Wealth and Power

Wealth and power have been seducing humankind since its existence. The ability to have prestige and privilege over others is one of the most enduring motives in history. Possessing wealth and power has enabled figures from history to change, rule, control and shape historical events and the world. But how does one attain wealth and power? How does someone become part of the ruling elite? What price do people pay for wealth and power? How have people used wealth and power to the benefit and detriment of humankind? These are the questions Wealth and Power seeks to answer. This unique series explores some of the most powerful and wealthiest figures in world history. From the Mongolian Steppes to the boulevards of Hollywood, Wealth and Power traces the role of prestige and ambition in the human experience.

Wealth and Power would be useful for classes on World history, World Culture, Military History, Economics, Political Science and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Tyrants and Plunderers

This episode examines some of the world's greatest conquerors, tyrants and plunderers in world history, from Alexander the Great to Napoleon Bonaparte. What drove these men's ambitions? How did they shape the ancient and modern world? What did it mean to be conquered by their armies?

OBJECTIVES: Students will explore how wealth and power shape society. They will analyze the role of wealth and power in world history and in creating their own societies. They will examine what drives human ambition, and the how power and wealth can endow its owners with prestige and privilege, as well as cause despair and corruption.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS: Wealth and Power: Tyrants and Plunderers fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for World History eras 3, 6, and 7.

• Archaic
• Atrocities
• Charisma
• Decimate
• Despot
• Legitimacy
• Nomadic
• Pragmatic
• Quintessential
• Spectacle
• Tribulation
• Vengeance

Discussion Questions

1. Concepts of wealth and power are variable and change from time to time and society to society. How do these variations occur? What are some examples of these variations?

2. Alexander the Great is one of history's greatest generals. Where was he from? How did his place of origin influence his life and personal history?

3. The city of Thebes revolted against Alexander's rule. How did he deal with this revolt? What did his actions reveal about the use of his authority?

4. Alexander used the

5. Alexander's soldiers loved and respected him. Why? How did Alexander earn their loyalty?

6. Alexander believed himself to be a

7. What is the legacy of Alexander the Great?

8. Ghengis Kahn came from Mongolia. Where is Mongolia?

9. What does Ghengis Kahn's name mean? How does it define him?

10. Ghengis Kahn built a loyal following. How did he do this?

11. What is Ghengis Kahn's legacy?

12. Discuss the political structure of the Ottoman Empire.

13. Why was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire called Suleyman the Magnificent?

14. Louis XIV was the king of France from 1643 to 1715. Why was Louis XIV known as the

15. Why did Louis XIV build the palace of Versailles?

16. Why did Peter the Great confiscate the church bells of Russia?

17. Why and how did Napoleon Bonaparte come to power? What is his legacy?

Extended Activities

1. On a map of the ancient world, illustrate the conquests of Alexander the Great.

2. Research the Ottoman Empire and create a timeline that illustrates the major events of the empire's history.

Related Videos

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Primary Sources

• Life at Versailles - Duc de Saint-Simon

Air Dates

• August 19, 2002