J. R. McNeill compares humans in complex societies to ants. He says people are programed to be more like chimpanzees but that our culture tries to turn us into ants. This discussion is inserted into a description of complex societies, states, and cities—all of which began to emerge after human beings became sedentary and began to farm (chapter 3, page 73). [This is an example of informal citation.] ? Since about 3500 BCE, the history of humanity and of planet Earth has centered around increasing numbers of human beings living in urban societies that have grown to the point of modifying nearly 40% of dry land. By 5000 BCE trade and other connections (webs) had developed among early complex societies that would foster the continued spread and increasing complexity of human societies—and their damage to planet Earth. Essay Assignment: ? Topic = Compare and evaluate three important environmental impacts of humanity up to 5000 BCE. ? Write an essay of no less than 500 words that identifies, describes, and compares three significant environmental impacts of humanity as hunter-gatherers and in complex societies by 5000 BCE. Be sure to include: (1) why those impacts are significant; (2) the positive and negative aspects of those impacts in terms of health of people and the planet, and (3) conclusions as to what this history may forecast for the long-term welfare of humanity and the Earth. ? Your essay must use chapters 1-3 of Webs of Humanity as the source, citing chapter and page number in parentheses to verify information. ? Remember this is a history essay that combines information with interpretation. Avoid the double temptations of: (1) broad generalizations not backed up with relevant information; and (2) the mere listing of facts. A historical argument (a statement, claim, or interpretation) must be presented and supported with relevant and correct evidence related to your argument.
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