The Big Picture

The Beginning Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old Modern human civilization has been around for less than 7,000 years Modern human civilization has been around for less than 7,000 years

Ancient Greece – BCE height First to introduce direct democracy. First to introduce direct democracy. Voting was restricted to male property owners. Voting was restricted to male property owners. Tradition of philosophy, architecture, and western culture. Tradition of philosophy, architecture, and western culture.

Roman Republic 300BC-300AD First to introduce representative government First to introduce representative government Established a Republic and Senate. Established a Republic and Senate. Ruled ¼ of the human population at its peak Ruled ¼ of the human population at its peak

Judaism & Christianity The 10 Commandments The 10 Commandments Monotheism-belief in one God Monotheism-belief in one God Judeo-Christian heritage and influence in America Judeo-Christian heritage and influence in America

The Middle Ages & The Magna Carta 300 AD Also known as the Dark Ages Also known as the Dark Ages No true democratic government; mostly monarchy No true democratic government; mostly monarchy Magna Carta signed in 1215; first time a sovereign was forced to yield power Magna Carta signed in 1215; first time a sovereign was forced to yield power

The Renaissance th -17 th century 14 th -17 th century Golden age of art, music, and science Golden age of art, music, and science Age of Exploration and discovery of the New World Age of Exploration and discovery of the New World

The Reformation Revolt against abuse of religion Revolt against abuse of religion Sale of indulgences Sale of indulgences Martin Luther Martin Luther New branches of Christianity New branches of Christianity

English Bill of Rights Forced King to accept representation of Parliament Forced King to accept representation of Parliament Right to petition and right to bear arms Right to petition and right to bear arms

The Enlightenment 18 th and 19 th centuries 18 th and 19 th centuries Scientific Revolution Scientific Revolution New ideas about government and natural rights New ideas about government and natural rights John Locke & Montesquieu John Locke & Montesquieu

Stop & Think! Humans have only been around for a very short period of time within earth’s 4.5 billion year history, so why do we consider ourselves to be so important? Are we? Humans have only been around for a very short period of time within earth’s 4.5 billion year history, so why do we consider ourselves to be so important? Are we?