Geography and Imperialism

Geography and Imperialism have been intrinsically linked for centuries, some academics even consider the modern discipline of geography to have directly stemmed from imperialism.[1] European imperialism in particular, contributed to the field of geography.[2] As European powers sought to expand outwards and overseas, they required the knowledge to do so effectively.[3] Thus, European expansionists relied on geographic knowledge for everything from cartography to the planning of human settlements.[1] The field of Geography, however, also relied on European imperialism to develop the subject.[1]

The knowledge that formed the initial subject of geography was achieved through European expansionism.[1] This includes information on the lands and seas of the earth, its flora and fauna as well as its peoples.[1] It is unsurprising then, that many geographers during the time of European territorial expansion, were in favour of imperialism.[4]

Although there are exceptions, geographers contemporary to European territorial imperialism aided in the justification of the practice.[4] In particular, geographers gave European states the reason of environmental determinism, which is the belief that the environment shapes character and culture.[4] This theory deemed Europeans to be better than others because of Europe's geographical features; due to this perceived superiority, European imperialism was contemporarily justified.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Painter, Joe, and Jeffrey, Alex. Political Geography (2nd Edition). London, GBR: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 28 January 2015. 176
  2. ^ Painter, Joe, and Jeffrey, Alex. Political Geography (2nd Edition). London, GBR: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 28 January 2015. 175-176
  3. ^ Painter, Joe, and Jeffrey, Alex. Political Geography (2nd Edition). London, GBR: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 28 January 2015. 175
  4. ^ a b c Shirlow, Peter, Gallaher, Carolyn, and Gilmartin, Mary. Key Concepts in Political Geography. London, GBR: SAGE Publications Ltd. (UK), 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 28 January 2015. 116
  5. ^ Painter, Joe, and Jeffrey, Alex. Political Geography (2nd Edition). London, GBR: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 28 January 2015. 177-178