The Quest for an Everlasting Fountain of Energy: An Analysis from the Conception of the Industrial Revolution To Sustaining the Future World

Rachel Varghese, World History, David W. Butler High School

Final Unit (PDF)  Implementing Common Core Standards (PDF)

Synopsis

Throughout the history of the world mankind has attempted to consolidate power in order to protect and defend their people, all the while benefitting financially from natural resources. Gleaned through war and conquest, the ancients saw this as an appropriate method of resource acquisition, however with the transition to the modern age and the advent of human rights and the rights of sovereign states, the use and methods of acquiring natural resources becomes a larger and more controversial issue at hand. This unit follows the progression of man from the dawn of the modern industrial age to the present era, while displaying the paradox of having resources but not being able to use them versus needing resources and not being able to acquire them. No longer is war an acceptable legal means by which to gain the needed resources for energy consumption and to further develop an area, nor are the leaders the only one with the power. Average individuals can influence what energy source is used and how, thus leading to continual evolution of energy policy both domestically and on a global scale. This unit seeks to highlight the transition of energy used and the forces at play behind the changes, with the end goal of predicting a future world.