1. Guns, Germs, & Steel – Episode 1
LT: I can analyze a documentary on Jared Diamond’s theory of ‘Geographic Luck’ to understand the concept better.
Guns, Germs, & Steel – Episode 1
Warm up question: Why do some countries have an abundance of wealth and riches while others have remained poor for most of their history?

2. Guns, Germs, & Steel – Ep. 1
A 3-part documentary explainingJared Diamond’s theory on why Europeans came to be the most powerful civilizations in the world.
He argues that instead of biological traits or ingenuity, geographic factors are responsible for setting some civilizations up for success.
These factors weren’t present in every civilization, so some had geographic advantages, or ‘Geographic Luck’
Ep. 1 is about ‘Geographic Luck’

3. Geographic Luck - While watching documentary:
1. Follow along and answer the questions on the documentary guide.
2. Keep in mind what YOU think of Diamond’s claim. Ask yourself:
Does Diamond have the AUTHORITY to back up his claim?
Does your INTUITION tell you the claim is true?
Does Diamond provide you with enough EVIDENCE to believe his claim?
Is Diamond’s claim LOGICAL; does it make sense?

4. Reflection Questions:
Do you agree or disagree with Jared Diamond’s theory about geography being the main determining factor in which countries became rich and powerful ?
In 4-6 sentences, explain your reasons why using specific reasons, facts, and examples.
What might be some other reasons, besides better geographic factors, that might explain why some countries become rich and powerful when others don’t? Write 2 sentences explaining your thoughts.