Prelims Overview: World History and Geopolitical Evolution PDF

Prelims Overview: World History and Geopolitical Evolution University of Visayas\ Prepared by: JM Flores **Objective:** To provide a concise and comprehensive overview of world history from ancient civilizations to just before World War I, focusing on key civilizations, their evolution, geographic...

Prelims Overview: World History and Geopolitical Evolution University of Visayas\ Prepared by: JM Flores **Objective:** To provide a concise and comprehensive overview of world history from ancient civilizations to just before World War I, focusing on key civilizations, their evolution, geographical name changes, and significant historical timelines. This overview aims to establish a foundational understanding of historical contexts, aiding in the comprehension of contemporary events and regional specifics, especially in the Philippines. **Description:** This review encompasses major milestones of world history, tracking the development from ancient civilizations through to the late 19th century. It covers significant periods, empires, and geographical transformations, providing a timeline of key events and developments. **Significance:** Understanding this historical context is crucial for grasping the current geopolitical and socioeconomic landscape. It offers insights into how past events have shaped modern nations, their political systems, cultures, and international relations. This foundational knowledge is essential for comprehending contemporary issues, regional dynamics, and the socio-political environment, particularly in the Philippines. Ancient Civilizations and Early Empires ======================================= **c. 3500 BCE** - **Sumeria (Mesopotamia)**: Emergence of the Sumerians, inventing cuneiform writing and developing city-states. **c. 3100 BCE** - **Ancient Egypt**: Unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh, marking the beginning of Egypt's dynastic period. **c. 2600 BCE** - **Mohenjo-Daro (Indus Valley Civilization)**: Rise of the Indus Valley civilization, known for its planned cities and advanced drainage systems. **c. 2500-1500 BCE** - **Minoan Civilization (Crete)**: Flourishing of the Minoans, who built palatial centers and were prominent traders in the Mediterranean. **c. 2000 BCE** - **Olmec Civilization (Mesoamerica)**: The rise of one of the first civilizations in the Americas, known for monumental stone heads and influencing later Mesoamerican cultures. **c. 1600 BCE** - **Shang Dynasty (China)**: The first confirmed Chinese dynasty, known for bronze casting and oracle bones. **c. 1600 BCE** - **Hyksos Invasion of Egypt**: Foreign rulers (Hyksos) control Egypt, introducing new military technologies such as chariots. **c. 1500 BCE** - **Kushite Kingdom (Nubia, Africa)**: Nubia becomes a powerful kingdom south of Egypt, known for its wealth and influence over Egypt. **c. 1200 BCE** - **Olmec Civilization (Mesoamerica)**: Development of the Olmec culture, the precursor to later civilizations like the Maya and Aztec. **c. 1200 BCE** - **Decline of the Minoan Civilization**: Natural disasters and invasions lead to the fall of the Minoan civilization. ### ### ### Classical Age and Formation of Early Empires **1046 BCE** - **Zhou Dynasty (China)**: The Zhou overthrow the Shang Dynasty, introducing the Mandate of Heaven and feudalism. **1000 BCE** - **Kingdom of Israel**: The rise of the unified Israelite monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon. **800 BCE** - **Kushites Conquer Egypt**: Nubian kings establish the 25th Dynasty, ruling over Egypt. **800 BCE** - **Greek City-States**: The formation of independent city-states in Greece, such as Athens and Sparta, leading to the classical period. **660 BCE** - **Foundation of Japan (Legendary)**: According to Japanese mythology, Emperor Jimmu establishes the Japanese imperial line. **600 BCE** - **Rise of the Maya Civilization (Mesoamerica)**: The beginning of Maya city-states, which will later develop advanced astronomy, mathematics, and writing. **550 BCE** - **Achaemenid Empire (Persia)**: Cyrus the Great establishes the Persian Empire, the largest empire in the world at the time. **500 BCE** - **Classical Period (India)**: The rise of the Mahajanapadas and later the Maurya Empire, which unifies much of India under Ashoka. **332 BCE** - **Alexander the Great Conquers Egypt**: Egypt becomes part of Alexander's empire, later ruled by the Ptolemies. **221 BCE** - **Qin Dynasty (China)**: Qin Shi Huang unites China, introduces legalism, and begins the construction of the Great Wall. **206 BCE - 220 CE** - **Han Dynasty (China)**: The Han Dynasty sees expansion, cultural flourishing, and the establishment of the Silk Road. **100 BCE - 500 CE** - **Roman Empire**: Rome becomes a dominant force in Europe and the Mediterranean, known for legal and architectural achievements. **250 BCE - 900 CE** - **Maya Civilization**: The Maya build great cities such as Tikal and develop advanced systems in mathematics and astronomy. ### Early Empires in Africa and the Americas **100 CE** - **Meroitic Kingdom (Nubia)**: The Kingdom of Kush continues to thrive after Egyptian dominance, known for its pyramids and iron production. **300 CE** - **Teotihuacan (Mesoamerica)**: Rise of Teotihuacan as the largest city in the Americas, with vast pyramids dedicated to the sun and moon. **300-900 CE** - **Nazca and Moche Civilizations (South America)**: Development of early Andean civilizations known for their textiles and geoglyphs (Nazca Lines). **600 CE** - **Islamic Expansion (Middle East and North Africa)**: The Islamic caliphates begin to expand rapidly across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. ### **Middle Ages and the Rise of New Powers** **618-907 CE** - **Tang Dynasty (China)**: A golden age of Chinese culture, technology, and expansion. **800-1100 CE** - **Ghana Empire (West Africa)**: Rise of the Ghana Empire, a wealthy kingdom that controls the gold and salt trade routes across the Sahara. **800-1300 CE** - **Feudalism in Europe**: The rise of feudal systems across Europe, characterized by lords, vassals, and serfs. **850-1250 CE** - **Toltec Civilization (Mesoamerica)**: Rise of the Toltec Empire in central Mexico, influencing later civilizations like the Aztecs. **1200-1300 CE** - **Mongol Empire**: Genghis Khan and his successors establish the largest contiguous empire in history, stretching from China to Europe. **1200-1600 CE** - **Mali Empire (West Africa)**: The Mali Empire flourishes, known for its wealth (Timbuktu) and leadership under Mansa Musa. ### Early Modern Empires and Exploration **1325 CE** - **Aztec Empire (Mesoamerica)**: The founding of Tenochtitlán and the rise of the Aztec Empire, dominating central Mexico. **1400 CE** - **Inca Empire (South America)**: The Inca Empire begins its expansion, becoming the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. **1492-1600 CE** - **Age of Exploration**: European powers, such as Spain and Portugal, explore and colonize the Americas, Africa, and Asia. **1500-1600 CE** - **Songhai Empire (West Africa)**: The Songhai Empire becomes the largest empire in West Africa, controlling key trade routes. **1526-1857 CE** - **Mughal Empire (India)**: A golden age of architecture, art, and cultural synthesis in India under rulers like Akbar. **1533 CE** - **Fall of the Inca Empire**: Francisco Pizarro conquers the Inca Empire, leading to Spanish colonization of South America. ### Revolutions and New World Powers **1644-1912 CE** - **Qing Dynasty (China)**: The last imperial dynasty of China, known for its expansion and conflicts with Western powers. **1775-1783 CE** - **American Revolution**: The 13 American colonies win independence from Britain, forming the United States. **1789-1799 CE** - **French Revolution**: Overthrow of the French monarchy, leading to the rise of Napoleon and widespread political change in Europe. **1804 CE** - **Haitian Revolution**: The only successful slave rebellion in history leads to the independence of Haiti from France. **1821-1830 CE** - **Latin American Wars of Independence**: Simon Bolivar and other leaders help Latin American colonies break free from Spanish rule. **1868 CE** - **Meiji Restoration (Japan)**: Japan undergoes rapid modernization and industrialization, transforming into a world power. **1861-1865 CE** - **American Civil War**: The United States experiences a brutal civil war, leading to the abolition of slavery. **1884-1885 CE** - **Scramble for Africa**: European powers divide Africa among themselves at the Berlin Conference, leading to colonization. ### 19th Century **1839-1842 CE** - **Opium Wars (China)**: Conflicts between China and Britain over trade and sovereignty, leading to China's forced concessions. **1857-1858 CE** - **Indian Rebellion**: A major uprising against British rule, which leads to direct control of India by the British Crown. **1861-1865 CE** - **American Civil War**: Conflict between the Northern and Southern U.S. states, leading to the end of slavery. The Age of Exploration (15th - 17th Century) ============================================ The **Age of Exploration**, or **Age of Discovery**, spanned from the early 15th century to the early 17th century, driven by European maritime powers like Spain, Portugal, France, and England. This era dramatically reshaped the world, as explorers sought new trade routes, resources, and lands. It ultimately led to European colonization and the establishment of vast empires, changing the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the globe. #### **Key Drivers of Exploration:** 1. 2. 3. 4. #### **Major Explorations:** - - - - #### **Results of Exploration:** 1. 2. 3. ### The Decline of the Age of Exploration (17th - 18th Century) By the 17th and 18th centuries, the Age of Exploration gradually transitioned into an age of colonization, imperial rivalry, and more structured maritime empires. Several factors contributed to the decline of exploration as a primary focus: #### **1. Shift to Empire Building** After initial discoveries, European powers turned their attention to consolidating and administering their overseas colonies. This led to the rise of the British, French, and Dutch empires. Colonial powers were more focused on maintaining their territories and exploiting resources rather than discovering new lands. #### **2. Mercantilism** European nations adopted **mercantilist** policies, focusing on maximizing exports and accumulating wealth, particularly gold and silver. Colonial powers established strict control over trade to benefit the mother country, leading to fewer exploratory expeditions and more commercial ventures. #### **3. Scientific and Intellectual Shift** By the 18th century, the **Scientific Revolution** and the **Enlightenment** shifted European focus from geographic exploration to intellectual pursuits. Europe's intellectual elite were now more interested in cataloging the natural world and understanding the universe rather than seeking new lands. #### **4. Internal Conflicts and Wars** European powers became embroiled in various wars throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the **Thirty Years' War** (1618-1648), **War of Spanish Succession** (1701-1714), and **Seven Years\' War** (1756-1763). These conflicts consumed resources and redirected focus away from exploration. ### The Road to Imperialism and the 19th Century The focus of global expansion shifted from discovery to imperialism and industrialization by the late 18th and 19th centuries. European powers began asserting direct control over vast colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, which led to intense rivalries and political tensions. #### **1. Industrial Revolution (Late 18th - Early 19th Century)** The **Industrial Revolution** in Europe accelerated the need for raw materials and new markets, driving further colonization rather than exploration. Industrialized nations sought to exploit the resources of Africa, Asia, and the Americas for their burgeoning industries. #### **2. The Scramble for Africa (19th Century)** After centuries of focusing on coastal exploration, the 19th century saw the **Scramble for Africa**, where European powers partitioned and colonized almost the entire continent. By the **Berlin Conference (1884-1885)**, most of Africa was divided between Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and other European powers. #### **3. Rise of Nationalism and Revolutions** The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw revolutions in Europe and the Americas. The **American Revolution (1775-1783)** and the **French Revolution (1789-1799)** were catalysts for political change. Colonies in Latin America, under leaders like **Simón Bolívar**, gained independence from Spain and Portugal in the early 19th century. #### **4. Global Imperialism** European imperialism continued to expand into new regions, such as India (British control solidified after the **Indian Rebellion of 1857**), Southeast Asia (French Indochina), and the Pacific. The **Opium Wars** (1839-1860) between Britain and China also reflected the aggressive imperialism of European powers. ### The Decline of Imperialism and Prelude to World War I By the late 19th century, imperial rivalries, particularly in Africa and Asia, began to destabilize the European balance of power, contributing to the tensions that eventually led to World War I. #### **1. Rivalry Among European Powers** The race for colonies fueled tensions between European powers, particularly between Germany, Britain, and France. These rivalries were partly responsible for creating the complex web of alliances and conflicts that led to World War I. #### **2. Nationalism and Independence Movements** Colonized nations began to experience growing nationalist movements, with local populations seeking independence from European control. This movement was initially small but would grow stronger in the 20th century, further challenging the global imperial system. #### **3. The Beginning of the End of Empires.** The early 20th century saw the decline of some European empires, particularly the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. The rise of the United States and Japan as emerging world powers also began to challenge traditional European dominance. ### Conclusion The **Age of Exploration** was the beginning of a new era of European global dominance, connecting the world through trade, colonization, and cultural exchange. However, by the 19th century, exploration as a primary objective had declined, giving way to colonization, imperialism, and the industrial-driven scramble for resources. These dynamics, combined with nationalistic fervor and imperial rivalries, set the stage for the global conflicts that culminated in **World War I**. PHILIPPINES ----------- ### **Prehistoric Period** - - - - ### **Classical Antiquity (1000 BCE -- 500 CE)** - - - - ### **Middle Ages (500 CE -- 1500 CE)** - - - - ### **Age of Exploration (15th -- 17th Century)** - - - - ### **Enlightenment and Revolutionary Era (18th Century)** - - ### **19th Century (1800-1900): Imperialism, Revolutions, and Nationalism** - - - - - - ### **Philippine Revolution and Spanish-American War (Late 19th Century)** - - - - ### **Early 20th Century and World War I** - - ### **Conclusion** From prehistoric Austronesian migrations to Spanish colonization, the arrival of Western powers, and the rise of Filipino nationalism, the Philippines\' history was shaped by its encounters with the outside world. The country transitioned from a tribal society to being colonized by Spain, then the United States, before finally gaining independence in the 20th century, with global events like the Age of Exploration, revolutions, and wars playing key roles. GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES ================== ### **Ancient Civilizations and Their Present-Day Names** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. ### **Middle Ages (500 CE -- 1500 CE) and Present-Day Names** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. ### **Age of Colonization (15th -- 19th Centuries) and Present-Day Names** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ### **Present-Day Nations** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. ### **ASIA** +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | Period | Ancient | Ancient | Ancient | Age of | Last | Present | | | Civiliz | Civiliz | Civiliz | Explora | Empires | Day | | | ations | ations | ations | tion | (up to | | | | (up to | (1000 | (0 CE - | and | 1800 | | | | 1000 | BCE - 0 | before | Coloniz | CE) | | | | BCE) | CE) | Age of | ation | | | | | | | Explora | | | | | | | | tion) | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | China | \- | \- Zhou | \- Qin | \- Ming | \- Qing | \- | | | Shang | Dynasty | Dynasty | Dynasty | Dynasty | People\ | | | Dynasty | : | : | : | : | 's | | | : | 1046 | 221 BCE | 1368 CE | 1644 CE | Republi | | | c. 1600 | BCE - | - 206 | - 1644 | - 1912 | c | | | BCE - | 256 BCE | BCE | CE | CE | of | | | 1046 | | | | | China: | | | BCE | | \- Han | | | 1949 CE | | | | | Dynasty | | | - | | | | | : | | | Present | | | | | 206 BCE | | | | | | | | - 220 | | | | | | | | CE | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | India | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | | | Indus | Vedic | Maurya | Mughal | Mughal | India: | | | Valley | Period: | Empire: | Empire: | Empire: | 1947 CE | | | Civiliz | c. 1500 | 322 BCE | 1526 CE | 1526 CE | - | | | ation: | BCE - | - 185 | - 1857 | - 1857 | Present | | | c. 3300 | 500 BCE | BCE | CE | CE | | | | BCE - | | | | | | | | 1300 | | \- | | | | | | BCE | | Gupta | | | | | | | | Empire: | | | | | | | | 320 CE | | | | | | | | - 550 | | | | | | | | CE | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | Persia | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | | (Iran) | Elamite | Achaeme | Parthia | Safavid | Safavid | Iran: | | | Civiliz | nid | n | Dynasty | Dynasty | 1935 CE | | | ation: | Empire: | Empire: | : | : | - | | | c. 2700 | 550 BCE | 247 BCE | 1501 CE | 1501 CE | Present | | | BCE - | - 330 | - 224 | - 1736 | - 1736 | | | | 539 BCE | BCE | CE | CE | CE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | \- | | | | | | | | Sassani | | | | | | | | an | | | | | | | | Empire: | | | | | | | | 224 CE | | | | | | | | - 651 | | | | | | | | CE | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | Mesopot | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | | amia | Sumeria | Babylon | Assyria | Ottoman | Ottoman | Iraq: | | (Iraq) | n | ian | n | Empire: | Empire: | 1932 CE | | | Civiliz | Empire: | Empire: | 1534 CE | 1534 CE | - | | | ation: | 1894 | 911 BCE | - 1918 | - 1918 | Present | | | c. 4500 | BCE - | - 609 | CE | CE | | | | BCE - | 539 BCE | BCE | | | | | | 1900 | | | | | | | | BCE | | \- | | | | | | | | Neo-Bab | | | | | | | | ylonian | | | | | | | | Empire: | | | | | | | | 626 BCE | | | | | | | | - 539 | | | | | | | | BCE | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | Central | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | \- | | Asia | Scythia | Xiongnu | Kushan | Mongol | Mongol | Various | | | n | Confede | Empire: | Empire: | Empire: | Modern | | | Tribes: | ration: | 30 CE - | 1206 CE | 1206 CE | States: | | | up to | c. 3rd | 375 CE | - 1368 | - 1368 | 1991 CE | | | 1000 | century | | CE | CE | - | | | BCE | BCE - | \- | | | Present | | | | 1st | Sassani | | | | | | | century | an | | | | | | | CE | Influen | | | | | | | | ce: | | | | | | | | 224 CE | | | | | | | | - 651 | | | | | | | | CE | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | Mongol | \- Not | \- Not | \- | \- Yuan | \- Yuan | \- | | Khans | Applica | Applica | Genghis | Dynasty | Dynasty | Various | | | ble | ble | Khan: | : | : | Modern | | | | | 1206 CE | 1271 CE | 1271 CE | States: | | | | | - 1227 | - 1368 | - 1368 | 1991 CE | | | | | CE | CE | CE | - | | | | | | | | Present | | | | | \- | | | | | | | | Kublai | | | | | | | | Khan: | | | | | | | | 1260 CE | | | | | | | | - 1294 | | | | | | | | CE | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ | Islamic | \- Not | \- Not | \- | \- | \- | \- | | Calipha | Applica | Applica | Rashidu | Ottoman | Ottoman | Various | | tes | ble | ble | n | Empire: | Empire: | Modern | | | | | Calipha | 1517 CE | 1517 CE | States: | | | | | te: | - 1918 | - 1918 | 1918 CE | | | | | 632 CE | CE | CE | - | | | | | - 661 | | | Present | | | | | CE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | \- | | | | | | | | Umayyad | | | | | | | | Calipha | | | | | | | | te: | | | | | | | | 661 CE | | | | | | | | - 750 | | | | | | | | CE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | \- | | | | | | | | Abbasid | | | | | | | | Calipha | | | | | | | | te: | | | | | | | | 750 CE | | | | | | | | - 1258 | | | | | | | | CE | | | | +---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+ ### **Notes:** - - - - - - - ### ### ### ### **EUROPE** -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Ancient Civilizations (up to 1000 BCE) Ancient Civilizations (1000 BCE - 0 CE) Ancient Civilizations (0 CE - before Age of Exploration) Age of Exploration and Colonization Last Empires (up to 1800 CE) Present Day Greece \- Minoan Civilization: c. 2700 BCE - 1450 BCE \- Ancient Greece: c. 800 BCE - 146 BCE \- Hellenistic Greece: 323 BCE - 30 BCE \- Ottoman Greece: 1458 CE - 1821 CE \- Ottoman Greece: 1458 CE - 1821 CE \- Greece: 1830 CE - Present Rome (Italy) \- Roman Kingdom: 753 BCE - 509 BCE \- Roman Republic: 509 BCE - 27 BCE \- Roman Empire: 27 BCE - 476 CE \- Papacy: 756 CE - 1870 CE \- Papal States: 756 CE - 1870 CE \- Italy: 1861 CE - Present Britain (United Kingdom) \- Britannia (Roman Britain): 43 CE - 410 CE \- Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: 410 CE - 1066 CE \- Norman England: 1066 CE - 1154 CE \- British Empire: 1583 CE - 1997 CE \- British Empire: 1583 CE - 1997 CE \- United Kingdom: 1707 CE - Present France \- Gaul (Roman France): c. 58 BCE - 476 CE \- Merovingian Dynasty: 481 CE - 751 CE \- Carolingian Empire: 800 CE - 888 CE \- French Empire: 1534 CE - 1962 CE \- French Empire: 1534 CE - 1962 CE \- France: 843 CE - Present Spain \- Iberian Peninsula (Pre-Roman): c. 1000 BCE - 218 BCE \- Visigothic Kingdom: 418 CE - 711 CE \- Al-Andalus: 711 CE - 1492 CE \- Spanish Empire: 1492 CE - 1898 CE \- Spanish Empire: 1492 CE - 1898 CE \- Spain: 1469 CE - Present Germany \- Germanic Tribes: up to 0 CE \- Germanic Tribes: 0 CE - 500 CE \- Holy Roman Empire: 800 CE - 1806 CE \- German States: Various principalities within the Holy Roman Empire \- Holy Roman Empire: 800 CE - 1806 CE \- Germany: 1871 CE - Present Russia \- Early Slavs and Varangians: up to 1000 CE \- Kievan Rus\': 882 CE - 1240 CE \- Grand Duchy of Moscow: 1283 CE - 1547 CE \- Tsardom of Russia: 1547 CE - 1721 CE \- Russian Empire: 1721 CE - 1917 CE \- Russia: 1917 CE - Present -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ### **Notes:** - - - - -