Watch The Attached Video Linked At The Bottom Of This Post

Watch The Attached Video Linked At The Bottom Of This Post And Answer

Watch the attached video linked at the bottom of this post and answer each of the following questions in at least 4 complete sentences; then respond to AT LEAST two classmates' posts. 1. What made certain civilizations thrive while others struggled? Think in regards to food, animals, and geography. 2. What is Jared Diamond's thesis in the video (and in his book)? How does it help you to answer question number 1? 3. Do you ultimately agree with Jared Diamond's theory or not? Why or why not? Note: You don't have to think his theory of flawless, but is it at least presenting a general truth, in your opinion? Video URL

Paper For Above instruction

The rise and fall of civilizations have long fascinated scholars and historians, prompting exploration into the factors that determine their success or decline. Jared Diamond, in his influential book "Guns, Germs, and Steel," and in accompanying video presentations, posits that geographical and environmental factors fundamentally shape the outcomes of societies. His thesis suggests that geographical advantages, such as fertility of land, domesticable animals, and access to resources, critically influence the ability of civilizations to grow and thrive. These elements determine the availability of food sources, the development of agriculture, and the emergence of complex societies, thereby explaining why some civilizations succeeded while others struggled.

Several primary factors contribute to the thriving of certain civilizations over others, particularly in relation to food, animals, and geography. Civilizations situated in regions with fertile land, abundant wild plants, and domesticable animals often gained a significant advantage. For example, those in Eurasia benefited from the availability of wheat, barley, and large mammals like cattle and horses, which supported agriculture and mobility. Conversely, societies in less hospitable environments, such as island or rainforest regions, faced limitations due to poor soil quality, scarcity of domesticable animals, or geographic barriers that hindered expansion and resource acquisition. Thus, geography directly impacted population growth, technological development, and societal complexity.

Jared Diamond’s thesis advances the understanding that environmental differences, rather than innate biological or cultural superiority, explain the varied trajectories of civilizations. According to Diamond, societies with access to domesticable animals and productive crops could develop centralized political systems, technological innovations, and immunity to diseases that decimated less fortunate populations. His thesis shifts focus from cultural or racial explanations to environmental and geographic determinism, providing a scientific basis for explaining disparities among societies. This perspective helps clarify why some civilizations succeeded while others struggled—those with advantageous environments had a head start in development and expansion.

Personally, I find Jared Diamond’s theory both convincing and insightful, though not entirely exhaustive. His emphasis on environmental factors offers a compelling explanation for historical disparities, especially when considering the initial conditions of societal development. However, I believe that cultural, political, and human agency also play essential roles in shaping historical outcomes. While environment provides the foundation, the choices societies make—such as political organization, innovation, and adaptation—significantly influence their trajectory. Overall, Diamond’s theory presents a valuable, if not complete, framework for understanding the rise and fall of civilizations.

References

• Diamond, J. (1997). Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Diamond, J. (Video). [Title of the specific video, if available].
• Fagan, B. M. (2008). The Oxford Companion to World History. Oxford University Press.
• Reed, J. (2004). The Cultural Evolution of Human Societies. Cambridge University Press.
• Diamond, J. (2013). The World until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies? Vintage Books.
• Stearns, P. N. (2015). The Evolution of World Society: A New Perspective. Routledge.
• Homer-Dixon, T. (2001). The Ingenuity Gap: How Can We Solve the Problems of the Future? Alfred A. Knopf.
• McNeill, J. R. (2010). The Rise of the West: A History of the Human Community. University of Chicago Press.
• Snow, C. P. (1961). The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. Cambridge University Press.
• Harari, Y. N. (2014). Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Harper.