Essay on A History of the World in 6 Glasses - 899 Words

A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is a non-fiction historical novel, whose main purpose is to show the surprisingly pervasive influence of certain drinks on the course of history. Then it takes the reader on a journey through time to show the history of mankind through the lens of beverages. The thesis of the novel is that through history certain specialty beverages have affected more than just the diet of people and changed political aspects, economic standings, religious ceremonies and social views throughout human history. Standage clearly favors the subject written about and offers no information or analysis to disprove the thesis of the novel. Tom Standage is an author of 3 other novels, which are also historic†¦show more content†¦Coffee quickly became the drink of intellect and industry being known to sharpen the mind. Taverns were replaced with a more sophisticated meeting place, the coffeehouse. These â€Å"led to the establishment of scientific s ocieties and financial institutions, the founding of newspapers, and provided fertile ground for revolutionary thought.† [4] Once established as Englands national drink, tea imports from first China and India led to massive trade. The book describes the power of the British East India Company, which â€Å"generated more revenue than the British government and ruled over far more people,† wielding more power than any other corporation in history. [5] This imbalance of power had an enormous effect on British foreign policy, and led to the independence of the U.S. Like most of the drinks discussed in this novel, Coca-Cola was originally devised as a medical drink. More than any other product, Coca-Cola has stood as the symbol of Americas â€Å"vibrant consumer capitalism.† [4] Rather than shrink at the challenge, Coca-Cola took full advantage of the challenging times it found itself in, gaining ground through the depression, and then traveling alongside our soldiers into WWII, becoming a global phenomenon. A History of the World in 6 Glasses is very useful and beneficial to the AP World History curriculum. In a teaching course, the teacher could assign a chapter of reading as homework in eachShow MoreRelatedA History of the World in 6 Glasses2493 Words   |  10 PagesA History of the World in 6 Glasses By: Tom Standage Essay by: Tiffany Dang A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is about six drinks (beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and coca-cola) and how they have affected the world in the past and the present. All of these drinks were invented in different eras, and the inventions of theseRead MoreHistory of the world in 6 glasses2699 Words   |  11 Pages A History of the World in 6 Glasses Section 1: Beer: Beer was not invented, it was discovered. Exactly when the first beer was brewed is unknown but there was almost certainly no beer before 10,000 BCE. The rise of beer was closely associated with the domestication of the cereal grains rom which it is made and the adoption of farming. Beer originated in the Fertile Crescent in Egypt and Mesopotamia. To beer drinkers in the Neolithic period, beer’s ability to intoxicate and induce a stateRead MoreA History of the World in 6 Glasses1561 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Bose Anifowose Lamar HS AP World History 25 August 2014 A History of the World in 6 Classes Study Questions Introduction—â€Å"Vital Fluids† 1. 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The fluids are â€Å"vital† because withoutRead MoreBook Report History of the World in 6 Glasses Essay2164 Words   |  9 PagesAP World History A History Of The World In 6 Glasses 1. The consequences of agricultural revolution was a turning point. Civilizations began focusing on making surpluses rather than producing new food and crafts. They became more modern. (pg.20) 2. The archaeological evidence that supports the cultivation, harvesting, storage and processing of cerealRead MoreA History of the World in 6 Glasses Study Questions Essay1485 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction- â€Å"Vital Fluids† 1. The author’s main thesis in setting up this book is that many drinks have built and brought together human history in to what we know about it. 2. The fluids that are mentioned in the book are vital because each one played a role in many areas of history and they are a crucial part of creating a certain period of history. â€Å"Beer in Mesopotamia and Egypt† 1. The discovery of beer is linked to the growth of the first civilizations because in both cultures ofRead MoreThe Discovery And Consumption Of Coffee Essay1311 Words   |  6 Pagesamount of history that you have never wondered or asked yourself like many of us. Most of us drink coffee for many reason, but not many know the history behind the discovery of coffee. It might not be in the interest of many, but having some knowledge of how coffee evolved in today’s society will give you a greater view of its early discovery and consumption. I drink coffee at least every morning to wake me up, but after reading, â€Å"The world in Six Glasses†, I learned more about the history and meaningRead MoreA History Of The World1200 Words   |  5 Pages In A History of the World in Six Glasses, Standage discusses how beer and wine are made in terms of the ingredients and how each beverage is related to each social class. The ingredients are what differentiate one beve rage from another beverage. An Ingredient is the main component that makes the beverage unique and gives it an identity. An ingredient is what makes people to choose a beverage from wide range of options. An ingredient gives the color, the texture and the taste to a beverageRead MoreA History Of The World1149 Words   |  5 PagesIn Tom Standage’s novel, â€Å"A History of the World in 6 Glasses†, he discusses the growth of the world through the discovery and creation of some of the most popular beverages in their places of origin. He discusses each beverage where it was created, and how it affected the country socially, religiously, and politically. He starts off in at the beginning of time in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Standage discusses one of the first world-known beverages; beer. He begins talking about the collection of cerealRead Morewith you. In 2650 BCE Egyptians took part in having beer as a part of their culture and made it800 Words   |  4 Pagesmedication because water more likely to be contaminated and unsafe because at the time they did not have the sources that we have now to make water uncontaminated. Although all sorts of liquid beverages has found its way of marking its territory in U.S history the legacy will forever continue throughout the future. Rum is still used in emergency drink as a temporary pain reliever and an alcoholic beverage. Not only is rum a pain reliever but it also was considered excellent for cleaning hair and strengthening