List 3 reasons some civilizations are able to conquer others. Warm Up 2/26 (#1) List 3 reasons some civilizations are able to conquer others.

February 26, 2018 Learning Target (I can…): Explain Jared Diamond’s theory about conquered civilizations Explain how environment/culture affect a civilization’s development Upcoming Dates 2/27: Age of Exploration reading Take Out: Notes Agenda: Jared Diamond and counter-theories Skills: Note taking Hypothesizing and synthesizing

What was his theory as to how Europe conquered so much of the world? Jared Diamond What was his theory as to how Europe conquered so much of the world? Guns, Germs, Steel

We already know this theory wasn’t perfect in Africa. Why? GGS and Africa We already know this theory wasn’t perfect in Africa. Why? Germs went both ways.

What is the bigger question? Why did some areas have major technological advancements and others do not?

Jared’s answer combines the 5 themes and Maslow’s hierarchy. Geography and Maslow Jared’s answer combines the 5 themes and Maslow’s hierarchy.

JD: Geography and Maslow What does Maslow tell us is needed in order for our brains to create and innovate?

JD: Geography and Maslow Europe, because of it’s geographical shape, location, and climate had greater access to a wider variety of plants/animals that could be domesticated Basically, Europe got lucky with geography, making farming easier.

JD: Geography and Maslow More variety = easier farming = food surplus

More surplus More Security More relationships and time for exploring/innovating Larger sustainable population Greater/farther reaching empire possibilities

How does this fit in with what we know of Africa prior to Imperialism? Turn and Discuss How does this fit in with what we know of Africa prior to Imperialism?

Other ways Diamond’s theory doesn’t work in Africa What major event greatly disrupted growth in Africa prior to colonization?

Remember this? - Challenges for Africa: Depopulation …in 1600, nearly 30% of the world’s population lives in Africa. By 1900, under 10% of the world’s population lives in Africa. …the population of Africa in 1850 has been estimated to have been only about half of what it would have been had slavery and the slave trade not been a factor in African history.

Holes in the GGS Theory Only looked at specific civilizations that fit his theory (specific evidence!)  Doesn’t explain Mesopotamia, Alexander the Great, Ottoman Empire, etc. Doesn’t take culture, individual action, or prior events into account Alexander’s military greatness, Latin American culture, slave trade, religion Often criticized for minimizing racism/choice involved

Turn and Discuss Does this theory of limited geography fit with what we know of Latin America?

Let’s Review Aztecs Incas Mayans In decline, mostly scattered on Yucatan Peninsula Aztecs Large but unstable Conquered cities starting to resent human sacrifice Incas Just coming out of Civil War with Atahualpa in power

Homework Due Tuesday Critically read (highlight and thoughtful annotations) OR Take careful notes on the Age of Exploration Reading. (Focus on who, where, why)

Exit Ticket What do you think? Is Diamond’s Guns, Germs, Steel theory valid? Does it work enough to apply broadly? Why or why not?