What is Western Civilization?

1. Define Western Civilization
2. Identifying and locating "The West"
3. Describe characteristics of the modern Western World

Thinking Historically: Characteristics of the Modern Western World

1. Liberal Democracy  
2. Economic Liberalism
3. Christianity
4. Separation of Church and State
5. Progress
6. Human rights and guaranteed civil liberties

Western civilization is a term used to describe the many cultures of European heritage that share common cultural ideas, philosophical foundations, and ancestral beliefs. "The West" does not particularly mean the direction west. The West is civilizations that have been significantly influenced by European culture. Characteristics include things like democracy, being able to choose what you do with your money, the spread of Christianity, the separation of Church and State, the continual progress the world is working with, and human rights. All the countries in "The West" have these 6 things in common.