Notes on Guns, Germs, and Steel

World shaped by conquest, conquest of the world by Europeans. Conquistadors, few hundred men, decimated the native population of the new world (the Americas). Did this by using Guns, Germs, and Steel. In other words, military power, lethal microbes, and advanced technology. How have guns, germs, and steel shaped the history of the world? People living in Papaun New Guinea for atleast 40,000 years; Much longer than of the people on the North and South American Continents. New Guineans much more culturally diverse and adaptable, so why are they much poorer than modern Americans? New Guineans very intelligent and have a lot of ingenuity. So why did they not make metal tools or great cities first or any other trappings of modern civilization? All great civilizations have had some things in common; Advanced technology, large populations, and well organized workforces. Like thousands of years ago, some New Guineans are hunter/gatherers, meaning they hunt for animals for food and clothing and gather plants for food and materials. Problem with PNG is that the main gathered food is sako, which is a difficult to manufacture starch that also doesn't provide a lot of nutritional benefits. But in the Middle East, 13,000 years ago they had cereal crops like barley and wheat, which was much more beneficial than sako. But, global temperatures returned to ice age levels and caused a drought in the Middle East lasting for atleast a thousand years. This got rid of the nutritious plants that were being harvested and killed off the animal herds. This caused the populace to go much farther and look much harder for any source of food, but they somehow survived and even prospered.

Last Blog/Test of Human Geography

Today we had our last test in Human Geography. The test was on the five major religions we went over in our religion unit over the past few weeks. Those five religions being Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Overall the test was fairly simple and straightforward and I didn't really run into any problems besides the questions I got wrong. Human Geography was great with Mr. Schick and I can't wait to come back in Semester 2 and get into Western Civ with him. It's been fun and we'll just have to wait to see how Western Civ is.

Classwork Jan. 14

Christianity: Founded by Jesus' followers (disciples/apostles) after his death, Christianity is a monotheistic religion (although believing their one God represent three persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit). Holy Book is the Bible (includes New and Old Testament scriptures). About 2.2 Billion adherents (Christians) world wide. Most adherents found in the regions of Europe, North America, South America, and Southern Africa. Central figure is the Pope, followed (in hierarchical order) by Cardinals, then Archbishops, then Bishops, and then Priests. There are many denominations with Roman Catholic being the largest.
Islam: Founded by Muhammad in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Around 1.5 Billion adherents worldwide, mostly though in the Middle East, Indonesia, and Northern Africa. Adherents are referred to as Muslims. Two denominations, Sunnis (The largest taking up 75-90% of all Muslims) and Shiites (Smaller denomination taking up 10-25% of all Muslims. Their Holy Book is the Qur'an (Koran). They are monotheistic and are an Abrahamic religion. They believe in the Five Pillars (testimony, prayer, alms-giving, fasting, and pilgrimage). Muslims see their purpose in life as serving and submitting to Allah (God), and observing Islamic Law.
Hinduism: There is no distinct founder of Hinduism. A series of philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid set of beliefs. Believe in reincarnation, the thought of being born into a new life after you die in your old one. Around 1.1 Billion adherents (Hindus) spread mainly around India and Nepal. Holy Book(s) are the Vedas which are eternal truths revealed to ancient sages, which were composed in verse form, meant to be sung and easily memorized. Polytheistic (multiple Gods) with no specific God, but rather many Gods.
Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha). Around 500 Million to 1.5 Billion adherents(Buddhists) with four denominations; Tibetan, Zen, Theravada, and Amidist. Most adherents found in southeast Asia, China, Nepal, and Japan. With around 1.2 Million more Buddhists in the United States. Believe in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths are 1. There is Suffering; 2. Attachment to desire is the origin of suffering; 3. There is a cessation of suffering; and 4. The Eightfold Path will lead to the cessation of suffering. The Eightfold Path consists of Right View, Right Intentions, Right Speech, Right Speech, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Dedication.
Lastly, Judaism: Founded by Abraham in what is thought to be modern-day Israel. Judaism has 14-18 Million adherents(Jews) around the world, mostly in Israel(6.4 Million) and the United States(5.3-7 Million). Their Holy Book is the Torah (which consists of the first five books of the Old Testament; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). They believe in ethical monotheism; God is one, and is concerned with the actions of mankind. They also believe (and follow) in the Ten Commandments and the Thirteen Principles of Faith.