Slides 1 and 2 - Beg of War, Mesolithic, Neolithic

Overview of Course

  • HIST 365: War in the Modern World

  • Focus: Warfare and Society from the Mesolithic to Industrialized Warfare

Instructor Information

  • Dr. Mary Laurents

  • Office Hours: Wednesdays, 12:00 - 12:50 PM (appointments available)

  • Email: mfeldm1@umbc.edu

Course Introduction

  • Examines:

    • The interaction between warfare and societies

    • How warfare influences societal structures and vice versa

  • Study Framework:

    • Series of modules based on historical examples

    • Focus on different historical eras and geographical areas

Course Requirements and Grading

  • Total Grade: 200 points

  • Breakdown of Assignments:

    • Syllabus Quiz: 20 points (due by Feb 2)

    • Discussion Boards: 10 points/week for a total of 100 points (cumulative)

    • In-Class Discussions: Participation in essential for understanding concepts

    • Group Research Projects and Presentations: 40 points total, includes:

      • Group selection process and topic signup due by Feb 14

      • Presentations approximately 15 minutes long

      • Must use 5-8 slides (Powerpoint) or video representation of research

      • Include all group members and contact for grade credit

Group Project Topics

  1. The Trojan War: Historical realities in Homer’s stories (Presentation: Mar 5)

  2. Robin the Insurgent: Resistance themes in Robin Hood's stories (Presentation: Mar 10)

  3. John Hawkwood and the White Company: Analysis of mercenary warfare (Presentation: Mar 12)

  4. The Satsuma Rebellion: Social and military changes in late 19th century Japan (Presentation: Mar 24)

  5. Wellington as a Military Leader: Comparison with Napoleon (Presentation: Mar 26)

  6. 19th Century German Nationalism: Influences on the drive for unification (Presentation: Mar 31)

  7. Charge of the Light Brigade: Fact vs. mythologizing (Presentation: Apr 2)

Final Research Project

  • Topic Proposal (5 points): Submit by April 7

    • 1-2 paragraph description and list of sources

  • Final Research Paper (35 points): 5-7 pages, due May 18

    • Research must be outside class, follow Chicago style guidelines

The Beginning of Warfare

  • Definition of Warfare: Armed conflict between autonomous sociopolitical groups

    • Lethal intent and sociopolitical organization

  • Non-Warfare Violence: Feuds and homicides do not qualify

  • Sociopolitical Context: Warfare emerges with complex societies and broader goals than individual or group violence

Historical Framework of Warfare

  • Paleolithic Era: No evidence of organized warfare for an extended period

  • Human Development: Modern humans (Cro-Magnons) appeared 200,000 years ago

  • Population Changes: Hunter-gatherer bands were small, maintained groups with communal cooperation

  • Territory and Resource Management: Groups maintained intimate knowledge of their territory; seasonal movement for resource sustainability

Changes Leading to Warfare

  • Neolithic Developments: Transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agriculture around 8000 BCE

  • Technological Advances: Significant increase in tool specialization (bows, arrows, refined weapons)

  • Defensive Settlements: Emergence of defensive structures indicates rise in organized violence (raiding, mass graves)

  • Social Organization: Striation within communities reflects complexity of defense needs and resource protection strategies

  • Shift in Population Dynamics: As populations grew, competition for resources led to organized conflict and warfare as a defining characteristic of early civilizations

Conclusion**

  • Warfare has historically been intertwined with human society development, shaping social structures, technological advances, and community organization through different eras.