Europe's success can in part be attributed to its geography. In particular, abundant rainfall enabled it to grow ample food, and the cold climate protected it from significant invasion from warmer climates. With food supplies relatively easy to come by in most years, Europeans were able to focus their efforts elsewhere. They created art and they waged war. That their climate was also often uncomfortable convinced many to explore the world. People in hot, dry places like Africa or Arabia simply did not have these advantages. They developed entirely different ways of life, ones that Europeans may need to adapt to if the climate of Europe were to change.

The basic pattern of life revolves around food production, and when food production is easy if frees up time and energy for other pursuits. Though there are times of war and times of famine, Europe's history was generally shaped by agricultural...
[ View Full Essay]