Many believe that 19th and 20th century witnessed the prime of the western civilization where all the innovative revolutions and ideas were coming from the west. Scratching beneath the surface, this paper will try to point out the critical moments in the history of western civilization and how they influenced the present scenario Socrates, Plato and AristotleThey were one of the most progressive thinkers of their time and their contribution to various fields of knowledge, Astronomy, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science is still widely recognized across the world. They were the first in the line of independent and progressive thinkers that western civilization has produced.
There knowledge and acumen not only helped the western civilization to move beyond dogmatic but also questioning the visibilities.In number of civilization, death of thought leader led to the decline but the crucifixion of Jesus Christ actually united the whole what was know then – the western civilization. This later led to the spread of Christianity across the whole western hemisphere.To get the increasing power of Christian on his side, Constantine declared Christianity as one of the state religion thus hunting down of Christians all across was stopped.
This event is immensely significant in light that it ignited the beginning of the end of pagan culture.After Constantine recognition, threat from Islam was the first major threat to western civilization. The treat was major in terms that for the first time apart from dynastical inheritance, the western civilization was challenged on ideological and religious front.It was the beginning of early signs of military prowess of the western civilization.
This not only proved that western civilization is capable of lodging an attack on strong Persian rulers but also aptitude to rule them.The discovery of America provided unprecedented resources to move ahead against the other civilizations on the planet.This whole endeavor brought out Europe from dark ages and reignited the rich tradition of Socrates and Aristotle – Progressive thinking. It also marked the first sign of nation states in western civilization where countries moved away from Rome.
Galileo, Descartes and NewtonTo me the most important century in the history of western civilization is seventeenth century because it kicks started an era of science and mathematics that enabled it to lead the world into new direction. 1700’sRenaissance, French Revolution and American War of IndependenceThese three instances are milestone in not only western civilization’s history but also mankind’s history. These moments first led to moral awakening, idea of liberty and fraternity and finally democracy and a written constitution. For the first time in history of mankind rulers were chosen by people, of people and from people, not only this it was instituted in the written document.
1800’sIndustrial RevolutionIt established the supremacy of western civilization and led to growth of manufacturing and various other industries. Industrial revolution also led to development of Nation state and exploitation of colonies by the western Civilization. Second World War was a milestone in term of human will to defeat evil and re-establishing the laws of morality. To a large extend the suffering of World War II gave a moral soul to western civilization and mankind.
