1. Determinisms
A set of theories designed to identify the causes and effects of human history
search for the underlying motives that drive the actions of individuals and large groups
In turn, these actions or events go on to become causes themselves, creating their own effects and driving the historical continuum
As with any theory, these are to be taken at face value and serve best as organizers of info, not the absolute truth of it

2. Four Categories of Determinism
Economic determinism
Technological determinism
Ideological determinism
Geopolitical (geographic) determinism

3. Economic Determinism
the driving force behind human societies and their development is the need for resources and the search for wealth
access to resources and the greed of “elites” creates classes and class strife (Marx)
management of resources dominates international relations and national politics (Smith)
different levels (macro / micro / national / global)

4. Technological Determinism
Appearance of new inventions, methods or knowledge impacts course of history
Technological determinism falls into two subcategories:
Hard Determinism
Soft Determinism
“Hard” or “Soft”??? You decide? Both? Neither? Open to interpretation and debate

5. Ideological Determinism
Belief systems (religions, philosophies, nationalism, racism, etc…) drive peoples actions and propel history forward
Ideas as the motive behind events; people are active participants in the process

6. Geopolitical Determinism
Forces driving history closely linked to factors of geographic location and physical environment
climate / terrain / neighbors
cultural diffusion / cultural differentiation
location, location, location!
cultural traits tied to physical condition and unique to particular environments

7. How we will use determinisms
To assess causes behind major events
To organize information by categorizing causes and gauging their roles in creating effects (a.k.a. creating history)
To provide fuel for various in-class, quiz, exam and writing assignment questions
To intrigue or annoy you… or both?