Cultures in Motion

by Peter N. Stearns

When different cultures come in contact with one another, the impact on the course of history can be dramatic and unexpected. Encounters between separate societies or civilizations have resulted in the spread of major religions, vast migrations, scientific breakthroughs, the dissemination of powerful political notions, and many other transformations. This unique book brings to life key episodes of cultural contact in world history, from the beginnings of civilization to the present. Through a combination of vivid case studies and imaginative color maps, award-winning history professor Peter Stearns shows how we can better understand world history by examining what happens when culture meets culture. One culture's new contact with another can lead to assimilation, rejection, or--most often--a merging of elements from both cultures. Stearns focuses on fourteen important historical examples of intercultural exchange from around the globe. He • the spread of major religions, such as Buddhism and Islam • voluntary and forced migrations, such as the Jewish and African diasporas • the dissemination of modern forces, including nationalism and Marxism • the impact of European colonial rule on gender relations in India and in Africa • recent international diffusion of consumer culture • and much more… For each example, original maps reveal geographic patterns and provide a clear sense of the impact of that particular meeting of cultures.

Genres: History

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Peter Nathaniel Stearns is a professor at George Mason University, where he was provost from January 1, 2000 to July 2014.
Stearns was chair of the Department of History at Carnegie Mellon University and also served as the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (now named Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences) at Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, he founded and edited the Journal of Social History. While at Carnegie Mellon, he developed a pioneering approach to teaching World History, and has contributed to the field as well through editing, and contributing to, the Routledge series, Themes in World History. He is also known for various work on the nature and impact of the industrial revolution and for exploration of new topics, particularly in the history of emotions.
He is active in historical groups such as the American Historical Association, the Society for French Historical Studies, the Social Science History Association and the International Society for Research on Emotion.

Reviews

[Tommy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my wife’s favorite book in high school, so I figured I would give it a try. Overall, I found it bland and a bore to read. The maps could use some work, which is unfortunate because that’s what originally drew me in.

I’ll be returning her copy to her ASAP.