Second-Wave Civilizations in World History (Part Two) and State and Empire in Eurasia/North Africa (Chapter 3)
The introduction to part two gave us a sneak peak about the importance of civilization, but on a larger-scale (Strayer, 97) than we read about before, though "not much" different than the First Civilizations (Strayer, 98), revealing that this spread of humans and increase in population had a large impact on history and contributes to modern society, as the graph on page 99 reveals that after each civilization the population only increased. It also discusses that while the "wave" (Strayer, 97) of civilization of was "impressive" (Strayer, 97), it is important to note that the empires ended up collapsing.
One point that struck me the most in reading about the system of government of Greek city-states was that although Greece was emerging through the participation of even the poorest of citizens (Strayer, 113), "women, slaves, and foreigners" were excluded completely (Strayer, 113). Even from the earliest of times, women especially were viewed as less than. Although I appreciate the fact that the poorest of men were allowed to vote, it is quite saddening to read that these other populations were not, even though their status was inherent; their being was out of their control. It is somehow worse than just the rich being allowed to vote because the fact that poor men could presents a big message that women, slaves, and foreigners were highly disregarded in society.
Yet still, a product of the victory of the Greeks in the Greco-Persian wars was the "Western worldview" that Asia and power was represented by Persia, and Europe and "freedom" was signified by Greece (Strayer, 113). Yet still, Europe represented "freedom" even though women, slaves and foreigners were excluded from public holdings and participation. I point this out to highlight the irony, and that their definition of "freedom" differs from how we perceive it today in America; it is so distanced from valuing all people of a region as human beings. However, it is still evident that their is a disregarded view for foreigners today in America by political leaders, despite all the progress we've made toward civil rights.
Another point I believe should receive attention is the emergence of the Age of Greek. The power of "enormous pride" (Strayer, 113) resulting from the Greek's Persian defeat influenced the flourishing of Greek culture that is still relevant to society today. For instance, the discoveries of Greek philosopher Socrates are taught to students in many schools across the country. It is inspiring to read about the power of pride, and how it can change a population of people. It can unite and bring people together, and thus influence the brain.
The early oppression toward women and slaves, and this time children, is also seen in the emergence of the Roman empire, wherein "warfare" impacted Roman society, shaping the appropriate roles of men and women" (Strayer 120). This resulted into a society where men were dominant, but the point that struck me the most was that this culture in Roman society also included "the theoretical right to kill [the wife, children, and slaves] without interference from the state," and that he basically owned them (Strayer, 120). I just think that this happened on such an extreme level. Sure masculine roles are understandable, but to the fact that a large part of contributing, valuable members of society are regarded as objects is really geared toward the idea of a "free man." It is so surprising to read about this form of society because it highly contrasts with today's commonly accepted morals and legislations.
Although it doesn't do much to get angry at a history textbook, frustration can lead to reflecting on how different modern society is today from what we read because it allows us to imagine what life was like in history. Strayer specifically highlights that it is important not to "use (and perhaps misuse) historical analogies" to make cases for "particular points of view in the present" (Strayer, 135), so I will be careful not to argue that these civilizations contributed to where we are today. In reading about the collapse of the two imperial states, we see that military instability was one of the reasons for the fall of the Roman empire. Strayer emphasizes how there were not enough "men" available to defend the "empire's long frontiers" (Strayer, 128). Although this little fact may same small and irrelevant, it really stood out to me because it emphasized that it was generally men who could partake in the military at this time. There is no mention of women, it is not even gender-neutral. We can note the progress the world has made, but men are still more prevalent.
Strayer, Robert and Eric W. Nelson. "Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources." 3rd ed. Bedford/St. Martin's. 105-135. Print.
One point that struck me the most in reading about the system of government of Greek city-states was that although Greece was emerging through the participation of even the poorest of citizens (Strayer, 113), "women, slaves, and foreigners" were excluded completely (Strayer, 113). Even from the earliest of times, women especially were viewed as less than. Although I appreciate the fact that the poorest of men were allowed to vote, it is quite saddening to read that these other populations were not, even though their status was inherent; their being was out of their control. It is somehow worse than just the rich being allowed to vote because the fact that poor men could presents a big message that women, slaves, and foreigners were highly disregarded in society.
Yet still, a product of the victory of the Greeks in the Greco-Persian wars was the "Western worldview" that Asia and power was represented by Persia, and Europe and "freedom" was signified by Greece (Strayer, 113). Yet still, Europe represented "freedom" even though women, slaves and foreigners were excluded from public holdings and participation. I point this out to highlight the irony, and that their definition of "freedom" differs from how we perceive it today in America; it is so distanced from valuing all people of a region as human beings. However, it is still evident that their is a disregarded view for foreigners today in America by political leaders, despite all the progress we've made toward civil rights.
Another point I believe should receive attention is the emergence of the Age of Greek. The power of "enormous pride" (Strayer, 113) resulting from the Greek's Persian defeat influenced the flourishing of Greek culture that is still relevant to society today. For instance, the discoveries of Greek philosopher Socrates are taught to students in many schools across the country. It is inspiring to read about the power of pride, and how it can change a population of people. It can unite and bring people together, and thus influence the brain.
The early oppression toward women and slaves, and this time children, is also seen in the emergence of the Roman empire, wherein "warfare" impacted Roman society, shaping the appropriate roles of men and women" (Strayer 120). This resulted into a society where men were dominant, but the point that struck me the most was that this culture in Roman society also included "the theoretical right to kill [the wife, children, and slaves] without interference from the state," and that he basically owned them (Strayer, 120). I just think that this happened on such an extreme level. Sure masculine roles are understandable, but to the fact that a large part of contributing, valuable members of society are regarded as objects is really geared toward the idea of a "free man." It is so surprising to read about this form of society because it highly contrasts with today's commonly accepted morals and legislations.
Although it doesn't do much to get angry at a history textbook, frustration can lead to reflecting on how different modern society is today from what we read because it allows us to imagine what life was like in history. Strayer specifically highlights that it is important not to "use (and perhaps misuse) historical analogies" to make cases for "particular points of view in the present" (Strayer, 135), so I will be careful not to argue that these civilizations contributed to where we are today. In reading about the collapse of the two imperial states, we see that military instability was one of the reasons for the fall of the Roman empire. Strayer emphasizes how there were not enough "men" available to defend the "empire's long frontiers" (Strayer, 128). Although this little fact may same small and irrelevant, it really stood out to me because it emphasized that it was generally men who could partake in the military at this time. There is no mention of women, it is not even gender-neutral. We can note the progress the world has made, but men are still more prevalent.
Strayer, Robert and Eric W. Nelson. "Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources." 3rd ed. Bedford/St. Martin's. 105-135. Print.
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