Are you someone who is interested in learning about the world’s history but don’t know where to start? Do you find yourself curious about the past and want to know more about the people, cultures, and events that shaped our world? Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available that can help you teach yourself world history.
Why Learn World History?
Before we dive into how to teach yourself world history, let’s talk about why it’s important. Understanding the past can help us make sense of the present and prepare for the future.
By learning about different cultures and events from around the world, we can gain a broader perspective on life and develop empathy for others. Additionally, knowing global history can be beneficial in various fields such as politics, economics, and international relations.
How to Teach Yourself World History
1. Start with a Timeline: A timeline is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with historical events in chronological order.
You can create a timeline on your own or use free online resources like TimeToast or Timelines.tv. Start by adding major events such as wars, discoveries, inventions, and significant political changes.
2. Read Books: There are countless books available on world history that cater to different tastes and age groups.
If you’re new to this subject, consider starting with a general overview like “A Little History of The World” by E.H Gombrich or “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari. If you prefer something more specific, try biographies or memoirs of famous historical figures.
3. Watch Documentaries: Watching documentaries is an entertaining way to learn about history while also visualizing what happened in the past. Some popular documentaries include “The War” by Ken Burns (World War II), “The Vietnam War” by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, “The Civil War” by Ken Burns, and “The Great War” by PBS.
4. Join Online Communities: Joining online communities can be an excellent way to discuss historical events with fellow enthusiasts. Websites like Reddit have dedicated subreddits for different time periods and events where you can ask questions, share resources, and participate in discussions.
5. Visit Museums: Visiting museums is a fun way to learn about history while also experiencing artifacts from the past. You can visit local museums or plan a trip to a city with renowned museums like London or Paris.
The Benefits of Teaching Yourself World History
Aside from gaining knowledge about the past, teaching yourself world history has many other benefits. It can improve your critical thinking skills as you analyze historical events and their impact on society.
It can also boost your creativity as you learn about different cultures and their art forms. Additionally, it can be an excellent way to escape from the present and immerse yourself in a different time period.
Conclusion
Teaching yourself world history is an enriching experience that can broaden your perspective on life while also improving your skills and knowledge. Whether you prefer reading books or watching documentaries, there are endless resources available that cater to different learning styles.
So why not start today? Who knows what fascinating stories you’ll discover along the way!