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World History
Posted 5 months ago
Since all of the areas developed agriculture independently, why did Europe and Asia develop so much faster culture-wise? When Columbus reached the Americas, Europe had guns, huge armies, merchant vessels, and other giant advancements, whereas the crowning achievement of the Native Americans would be the pyramids (something developed in Egypt millennia beforehand). Basically, why did they develop at such different rates if agriculture promotes so much?
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Answer from Sia
Posted 5 months ago
Answer
The differing rates of development between Europe, Asia, and the Americas can be attributed to several factors, including geography, the availability of domesticable plants and animals, and the diffusion of technology and ideas.
Key Concept
Geographic and environmental factors played a crucial role in the development of civilizations.
Explanation
Europe and Asia benefited from the East-West axis, which allowed for easier diffusion of crops, animals, and technologies across similar latitudes. This facilitated the spread of agricultural practices, leading to surplus food production, population growth, and the development of complex societies. Additionally, the availability of domesticable animals like horses, cattle, and sheep in Eurasia provided significant advantages in agriculture, transportation, and warfare. In contrast, the Americas had a North-South axis, which posed challenges for the diffusion of crops and technologies due to varying climates and geographical barriers. The lack of large domesticable animals also limited agricultural productivity and transportation. These factors contributed to the slower development of complex societies in the Americas compared to Europe and Asia. Furthermore, the dense network of trade routes in Eurasia, such as the Silk Road, facilitated the exchange of ideas, technologies, and innovations, accelerating cultural and technological advancements. When Columbus reached the Americas, Europe had already experienced the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution, leading to significant advancements in various fields.

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