Many early historians tended to look at the past in terms of
Are these your choices? What is your answer?
A. Random cycles
B. Continuities and discontinuities
C. Innovation and change
D. Progress and decline
This is from a Penn-Foster exam.
random cycles
which of the following were major items of trade in the west african states of ghana and gao
progress and the development of civilizations. They focused on the rise and fall of empires, technological advancements, and cultural achievements. This approach, known as a linear or teleological view of history, can be attributed to the influence of Enlightenment thinkers who believed in the idea of human progress.
To understand why many early historians looked at the past in terms of progress, we need to consider the historical context in which they were writing. The Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and cultural movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason, science, and humanism. During this time, there was a great interest in understanding and explaining the world through observation, analysis, and empirical evidence.
Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau believed that human civilization had made significant advancements in various areas, such as science, politics, and philosophy. They saw history as a linear progression from primitive societies to more advanced and civilized ones.
Influenced by these ideas, many early historians adopted a similar view and sought to study and document the progress of human societies over time. They focused on the achievements and advancements of civilizations, such as the construction of monumental buildings, the development of legal and political systems, and the creation of art and literature.
To get a more comprehensive understanding of why early historians viewed the past in terms of progress, one could explore the works of influential Enlightenment thinkers and read historical texts from that period. Additionally, studying the broader historical context, including social, cultural, and intellectual developments, would provide further insights into why this perspective was prevalent.