I am looking for a book list that contains prehistory to modern times. I am making games that will contain many references to the events and people of the times. I am trying to make the games fun but also historically and historically plausible as possible.

For instance, my first series will be from 750,000 bc to modern day or future dates(I know more modern or future isnt this section but up until 1995 in a few days would be.). I want to show how societies and cultures formed and flowed throughout history in this series... The rises and falls of empires and countries along with the social impact and economic impacts of said areas. The political and military prowness of the leaders, generals, admirals, etc when it comes to farthering their countries needs and wants. Example, Alexander the Great logistical and military mind allowing the Greek empire to span to parts of India. The economic products and the technology advances required and created during this time.

My second series is possibly from 900 ad to modern day. To show the economic and political reasons, along with military, how the "West" became stronger and a more dominate power in the world than the "East" and "Old World." IE How the colonization of the Americas was fueled not just by military or economic reasons but also crowding and religious disorders at home, the displacement of minorities even in Europe and how eventually the American Dream was created in the first place.

I hope the descriptions of these series will assist you in helping me get better books and maybe websites to look at to help in my research.

Feel free to PM me at anytime, I am always looking to talk to someone that is interested in history also.

Thank you for your time, Drew