Jerry H. Bentley, the word "world history" has different meanings for different societies. While some may define it as a broad analysis of the whole world's history, others believe it implies foreign history. But, this word doesn't actually correspond to either definition. It denotes historical learning which undertakes an overt comparison of experiences beyond individual societal boundaries or studies interactions among individuals hailing from diverse communities or studies broad historical processes and trends which extend beyond discrete communities. Besides highlighting cross-cultural dealings in a historical context, one chief concern of the major part of modern world history deals with constructing alternative approaches to the established Eurocentric perspectives of history.[footnoteRef:1] [1:. Jerry H. Bentley, A Companion to Western Historical Thought, ed. Lloyd Kramer and Sarah Maza (Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, 2002), 393.]Ever since historical events began to be documented, the element of world history was apparent. The ancient world lacked access to fairly accurate facts regarding far-off countries. However, they showed a great deal of interest in attempting to comprehend the way their personal experiences could be integrated into the big picture.[footnoteRef:2] Herodotus enthusiastically explained the traditions and unique behaviors of every society he heard of or personally witnessed. His work's principal focus was a grand comparison and contrast of Persian and Greek societies. Ban Guand SimaQian, who is credited with initiating Chinese historical writing, concentrated on the Han empire's history, whilst also accommodating narratives of central Asian nomads and their interactions with the Chinese. Early cultural customs' endurance and the growing significance of intercultural relationships and communication guaranteed a form of universal vision that would endure during later eras. For instance, chroniclers of medieval Europe typically embarked on their accounts by first summarizing biblical history, inclusive of the creation of the universe and ancient Christian, Jewish and Roman experiences.[footnoteRef:3] [2:. Jerry H. Bentley, Civilization as a Global Project: Sedentary and Nomadic Societies in Cross-Cultural History, ed. Susan Porter Benson, Stephen...
Bentley, A Companion to Western Historical Thought, 394.]Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now