19- Overall/Summary Questions
In response to Yali’s question, everything came down to the location and settlement of people back in ancient times. Since some areas were not suitable for farming, they remained hunter-gatherers and carried on with their lives. Like New Guinea, these were the countries that would soon be backed-up on all the technological innovations and items produced that were brought into the world later on. Since food production was what off-set these creations, those regions that had perfect climate year-round had many advantages over others. With humid temperatures and excessive rainfall, farmers were able to domesticate a variety of crops. Wild mammals were tamed as well to perform certain tasks and help make the agricultural
…show more content…
Quilted armor and club blows were nothing compared to the steel ones created. Also, those with animals to ride on had a quick escape and better change to get away from their enemies rather than those by foot. In addition to all of this, people with animals were very used to and immune to the germs they gave off. Those without them suffered from this disadvantage when germs and other deadly diseases were brought into their country. This is what caused most deaths of people and eliminated many populations. All of these factors were based off the original place these people came from. It states in the text, “The striking differences between the long-term histories of peoples of the different continents have been due not to innate differences in the peoples themselves but to differences in their environments” (Diamond 389). As Diamond says, the cultural differences and diversity amongst people scattered all around the world had nothing to do with how history unfolded. In fact, it was all based off the environmental factors that gave people certain opportunities. Therefore, while some people had less than others, it wasn’t fair to blame them for their misfortunes, but instead their environment that created the unequal