Quarter 4 reflective paper
"How and why do civilizations succeed, fail, and evolve?"
"Is the United States succeeding, failing, or evolving?"
"Is the United States succeeding, failing, or evolving?"
Civilization first started in 6500 B.C. when the hunter-gatherers of the Middle East settled down in Mesopotamia. (Stockdale) Since then, there have been many civilizations to rise and fall throughout the ages. Along the way, they succeeded, failed, and evolved, as will present and future civilizations. Even civilizations today such as the United States of America will go through these steps. If civilizations did not succeed, evolved, or fail, nothing would change. Mesopotamia would still be here today. It is because civilizations succeed, evolve, and fail, that they are able to learn and become better.
One reason that civilizations succeed, fail, and evolve is through war and military. Civilizations are able to expand and conquer surrounding areas to increase their range of reign. It provides slaves for the citizens, thus boosting the civilization’s economy and production. This is also evident in the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire had legions of troops all across the empire that were ready to suppress any invasion or uprising. They were successful due to their ability to defeat their enemies, domestic or foreign, with their military. (Emmons)
One example of how a civilization could evolve is through its advances in science and technology. New inventions could revolutionize ancient daily life. An example of this can be seen in Imperial Rome. One emperor of Rome decided to build a network of roads all across the European peninsula. (Chevallier) The roads were made surprisingly well, and still stand today. They allowed a safer and faster route for Rome’s citizens. Armies could travel faster, and messages were delivered earlier. This helped the Roman civilization evolve and gave them an advantage over other civilizations.
There are several ways a civilization can fail and ultimately decline. On example is growing too big. If a civilization grows too large, invasions will most likely occur at the farthest areas from the center. Local tribes would attack villages and hurt a civilization’s economy. This is what happened in Imperial Rome. When Rome was at its geographical peak, Germanic and other tribes began attacking Rome’s borders. This put Rome’s citizens in to fear. People began to disobey and ignore the laws set by the Roman government. Eventually these invasions overwhelmed the empire’s ability to govern and coordinate a proper defense against the tribes. This was the failure and decline of the Roman Empire.
Since its founding in 1776, America has gone through all of these previously mentioned stages. It succeeded when it was founded, when it defeated Great Britain, when it expanded. It evolved government-wise from Great Britain. It failed during the Great Depression from 1929-1939. (Edsforth) As of Today though, I think that the United States of America is in its failure and decline. I say this because of its tremendous debt. It is over 16 trillion dollars right now; more than it has ever been. (Government) Another reason for me to say this is because of the overseas wars that America is involved in right now. These are the reasons that lead me to conclude that America is in the failing stage of a civilization.
One reason that civilizations succeed, fail, and evolve is through war and military. Civilizations are able to expand and conquer surrounding areas to increase their range of reign. It provides slaves for the citizens, thus boosting the civilization’s economy and production. This is also evident in the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire had legions of troops all across the empire that were ready to suppress any invasion or uprising. They were successful due to their ability to defeat their enemies, domestic or foreign, with their military. (Emmons)
One example of how a civilization could evolve is through its advances in science and technology. New inventions could revolutionize ancient daily life. An example of this can be seen in Imperial Rome. One emperor of Rome decided to build a network of roads all across the European peninsula. (Chevallier) The roads were made surprisingly well, and still stand today. They allowed a safer and faster route for Rome’s citizens. Armies could travel faster, and messages were delivered earlier. This helped the Roman civilization evolve and gave them an advantage over other civilizations.
There are several ways a civilization can fail and ultimately decline. On example is growing too big. If a civilization grows too large, invasions will most likely occur at the farthest areas from the center. Local tribes would attack villages and hurt a civilization’s economy. This is what happened in Imperial Rome. When Rome was at its geographical peak, Germanic and other tribes began attacking Rome’s borders. This put Rome’s citizens in to fear. People began to disobey and ignore the laws set by the Roman government. Eventually these invasions overwhelmed the empire’s ability to govern and coordinate a proper defense against the tribes. This was the failure and decline of the Roman Empire.
Since its founding in 1776, America has gone through all of these previously mentioned stages. It succeeded when it was founded, when it defeated Great Britain, when it expanded. It evolved government-wise from Great Britain. It failed during the Great Depression from 1929-1939. (Edsforth) As of Today though, I think that the United States of America is in its failure and decline. I say this because of its tremendous debt. It is over 16 trillion dollars right now; more than it has ever been. (Government) Another reason for me to say this is because of the overseas wars that America is involved in right now. These are the reasons that lead me to conclude that America is in the failing stage of a civilization.
Works Cited
Chevallier, Raymond. "Roman roads." 03 June 2013. World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO,. 03 June 2013.
Edsforth, Ronald. "Great Depression." 03 June 2013. American History. ABC-CLIO,. 03 June 2013.
Emmons, Jim Tschen. "Roman military camps." 03 June 2013. World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO. 03 June 2013.
Government, US. "The Debt to the Penny and Who Holds It." 03 June 2013. Treasury Direct. 03 June 2013.
Stockdale, Nancy. "Mesopotamia." 03 June 2013. ABC-CLIO. 03 June 2013.
Chevallier, Raymond. "Roman roads." 03 June 2013. World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO,. 03 June 2013.
Edsforth, Ronald. "Great Depression." 03 June 2013. American History. ABC-CLIO,. 03 June 2013.
Emmons, Jim Tschen. "Roman military camps." 03 June 2013. World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO. 03 June 2013.
Government, US. "The Debt to the Penny and Who Holds It." 03 June 2013. Treasury Direct. 03 June 2013.
Stockdale, Nancy. "Mesopotamia." 03 June 2013. ABC-CLIO. 03 June 2013.