About the book: 2000 / The formation of the cultural-historical approach is revealed to the study of social development and the views of its leading representatives. The main stages and patterns of the world cultural and historical process from prehistoric society to the present day are presented. Using the example of the greatest civilizations of antiquity, the Middle Ages and the New Age, the most important historical events and cultural phenomena that determined the appearance of the modern era are highlighted. Particular attention is paid to national history and culture. Unlike the first edition (Moscow: Logos, 1999), the manual contains a chapter on Western civilization in the 20th century, as well as appendices, reference materials and illustrations. For students of higher educational institutions. Of interest to specialists in the humanities, as well as a wide range of readers.