Last class we examined the differences in Human Societies from Hunter Gatherers to Virtual/Mass Consumers.

We discussed the reasons for our advancements from one society to the next and the factors that played an important role in societal advancement.

We discussed the existence of societies that are still considered Hunter Gatherer.

More importantly, we examined the concept of global regions that are have and those that are have not.

Developed World vs Developing World or Underdeveloped World.

Today we hope to explore the differences between the developed and developing world, but more importantly the reasons why these differences exist.

What is a Developed Country? Highly developed economy

What is a Developed Country? Highly developed economy Advanced technological infrastructure

What is a Developed Country? Highly developed economy Advanced technological infrastructure High GDP’s and HDI’s

What is a Developing or Underdeveloped Country? Underdeveloped Industrial base

What is a Developing or Underdeveloped Country? Underdeveloped Industrial base Simple economic structure

What is a Developing or Underdeveloped Country? Underdeveloped Industrial base Simple economic structure Low living standard

What is a Developing or Underdeveloped Country? Underdeveloped Industrial base Simple economic structure Low living standard Low GDP/HDI

Do you notice any trends?

Why do we see the obvious differences in the developed versus the developing world?

Agriculture

Why do we see the obvious differences in the developed versus the developing world? Agriculture History

Why do we see the obvious differences in the developed versus the developing world? Agriculture History Disease

Why do we see the obvious differences in the developed versus the developing world? Agriculture History Disease ULTIMATELY DUE TO GEOGRAPHY!!!

In Jared Diamond’s book Guns Germs and Steel, he looks at the differences between the have and have not regions of the planet.

The most important contributor to these differences is the development of Agriculture.

According to Jared Diamond’s research, Eurasia is at an advantage because of:

Healthier more robust crops such as wheat and barley which can be harvested more easily, feed more people, and be stored for long periods of time.

The presence of wheat leads to agriculture – understanding of how to manipulate plants for human purpose and consumption.

Also, the presence of beasts of burden made tilling the land that much easier and more bountiful.

Both factors lead to grain storages which could ultimately sustain villages.

Larger numbers of people gathering in one place gives people time to specialize in other skill sets as not everyone needs to be a farmer. Both factors lead to grain storages which could ultimately sustain villages.

Ultimately this leads to the creation of steel and steel tools.

This allowed societies of the Eurasian landmass to make the transition from hunter/gatherer to farming communities to early civilizations.

Because it is easier to transfer agro-technologies along lines of latitude (east-west), than longitude (north-south), the development of societies followed this pattern.

Civilizations thus spread from the Fertile Crescent across the European Continent.

Great Civilizations spring up in Egypt, Greece and Rome. Discovery and enlightenment blossom and greater understanding of the world soon follows.

The fall of the Roman Empire in the 6 th Century was followed by a millennium often referred to as the Dark Ages.

Highlighted by a period of intellectual darkness and economic regression.

The Renaissance period or rebirth was exactly that. Classical Thinking Art Literature Science/Math Governments Human Rights and Freedoms

Technologies and institutions were designed primarily in a small area of north-western Europe.

After the Scientific Revolution in Europe in the 16th century, the quality of life increased and wealth began to spread to the middle class. This included agricultural techniques, machines, and medicines fsY

These technologies and models readily spread to areas colonized by Europe which happened to be of similar climate, such as North America and Australia. As these areas also became centres of innovation, this trend was further enhanced.

Technologies from automobiles to power lines are more often designed for colder and drier regions, since most of their customers are from these regions. Since these technologies were designed for the wealthy, they made them more wealthy and thus more able to fund technological development.

Since these technologies were designed for the wealthy, they made them more wealthy and thus more able to fund technological development.

Thus fuelling yet another circle of life.

Ticks, mosquitoes, and rats, which transfer disease to humans, benefit from warmer temperatures and higher humidity.

There is also a long malarial belt spanning the equatorial portions of the globe; the disease is especially deadly to children under the age of five.

High infant mortality rates also have an effect on the wealth of a nation. Families tend to have more children to compensate for this, keeping women out of the workforce and education for the children becomes less important.