Writing Homework Help

Help me study for my Writing class. I’m stuck and don’t understand.

Looking back at the world in, say, the year 1000, you’d never guess
that it would have been European cultures that would have become the
head honchos of the world. China or the Middle East would have likely
been the best choices. What was it that made the West come to dominate
the economic and cultural rhythm of the world? Do you think this
cultural and economic hegemony is breaking down (or has already broken
down)?