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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper examines David Northrup’s article, and supports his idea of history as a divergence/convergence model. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
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3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVGtConv.rtf
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so neatly divided. And if it can, who came up with these particular divisions, and why. This paper considers David Northrups article on a different historical model, the Great Convergence,
and argues that in light of the information we have on the Arab conquests and the Reconquista, this way of looking at history makes sense. Discussion Northrup follows up the
work of other historians, and suggests that there is a more useful model of history than the ancient, medieval, modern timeline usually discussed. Instead, he proposes that history be divided
into "just two ages: one dominated by divergence and, since about 1000 C.E., an age of convergence" (Northrup). He writes that if we consider human culture from its earliest beginnings
in Africa, and follow the migrations of those people throughout the world, it becomes obvious that humans "honed their survival skills by adapting culturally to a multitude of different environments"
(Northrup). Since these early communities were largely isolated from one another, each of them developed the "technologies" that would work for them (Northrup). In this context, technology doesnt refer to
computers and televisions, but to such things as ways to manufacture clothing, provide food, and devise belief systems, writing and languages (Northrup). These isolated communities also developed distinctive styles of
art and architecture" (Northrup). But the communities didnt remain isolated. As Northrup notes, at some point "rising forces of convergence overtook those promoting ever-increasing diversity" (Northrup). But the convergence was
not sudden or abrupt, but took place over a long period (Northrup). The powers that caused convergence had been operating for a long time: "regional empires consolidated disparate peoples and
overlaid their traditions with a common culture, world religions spread universalistic beliefs, and long-distance traders spread ideas and technologies as well as goods" (Northrup). The result of this was that
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