...GKE Task 1 Development of Societies The Nile River was a major environmental structure that contributed to the early development of society in Egypt. The Nile had such predictable flooding and recession patterns that farmers were able to create a yearly calendar based on them. This assisted them with knowing when to plant and harvest crops. Knowing when the water levels would be high enabled them to build reservoirs for crop irrigation during the times when there was less water. The river also contained silt, a mineral which enhanced the soil and the crops that grew along the banks. (Orlin, 2010, p. 284) Some of the major crops that were utilized included beans, cotton, wheat, barley, emmer, and papyrus, a reed that was used to make things like baskets, sandals, and boats. (Association, 2014) The Nile River opens to the Mediterranean Sea with dessert surrounding the east and west sides. Due to this layout, farmers were confident that their land and crops were protected from invasions. With this security they were able to focus on learning about their crops, excelling a food production, and eventually learned to do things like make clothing from cotton. (Association, 2014) Diffusion between Societies Chariots, two wheeled horse-drawn carts were first used by the Indo-Iranians in 2000 BCE. They were made of solid, heavy wood and held together with wood pegs. Being made of such substantial material could make them very difficult to turn and control. (Carney, 2014) Around...
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...GKE 1 Task 1 One of the significant geographic factors that contributed to the development of early human society was Mesopotamia (Mark,J.M. 2009). This area is now known as Iraq. Mesopotamia means “between two rivers”; the Euphrates, and the Tigris Rivers. There are human settlements there that date back to 10,000 BCE. This land was known as the Fertile Crescent. This made it possible for nomadic peoples to settle the land, domesticate animals, and start agriculture. Mesopotamia was mainly an agrarian society. The main jobs were crops and livestock. The soil of the Fertile Crescent made it possible to raise crops. From 10,000 BCE- the 7th CE, there were several periods of development. Once the Muslim conquest took place in the late 7th Century, the ancient Mesopotamia ends. One product that was diffused throughout the globe is tea. In early times, tea was only used for medicine. After many centuries, tea became a popular drink in China (Columbia University, 2015). Tea slowly spread through Tibet, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. In the seventeenth, tea started to expand into the western world. During the following century, tea was common place in England. From the UK, tea was brought to the colonies in America. In 1773, the colonists threw tea into the Boston Harbor, in protest of high taxes the British imposed on tea. This was one of the major events that lead to the American Revolution. When James M. Marshall discovered a gold nugget at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, the California...
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...The California gold rush was a significant factor that contributed to the development of the United States. Environmental resources have always been an incentive to people to move their families to another location. This is what people did during the gold rush in San Francisco. Many families moved themselves across land and sea on the potential of wealth offered by California’s gold. The emigrants came to a part of the United States where very little people were, causing the population to grow quickly. By the end of the year, the non-native population of California was estimated at 100,000, (as compared with 20,000 at the end of 1848 and around 800 in March 1848) (in text cite). The onset of new people also caused the once deserted land to grow into communities, which helped to expand and develop the United States. The settlers built the communities with roads, houses, and other important places needed to sustain the town. These grew from small towns to bigger ones as the settlers developed and spread across the land. They not only developed the communities but they integrated different cultures together. People from all over came to California and these settlers had to learn to communicate and coexist with each other. This influx of new people contributed to California becoming an official state of the United States. These actions helped to develop the United States because of environmental resources. The Irish Potato Famine that happened 1845-1849 is another example of environmental...
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...WGU GKE1 GKE1TASK1WALKER Arguably one of the great societies from the past was the Andrean civilization or Inca. Before this population that totaled over 12,000,000 to the Spanish, the Incas were a self-sustained community. A significant geographical factor that contributed to the success of this empire was its location 11,000 feet up in the Andeas mountain range in South America ("Soomo," 2013). This location up in the mountains provided a great canvas to create a massive empire that provided and protected all their people. Some things that these mountains provided for these people were water from glaciers at higher elevations; this water ran downhill, the Incas built rock-cut channels that followed the streets to make this water available to all people, animals and crops ("Soomo," 2013). This mountain range might have created a challenge for some civilizations; however the Incas used it wisely. Sculpting the mountainside into terraces to grow crops like maize and potatoes, these crops did well at these elevations and temperatures. These mountains also provided a habitat for the llamas and alpaca that the Incas sheared for wool (Hughes, 2002, p. 116). All in all the Incas used these mountains well for survival and as a way to protect their people and empire. They used this resource daily, however the protected well for future generations to use. The Potato is a diverse vegetable, there was a one point 235 different species (Smith, 2011, p. 12). This tuber was...
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...Task 1-A One significant environmental factor that contributed to the development of human society was the availability of an abundant supply of water, as provided by the rivers that helped contribute to the ancient civilization in Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia, the area presently know as Iraq, is referred to as the “land between the rivers” (Hollar, 2011). In approximately 3300 BC, the people known as the Sumerians settled into an area known as the Plain of Shintar. In this area where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers converged, there was an amazing and consistent supply of water, which helped these people develop their way of life (Hollar, 2011). The largely watered area gave way to an abundant amount of rich soil. This soil provided the ability to build houses and create irrigation systems. These tasks required cooperation among the settlers, leading to the growth of their newly established government. The soil also allowed the Sumerians to benefit from the their agriculture. The first grown items were barley, emmer, olives, grapes and flax (Hollar, 2011). Task 1-B The process of the diffusion of tea between early human societies began as early as the first century AD. The origin of tea is not historically clear, although it is said to have originated in China (Saberi, 2010). Initially, tea was used for the treatment of various ailments, such as stomach problems and other illnesses (Saberi, 2010). During the Tang dynasty from 618-907 AD, tea earned the reputation of being refreshing...
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...Geographic and environmental factors have a momentous impact on the development of trade and migration systems. Those systems and migration patterns lead to correlations among diverse people and their cultures. Therefore, geography and resources have an influence on the growth and relations between societies. Two of the most significant geographical and environmental factors that have led to the development and expansion of the United States is the growth of industry after the Civil War, and the abundance of agriculture. After the Civil War, the population in the United Sates more than doubled and industrial growth was also rapid because of the large quantity of natural resources. The United States had enormous assets such as coal, copper, petroleum, iron, water power and timber. Due to this immense supply of natural resources, many immigrants came to the States for work and many rural workers traveled many miles to flourish as well. There were many jobs like coal mining, constructing railroads, and silver and gold mining that promised wealth, like in the California Gold Rush. When gold was discovered in 1849 in California, people came from all over the world and with such an influx of people and the following development, California became an official state in 1850. Gold wasn’t the only abundant resource in the U.S. With the production of coal and other minerals, exporting to other countries was in high demand and expanded the trade industry for...
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...can be seen in the popularity of tea around the world. As per Chinese legend tea was first discovered in 2737 B.C.. Sometime around the 9th century tea was first used in Japan. Japanese monks studying in China brought it back with them when they returned to Japan. Tea drinking and ceremonies have become an important part of the Japanese culture. The Dutch were the first to import tea back to Europe. In the 16th century tea was shipped from China to Holland it was expensive and seen as a drink for the wealthy. Tea was fashionable in Holland and started to spread to other countries in Europe. In the 19th century the tea trade was dominated by the British and Dutch when they introduced tea to India and North America. (“Tea,”n.d.) C.1. The Louisiana Purchase Thomas Jefferson believed that westward expansion was vital to the nation’s growth and strength. This was not possible without access to the Mississippi River through New Orleans. France had gained...
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...GKE1 Task 3 A, A1, B, B1, Aubert Lisa Aubert Western Governors University GKE1 Task 3 A, A1, B, B1, Aubert Part A, A1 What is colonialism and how did it affect North America? How did the natives respond? Colonialism is the characteristics of a specific colony of people that have established a new territory yet still is under the authority of the parent country that sent them. In 1607, the king of England sent an assembly of employed men to North America with a dedicated purpose to establish new business for increased wealth, first colonized in Jamestown, Virginia. They were greeted by the Indian natives and a peaceful relationship was formed. They established a union of trust and traded goods such as corn, tobacco, metal tools to name a few. As time went on, the Indian natives were apprehensive and suspicious regarding the colonist’s agenda and soon stopped trading. As a result, the colonists began to die for lack of food. The colonists retaliated by force, initiating raids, stealing food, and then burning the native’s homes. English monarchy sent a fleet for reinforcement which led to the massacre of the Indians thus allowing them to take governmental control over the colonized land and bring the English domain to the New World. The Indian Massacre of 1622 is one example of war. This was a war in which both sides tried to annihilate each other. It had begun when the Indians realized that the settlers were mainly concerned with taking all their land away from them...
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...Monday, September 22, 2014 Task One Part A-Mesopotamia According to Britannica Educational (2011), “The area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now Iraq is the site of ancient Mesopotamia, birthplace of the world’s first civilizations (p. 10).” The one significant factor would be the physical geographic location of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which create the fertile area of Mesopotamia. According to Britannica Educational (2011), “As the muddy streams flooded and receded, their silt built a plain rich with soil, ideal for agriculture (p. 10).” In order to develop a civilization and not have to move around like nomads there must be adequate resources. The geographical location of Mesopotamia between the two rivers contributed to the development of the civilization. Britannica, E. P. (2011). Ancient Civilizations : Mesopotamia. Chicago, IL, USA: Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com Task One Part B-Tea The origin of tea is very interesting. According to Saberi (2011), “There is little accurate historical information about the beginning of tea-drinking in China (p.29).” Saberi (2011) continues, “It is probable that by the first century BC people in Sichuan were infusing tea leaves in hot water (p.29).” Tea became a popular drink globally due to its transmission. Saberi (2011) states, “by the end of the fifth century tea was being exported or traded with Turkish and Mongolian merchants, usually in...
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...Nelson Mandela was known as a world leader for his role in fighting apartheid and being the first multi-racial president of South Africa. His presidency created a significant change in the perception and building of a multiracial society in South Africa and around the world. Nelson Mandela was also known to be a leader of a civil rights organization known as the African National Congress. The purpose of the African National Congress was to demolish racial segregation and discrimination. The two most significant social changes made by Nelson Mandela was his uniting of a fiercely divided country and his creation of a truly democratic society in South Africa. A great leader will always fight for what they believe in. Nelson Mandela's dream was building a society in which all South Africans could live in freedom and prosperity. He wanted a free, non-racial, and non-sexist society for all South Africans. In Mandela’s early years he was raised by the Thembu tribe located on South Africa’s southeastern coast. He wanted to escape the Thembu traditions of marrying a woman of his regent’s choice so he fled to Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, Mandela was able to find work at a Jewish law firm in 1942. His entry level position encouraged him to obtain a bachelor’s degree in law. Through this law firm, Mandela was introduced to many different ideas, communists, politicians, and the African National Congress. During this time, South Africa was ruled by a white government which believed in...
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...Themes in U.S. & World History Task 1 A – D A. Mesopotamia is an area that lies between Euphrates and Tigris rivers, northwest of the bottleneck at Baghdad, which is modern Iraq. Mesopotamia is a region, not a country. According to Fagan (2001), people of this region were able to flourish due to the successful agriculture. The fertile soil and excellent irrigation lead to a surplus of food sources. In reading The History World International, 2007, I found the Mesopotamian people were able to store and redistribute their supplies. This made them very valuable to neighboring societies and drew people in, which lead to the growth of the Mesopotamian society. B. Horses have been documented far back in history. In the Old Assyrian period between 1900 and 1750 BC. Anatolian people, however, were the first to use horses as a regular military feature from 1500 onward. The people needed a means to carry themselves and other weaponry for war and the chariot fit the bill. A chariot maker had to become an expert in every aspect of the building process. Right down to the horse’s bridles and bits had to be redesigned to aid in the proper fit for the chariot. The charioteers themselves rose to a new status class in their urban life. The use of chariots was either directly or indirectly responsible for weaponry being updates. New armor became necessary as well such as swords, spears and spikes. Everything was bumped up a notch in performance. Even the terrain for battles had to have...
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...A. Justify your choice of the two most significant environmental/geographic factors that contributed to the development or expansion of the United States. I am choosing the Gold Rush and the Dust Bowl as my two significant factors that have contributed to the development or expansion of the US. The Dust Bowl. In the middle of the 19th century many people were traveling across the US looking for land to farm and make homes on. When they reach the Midwest they thought they had found paradise. The grass was tall and rich all the way from Canada to Texas. Men started to clear the land and started planting crops of wheat. The most ideal was the Southern Plains. The only down side was once the trees and grass was removed the top soil had nothing to hold it into place. The water from the ground that would have gone to the roots of the trees and grass flowed into nearby water ways, such as creeks and rivers. The southern plains were the place to be in the 1930’s. They grew wheat which the government was paying top dollar for because of World War I. The wheat and corn was used to help feed the soldiers and other countries as well as many Americans. In the summer of 1931 a great drought hit the southern plains, turning the once fertile ground into dry brittle dirt. But the lack of water was not the only reason the ground was so dry. The farming practices at that time were depleting the soil of all the nutrients needed to help crops grow. The drought did not stop...
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...on GKE Task 1: Themes in US and World History Vivian White Western Governors University GKE Task 1: Themes in US and World History A. How the Nile contributes to the development of Egypt. The Nile River flows through Egypt on its way to the Mediterranean Sea. One contribution the Nile River has made to the development of Egypt is the nourishing silt it carries. During the flooding season, in July, the silt from flood waters of the Nile fertilizes fields along the banks, promoting crop growth. About a month is required for the fields to dry, before the seeding can begin. The silt-fertilized field will help to ensure a bountiful harvest in the spring. This contributes to Egypt’s development by providing crops for both food and for sales (Orlin, 2010). B. The diffusion of the chariot from Egypt to Assyria The chariot was first invented as a flat moving surface that could hold two people-a fighter and a driver so that during times of war, enemies could be shot at from a distance (Plubins, 2013). In the 18th century, the Egyptians were introduced to chariots when they were invaded by the Hyksos. These chariots were light in weight do to the small stature of the horses of the Hyksos (Orlin, 2010). One hundred fifty years later, when the Egyptians returned to their own rule, they built chariots with four spokes in each wheel. These worked well on flat ground for speed and pursing the enemy (Orlin, 2010). As we move to 900 BCE to 600 BCE, the Assyrians had begun...
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...1 Geography and the Development and Diffusion of Human Societies GKE TASK 1 Michelle Murray Western Governors University GKE Task1 2 A. The two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates are substantial examples of geographical and environmental factors that impacted the development of the Mesopotamia civilization. Mesopotamia- “known as the land between two rivers”. (Hollar,2011). Details Tigris river is 1180 miles long deeper but shorter than the Euphrates river. The Euphrates River is 1700 miles long and not as deep only flat boats can ride along this river. (Hollar,2011). I believe both rivers contributed to the Mesopotamia civilization and were significant geographical and environmental factors. The two rivers were a point of focus from the beginning. They provided rich soil perfect for agriculture, deposits of mud and clay to build their community, mode of transportation and water for irrigation for crops. The use of these valleys’ soil and water were signs of innovation and exchange. The Mesopotamians made the Fertile Crescent fertile with their irrigation technology. (Keita,n.d) They had to create an irrigation system so they could better operate the river’s water. Along with the fertile soil, proper irrigation and organized labor they reaped the benefits of the land. They were able to grow a surplus of food not only for the community...
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...Evaluation Summary for Themes in U.S. and World History: GKE Task 3 Final Score: Does not Meet Overall comments: The work identifies Africa as an area that experienced imperialism. The African reaction is well discussed. However, the rise of imperialism is not addressed and two appropriate revolutions need to be compared. Detailed Results (Rubric used: GKE Task 3) Articulation of Response (clarity, organization, mechanics) (0) Unsatisfactory (1) Needs Revision (2) Satisfactory The candidate provides unsatisfactory articulation of response. The candidate provides weak articulation of response. The candidate provides adequate articulation of response. Criterion Score: 2.00 Comments on this criterion: The articulation of response is adequate. A. Imperialism or Colonialism (0) Unsatisfactory (1) Needs Revision (2) Satisfactory The candidate does not provide a logical discussion of the rise of imperialism or colonialism in 1 area of the world from the given list. The candidate provides a logical discussion, with insufficient detail, of the rise of imperialism or colonialism in 1 area of the world from the given list. The candidate provides a logical discussion, with sufficient detail, of the rise of imperialism or colonialism in 1 area of the world from the given list. Criterion Score: 0.00 Comments on this criterion: The work identifies Africa as an area that experienced colonialism/ imperialism. However, no discussion is provided explaining the rise...
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