expand such technology, Atahuallpa did not expand overseas.overseas.

Spain had a centralized political organization Spain had a centralized political organization that enabled Spain to finance, build, staff, and that enabled Spain to finance, build, staff, and equip the ships. equip the ships.

The invention of writing which Spain had and The invention of writing which Spain had and the New World did not. the New World did not.

Hunter-Gatherer SocietiesHunter-Gatherer Societies

Move frequently in search of wild plants and animals, no Move frequently in search of wild plants and animals, no permanent homepermanent home

Smaller populationSmaller population Hunter-gather mother can only carry one child along with her few Hunter-gather mother can only carry one child along with her few

possessionspossessions Nomadic hunter-gatherers would space their children about 4 years Nomadic hunter-gatherers would space their children about 4 years

apart apart Breastfeeding, sexual abstinence, infanticide and abortion Smaller populationBreastfeeding, sexual abstinence, infanticide and abortion Smaller population

Hunter-gather mother can only carry one child along with her few Hunter-gather mother can only carry one child along with her few possessionspossessions

Nomadic hunter-gatherers would space their children about 4 years Nomadic hunter-gatherers would space their children about 4 years apart apart

Breastfeeding, sexual abstinence, infanticide and abortionBreastfeeding, sexual abstinence, infanticide and abortion Relatively egalitarian Relatively egalitarian

Lack of full-time bureaucrats, and have small-scale political Lack of full-time bureaucrats, and have small-scale political organization at the tribe levelorganization at the tribe level

All able bodied hunter-gatherers are obliged to devote most of their time All able bodied hunter-gatherers are obliged to devote most of their time acquiring foodacquiring food

Agricultural SocietiesAgricultural Societies

Within last 11,000 year people started Within last 11,000 year people started turning to termed food production: turning to termed food production: domesticating wild animals and plants, and domesticating wild animals and plants, and

eating the livestock and crop eating the livestock and crop Must remain near fields and orchardsMust remain near fields and orchards Early farmers Early farmers

spent more hours per day at work spent more hours per day at work than hunter-gatherersthan hunter-gatherers

smaller less well nourished smaller less well nourished Suffered from serious diseases Suffered from serious diseases

and many diedand many died

Agricultural Societies Agricultural Societies

Can store food surplus Can store food surplus denser population by permitting a shortened birth denser population by permitting a shortened birth

intervalinterval Can bear as many children as they can feedCan bear as many children as they can feed

Birth interval around 2 yearsBirth interval around 2 years

Once enough food stockpiled, political elite Once enough food stockpiled, political elite can gain control of food produced by otherscan gain control of food produced by others Assert taxation, escape the need to feed Assert taxation, escape the need to feed

themselves and participate in full-time political themselves and participate in full-time political activityactivity

Surplus food also used to feed professional Surplus food also used to feed professional soldiers, priests, artisans and scribessoldiers, priests, artisans and scribes

To Farm or Not to FarmTo Farm or Not to Farm Food production and hunting-gathering were Food production and hunting-gathering were

alternative strategies competing with each otheralternative strategies competing with each other Food production caused by:Food production caused by:

Decline in the availability of wild foodsDecline in the availability of wild foods Depletion of wild gameDepletion of wild game Increased availability of wild plants Increased availability of wild plants Development of technologies for collecting, Development of technologies for collecting,

processing, and storing wild foodsprocessing, and storing wild foods Took thousands of years to shift from complete Took thousands of years to shift from complete

dependence on wild foods to a diet with very few dependence on wild foods to a diet with very few wild foodswild foods In early stages of food production people both collected In early stages of food production people both collected

wild foods and raised cultivated oneswild foods and raised cultivated ones

Transition from Hunter-gatherer Transition from Hunter-gatherer societies to Farming societiessocieties to Farming societies

Transition came rather fast in Fertile Crescent, as late as Transition came rather fast in Fertile Crescent, as late as 9000 B.C. people still had no crops or domestic animals 9000 B.C. people still had no crops or domestic animals were entirely dependent on wild foodswere entirely dependent on wild foods

By 6000 B.C. some societies were almost completely By 6000 B.C. some societies were almost completely dependent on crops and domestic animalsdependent on crops and domestic animals

Fertile Crescent may have faced less competition from the Fertile Crescent may have faced less competition from the hunter-gatherer lifestyles than in other areashunter-gatherer lifestyles than in other areas Food production package soon became superior to the hunter-Food production package soon became superior to the hunter-

gatherer lifestylegatherer lifestyle Two-way link between rise in human population density and Two-way link between rise in human population density and

the rise in food productionthe rise in food production Much denser populations of food producers enabled them to Much denser populations of food producers enabled them to

displace or kill hunter-gatherers by sheer numbersdisplace or kill hunter-gatherers by sheer numbers In areas suitable for food production hunter-gatherers met 2 In areas suitable for food production hunter-gatherers met 2

fates:fates: Displaced by neighboring food producersDisplaced by neighboring food producers Survived by adopting food production themselvesSurvived by adopting food production themselves

AreaArea Cereals, other Cereals, other grassesgrasses

PulsesPulses FiberFiber Roots, TubersRoots, Tubers MelonsMelons

Fertile Fertile CrescentCrescent

Emmer wheat, Emmer wheat, einkorn wheat, barleyeinkorn wheat, barley

Pea, lentil, Pea, lentil, chickpeachickpea

flaxflax muskmelonmuskmelon

ChinaChina Foxtail millet, Foxtail millet, broomcorn millet, broomcorn millet, ricerice

Soybean, adzuki Soybean, adzuki bean, mung bean, mung beanbean

hemphemp [Muskmelon[Muskmelon]]

MesoameriMesoamericaca

CornCorn Common bean, Common bean, tepary bean, tepary bean, scarlet runner scarlet runner beanbean

Cotton, yucca, Cotton, yucca, agaveagave

JicamaJicama SquashesSquashes

Andes, Andes, AmazoniaAmazonia

Quinoa, [corn]Quinoa, [corn] Lima bean, Lima bean, common bean, common bean, peanutpeanut

cottoncotton Manioc, sweet Manioc, sweet potato, potato, potato, ocapotato, oca

SquashesSquashes

West Africa West Africa and Saheland Sahel

Sorghum, pearl Sorghum, pearl millet, African ricemillet, African rice

Cowpea, Cowpea, groundnutgroundnut

cottoncotton African yamsAfrican yams WatermelonWatermelon, bottle , bottle gourdgourd

IndiaIndia [wheat, barley, rice, [wheat, barley, rice, sorghum, millets]sorghum, millets]

Hyacinth bean, Hyacinth bean, black gram, black gram, green gramgreen gram

Cotton, flaxCotton, flax CucumberCucumber

EthiopiaEthiopia Teff, finger millet Teff, finger millet [wheat, barley][wheat, barley]

[pea, lentil][pea, lentil] [flax][flax]

Eastern Eastern United United statesstates

Maygrass, little Maygrass, little barley, knotweed, barley, knotweed, goosefootgoosefoot

Jerusalem Jerusalem artichokeartichoke

SquashSquash

New New GuineaGuinea

Sugar caneSugar cane Yams, taroYams, taro

Examples of Early Major Crop Types around the Ancient WorldExamples of Early Major Crop Types around the Ancient World

Crop DomesticationCrop Domestication Growing a plant and thereby consciously or Growing a plant and thereby consciously or

unconsciously, causing it to change genetically unconsciously, causing it to change genetically from its wild ancestor in ways of making it more from its wild ancestor in ways of making it more useful to human consumersuseful to human consumers

There are 200,000 of species of flowering plants There are 200,000 of species of flowering plants Only few thousand eaten by humansOnly few thousand eaten by humans

Few hundred have been domesticatedFew hundred have been domesticated Only few areas of the world developed food Only few areas of the world developed food

production independently, and did so at widely production independently, and did so at widely different timesdifferent times

Food production arose independently in: Food production arose independently in: Fertile Crescent, China, Mesoamerica (central and Fertile Crescent, China, Mesoamerica (central and

southern Mexico and adjacent areas of central America), southern Mexico and adjacent areas of central America), Andes and possibly adjacent Amazon Basin, Eastern Andes and possibly adjacent Amazon Basin, Eastern United StatesUnited States

Earliest in the Fertile Crescent for both plant and Earliest in the Fertile Crescent for both plant and animal domesticationanimal domestication Largest zone of Mediterranean climateLargest zone of Mediterranean climate

Mild wet winters, long hot dry summersMild wet winters, long hot dry summers

Animal DomesticationAnimal Domestication Animal selectively bred in captivity and thereby Animal selectively bred in captivity and thereby

modified from its wild ancestors, for use by humans modified from its wild ancestors, for use by humans who control the animal’s breeding and food supplywho control the animal’s breeding and food supply wild animals being transformed into something more wild animals being transformed into something more

useful to humansuseful to humans Candidate for domestication:Candidate for domestication:

any terrestrial herbivorous or omnivorous mammal species any terrestrial herbivorous or omnivorous mammal species weighing over 100 lbweighing over 100 lb

only 14 such species were domesticated before 20th century.only 14 such species were domesticated before 20th century. Eurasia had most candidates, 72 due to large Eurasia had most candidates, 72 due to large

landmass, diverse ecology, habitats ranging from landmass, diverse ecology, habitats ranging from tropical rain forests through temperate forests, tropical rain forests through temperate forests, deserts and marshes to tundra’sdeserts and marshes to tundra’s

Lost fewest candidates to extinction in the last 40,000 yearsLost fewest candidates to extinction in the last 40,000 years Percentage of candidates actually domesticated is highest in Percentage of candidates actually domesticated is highest in

EurasiaEurasia

Animal DomesticationAnimal Domestication 5 out of 14 became widespread and important 5 out of 14 became widespread and important

around the world:around the world: Cow, sheep, goat, pig and horseCow, sheep, goat, pig and horse

many have changed in various ways from their ancestorsmany have changed in various ways from their ancestors cows, pigs, and sheep became smaller cows, pigs, and sheep became smaller several have smaller brains and less developed organsseveral have smaller brains and less developed organs

no longer needed for use of escape from wild predators no longer needed for use of escape from wild predators

ancient 14 were spread unevenly all over globeancient 14 were spread unevenly all over globe N America, Australia, and sub-Saharan Africa had none N America, Australia, and sub-Saharan Africa had none

at allat all 13/14, including all major 5 confined to Eurasia13/14, including all major 5 confined to Eurasia

Reasons why 134 species were not domesticated:Reasons why 134 species were not domesticated: Growth Rate, Problems of Captive Breeding, Nasty Growth Rate, Problems of Captive Breeding, Nasty

Disposition, Tendency to panic, Social Structure, DietDisposition, Tendency to panic, Social Structure, Diet

Major axes of the ContinentsMajor axes of the Continents East-WestEast-West

Allowed crops to quickly launch agriculture over the Allowed crops to quickly launch agriculture over the band of temperate latitudesband of temperate latitudes

Crops spread so rapidly because they were already well Crops spread so rapidly because they were already well adapted to the regions to which they were spreadingadapted to the regions to which they were spreading

Within 1,600 years the Fertile Crescent package of crops Within 1,600 years the Fertile Crescent package of crops and animals spread over 5,000 miles east-westand animals spread over 5,000 miles east-west

North-SouthNorth-South Large landmasses with a very large north-south axis Large landmasses with a very large north-south axis

results in slow diffusionresults in slow diffusion Africa and The AmericasAfrica and The Americas

Most of the Fertile Crescent founder crops reached Egypt Most of the Fertile Crescent founder crops reached Egypt very quickly and spread to Ethiopia, but stopped after thatvery quickly and spread to Ethiopia, but stopped after that

Domesticates never made it south of the equator until Domesticates never made it south of the equator until around 8,000 years after they were domesticated in the around 8,000 years after they were domesticated in the Fertile CrescentFertile Crescent

Fertile CrescentFertile Crescent Fertile Crescent’s first domesticated crops Fertile Crescent’s first domesticated crops

and animals came to meet humanity’s basic and animals came to meet humanity’s basic needs:needs: Carbohydrates, protein, fat, clothing, traction Carbohydrates, protein, fat, clothing, traction

and transportand transport Earliest site for many developments:Earliest site for many developments:

Cities, writing, empires and civilizationCities, writing, empires and civilization All sprang from a dense human population, stored food All sprang from a dense human population, stored food

surpluses, and feeding non-farming specialists made surpluses, and feeding non-farming specialists made possible by the rise of food production in form of crop possible by the rise of food production in form of crop cultivation and animal husbandrycultivation and animal husbandry

Continental differences in axis orientation Continental differences in axis orientation affected the diffusion of food production, and affected the diffusion of food production, and other technologies and inventionsother technologies and inventions The invention of the wheel in Southwest Asia spread The invention of the wheel in Southwest Asia spread

rapidly west and east within a few centuriesrapidly west and east within a few centuries The wheel invented independently in Mexico failed to The wheel invented independently in Mexico failed to

spread south to the Andesspread south to the Andes In general, societies that engaged in intense In general, societies that engaged in intense

exchanges of crops, livestock, and technologies exchanges of crops, livestock, and technologies related to food production were more likely to related to food production were more likely to become involved in other exchanges as wellbecome involved in other exchanges as well

People of areas with a head start on food People of areas with a head start on food production thereby gained a head start on production thereby gained a head start on the path leading toward guns, germs, and the path leading toward guns, germs, and

steelsteel

Evolution of GermsEvolution of Germs

Major killers of Major killers of humanity through humanity through our recent history our recent history have been infectious have been infectious disease that evolved disease that evolved from animal from animal diseases:diseases: smallpox, flu, smallpox, flu,

tuberculosis, malaria, tuberculosis, malaria, measles, and cholerameasles, and cholera Man with smallpox

EpidemicsEpidemics Spread quickly and efficientlySpread quickly and efficiently Illness is acuteIllness is acute Ones who recover develop antibodiesOnes who recover develop antibodies Tend to be restricted to humansTend to be restricted to humans

Agriculture and the spread of Agriculture and the spread of diseasedisease

Agriculture sustains much higher Agriculture sustains much higher population densities than the hunter-population densities than the hunter-gatherer lifestylegatherer lifestyle

Farmers are sedentary and live amid Farmers are sedentary and live amid their sewagetheir sewage

WritingWriting Use of writing Use of writing

originated in Southwest originated in Southwest Asia, Mesoamerica, and Asia, Mesoamerica, and ChinaChina

Other culturesOther cultures Blueprint copyingBlueprint copying Idea diffusionIdea diffusion

Initially used in complex Initially used in complex stratified societies by stratified societies by elite groupselite groups

Writing was Writing was not not used used by hunter-gather by hunter-gather societiessocieties

Some complex Some complex societies never societies never developed writingdeveloped writing (i.e. Incas, sub-(i.e. Incas, sub-

Saharan West Africa)Saharan West Africa)

TechnologyTechnology

First printed (stamped) document First printed (stamped) document

Cretan Minoan Phaistos disk - 1700 B.C.Cretan Minoan Phaistos disk - 1700 B.C.

TechnologyTechnology

For inventions to flourish, society For inventions to flourish, society must accept them.must accept them.

InfluencesInfluences Economic advantageEconomic advantage Social value and prestigeSocial value and prestige Compatibility with vested interestsCompatibility with vested interests East with which advantages can be East with which advantages can be

observedobserved

Levels of SocietyLevels of Society

BandBand 5 to 80 people5 to 80 people Related by bloodRelated by blood NomadicNomadic

TribeTribe Hundreds of peopleHundreds of people Fixed settlementsFixed settlements

ChiefdomChiefdom Thousands of peopleThousands of people Intensive Food Intensive Food

ProductionProduction

StatesStates Over 50,000 peopleOver 50,000 people Many villages and a Many villages and a

capitalcapital One or more languages One or more languages

and ethnicitiesand ethnicities Good at developing Good at developing

weapons for war, weapons for war, providing troops, and providing troops, and promoting religionpromoting religion

Australia is by far the driest, smallest, flattest, most infertile, Australia is by far the driest, smallest, flattest, most infertile, climatically most unpredictable, and biologically most impoverished climatically most unpredictable, and biologically most impoverished continentcontinent

Australia is the sole continent where, in modern times, all native Australia is the sole continent where, in modern times, all native peoples still lived without any of the hallmarks of so-called peoples still lived without any of the hallmarks of so-called civilization-without farming, herding, metal, bows and arrows, civilization-without farming, herding, metal, bows and arrows, substantial buildings, settled villages, writing, chiefdoms, or states.substantial buildings, settled villages, writing, chiefdoms, or states.

Native AustraliansNative Australians

Developed some of the Developed some of the earliest known stone earliest known stone toolstools

Developed by far the Developed by far the earliest watercraftearliest watercraft

Australia was colonized Australia was colonized by Europeansby Europeans Today Australia is Today Australia is

populated and governed by populated and governed by 20 million non-Aborigines20 million non-Aborigines

most of them of European most of them of European descentdescent

New GuineaNew Guinea

New Guinea became the part of Greater New Guinea became the part of Greater Australia with the most-advanced technology, Australia with the most-advanced technology, social and political organization, and art.social and political organization, and art.

New Guinea’s population is not only small in New Guinea’s population is not only small in aggregate, but also fragmented into thousands aggregate, but also fragmented into thousands of micro populations by the rugged terrain: of micro populations by the rugged terrain: swamps in much of the lowlandsswamps in much of the lowlands steep-sided ridges and narrow canyons alternating steep-sided ridges and narrow canyons alternating

with each other in the highlandswith each other in the highlands dense jungle swathing both the lowlands and the dense jungle swathing both the lowlands and the

highlands.highlands.

Why Australia did not develop metal Why Australia did not develop metal tools, writing and politically complex tools, writing and politically complex

societiessocieties

Aborigines remained hunter-gatherersAborigines remained hunter-gatherers other societies developed populous and other societies developed populous and

economically specialized societieseconomically specialized societies Australia’s aridity, infertility, and climatic Australia’s aridity, infertility, and climatic

unpredictability limited its hunter-gatherer unpredictability limited its hunter-gatherer population to only a few hundred thousand population to only a few hundred thousand people people compared with tens of millions of people compared with tens of millions of people

elsewhere in the world.elsewhere in the world. Meant Australians had far fewer potential inventorsMeant Australians had far fewer potential inventors

North and South ChineseNorth and South Chinese

Northern and Southern Chinese are Northern and Southern Chinese are genetically and physically differentgenetically and physically different Northern Chinese Northern Chinese

more similar to Tibetans and Nepalese more similar to Tibetans and Nepalese they tend to be taller, heavier, and paler, they tend to be taller, heavier, and paler, with more painted noses, and eyes that with more painted noses, and eyes that

appear more slantedappear more slanted Southern Chinese Southern Chinese

more similar to Vietnamese and Filipino'smore similar to Vietnamese and Filipino's

How China became ChineseHow China became Chinese

From the beginnings of literacy in China, it has had only a single From the beginnings of literacy in China, it has had only a single writing systemwriting system Modern Europe uses dozens of modified alphabetsModern Europe uses dozens of modified alphabets

Of China’s 1.2 billion people, over 800 million speak MandarinOf China’s 1.2 billion people, over 800 million speak Mandarin language with by far the largest number of native speakers in the world.language with by far the largest number of native speakers in the world.

China has been Chinese, almost from the beginnings of its recorded China has been Chinese, almost from the beginnings of its recorded historyhistory

TechnologyTechnology China’s east-west rivers facilitated diffusion of crops and technology China’s east-west rivers facilitated diffusion of crops and technology

between the coast and the inlandbetween the coast and the inland Developed by far the earliest cast iron in 500 B.C.Developed by far the earliest cast iron in 500 B.C.

The following 1500 years saw the outpouring of Chinese inventions The following 1500 years saw the outpouring of Chinese inventions paper, the compass, the wheelbarrow, and gunpowderpaper, the compass, the wheelbarrow, and gunpowder

PolynesiaPolynesia

Austronesian realm-Taiwan, the Austronesian realm-Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and many Philippines, Indonesia, and many pacific islands was originally pacific islands was originally occupied by hunter-gatherers occupied by hunter-gatherers lacking stone tools, pottery, domestic lacking stone tools, pottery, domestic

animals and cropsanimals and crops Beginning around the fourth Beginning around the fourth

millennium B.C. polished stone tools millennium B.C. polished stone tools and pottery were present on Taiwan and pottery were present on Taiwan and other islandsand other islands

The last phases of expansion during The last phases of expansion during the millennium after A.D. 1 resulted the millennium after A.D. 1 resulted in the colonization of every in the colonization of every Polynesian and Micronesian island Polynesian and Micronesian island capable of supporting humans.capable of supporting humans.

Double outrigger canoeDouble outrigger canoe

The double outrigger The double outrigger canoe allowed travel canoe allowed travel between the islandsbetween the islands

The invention of the The invention of the double outrigger double outrigger canoe may have been canoe may have been the technological the technological breakthrough that breakthrough that triggered the triggered the Austronesian Austronesian expansion from the expansion from the Chinese mainlandChinese mainland

Hemispheres collidingHemispheres colliding

The largest population replacement of the The largest population replacement of the last 1300 years has been the one resulting last 1300 years has been the one resulting from the recent collision between old and from the recent collision between old and new world societiesnew world societies

Why Europeans reached and Why Europeans reached and conquered the lands of Native conquered the lands of Native

Americans, instead of Vice Americans, instead of Vice VersaVersa

The most glaring difference between The most glaring difference between American and Eurasian food production American and Eurasian food production involved big domestic mammal speciesinvolved big domestic mammal species Eurasians had 13 large mammal speciesEurasians had 13 large mammal species

became its chief source of animal protein, became its chief source of animal protein, wool, and hides, and people and goods wool, and hides, and people and goods transport compared to Americas one species.transport compared to Americas one species.

Proximate factors behind the Proximate factors behind the conquest of the Americasconquest of the Americas

Differences in germs, technology, political organization and writingDifferences in germs, technology, political organization and writing Diseases-the infectious diseases that regularly visited Eurasian societies: Diseases-the infectious diseases that regularly visited Eurasian societies:

small pox, measles, influenza, cholera, plague, tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria and otherssmall pox, measles, influenza, cholera, plague, tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria and others Native Americans hadn’t developed the immunity of genetic resistance to these Native Americans hadn’t developed the immunity of genetic resistance to these

diseases like Eurasian’s haddiseases like Eurasian’s had

Advantages of European Advantages of European invaders over the Americasinvaders over the Americas

Eurasia’s long head start on human Eurasia’s long head start on human settlementsettlement

More effective food productionMore effective food production greater availability of domesticable wild greater availability of domesticable wild

plants and especially animalsplants and especially animals Europe’s less formidable geographic Europe’s less formidable geographic

and ecological barriersand ecological barriers

AfricaAfrica

Most Americans and many Europeans Most Americans and many Europeans equate native Africans with blacksequate native Africans with blacks Even before the arrival of white colonists, Even before the arrival of white colonists,

Africa already harbored blacks and whitesAfrica already harbored blacks and whites One quarter of the worlds languages are One quarter of the worlds languages are

spoken only in Africaspoken only in Africa Humans have lived in Africa longer than Humans have lived in Africa longer than

anywhere elseanywhere else Our remote ancestors originated there around Our remote ancestors originated there around

7 million years ago7 million years ago anatomically modern homo sapiens probably arose anatomically modern homo sapiens probably arose

there since thenthere since then

Food ProductionFood Production Earliest known evidence of food Earliest known evidence of food

production comes from the Saharaproduction comes from the Sahara Saharans began to tend cattle and make Saharans began to tend cattle and make

pottery (later sheep and goats)pottery (later sheep and goats) Today the Sahara is too dry for food Today the Sahara is too dry for food

productionproduction Also arose in West Africa and Ethiopia Also arose in West Africa and Ethiopia

by around 2500 B.C.by around 2500 B.C.

Africa’s collision with EuropeAfrica’s collision with Europe

Just as in their encounter with Native Americans, Just as in their encounter with Native Americans, Europeans entering Africa enjoyed the triple Europeans entering Africa enjoyed the triple advantage of guns and other technology, widespread advantage of guns and other technology, widespread literacy, and political organizationliteracy, and political organization All 3 advantages arose from food productionAll 3 advantages arose from food production

Smaller area for indigenous food productionSmaller area for indigenous food production North-South axis which retarded the spread of food production North-South axis which retarded the spread of food production

and inventionsand inventions Africa’s paucity of domesticable native plane and animal Africa’s paucity of domesticable native plane and animal

speciesspecies Europe’s colonization of Africa had nothing to do with Europe’s colonization of Africa had nothing to do with

the differences between European and African the differences between European and African peoples themselves as white racists assumepeoples themselves as white racists assume due to accidents of Geography and biogeographydue to accidents of Geography and biogeography

Good Points:Good Points:

He reviews human history on every He reviews human history on every continent since the ice agecontinent since the ice age

Gives the history of mankind in a Gives the history of mankind in a unique and insightful way.unique and insightful way.

Explains our world’s geography, Explains our world’s geography, demography, and ecological demography, and ecological changes.changes.

Bad Points:Bad Points:

Very repetitive throughout the bookVery repetitive throughout the book He asks more questions than he He asks more questions than he

answersanswers goes too in depth about some thingsgoes too in depth about some things

ex. seeds, where he could be focusing ex. seeds, where he could be focusing ononother important things, and if you have other important things, and if you have any others any others