Introduction
The world of history is many-faceted in features that influenced today’s global diversity. In this respect, different nations and cultures seem to blend and collide. People need to have an idea about the reasons and aspects for different periods of world history. I want to designate the place of such areas as South-East Asia and Africa in terms of historical analysis. Moreover, my discussion presupposes an evaluation of why these areas were judged differently for many years. It also states the facts of why South-East Asia and Northern Africa play a significant role in the globalized world.
European vision on Asia
First of all, one should bear in mind that most of the books on historical affairs were compiled by Europeans for many centuries before. In my opinion, it impacted, for instance, the European vision of Asia in the eighteenth century. At that time it was considered solely with India and China. I see that the main reason lies in trade agreements and at the beginning of different trade negotiations. Thus, the rest of South-East Asia was not so significant for Europe due to a lack of concernment as for useful goods or resources. However, since ancient times this part of the world is shaped with marvelous historical and cultural heritage.
Two main points for further development of South-East Asia
By the way, religion and maritime trade were two main points for further development of South-East Asia. Various economical, geographical, or political changes in the world were felt in the area. Thus, in ancient times several huge constituent parts of Asia, such as the Middle East, India, and China, were interrelated in terms of mutual commerce. Europe is closer geographically to the Middle East. This point was crucial for involving European interests in the Asian world of trade and possibilities. At that time the movement of Dar Al-Islam was widely spread in South and South-East Asia (Lockard, 1995). As a result, commerce was automatically considered with one’s dedication to Islam.
African continent
On the other hand, the African continent is known, as the area where peoples replaced peoples and cultures replaced cultures. Ancient Egypt and Phoenician settlements were not displaced in history without any traces of their cultures and beliefs. This region was attractive for Arabic invasions. R. Hunt Davis, Jr. (2004) comments on the geographical position of Africa, especially its Northern part. Notwithstanding deserts, all nations were living in the past and are living at the moment in harmony with the historical and cultural achievements of their nations and nationalities that lived before.
Enslaving
I feel really sad when talking about the Atlantic age of Africa and its tropical part. This period is indicated by the huge and far-reaching policy of enslaving. However, I can also judge this time, as another opportunity for people with African identity. Having established freedom and independence (in some modern island nations) after centuries, African people continue their cultural lines.
Conclusion
The contemporary globalized world touches on the historical achievements of different people in the past. Today, studies on history face multinationalism and multiculturalism in every country. It means that one should not underestimate the role of peoples that lived or are currently living in South-East Asia and Africa. They contributed to history, as we know it at the moment. Furthermore, I think that there should be more historical data on small folks settled in Asia and Africa. It would be helpful for understanding history, as a diversity requirement on the whole.
Reference
Calkins, S. (2008). Establishing World History as a Meaningful Diversity Requirement. World History Connected. Searle Center for Teaching Excellence, Northwestern University. Web.
Davis, Jr., R. H. Teaching about the African Past in the Context of World History. World History Connected. University of Florida Press. Web.
Lockard, C. A. (1995). Southeast Asia in World History. The History Teacher, 29(1). Web.