Macro-historical

Macro-historical analysis seeks out large, long-term trends in world history, searching for ultimate patterns through a comparison of proximate details. For example, a macro-historical study might examine Japanese feudalism and European feudalism in order to decide whether feudal structures are an inevitable outcome given certain conditions. Macro-historical studies often "assume that macro-historical processes repeat themselves in explainable and understandable ways".[1]

History

Examples of macro-historical analysis include Karl Marx's assertion that all history can be explained through economics and class struggle, and Arnold J. Toynbee's historical synthesis in explaining the rise and fall of civilizations. Battle of Ain Jalut which is considered by many historians to be of great macro-historical importance, as it marked the highwater point of Mongol conquests, and the first time they had ever been decisively defeated.

Another example is the Battle of Bannockburn, (June 23–24, 1314), decisive battle in Scottish history, whereby the Scots under Robert the Bruce defeated the English under Edward II, regained their independence, and established Bruce on his throne as Robert I. The Scottish victory was complete and, although full English recognition of Scottish independence was not achieved until more than ten years later, Robert Bruce's position as king was greatly strengthened by the outcome.

See also

• The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World
• Cliometrics