Disintegration of Civilizations
19th Century
•
23m
Dr Arnold Toynbee, the great 20th Century historian, observed that the breakdown and eventual disintegration of civilizations, for the most part, follow a common pattern. The ruling class, who once were able to creatively respond to challenges on behalf of the masses, lose their ability to inspire and lead. The masses become estranged from these leaders, the leaders, in turn, turn to rigidity, coercion and force to retain power. The loss of social cohesion, moral unity, and the capacity for self-determination brings a civilization to collapse. Toynbee characterizes such a fragmented and disintegrating civilization in terms of an internal and external proletariat and corresponding psychological schisms in the souls of those living through such times. It is these characteristics we will explore in this video, in the hope of drawing some parallels with today’s socio-political situation in the West.
Up Next in 19th Century
-
The Springfield Rifle Musket
Andrew has a discussion on the evolution of the Springfield musket with historian Phil Spaugy. They take a look at how the Springfield evolved from the model 1855 to the 1863 model. The fun does not stop with the history because they take an original and a reproduction Springfield out on the range!
-
Before the Lighthouse
The movie explores the formative figures and defining events of Chincoteague during a period of rapid change. Set between the late 18th century and the years just before the construction of the lighthouse, it offers a vivid window into the island’s history.
Little-known fact: Several characters a...
