1. EuroPean Background
U.S. History

2. Influence of Western Civilization
Characteristics of a civilization
Written Communication
Peace and order over a large area
Common/agreed upon means for settling disputes & interacting (Hammurabi, 12 Tables)
Economic base that promotes trade
Classical Heritage
Golden Age of Greece-Philosophers observed order exists in the universe is not man made
Roman Republic-Natural Law- Law of Nature can be discovered through logical human reasoning
Renaissance-Emphasis on importance of intellectual development, excellence in artistic expression, and relationship between trade and wealth.

3. In the ancient & medieval world: City- states/kingdoms/empires
Essential features of nation-states
Independent of other nations
All power & authority exercised within its boundaries are contained within the nation
No outside power has legal authority
Rise of Nation-States

4. Age of Discovery (15th-16th Century)
Europeans discover North & South America.
Renaissance era had reawakened interest in learning
15th century technical developments
Better tools for determining directions
Bigger, better ships
Printing press; books about explorer’s discoveries fascinated people
International trade provided greater incentive for longer voyages
Consolidation of kingdoms into nation-states made more wealth available to fund exploration
Age of Discovery (15th-16th Century)