From the Fifteenth to the Twenty First: A Global and Environmental Narrative

The Story of Our Changing World

Throughout history, the world has witnessed numerous transformations, both on a global scale and within its diverse ecosystems. From the fifteenth century until the present day, these changes have shaped the narratives of humanity and the environment we inhabit. Exploring this complex relationship between human activities and the natural world unravels a captivating tale of triumphs, challenges, and the imminent need for collective action.

Rediscovering the Past: The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries

The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries marked the beginning of an era of exploration and discovery, as European nations embarked on voyages to unknown territories. These expeditions not only led to the unification of different cultures but also introduced new flora and fauna to Europe. Consider the mesmerizing tale of Christopher Columbus, whose journey to the New World had lasting effects on both American and European histories.

The Origins of the Modern World: A Global and Environmental Narrative from the Fifteenth to the Twenty-First Century (World Social Change)

by O. Palmer Robertson(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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The environmental impact of these expeditions cannot be overlooked either. The arrival of Europeans in the Americas and other parts of the world brought about radical changes in local ecosystems. The of invasive species, deforestation, and alteration of landscapes forever transformed the natural world.

The Industrial Revolution: A Turning Point

The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the eighteenth century brought about significant changes in global environmental narrative. The rapid advancements in technology and manufacturing processes fundamentally altered human societies and their relationship with nature.

This period witnessed the rise of mass production, urbanization, and the exploitation of natural resources on an unprecedented scale. The consequences were both beneficial and detrimental. While industrialization fueled economic growth and scientific progress, it also accelerated environmental degradation, leading to pollution, ecological imbalance, and a growing concern for the planet's sustainability.

Environmental Movements and the Call for Action

As the detrimental effects of industrialization became increasingly apparent, the twentieth century witnessed the emergence of various environmental movements. People around the world started advocating for conservation, sustainable practices, and the preservation of biodiversity.

Key milestones in this narrative include the establishment of national parks and protected areas, the rise of grassroots environmental activism, and the recognition of the interconnectedness of global ecosystems. The first Earth Day in 1970 marked a significant turning point, uniting people from all walks of life in their concern for the environment.

The Challenges of the Twenty First Century

As we enter the twenty-first century, the narrative around global and environmental issues has shifted. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion have become urgent concerns that require immediate attention. The undeniable impact of human activities on the planet has prompted a call for collective action and sustainable development.

The narrative of the twenty-first century tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and the need for global cooperation. From the Paris Agreement to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, efforts are being made to address the challenges we face and create a more sustainable future.

The Future of Our Global and Environmental Narrative

As we reflect on the narrative of the past and present, it is essential to consider the future. We must recognize our responsibility to protect and restore the environment for generations to come. The global and environmental narrative will continue to evolve, shaped by scientific advancements, social movements, and collective action.

By promoting awareness, inspiring change, and fostering a sense of stewardship, we can ensure that the global and environmental narrative of the future conveys a story of revitalization, harmonious coexistence, and a commitment to safeguarding the planet we call home.

The Origins of the Modern World: A Global and Environmental Narrative from the Fifteenth to the Twenty-First Century (World Social Change)

by O. Palmer Robertson(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3695 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	291 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This clearly written and engrossing book presents a global narrative of the origins of the modern world from 1400 to the present. Unlike most studies, which assume that the “rise of the West” is the story of the coming of the modern world, this history, drawing upon new scholarship on Asia, Africa, and the New World and upon the maturing field of environmental history, constructs a story in which those parts of the world play major roles, including their impacts on the environment. Robert B. Marks defines the modern world as one marked by industry, the nation state, interstate warfare, a large and growing gap between the wealthiest and poorest parts of the world, increasing inequality within the wealthiest industrialized countries, and an escape from the environmental constraints of the “biological old regime.” He explains its origins by emphasizing contingencies (such as the conquest of the New World); the broad comparability of the most advanced regions in China, India, and Europe; the reasons why England was able to escape from common ecological constraints facing all of those regions by the end of the eighteenth century; a conjuncture of human and natural forces that solidified a gap between the industrialized and non-industrialized parts of the world; the mounting environmental crisis that defines the modern world; and the ways in which the forces of globalization stress the economic and political underpinnings of the modern world.

Now in a new edition that brings the saga of the modern world to the present in an environmental context, the book considers how and why the United States emerged as a world power in the twentieth century and became the sole superpower by the twenty-first century, and why the changed relationship of humans to the environmental likely will be the hallmark of the modern era—the Anthopocene. Once again arguing that the US rise to global hegemon was contingent, not inevitable, Marks also points to the resurgence of Asia and the vastly changed relationship of humans to the environment that may in the long run overshadow any political and economic milestones of the past hundred years.

A Companion Website at https://textbooks.rowman.com/marks4e offers a student study guide that provides a concise summary, main points, key terms, discussion questions, map exercises, and recommended websites. It also offers a range of teaching materials, including a test bank and a list of suggested primary and secondary readings.