We shall perhaps gain the best idea of the gradual expansion of the
world to-day if we go back to the earliest times of which we have
any definite historical records, and from that as a starting point,
picture to ourselves the world at important epochs as it was divided
among the more civilized nations. In spite of revolutions and the
rise and fall of nations, the course of history has been continuous.
The periods of history are not separated by gaps or breaks, but
really merge gradually one into another. Bearing this in mind, the
general history of the world may be viewed in two great
divisions--ancient and modern. _Ancient history_ begins with the
dawn of civilization, and traces the progress of mankind among those
nations which have now ceased to exist--or at least have ceased to
contribute anything to the world’s progress. _Modern history_, on
the other hand, deals with the origin and growth of those nations
which still exist and are working out the problems and ideals
peculiar to their own national life.