A short, meat-oriented history of the world: from Eden to Mattole

Meat has become an inseparable part of human diet throughout history. Meat consumption is referred to in the Bible and in prehistoric art. Mindless animal slaughter led to the extinction of wild buffaloes by the end of 19th century, affecting the ecological balance and eventually changing the lifestyle of the Indians. Large cattle populations degrade grasslands and water resources. Historically, there has been little concern for animal rights until the 20th century. The animal conservation laws in Nazi Germany were used as an excuse to degrade the Jews.