History of Tribes, Empires & Nations

What's the difference between tribes and empires? In this lesson, explore the definitions of tribes, empires, and nations, and learn how they came into being.

In this lesson, learn how humans have grouped into units of tribes in the past, and how they've later come to group into complex units of empires and nations.

In this lesson, learn how empires have evolved and still exist today, and review how they compete with nations for social and political control.

In this lesson, learn about how tribal groups exert pressure on nation states, plus take a closer look at examples from the U.S., Bolivia, and Syria.

What foundation must be in place in order for a tribe to thrive? In this lesson, learn about the foundational forces that must be in place to create a tribe.