Guns, Germs, and Steel

Watch it here for Free(3-54 min videos)

Please Jot down key Ideas as you watch.

BOLG ASSIGNMENT Click Here to Go to the Blog

After Viewing the 3 videos, visit this interactive "The World" map located on the PBS website below, then answer the following big idea questions below, be sure to cite information from the video or articles and links that are posted with this blog.

A.) Guns Germs and Steel Website: http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/index.html

B.) Guns Germs and Steel Reconsidered: A Second Look into an emerging DEBATE.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2005/08/03/ggs

1. Do you agree or disagree with Jared Diamond’s theory about geography being the main determining factor in which countries became rich and powerful through the development of technology and conquest and which countries remain impoverished and underdeveloped in relation to the rest of the world. Explain your reasons why, using specific reasons, facts, and examples.

2. Students should write 1-2 paragraphs to address each of the questions below:

• • In your opinion, which weapon has had the most impact on warfare historically? Why?

  • In your opinion, how has the spread of guns and steel changed the balance of world power over the past 100 years now that most countries have access to them?

3. Students should write 1- 2 paragraphs on the following questions

• • How did disease shape the New World and which was more instrumental in allowing the Europeans to conquer it, Germs or Steel?

  • True or False: At least 40% of the deaths in children under age 5 that occur worldwide each year could be prevented by administering existing vaccines to young children. Cite Your Sources!