How the West Won Chapter Summary

Chapter 1

“The Poverty of Ancient Empires”

1.What does a review of tax rates by ancient empires reveal about the power of these empires? What were the result of such policies?

2.Define “command economy” as an example of the economic system of ancient empires.

“The Greek Miracle”
3.What contributions and innovations were part of the “Greek Miracle” in the following: warfare, democracy, economic progress, literacy, arts, and technology?

“Greek Rationalism”
4.Discuss the contributions of the following Greek “philosophers”:  Thales, Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, and Zeno.

“Ancient Morality”
5.How was slavery viewed in Ancient Greece? What were the consequences of endemic war between the city-states? 

“New Empires”
6.Discuss the consequences for ancient Greeks of the Peloponnesian War, the Social War, and the rise of the Macedonian Empire.