What justification is there for a history of the modern world to concentrate on the history of Europe?

JCA: What justification is there for a history of the modern world to concentrate on the history of Europe?
This is a very hard question is there someone who can help me with this question is there someone who knows EU history.

Answers and Views:

Answer by carabatzis_2000
Yeah I studied the modern European Union, but being of greek decent, I’m expected to know Greek, British and Australian history.

First of all, the idea of written, linear history is a European concept. It is not found as much in Asia, where myths and legends are mainly used. Only modern archeology really opened up Asian and African history to the European method. The trouble with this method is that it tends to be very Eurocentric.

But the justification is that we tend to put a lot of emphasis on literal, linear truth, and it is reflected in how we approach history. The western world has the idea that only cold hard facts that can be scientificaly proven would suffice.

There is also the most simple answer which probably makes the most sense – most of the world has been directly shaped by european colonisation. I’m talking about the americas, Australasia, colonial Africa and Asia. Because european history is so dominant in the world, we tend to focus on it.

But as I have realised, history is most definantly subjective, and eurocentric history is not always the best kind.

Answer by bearstirringfromcave
None but as long as Europe ‘dominates’ the World, even via surrogate the US of A, then European history will continue to be hold precedence. European History will also continue to dominate for the sheer amount of European History that is available == == == Europeans have simply done a better job of promoting their history not only as history but as popular tales, the sheer ‘glut’ of European centric popular movies & books compared to Asian or Aboriginal tomes is amazing. Asians have simply not done as much to promote their own heritage.

Pax——————

Answer by John F
Because the roots of modern civilisation came from two very important world-defining cultures, the Greeks and the Romans. Both extended their influence heavily on the european mainland.

China, while being relatively advanced, was very insular and did not expand its influence into the outer world.

America and Africa and Australia were relatively isolationist as well, until invaders conquered their lands.

Thus, it makes sense to concentrate on EU history, but I wouldn’t arbitrarily stop at the Ural mountains. I’d include Asia at least as far as the Byzantine peoples, for their influence in the Renaissance.

Answer by datalj12
They were the ones that wrote history. I am not saying that others did not keep accounts of there events, but the Europeans were the ones that invented a moveable type printing press, and they started publishing books on a grand scale. Martin Luther was the first best selling author in 16th century europe.

Answer by Bruce M
Because we’re still trying to untangle the mess the Europeans made of the world.