PREFACE
I created this website to explore history in a whole new way...through things! I have spent the past spring semester in a History 102 class at UW-L learned about the world and it's connection to things. We spent fourteen weeks exploring tea, coffee, sugar, cotton, silk, potatoes, beer, the big mac, spices, and water - where they originated from, what made each commodity so important, how commodities created trade, and which commodities started war. Truly, we EXPLORED each commodity, from it's very beginning to its use today. This website now is meant for me to share what I learned, and let YOU explore. It's not full of detailed timelines, lengthy word for word textbook readings, or historical names. This is no ordinary way to learn history. Rather, it provides YOU with a connection to history. This past semester I have learned that each and every one of us is connected to the 1839 Opium War, 17th century coffeehouses, 16th century sugar slaves, and 18th century Boston. I present everything on this website in the order we learned in class, in hopes of making the website seems like more of a diary or blog that was created as we went. However, the layout of the website also allows you to explore as you wish! I incorporate a lot of graphics, because I've always believed in learning by seeing. These images provide insight into each commodity's use today, and in the past.
This website introduces us to new cultures, lifestyles, and commodity uses. While the world has changed, the commodities which fill it have changed as well. Commodities such as silk, and spices were once only designated to upper class individuals. Now, here in the 21st century, you can find spices and fabric in almost every home - without any class distinction. This shows the evolution of not only commodities, but our societies and us as a people as well. These ten commodities have in fact CHANGED THE WORLD. Through this website I hope you find that not only have these commodities changed the world but your life as well - just as I discovered in this class. Could you imagine no mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving, no jeans made of cotton to wear, only filthy water to drink, cheerios without a little sugar in the morning, no morning jump-start coffee? Commodities over 4,000 years old, have impacted your life TODAY! This class made me see history in a whole new light, because it placed ME in history. As you read and learn try to remember how each commodity has impacted you, and it's role in your life...and then be thankful.