The Impact of Western Civilization on World History

Book excerpt: The Impact of Western Civilization on World History is a succinct outline of Western history and its effect on the world from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans through the Cold War. It illustrates why students need to know about Western history and civilization and focuses attention on major periods and geographical areas. The selected readings cover the ancient world, including the Greeks and Romans. Subsequent units address the Byzantine Empire, the Rise and Expansion of Islam, imperialism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the American and French Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, the New Imperialism, the two World Wars including the Russian Revolution, and the Cold War and its consequences. The concise presentation allows for greater retention by neatly avoiding the bulk of traditional books on the topics while still providing foundational knowledge and critical information. The Impact of Western Civilization on World History is suitable for history and world studies courses.