What Role Does Food Play In World History

In the study of world history, historians examine and retell the development of the human race and its structures over time through different eras. What is often overlooked by the masses is the very item that underlines most, if not all, of the major historical events that have shaped the world to be the way it is today: food. From ancient times to modern day, food has been much more than just a survival factor. It has had a significant role in world history by initiating social and political structures, causing major exploration, and determining the outcome of major military conflicts. Food was a key contributor to the development of social and political structures throughout history. Before the emergence of agriculture, humans lived

It’s been proven to be the essential key to military success time and time again, no matter the size or power of an army or its leaders. In the fourth century BC, Alexander the Great carried out many reforms on the maintenance of a food supply that contributed greatly to his military’s success. To ensure a well stocked food supply, Alexander’s army was aided with Mediterranean supply boats and a well organized network of supply roads and routes (pg. 147). The soldiers were also limited to a four mile radius when foraging for food to prevent unnecessary loss (pg. 147). In addition, to lessen the amount of supply carts pulled by animals, soldiers carried their own equipment and supplies. The decreased amount of large carts allowed Alexander’s army to be extremely swift and mobile, even through harsh terrains (pg. 146). This gave a clear advantage to the soldiers, who therefore had the ability to launch lightning strikes that instilled fear into the eyes of many. The precautions and advantages provided by Alexander’s strategies toward food undoubtedly contributed to his empire becoming one of the largest and most powerful of all time. In contrast to its ability to contribute to an army's prosperity, failure to maintain a proper food supply can also cause military downfall. The importance of a well-maintained food supply can be seen in the loss of the British in the American Revolutionary War of 1775-1783. The European army was known to be the greatest and one of the most powerful of the 18th century, but this power could do nothing to help the difficulties Britain faced in supplying their soldiers with food (pg. 149). When accounting for every soldier and horse, the military required a total of 94 tons of food per day. The army’s reliance on Atlantic ship deliveries limited them to staying near the coast, putting the military at a great disadvantage when inland