Why We Study History: The Early Modern Era Explained

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This engaging educational video serves as a comprehensive introduction to an Early Modern World History course, covering the pivotal period from 1750 to 1950. The host begins by establishing the personal relevance of history, connecting students' current identities to the struggles, triumphs, and decisions of their ancestors. It moves beyond dates and facts to emphasize history as a tool for empathy, understanding societal changes, and learning from past mistakes to shape a better future. The video outlines the course structure in three distinct parts: (1) Absolutism to Revolution, exploring the Enlightenment and the shift from monarchies to democracies; (2) Industrialism to Imperialism, detailing how technological shifts led to global competition for resources and colonization; and (3) The World at War, covering the devastation of World war I and II. It also introduces critical historical thinking skills, such as analyzing primary sources, understanding cause and effect, and evaluating credibility. For educators, this video is an excellent course opener or unit introduction. It provides a "historian's toolbox" framework that teachers can reference throughout the year, encouraging students to "zoom out" for the big picture and "zoom in" for multiple perspectives. The content addresses difficult topics like slavery, oppression, and war with sensitivity, making it a strong launchpad for discussions about historical empathy and the ethical responsibilities of global citizens.