Civilization The West & The Rest -

: The political and economic fragmentation of Europe fostered a competitive environment between and within states, driving innovation.

In his book and documentary series Civilization: The West and the Rest , historian Niall Ferguson identifies six "killer applications" that enabled Western civilization to achieve global dominance starting in the 1500s. The Six "Killer Apps" of Western Civilization Civilization The West & the Rest

: The Scientific Revolution gave the West a major military and technological advantage over Eastern rivals. : The political and economic fragmentation of Europe

: Breakthroughs in healthcare more than doubled life expectancy, allowing Western empires to expand into previously inhospitable regions. : Breakthroughs in healthcare more than doubled life

: Representative government and the protection of private property—distinct from autocratic rule—underpinned economic stability and the rise of corporations.

: The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent birth of a consumer society drove global trade and economic growth.