What has attributed to the success of western civilization's dominance over the rest of the world?

Question

Why particularly has the white Anglo-European race been singled out as the most dominant of the human race throughout most (not all) of world history?

Answer 1

Almost continuous warfare partly as a result of feudalism meant advances in military technology then the discovery of the Americas brought new wealth and resources that increased the rate of advance even further until the west was far ahead of every other culture.

Answer 2

That depends on your definition of "success", doesn't it?
After the Fifth Crusade 1217-1221, the "dominance" and "success" of Western Civilization were no longer seen in the Middle East/Arabic/Muslim part of the world. After 1949, and the founding of the People's Republic of China, Western Civilization no longer reached the higher levels of "dominance" and "success" they did before in Asia either. The Korean War, Laos/Cambodia, the 30-year long war in Vietnam that saw France defeated and the U.S. leave - does this not all add up to the end of the Anglo-European dominance in those parts of the world?

Answer 3

look back to world history and check out the dynamics of rise of Oriental culture and Islam. I would argue with you regarding that Ang.Europeans had been the most dominant SINCE life has been created on the Earth. Rise of Islam and Orientalism were most significant powers during ancient times. I would like to note that you argument should be considered in the framework of religions. As you cant talk about dominance of races without looking through the role religions played in the world history.

Answer 4

I think Meditterranean civilizations dominated at one time and things change but in terms of say America- I think the country and its attributes themselves help and the fact that we are a melting pot of so many-we get wonderful things from so many races and histories and talents-it gives us an edge I think-but consider Japan- after the war-they've dominated and come back from defeat and taken over with technology and trade where they couldn't with war. Infighting in countries messes them up, lack of education for the masses is a huge hold back-EDUCATION and personal freedoms to forge ahead in business and trade in modern society are major factors.

Answer 5

power ... that means money to support a miitary .

the eastern countries spiritualy resolve their conflicts and detach themselves from material needs , that is the cause of war
they choose awareness of self rather than ego . mind you scientist misuse spiritual thinking so to blame them by targeting America under a cloaking ofgods will so to cause a chain reaction of horor .

Answer 6

Money, greed and righteous indignation.