Jared Diamond's Theory: Geography, Resources, and Conquest

What are the three major elements that separate the world's 'haves' from the 'have nots' according to Jared Diamond?

Guns, Germs, Steel

2. Jared Diamond refers to the people of New Guinea as "among the world's most culturally diverse and adaptable people," yet they have much less than modern Americans. What examples support Diamond's theory that geography is the reason?

Fertile Crescent had good farmland, useful crops and animals; New Guinea had fewer farming resources, geography for development

3. For thousands of years, people have been cultivating crops. Describe how crops were domesticated to create bigger and better harvests.

Saved seeds from the best plants, replanted them every year, chose bigger and better crops, harvest improved overtime

How did the domestication of animals help people?

Provided meat and milk, gave hides for clothing, carried heavy loads, plowed fields.

How does Diamond's theory about geographic luck apply to domesticated animals?

Some places had animals that could be domesticated, which helped with farming and transportation, societies grew faster

How did the movement of early Fertile Crescent civilizations support Diamond's idea that geography was important?

They overused their land and moved crops and animals to Europe and Asia, continued farming and growing

7. Do you agree with Jared Diamond when he says that the resources available to people are more important than the people themselves? Why or why not?

Mostly agree; better land, crops, and animals helped societies advance, but people's choices still mattered.

What weapons and technology did the Spanish conquistadors have when they invaded the Inca Empire?

Horses, Guns, Steel swords, Body armor.

Why did the Spanish have steel swords while the Incas were still using bronze tools and weapons?

Europe benefited from Fertile Crescent technology and developed stronger steel weapons over time.

How did Spanish battle tactics help a small army defeat the much larger Inca army?

Surprise attack, used horses and guns, caused panic, used swords

Why were Europeans considered 'accidental conquerors' according to Jared Diamond?

Geography gave them advantages; they had guns, germs, and steel, not because they were smarter.

12. According to Jared Diamond, what factor allowed Europeans to develop the power to conquer much of the world?

Geography, good crops and animals, better technology and weapons.

13. Why were Europeans who settled the South African Cape so successful? Give two reasons.

Climate similar to Europe; could grow familiar crops and raise livestock.

How did disease help Europeans conquer native populations in the Americas and South Africa?

Brought smallpox and other diseases; natives had no immunity.

How did African diseases work against European settlers?

Malaria spread to Europeans; many settlers and animals became sick or died.

How did native Africans protect themselves from diseases like smallpox and malaria?

Developed immunity over generations, used vaccines for smallpox, lived in drier areas with fewer mosquitos

How has the colonization of Africa created countries with ongoing disease problems?

People moved into crowded areas, diseases spread more easily.

What is the number one public health problem in Zambia, and who is most affected?

Malaria; mostly children under 5.

How has disease contributed to poverty in countries like Zambia?

People cannot work; parents care for sick children, families stay poor

How has malaria affected Africa's economic growth over the last 50 years?

About 1% economic loss each year; increased poverty.

How have countries like Malaysia and Singapore become wealthy despite facing similar tropical challenges?

Controlled malaria, invested in public health, and grew their economies

What did you learn about smallpox, including its causes, symptoms, spread, and immunity?

Virus enters through nose or throat, causes fever and blisters, spreads by close contact, coughing, sneezing, immunity from surviving or vaccination

23. What are some simple and inexpensive ways to prevent diseases like malaria? Why aren't they used more often in some African countries?

Vaccines and medicines, mosquito control, avoid mosquito bites; limited money, healthcare resources, access to healthcare