On Wed, 11 Dec 1996, KHOO Khay Jin wrote:
> Whitney Howarth, World History Center, Northeastern University, by way of
> AG Frank writes:
>
> >I hope that scholars who have denounced a Eurocentric approach to
> >world history have not done so merely to adopt a Euro-dominant one. If
> >such is the case, it seems likely that we are merely substituting one
> >myopia for another.
>
> Is there any serious doubt of Europe's ascent to dominance post-1500 or
> 1600? Which is not to say that it will remain so forever -- signs to the
> contrary are quite evident. Nevertheless, it seems self-evident, even from
> the vantage point of Southeast Asia, that Euro-America continues to
> dominate, at least attempts to continue to do so. Why then the coyness
> about it? Could this be a case of "where you stand depends on where you
> sit"?
> To twist Howarth: I find myself often perplexed by those who wish to
> downgrade the dominance of Europe (post-1500) and am extremely wary of the
> precedent, not to say myopia, they may establish.
Following this discussion, I find plenty of reason to doubt
European dominance within the period post-1500. I have more trouble
finding reasons to doubt European dominance within the period post-1800.
Or, to put it differently, it is not surprising that a Eurocentric
narrative of Europe's post-1500 interaction with the rest of the world
dwells on those parts of the world where Europe was dominant.
Understanding European dominance circa post-1800 is probably better served
by also including those places and times that Europe was not dominant.
In my minds eye, I compare the areas of European dominance in the
Americas and in Africa, and it seems like *immediately* post-1500 Europe
was best prepared to dominate societies without the advantage of
metal-working skills, whereas in the 1800's (after much European
development and African underdevelopment), it was possible for European
states between themselves to dictate the allocation of sovereign
authority over much of Africa.
Virtually,
Bruce R. McFarling, Newcastle, NSW
ecbm@cc.newcastle.edu.au