What is Global History?

What is Global History? offers an insightful exploration into the vast tapestry of human experience, examining the material and cultural forces that have reshaped our world over time. Pamela Kyle Crossley unpacks transformative developments - from environmental and climatic changes to the evolution of agriculture and technology - that fundamentally influenced human biology and societal practices. The book also navigates the rich complexities of social change, delving into migration, trade, language evolution, and the institutional frameworks of both freedom and enslavement. It traces the emergence of large-scale political organization, from early kingdoms to expansive empires and republics, and reflects on how these shifts have continuously redefined the management of war and peace. Employing both innovative analytical techniques and traditional narrative methods, this concise volume highlights the key moments in the evolution of historical thought, particularly the rapid transformations of the twentieth century. An excellent introduction to global history, it invites both students and scholars to rediscover the interconnected human story on an integrated, global scale.