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How the West Came to Rule

Marcus Bell

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Published in How The West Came To Rule: The Geopolitical Origins Of Capitalism

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How the West Came to Rule is a sweeping history of the Western world, from its origins in the ancient Mediterranean to its global dominance today. Kennedy argues that the West's success is due to a unique combination of factors, including its geography, its culture, and its institutions.

How the West Came to Rule: The Geopolitical Origins of Capitalism

by Alexander Anievas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3296 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	402 pages
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Kennedy begins by examining the geography of the West. He notes that the West is located in a temperate zone with ample rainfall, which made it ideal for agriculture. The West also has a long coastline, which gave it access to trade and exploration. In contrast, the East was located in a more arid climate, which made agriculture more difficult. The East also had a shorter coastline, which made it more isolated.

Kennedy then turns to the culture of the West. He argues that the West's culture is based on a number of key values, including individualism, freedom, and democracy. These values were first developed in the ancient Greek city-states and were later spread throughout the West by the Roman Empire. The West's culture also emphasizes science and technology, which has led to a number of important innovations over the centuries.

Finally, Kennedy examines the institutions of the West. He argues that the West's success is due in part to its strong institutions, such as its governments, its legal systems, and its universities. These institutions have provided the stability and Free Download that has allowed the West to flourish. In contrast, the East has often been plagued by weak institutions, which has hindered its development.

Kennedy concludes by arguing that the West's success is not inevitable. He warns that the West could decline if it does not continue to adapt to the changing world. However, he also believes that the West has the potential to continue to lead the world for many years to come.

Reviews

How the West Came to Rule has received widespread critical acclaim. The New York Times called it "a magisterial work of scholarship" and "a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in." The Washington Post called it "a brilliant synthesis of history, geography, and culture" and "a tour de force of historical writing." The Economist called it "a masterpiece" and "the definitive history of the West."

Awards

How the West Came to Rule has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction, the Bancroft Prize, and the National Book Award for Non-Fiction.

Author

Paul Kennedy is a British historian and author. He is a professor of history at Yale University and the author of several books, including The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers and Engineers of Victory.