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The influence of historical events on politics
The history of humankind is often portrayed as the result of political decisions. However, economic causes can be identified in most historical events. Economic and environmental influences can also be seen time and again in people's social structures, such as the structures of families or communities. The importance of political decisions is often overestimated, as many political decisions follow economic developments. However, it can also be observed that political decisions can make the difference between a community being successful or perhaps even failing.
However, economic causes do not diminish the moral responsibility of those involved, but are an important factor in assessing events. Genocide is inexcusable, and those responsible and involved must be condemned, even if the genocide arose, for example, from famine or the impoverishment of society. The expulsion and enslavement of people also usually has economic causes, but cannot be justified by our current moral values. However, a historically accurate assessment can only be made if the overall living conditions and beliefs of the people at that time are taken into account when considering historical events. Against this background, the various related political decisions must then be assessed and lessons learned for the future.
Historically conditioned family relationships
The traditional image of the family is increasingly being called into question in today's world. Considering the economic circumstances that prevailed until one or two hundred years ago, when a single mother without a strong family network would have found it almost impossible to survive, marriage, limited opportunities for divorce and the prevention of premarital pregnancy were essential for survival. Whether marriage can be regulated differently under today's social conditions is a matter for debate. However, historical conditions and influences must be respected and taken into account.
The origins of wars
Many wars are caused by the availability of and access to resources. Even if it is not obvious at first glance, numerous wars are also fought to secure existing resources. This consideration should not be overlooked in the analysis. Too quickly, reference is made to political events. Political decisions are then seen as the reason for wars, without considering the background to those decisions. For example, the cause of the First World War cannot be seen solely in the conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and the many military alliances of European countries. Rather, the struggle for the distribution of colonies outside Europe and the shift in the balance of power among the five European great powers, known as the Pentarchy, which arose after the founding of the German Empire in 1871, must also be taken into account.
The rise and fall of nations
The availability of economic resources and the ability to transition to a sustainable economy in a timely manner by halting the overexploitation of natural resources has been the cause of the rise and fall of civilisations. For example, the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island in the south-east Pacific perished due to the overexploitation of forests and soil destruction caused by intensive agriculture (see ‘Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed’, Jared Diamond 2005). In contrast, the Icelanders have managed to survive well to this day thanks to timely, restrictive policies based on minimal change and careful use of resources.
