There have been many arguments in recent years stating that teaching AP European History presents a eurocentric view of the world. Do you think it is appropriate to teach European History while not focusing on other regions of the world?
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Read Examples of Purported Eurocentrism to introduce yourself to the issue of eurocentrism. Then read the prologue and outlined theory of Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel (Take notes as you read to help formulate your argument.)
2. Write a one paragraph statement of your opinion on the appropriateness of studying European history. Articles are there to help you better understand the issue. The purpose of the assignment is not to restate the information you read, but rather for you to formulate an educated argument. MAKE SURE TO SIGN YOUR POST WITH YOUR FULL NAME AND PERIOD NUMBER. (Username is not enough information to receive credit.)
3. Once other students begin to post, select another student's post and comment with a statement of support or disagreement. This post should also be one paragraph long. Be sure to write the full name of the student you are responding to and SIGN YOUR FULL NAME AND PERIOD NUMBERr.
REMEMBER: This is an academic post. Use only academic language (meaning no slang, abbreviations, etc.) You will be graded on the quality of this post, so be sure you are producing your best work and not regurgitating a classmates views.
MUST BE POSTED BY MONDAY AT 3:30 PM!!!
55 comments:
I believe it is appropriate to look at European history even though there are many other interesting places in the world. Europe was the place that great ideas flourished and dark times emerged. I believe it is a necessity to focus on the history of Europe to better understand how the rest of the world came to be as great as it is. Times like the renaissance gave us beautiful art and music and the dark ages gave us knowledge to learn from for the future. Even though there are so many different places with wonderful history I believe that Europe has so much to offer and so much amazement to give with its study.
Jade Bessette
Period 2
In my opinion, I also agree that it is appropriate to learn about European history. It would be a shame if we did not learn about the achievements and struggles of one of the greatest civilization, which included Greece, Rome, and others alike. In addition, it will, or to be precise it already did benefited us. We learn from the past in order to move foward in life. It is because of Europe that we live in this country. Besides, where do you think architects got their ideas and models from when they were building the White House. Furthermore, Europe was also a diverse nation too. By studying Europe, we would also learn about other nations that was involved with Europe. So European history is crucial to our generation of young adults and our future. We could even build a better nation from learning about Europe's past.
Andrew Vang
Period 4
I believe that we should learn about Europe eventhough there are many places in the world. I never really thought where Australians came from. Also we could benefit from the mistakes that Europe made and we learn from our mistakes for future reference. Everyone has to come from somewhere like how I mentioned that the Australians came from and where other people originated from. Most Americans came from Europe in some way. Most of our traditions came from Europe. Another thing that I do think is important why we learn about Europe is because they talked about how they were advance compared to many other countries. To my amazement America has shared some of their architecture from the Europeans. That's why America has it. This is why I think Americans could benifit from European history and not make the same mistakes. Also it will teach us the customs that they have.
Korio Masumoto
Period 2
What is so important about European history? Why do we focus more on to Europe and not to other places in the world? Well, come to think about it, Europe is basically the base of everything we have now. Hundreds of years ago, Europe had many educated scholars, scientists, and philosophers that made Europeans lives easier and making it possible. Scientists, such as Galileo and Isaac Newton, studied on certain things to help understand why certain things happen and not just by what the church said. Also, some scientists made medicines for the type of diseases that was carried around Europe. Inventors invented things to make Europeans lives easier. They were advanced in technology than any other country in the world. Philosophers had many ideas on how certain things should be. For example, John Locke had the idea of natural rights, which is life, liberty, and property. Believe it or not the natural rights are included in the Constitution of United States. Even though Europe has had these uprisings they had also had the dark ages. The Dark Ages were one of the roughest and most dreadful times in Europe. After that the Renaissance emerged followed by the Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution. Just many ideas have spread all over. The exploration of many European explorers had helped discover new routes and places to spread all the teachings of Europe. So basically, they are the base of everything we have now. Many people have learned from Europeans and extent their ideas to be more complex. They got many ideas from inventors, scientists, and artists. Furthermore, I believe that European history is one of the most important subjects to be focusing on. Although, learning the history of other countries are important as well.
To Andrew Vang: I agree with Andrew Vang’s statement, he says, "we would also learn about other natioins that was involved with Europe." Somewhere along the way when we learn about Europe we will also learn about the nations who were involved with Europe. So essentially, we are learning about other countries as well. It may not be much information as how we are learning about Europe but your still learning about the other countries as well.
European History is significantly important to the way we live from these multiple, critical reasons. Europe is a strong cultivation that we learned from by their accomplishments and consequential errors. They are an immense contribution to how the United States became successful. Some of our ancestors originated from Europe which helped the production of this country by incresing the population. Another substantial subject is trade and how this influenced the extension of this country by attracting more foreigners. In conclusion Europe made many improvements to this country today, and that is why I believe European History should be taught.
Dallas Peters
Period 2
Throughout our education we are taught various subjects and topics. One of the most important subjects is History. For it is essential to have the knowledge of the past and present of your world. European history is a very popular topic taught in classrooms but also a controversial issue, whether the world is viewed in a Eurocentric perspective. Europe is well known for all its art, technology and government. I believe that there is nothing wrong with focusing on European history and not focusing as much on other parts of the world. Looking at the governments around the world today, there are many European influences. Many parts of the world have use Europe as a reference whether in government, art, or technology. So, to many of us in the world Europe is the origin of many thing we live by today and it is important to know and respect Europe. Where is a better place to learn from than the ones who has had the most experience and knowledge of success and failure? Even though we focus more on European history we are not set up for a Eurocentric perspective of the world because we are also being taught about other regions like Africa, China, and the United States of America that we have respect. We not only have the knowledge of Europe but also of the world.
Lisa Moua
Period 6
To: Mellabopeep
I certainly agree with this statement because Europe has influenced many with all their great inventions and ideas. Like stated “Europe is basically the base of everything we have now.” I see that this is true because Europe is like the origin of our everyday life because Europe has influenced most of the things we use today like art, music, government, and technology. We have had refer to many great philosophers, scholars, and scientist from Europe like Galileo, Newton, Isaac, John Locke, and even Mozart. Not only has Europe influence the Constitution but many other things of and in the US. Europe has influence many all over the world.
Lisa Moua
Period 6
Studying European history is not only appropriate but important because our nation derived from Europe. Many famous artists, scholars, and scientists are from Europe and they have so much importance in history. Europe is the place where so many things and ideas come to life that everyone should know about. Also, it is inevitable for us Americans to study about ourselves without focusing on European history, because our histories are closely knotted. However, since our society is so diverse today, consisting of Latin Americans, Asians, Africans, etc., it is also important to focus on other areas of history too.
Sunshine Moua
Per. 2
I believe that European history is a critical and necessary part of any history education course. Many other countries may offer very helpful and valid history, but it is my personal belief that European history plays a key role in the history of the world. Europe influenced many of the historical happenings within other countries, so ultimately the study of other countries and other continents other than Europe and Eurasia would result in the study of Europe and Eurasia. I think that European history has much to offer. When you consider the fact that many of America's systems derive from Europe it is almost impossible to deny the importance of European history. Also, the Renaissance and the Dark Ages provide the best examples of good eras and bad eras and how each one functions. We area ble to see clearly what the reprocussions of a few bad moves are and how we are to deal with them in order to pick up our society.
Jade's Comment:
I agree with Jade when she says that "the Renaissance gave us beautiful art and music and the dark ages gave us knowledge to learn from for the future." I strongly believe that these two time periods provide us with great examples of the good era and the bad era and how we are able to distinguishe and label them as such.
Vanessa Fernandez
P. 2
Ms. Kelly,
In my opinion I do think it is appropriate to learn European History! Europe is very interesting and exciting. We have got to learn where it all started! :)
Andrea Durazo
period: Last Year :)
What is European history? European history is history based on or relating to Europe or its people, languages, or culture. European history is established on the prehistoric times as well as the modern times. I believe it is appropriate to focus on European history because we could learn so much from it and understand its extraordinary culture. European history has so much to offer, such as the: great explorations, eras, middle age, bronze age, Vikings, Conquistadors, etc. If we study and learn European history, we could learn many useful and diverse teachings of Europe. It is important to learn history from Europe because it was Columbus' voyages that led to general European awareness of the hemisphere and the successful establishment of European cultures in the New World. Christopher Columbus was credited as the first European to discover the Americas. Europeans played a great role in discovering the Americas and bringing their unique customs and cultures to a different nation known as the New World. I believe it is vital for our diverse nation to focus, understand, study, and learn the history of Europe.
Ameet Randhawa
Period 6
I strongly know that its vital to learn and have a European History class. With out the European culture we wouldn't have so much understanding to many things in life. Science would have been a joke, music and the arts wouldn't have been known, and many other countries (like the U.S.) would have never been as powerful as today. These people bought the way of life we used now to us and we learned from them. The Europeans helped this very planet become what it is today and thats why i say we need everyone to know about their history.
Michael Ambriz
Period 6
Many of the oldest civilizations are located in Europe. These civilizations have significantly influenced history with the advancements that were made during the past eras. Many countries in today’s society use government structures from many of the old civilizations as a back bone for their government. This is why I feel it is important for students to learn about European history. For those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. For example, learning from other civilizations mistakes we can not only learn about what went wrong, but enhance what they did right. By learning about the past, we can try to make a better tomorrow.
~ Katelyn Holguin
Period 4
I would say studying European history is just like studying Geometry and Biology. It’s basic learning that we should all know and we may not use it everyday but it’s there like a memory. Well, think of it this way. We study our country’s history that goes all the way back to our ancestors that originated from Europe. So wouldn’t you wan to learn more about the days of our ancestors? European history is appropriate and important because it has a great influence around the world. Ideas such as technology, art, literature, and science, all came from European thinkers. Our every day lives reflect to history: what we did then, and how we got here. So, it’s important to learn the history of elsewhere to know how that nation got to where we see it today. European history, again, brought so many discoveries to the world and USA adapts a lot to those discoveries.
Chaia Vang
Period 4
A Reply to Korio Masumoto:
I have to agree with Korio, learning from other’s mistakes has greatly helped us as a country. We then know what to improve on and what not to try to due by studying other civilizations’ past. Also, learning about Europe teaches how certain achievements and traditions came to be, which leads to how some other countries came about to their traditions. By learning about older European civilizations, we learn the cause and effect system.
~Katelyn Holguin
Period 4
I beleive that studying European History is very important, and it's definitely an important subject to learn. Europe was a very developed, and modernized country early on, and it has influenced other countries to be modernized as well. Europe is looked upon as being the cause for many acheivments in the technological, scientific, and cultural acheivments that make up our current world today. Studying Europe's history helps us to better understand how our own country came to be so well modernized, as well as so many others.In conclusion, European history is a vital subject that should be studied by all students.
TO: Mellabopeep
I completely agree with you in that "European history is one of the most important subjects to be focusing on" and "Europe is the base of everything we have now." Europe was a very advanced country early on, and they influenced so many other countries including ours to become modernized, and well educated as they were. Europe is the "base" of everything, because it pretty much started all of the modernization, and education in the world. European history is definitely "one of the most important subjects to be foucusing on."
Ramieka Flake
Period 2
By taking the course AP European History, we have a privilege to look into a more complex view of history specifically about Europe and its connections to other countries. I think that it is appropriate to study about European History rather than on other parts of the world. The history of Europe takes place in the medieval and classical ages and of the Renaissance. By studying European history we will obtain a more powerful knowledge of the history of Europe, concerning the ties that it had to other countries and the connections to the later kingdoms, times, or ages. Through focusing mainly on Europe we learn about these connections that Europe had with other contries and the world. We will have a chance to learn about connections were made concerning trade routes, religous movements, companies and industries, and how these connections are related to today's world. Therefore, I think that it is appropriate to study about European History rather than other parts of the world.
Alan Chang
Period 2
to Katelyn Holguin:
I have to agree with your statements that were made. I do think that we should learn from our mistakes and that we should make a better tomorrow. Plus, I also agree that Europe is like today's backbone. Europe is connected to today's world somehow. Europe was our example and we should try to be like them if not better.
Alan Chang
Period 2
I believe studying European history is equally significant to studying U.S. history. Europe was much more advanced in technology and science then any other country very early on and had a huge impact on the way we live today. For example, the men who wrote our constitution were strongly influenced by great, European, political philosophers. By studying European history, we are able to learn from mistakes already made in Europe, and improve the way we run our government. If we didn't study European history, we would be clueless to how much of an effect men such as Shakespeare and Beethoven had on the music and literature we also study in school.
Although it is important to study history all around the world, I believe studying European history is even more necessary because of the major part Europe played in U.S. history.
Shelbie Strykers
Period 2
To Mellabopeep:
I agree with you when you say
"Philosophers had many ideas on how certain things should be. For example, John Locke had the idea of natural rights, which is life, liberty, and property." What you say here is very true. Many philosophers including John Locke had a huge impact on todays government. I also believe another philosopher, Edmond Burke, influenced the country we live in today as well.
European History is an important period in time that changed how we live today. Europe has played a big role in the development of the world. In the age of exploration, Europe was benefited in more ways than one. The Europeans explored and conquered newly found land by taking over their territory, political system, and economic life. They were able to obtain wide portions of the world, including the Americas through Imperialism. The Americas would probably not exist today if it were not for the Europeans and their explorations. Europe was the first to take a step ahead of everyone else, they advanced in technology, trade, transportation, art, architecture, industrialization, science, etc. These advancements are what allowed Europe to be such a dominant force. These advancements have also given us advantages in life. During this time many changes occurred, thus changing life as we know it. Europe is basically the reason that many countries and regions were able to develop into modern populations. Europe is said to also be the origin of the modern society. We would not be where we are today if it were not for the Europeans and their accomplishments. In order to study and get a better understanding of other parts of the world, we must first learn about how Europe was able to impact the world. It is therefore, very necessary and crucial to get an understanding of their history.
Satbir Bassi
Period: 02
In our country, it is good to study Europe's history because then we learn about how another continent was established instead of just our own. Also, if we study Europe's history, we will get a different and new learning experience because Europe had different experiences and important figures than the US did. In addition, Europe had different time periods that the US did not go through and some of those time periods changed Europe and possibly other countries. Therefore, it is good to learn where and how some things today originated.
Sarah Costa
Period 6
To Jade Bessette:
I believe with everything Jade said about Europe. She said, "Europe was the place that great ideas flourished..." I agree with this statement and believe that Europe is important to learn about because of all the important people, music, knowledge, and art that occurred there. I also believe with what she said about how much Europe has to offer. Europe has a lot of history to learn about such as the Reformation and the Renaissance.
Sarah Costa
Period 6
To Andrew Vang:
I agree with what Andrew said about learning about Europe's history. Andrew said that some of Europe's history has benefitted the US. Like he said, we did learn from the past to help us move towards the future. It is important for us to learn and understand Europe's history because it can help us learn about our history in the US.
Sarah Costa
Period 6
To Ramieka:
I Agree with Ramieka Flake when she stated that "Europe was a very developed, and modernized country early on, and it has influenced other countries to be modernized as well." It was one of the first areas of earth to develop industries and grow efficiently. Plus famous travelers spread the ideas and lifestyles to new and different cultures. And with that, it led the rest of the world to seek modernization and to better it self.
Michael Ambriz
Period 6
I think that it is ok to study European History because it gives us more knowledge of what was happening in other parts of the world during the renessance period. We also get to know more history, rather than just what happened in the United States. We learn from European like their art, science, and history. Without learning European history we wouldn't understand how science became, and where is began. European history might have some inapropriate history, but I thing that it's more intresting history than inapropriate. That's why I believe that it is ok to study Eropean history.
Kimberly Ruiz
Period 4
When the Declaration of Independence was signed, it stated that the United States was its own, free country. However, few of its citizens were actually born there. They immigrated from countless countries, but most came from Europe. They began the foundations for what we had today. And yet, today in America there is growing concern that studying European history instead of continents such as Australia or Africa is Eurocentric. I disagree. Our country is very diverse, but neither Africa or Australia, or any other continent, contributed so much to the ideals this country was founded on. We have closer ties with the Europeans than any others; therefore, studying European history does not mean we admit the Europeans are superior, but that we acknowledge how much the "mother country" has contributed to our society.
Brittany Fitzgerald
Period 4
To: Michael Ambriz (mikeaa13)
While I agree that it is necessary to teach European History, and that Europe has contributed greatly to our current society, the phrase, "music and the arts wouldn't have been known" is inaccurate. European art and music were incredible, and most of our current-day additions are based on that foundation, but the arts would not have been forgotten without it. Just look at Native American chants, drums, and weavings; Chinese embroidery, clothing, and architecture; and African masks, shields, and songs. All of these developed with little to no European influence.
To: Sunshine Moua
I agree, because like you said it's important to learn European history because we learned science and great art and it all came from Europe. Also, because we should learn what happend in other parts of the world and expand our knowledge.We can learn history not only form the US, but other places. Also, like you said that we refered to many great philosophers, scientists, and artists. If we did refer to them then we got inspired by then and that's another reason why it is important to learn European History.
Kimberly Ruiz
Period 4
Our nation today is predominately based on European principles. America is a very ethnically diverse nation; learning about one particular part of the cultural mix is not being Eurocentric. In studying Europe one is simply examining the origin of America’s civilized foundation. One is not giving Europe additional hegemony. The author of Guns Germs and Steel says that you are greatly limiting one’s exposure to great people and new inventions if you remain closed off to other nations. On the other side of this argument you can say that giving too broad a spectrum leads to not enough focus on the basics. Recognizing what Europe has contributed to this nation is not being nationality bias. Europe has a place in this world as does all other continents. There is no prejudice in studying one continent or nation if recognition to other places is acknowledged. Niccolo Machiavelli stated that the key to a strong nation lies in its foundation. In revising Europe’s history, we are reviewing the past of this nation as well. Europe’s past has influenced our present.
Caroline McDonald
Period 4
In reply to Shelbie Strykers
I agree with Shelbie because she made a point when she said that we must look at Europe’s mistakes in order to prevent ones of the same nature here in the United States. Since the U.S.A was based on European principles it is important to understand why the Europeans did what they did. She also made an excellent point in saying that Europe were scientifically advanced in comparison to other nations of the same time.
In Response to Katelyn Holguin Period 4:
I agree with Miss Holguin. Our society looks back upon the mistakes of other historical governmental systems and such (mostly from Europe). From those observations, we should be able to figure out how and how not to run our current government. Now, whether that's being done or not today is a totally different story, but I'm sure we'll go over that another day.
Even though there are many other countries in this world worth discovering through a history class, I would have to say that the history of Europe is probably the most important to our generation and the generations to come. I believe in this not because other countries are not important, but because Europe has had more of an influence on our country than probably any other country. For example, our country relies heavily on agriculture, as did Europe before the Americas were known to man. During the developing years of Europe, its citizens learned how to use agriculture to their advantage. They would do business with neighboring villages and countries. That was the reason that their overall economy was so successful. Since Europe was advancing so rapidly, none of the other countries had any way to contend. Europe became very powerful. Just think; the Spanish Armada, the British Navy, and Nazi Germany during World War II, they were all European forces, not from the same country, but all from Europe. Plus, those are just a few examples of how powerful the Europeans were. You know, the Europeans’ intelligence is not going to diminish within 68 years since World War II started. They are going to remain a model continent to admire. They deserve to be studied for all the years they had proven to the world how well they could govern and keep thriving by the ways of commerce. That’s why we study their history and not anyone else’s; for their influence on the present day American way of life, and for their awesome ability to govern.
Daniel Carrion
Period 6
In my opinion it is appropriate to focus on European history in our diverse nation because many of the things that have gone on throughout European history apply to world history also. Europe was one of the first to become technologically advanced and helped to set us into the future. Europe has flourished in art; being home to the classical and unique societies of Rome and Greece which gave many cultural and artistic contributions to the world. Europe was where the Renaissance and Reformation movements, which brought about changes in art and society, took place. Europe also took part in the exploration and industrialization ages in the world and made many discoveries. Many important explorers, scholars, scientists, and artists have come out of Europe. I think that we should study European history because many of the policies and traditions that have been set throughout European history are still used in the world today.
To Shelbie Strykers:
I agree with many of the things that you said but especially when you said, "If we didn't study European history, we would be clueless to how much of an effect men such as Shakespeare and Beethoven had on the music and literature we also study in school." It is true many of the scholars from Europe influence what we study today in school and if we didn't study Europe we would not know that.
Robbyn Wood
Period 6
Europe made an incredible impact on American culture and society. Which is why I think that it is important to learn about European history. Europe had one of the frist civilazations known, the Greeks which left behind the idea of agriculture. Europe had the Great Romans, which ruled at one time and were able to be one of the most powerful empires in the world. The devestating Dark Ages was a time period of many mistakes. Although when the Renaissance era came they were able to recover with the great inventions, the wonderful discovries, the beautiful paintings and the magnificent literature. Europe accomplished many successful things which is why now we need to learn and understand how they managed to do so.
Nayeli Espinoza
Period 6
To: nessafernandez(Vanessa)
I have to agree with Vanessa, "European history plays a key role in the history of the world. Europe influenced many of the historical happenings within other countries". Wich I am in favor. Europe did influence the rest of the world with it's new discoveries and inventions. Learing European history is a great way to learn how the rest of the world became to be with its European influences.
Nayeli Espinoza
Period 6
Response to Alan Chang:
I strongly agreed with Alan’s view on why we should focus on European history. He is correct when he says we will have a better understanding of the ties and the connections Europe had with other countries and the rest of the world. I agree with this because by getting a more powerful knowledge of the history of Europe we will understand this broad topic better. This were the reasons why I agreed with this reply to the topic.
Ameet Randhawa
Per. 6
I believe that studying mostly Europe is just as important as studying our own country because our country was and is just a branch of Europe. Studying this country helps us put together many of the pieces of how our country got started. With out Europe the United States would not be what it is today. If it wasn’t for the King in England that caused its people to rebel and want a free life, we would probably be living under a harsh king in England or another country in Europe. But because of our ancestors who said this is not fair we now live in a country that is free. A country that allows us to express our selves, voice our opinion, and live life the way we want to live it. So I feel that studying Europe is important in developing a better country and knowledge of how and why The United States came about.
Hannah Richards
Per. 4
I believe it is not only appropriate but necessary to Focus on European history. Yes, there could be other places we can learn about but in my opinion Europe has some of the greatest accomplishments in early human civilizations. European history stretches from the great Grease and Roman empires to the renaissance and the dark ages. It also includes more recent events like two world wars. Europe's history has so much to learn about and I think to fully understand the United States history u have to know Europe's
Christian Torres
per. 6
We need to study European history for many reasons. First and foremost America was founded and formed by Europeans which makes it necessary to learn about our ancestors. This is extrmely important beacause all of our culture today stemmed from Europe, from things like language, clothes, and weaponry. It is essential to learn and know where everything began. Europe has influenced us is so many ways, without learning its history we can never fully understand our own. Sice history is only bound to repeat itslef, by learning about where we began we can discover where we will end up.
Marissa Hernandez
Peroid 2
I agree with pretty much everyone but Vanessa in particlular. She is absolulty correct in that the area of Europe has changed and affected so many other parts of the world that to not study it would leave i giant gap in a persons understnading of the world. Everything from Government to religion Europe has experienced it all and there is so much to learn from.
Marissa Hernandez
Period 2
I think it’s appropriate that we study European history because Europe has been so successful and is more powerful than most other countries. The U.S.A., who is also very high in power, would look at another powerful country to set examples for themselves and to study over a country that wasn’t as powerful. This is because everyone is trying to become more powerful, and they will look to other counties that are doing exceptionally well for examples so maybe they can learn from and ultimately become even more powerful. Europe has been successful not because of their race and ethnicity, but because of their intelligence and power. Europe is not better or higher than any other country. Europe has been given more opportunities that they could do things with and been more successful than other countries. They started developing agriculture earlier than in other countries and places. Agriculture is the start that brings wealth, a population growth, food supply, and trading power with other countries. With population growth comes a possible creation of an empire or government. (Which would put them ahead of the game as well.) Europe has much land to develop agriculture and to raise different animals on, and good climates to do so with, while other countries don’t have the same opportunities, as big of land, or climates that would have helped them with having more opportunities. Since Europe has the opportunities and powers to support so big of a population, that makes trade better and economics come to grow and develop faster than other countries. This growth and success in economics and technology in time gives Europe the opportunity to conquer other countries. Also Europeans live close together so when a disease was spread around, they were all immune to it eventually. Since they were all immune to whatever that disease was that was going around, when they would go to different places with smaller populations, those populations wouldn’t be immune to whatever the Europeans were, and that would kill them off and their small population would disappear faster and that would give the Europeans the opportunity to take over more easily. Europe had more opportunities and did more with them earlier than other countries and ultimately became one of the more powerful countries. That’s why we study European history. Because they are more powerful than other countries, and the U.S.A. is looking to get more powerful and will take all the help they can get.
Taylor Sullivan
Per. 6
I think it’s appropriate that we study European history because Europe has been so successful and is more powerful than most other countries. The U.S.A., who is also very high in power, would look at another powerful country to set examples for themselves and to study over a country that wasn’t as powerful. This is because everyone is trying to become more powerful, and they will look to other counties that are doing exceptionally well for examples so maybe they can learn from and ultimately become even more powerful. Europe has been successful not because of their race and ethnicity, but because of their intelligence and power. Europe is not better or higher than any other country. Europe has been given more opportunities that they could do things with and been more successful than other countries. They started developing agriculture earlier than in other countries and places. Agriculture is the start that brings wealth, a population growth, food supply, and trading power with other countries. With population growth comes a possible creation of an empire or government. (Which would put them ahead of the game as well.) Europe has much land to develop agriculture and to raise different animals on, and good climates to do so with, while other countries don’t have the same opportunities, as big of land, or climates that would have helped them with having more opportunities. Since Europe has the opportunities and powers to support so big of a population, that makes trade better and economics come to grow and develop faster than other countries. This growth and success in economics and technology in time gives Europe the opportunity to conquer other countries. Also Europeans live close together so when a disease was spread around, they were all immune to it eventually. Since they were all immune to whatever that disease was that was going around, when they would go to different places with smaller populations, those populations wouldn’t be immune to whatever the Europeans were, and that would kill them off and their small population would disappear faster and that would give the Europeans the opportunity to take over more easily. Europe had more opportunities and did more with them earlier than other countries and ultimately became one of the more powerful countries. That’s why we study European history. Because they are more powerful than other countries, and the U.S.A. is looking to get more powerful and will take all the help they can get.
Taylor Sullivan
Per. 6
In response to Christian Torrez:
I agree with him about it being necessary and appropriate to focus on studying European history over other countries because like he said, they do have some of the greatest accomplishments of the early human civilization, and it's powerful.
Taylor Sullivan
Per. 6
It is appropriate for us to study European history for multiple reasons. First off Europe is and has been a historic place for a huge amount of time. There are so many things that have taken place in Europe that influences the world now no matter where you live. To be completely honest Europe’s history is so interesting and exciting that we now make movies out of certain events. When we study Europe we see that it has been known to produce great historical politicians, artist, and philosophers, and if we did not study this subject we would not know where their art and believes deranged from. Europe is also a country who has survived throughout the bad, and then came out of it with greatness. We have philosophers like Aristotle, Hobbes, and Plato who had their work used in modern live all from Europe. So it is indeed significant for us to study Europe in this diverse world because, it seems to have provided the most.
I fully agree with you about how science and technology play a part in why we should study Europe. A European did say the word was round when everyone said it was flat, who was right. Also when you talk about the great scientist, it makes me think these people have done amazing things like invented laws such as Newton’s third law. SO I do believe that what you state is very true and is extremely valid in this conversation, thank you.
char bell
period 2
I think we study European history becuase we can learn of all the contributions Europe has given to us. They have given us many inventions like aqueducts,roads, and many other things and have given us a system of government that we used. Also they have given us many inventions in technology, also they discovered the Americas can populated them. Though they did drive the local Indians out without their journey west we might not exist today. The way we live and do things is based alot on European culture. They found a way of government that worked good for everyone after they came out of the dark ages. If we didnt study European culture and Europe we woudnt know how we came to be here or the struggles that were overcome.
Sean Singh per.2
In resposne to char16
I agree with him Europe is very intresting it has influenced how we live there have been many great european people. I agree that Europe has a huge placement in time so many things have happened that concern it or have somthing to do with Europe.
Sean Singh per.2
To ur_sunshine,
I agree with you that "our nation derived from Europe". Many of today's technology and literature advances orginated from Europe. It's important to learn where your country's history came from, especially our ancestors. The more we know, the more connections we'll have.
Chaia Vang
Period 4
To Chaia Vang
I agreed with you about the importance of studying European History. So far, I think all Ap European students believe it's crucial to study and learn about European History and it is. There's so many important things to learn from Europe that might change us in a different way,
Throughout the history of Europe, there have been many events that occured that contributed greatly to the world of today. There have been many philosophers and thinkers that have developed some of the greatest ideas and theories. Also, there have been periods of time that changed the way people lived. For example, there was the Enlightenment and the Renaissance. A lot of these people and things also influenced the world. I think it's very important to study European history because it's where a lot of what we have today began. Another thing that began in Europe was government. Europe made a lot of mistakes with their government, but that benefits us because we can observe those mistakes and their theories. We can learn from them. The study of European history is significant and, I believe, vital in learning where much of the the world we know today originated.
Veronica Flores
Period 4
Caroline McDonald
per. 4
In response to Vanessa Fernandez
I agree with your analysis of the question. Mentalite is definitely the mindset and though process of a people as a whole in contrast to the intellectual side. You have to be able to understand the motives of a person in order to understand the actual action. This quote is very well put and expresses your idea completely “The mentalite process hopes to achieve the hypothetical conclusion of history.” Mentalite is of the mind and intellectual is of the achievements. Records and figures provide statistical accuracy when accounts emotions and traditions give a stronger base for a decision. In conclusion I do agree with Vanessa’s outlook on this topic.
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