Global Thematic 1

	Geographic factors have had a profound impact on the development of regions around the world. In the  Middle East, both before and after 1500 A.D., the Desert and the oil fields have had a profound impact on the Culture of the Middle East.
	In the earlier part of this century, the desert of the Middle East greatly limited the ways one could survive in the Middle East. Many of the deserts inhabitants were nomadic herders, and were thus unable to establish large settlements comparable to other parts of the world. These herders were forced to travel between oases to allow their animals food and water. Because of the constant movement required, it was very difficult to have any kind of permanent residence. The only other way to survive in the desert was to become a trader. These traders would ferry goods between the far east and Europe. In order to traverse these deserts, the traders first began to use horses, but some found out that camels are much better at traversing the desert due to their ability to store large amounts of water. In the desert this made them ideal for use as a pack animal.Thus, the desert had a profound impact on the Middle East.
	In the Modern era, the oil fields in the Middle East have served it as a great monetary benefit. The Middle East has been exporting oil since the early 1900s. Though not originally under their own countries control, many of the rulers still became very rich as a result of the west's use of their oil. Eventually the Middle East gained control of its resources, and now profits much more than before. The countries of the Middle East also developed the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, in order to set prices and essentially, create a monopoly on oil. The power of the Middle East through its natural resources has also caused problems within the countries themselves. In many countries within the Middle East there is a large gap between the rich and the poor, which has caused resentment of the upper classes by the lower class. This resentment has led to revolutions before, and will likely cause more.
	The Desert and the oil fields have had a profound impact on the Culture of the Middle East. Both these factors have forced the people of the region to adapt to survive, whether through day to day living, or through political savvy.