Epoch 1 – Humans, the Environment and History

The Epoch 1 digital book covers the first history module in the Finnish upper secondary school curriculum. The module "Humans, the Environment, and History" provides a comprehensive overview of Western history, from early advanced civilisations to the present day. You will learn how our species has shaped its environment, and how the environment has shaped us, throughout the ages. The module examines the economies and administrations of societies in different eras, while also examining the diversity of everyday life in different cultures throughout human history.

The module aims to equip the student with skills specific to the study of history, such as source criticism and producing information individually and in groups. The digital textbook and platform provide excellent opportunities for learning these skills. 

The book is in line with the current Finnish upper secondary school curriculum (LOPS2021).

1. What is history?

Lead	Chapter
1.1.	What is history?
1.2.	Study skills in history

2. Agriculture and the development of societies

Lead	Chapter
2.1.	Introduction
2.2.	From foraging to agriculture Free chapter!
2.3.	The first civilisations develop in river valleys

3. The world of antiquity

Lead	Chapter
3.1.	Introduction
3.2.	Ancient Greece and Rome
3.3.	Trade and agriculture in the ancient world
3.4.	Technology and division of labour in the ancient world
3.5.	Humans and the environment in the ancient world
3.6.	The fall of the Roman Empire

4. Europe in the Middle Ages

Lead	Chapter
4.1.	Introduction
4.2.	Medieval society was hierarchical
4.3.	Population development in the Middle Ages
4.4.	Medieval economy and cities
4.5.	Technological advances and the rise of nation states

5. Towards a global economy

Lead	Chapter
5.1.	Introduction
5.2.	Why did Europeans set out on expeditions?
5.3.	Europe’s changing colonial powers
5.4.	The impacts of colonialism

6. Industrialisation changes the world

Lead	Chapter
6.1.	Introduction
6.2.	Industrialisation begins in England
6.3.	Industrial work
6.4.	Urbanisation and its problems
6.5.	Industrialisation transforms society

7. The modern world

Lead	Chapter
7.1.	Introduction
7.2.	The birth of the consumer society
7.3.	The development of technology creates the modern lifestyle
7.4.	Future challenges
7.5.	Can climate change be mitigated?

8. Extras

Lead	Chapter
8.1.	For the teacher
8.2.	Terminology
8.3.	Glossary