Watch Civilization: Is the West History?

Civilization: Is the West History? is a documentary series that aired on Channel 4 in 2011. It is presented by Scottish historian Niall Ferguson, who has previously authored works on the history of capitalism and the British Empire. The series consists of six episodes, each exploring a different aspect of the history of Western civilization and its impact on the world.

The first episode, titled "Competition", examines the development of capitalism and the free market economy in Western Europe. Ferguson argues that the success of Western civilization can be attributed to its unique ability to harness competition and innovation for economic growth. He contrasts this with other societies, such as Ming dynasty China, which placed greater emphasis on stability and tradition, leading to stagnation and economic decline.

The second episode, "Science", explores the role of scientific discoveries in shaping Western civilization. Ferguson contends that the scientific revolution of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was a key factor in the rise of the West, as it allowed for better understanding of the natural world and the development of new technologies. He also examines the impact of European colonialism on the spread of scientific knowledge and its legacy in the modern world.

"Property" is the subject of the third episode, which looks at the development of property rights as a cornerstone of Western legal and political systems. Ferguson argues that respect for individual property rights has been a key driver of economic growth and prosperity, and contrasts this with the collectivist approach of other societies, such as Soviet Russia. He also explores the relationship between property rights and political freedom, and how they have been used to justify acts of conquest and imperialism.

The fourth episode, "Medicine", focuses on the role of Western medicine in improving health outcomes and extending lifespans. Ferguson argues that advances in medical science, combined with improvements in hygiene and sanitation, have been key factors in the rise of the West. He contrasts this with the lack of progress in other cultures, such as China, where traditional medicine has been slow to adopt Western techniques and technologies.

In "Consumerism", the fifth episode, Ferguson explores the impact of consumerist culture on Western civilization. He argues that the rise of mass consumerism in the twentieth century has been a key driver of economic growth and technological innovation, but also examines its downsides, such as the environmental and social costs of overconsumption. He contrasts this with alternative models of economic development, such as those based on communalism or self-sufficiency.

Finally, the sixth episode, "Work", examines the role of work and industry in shaping Western civilization. Ferguson argues that the Protestant work ethic, with its emphasis on hard work and thrift, has been a key factor in the success of Western economies. He also explores the impact of technological change on the nature of work and employment, and how these changes have affected different social classes and regions.

Throughout the series, Ferguson challenges conventional wisdom about the history of the West and its relationship to the rest of the world. He argues that the rise of Western civilization was not just a matter of luck or geographical advantage, but rather the result of unique cultural and institutional factors. He also acknowledges the darker aspects of Western history, such as imperialism, slavery, and inequality, but contends that these are not unique to the West and have been present in all societies at different times.

Overall, Civilization: Is the West History? provides a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the history of Western civilization and its impact on the world. Through detailed historical analysis and engaging storytelling, Niall Ferguson sheds new light on the factors that have made the West unique and raises important questions about its future role in the global community.