William Mcneill's The Changing Shape Of World History

William McNeill’s thesis includes many different regions, all in which hold their own development of world historical views. His understanding as to the best approach came from historiographical traditions documented in even the recent sources we have observed recently. As a student in a world history class, it is important to note that McNeill’s thesis would be very important in discussing the very understanding of what his title implies, “The Changing Shape of World History,” with an emphasis on the four old world civilizations of the middle east, India, China and Europe. To begin this class, it is important to begin with Egypt as it is one of the earliest in world history. As McNeill points out, “the earliest complex societies arose on the river flood plains of

If you cannot reverently obey, you will not only not have your lands, but I will also carry to the utmost heaven’s inflictions on your persona.” Thus, creating the belief that even though heaven chose its ruler on earth, they could also have them removed. In discussing the Chinese dynasty’s and during the Han Dynasty, Ban Baio, a famous Chinese historian, wrote “Lessons for a Woman,” (200-300 CE) outlining the position and duties of women in society. As time changed and civilization emerged, so did history as it began to bel less biblical and more focused on social change. McNeill notes that, “cultural borrowing,” was in fact a huge part of civilization. This document in particular can serve as an example in which Baio felt was a set of instructions for the proper behavior and attitude of women, particularly with regard to their