Human society is more than just an entity or a culture. It is a living, breathing, and ever evolving organism that never stops changing. Early human societies did not have the amazing technological advancements that we are privy to in today’s society. Early societies had to rely on the earth and environment for a stable, profitable foundation. There is an area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that once was the pinnacle of human society. In fact, this area is now known as Iraq; the birthplace of the world’s first civilization known as Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia is from Greek origin. It is translated to “Land between the rivers”, and these rivers were the main factor in the development and success of this thriving civilization. The biblical location of what many refer to as the Garden of Eden was located in Mesopotamia. These two rivers gave life to many civilizations in many ways. The Kingdom of Assyria, which is derived from the ancient city of Assur, was born from the banks of the Tigris River. The rivers flow from the north and run parallel to each other. Mesopotamia’s soil was so enriched over the years by the layers of silt left by the flooding and eventual receding of the two rivers making the soil left after the flooding perfect for crops. The flat plains of Mesopotamia proved to be very fertile thanks to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The hot, dry land of Mesopotamia was fertile due to the rich soil and with the use of irrigation crops were flourishing along with the people. The two rivers formed the foundation of the civilization, but the intuitiveness of this early civilization to utilize these rivers and its surroundings, was the key to its expansion.
Mesopotamia was the location of the first civilization and arguably one of the most iconic military inventions of that period. Hollywood depicts the chariot as a two wheeled, horse drawn, armored wagon with two occupants, one driver and one warrior. While the Hollywood depiction is more reminiscent of the chariots that the Egyptians greatly improved upon, the first rendition was a little different. Early models of the chariot were known to have four wheels and were pulled by mules or a mule hybrid. This first edition chariot carried two men, a driver and a warrior, and was used for riding into battle just like the two wheeled chariots. It reached Egypt in the Middle East during the Second Intermediate Period. The chariot had spread as an expensive, but very effective weapon. By 1500 B.C. it spread as far as Asia Minor, Greece and was known in Northern Europe. As with any weapon or invention, modifications or even improvements to better suit a certain army’s needs or desires were inevitable. The Egyptian chariot featured a metal covering for the axes and some wooden parts were reinforced by encasing them in metal. The Egyptian modifications fit the needs of their army because it made the chariots lighter and faster than their Middle Eastern rivals. Although Egyptians saw this as a better design, it is argued that the chariot was merely redesigned for their personal use.
In 1848 gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California. This single discovery launched the most famous geological event in US history. This single geological discovery brought an astonishing 300,000 people from all over the world in search of their fortunes. In 1848 president James K. Polk gave his State of the Union address confirming the discovery of gold in California. Travelers from as far as the eastern seaboard migrated west using the Overland Route, the California-Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails. Migration of this magnitude led to the forging of new paths and the development of new cities by disrupting the normal migration patterns. Transportation evolved as well due to the massive influx of travelers. Enhancing means of travel and even the development of new transportation spawned as a result of the desire to be part of the California Gold Rush. The urgency felt by travelers wanting to beat the competition to the gold brought forth innovations in travel looking to expedite the journey. Entrepreneurs looked to make their fortunes in other ways. Women used their skills sewing and mending to make just as much if not more than the men that were mining the gold. Selling Chocolate bars opposed to gold bars found Domingo Ghirardelli his fortune. Towns and mining tools were built using the lumber from cleared hillsides. The California Gold Rush increased the population of California nearly 300% by the end of 1850. Fortunes were made and lost, but the diversity, culture, and economic boom obtained during the California Gold Rush is priceless.
A physical geographical factor that did not have to be exposed with dynamite and was just equally as important as the California Gold Rush is the Mississippi River. The colonization of the Southeast was possible in most part due to the accessibility given by the river. The ability to transport bulk commodities up and down the river encouraged agricultural expanse in the surrounding regions. Slave traders used the river for a much more cost effective way of transporting slaves than herding them across miles of land risking revolt or escape. The steam boat brought significant change in 1811. The ability to travel up and down the river was now possible and doubled the carrying capacity of the river. More than 1000 steamboats transported goods along the Mississippi River by 1860 making towns as far north as Cincinnati, Ohio and as far south as New Orleans very important cities in the movement and establishment of the West.

Ancient Civilizations : Mesopotamia. (2011). Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/westerngovernors/docDetail.action
Dunn, J. (n.d.). The chariot in egyptian warfare. Retrieved from http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/chariots.htm
Orlin, L. L. (2010). Life and thought in the ancient near east. Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/westerngovernors/Doc?id=10373075&ppg=101