First of all, I'm not a student doing some homework term paper or thesis. 
This is for a personal project I'm doing out of genuine curiosity on
the subject. I just need some help on research.

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Question: What are the major patterns/trends/themes in human history?

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You can answer this question in this format:
1) a list of 25 or more broad categories 
      (I can do the specific examples on my own)
2) links of good websites
3) references to good books on the subject


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Here's an example of what I'm looking for:


List of Patterns/Trends/Themes in Human History
1) Advancements/Improvements in Technology
2) Explorations/Discoveries
3) Wars
4) Formations & Break-ups of Nations/Civilizations
5) ....
6) .... and so on 
...
25) .... 
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links:
 - http://www.worldhistorysite.com/prediction.html 
   (note: I dont need to predict the future, this site just has some
interesting PATTERNS)
 -
 -
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book references:
  -  ???
  -
  -

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The more categories on the list, the better. Looking forward to
quality answers.  Thank your for time and your help.