When writing about world history, one of the most common questions that arise is whether the subject should be capitalized or not. The answer to this question is not straightforward as it depends on the context and usage of the term.
In general, when referring to a specific historical event or era, such as the Renaissance or World War II, the term is capitalized. This is because these terms refer to proper nouns and are specific to a particular time period or event.
However, when using the term “world history” in a general sense, it is not capitalized. For example, “I am studying world history in school” or “World history covers a vast array of topics.”
It’s important to note that capitalization rules can vary depending on the style guide being used. For instance, some styles may require capitalizing “World History” even when used in a general sense.
To further clarify this topic, let’s take a look at some examples:
Example 1:
Capitalization for Specific Events:
- The French Revolution was a significant event in world history.
- The Industrial Revolution changed the course of world history.
In these examples, both events are specific and refer to proper nouns; hence they are capitalized.
Example 2:
No Capitalization for General Usage:
- My favorite subject is world history.
- World history covers many different eras and civilizations.
In these examples, “world history” is used in a general sense and is not referring to any particular event or era; hence it’s not capitalized.
Example 3:
Varying Capitalization Rules:
- The course title is World History I.
- In AP World History, we study global events and their impacts.
In the first example, “World History” is capitalized as it’s part of the course title. In contrast, in the second example, “world history” is not capitalized as it’s used in a general sense.
In conclusion, whether or not to capitalize “world history” depends on its usage and context. When referring to specific events or eras, it should be capitalized.
On the other hand, when used in a general sense, it should not be capitalized. Remember to check the style guide being used for any specific capitalization rules.