World Geography - Essay Example

WORLD GEOGRAPHY Introduction Theoretically, geography refers to the scientific study of earth’s physical features and the phenomenal interaction between these physical aspects and its inhabitants. Study of physical features involves understanding the origin, present states and future of various landforms and other related natural complexities. On the other hand, study of the interaction between these physical features and the earth’s inhabitants seeks to understand the manner in which natural features influence lives. According to Jerry and Martin (2000), geography falls into two broad categories namely; physical geography and human geography. In most cases, the latter category manifests as human and economic geography. Study of the earth’s natural features and its interaction with humans existed since 200BC. Therefore, geography is not an invention of contemporary times but an old scientific discipline. Purposes of Geography through the Ages It is undeniable that human beings derived numerous benefits from the study of earth’s geography through ages. Jerry and Martin (2000) agreed that geographic knowledge was instrumental or rather paramount during construction of the first world map. This first map commonly referred to as the Babylonian world map dates back to 600BC. According to Talbert and Richard (2009), invention of geography as a definite field of study would later be credited to Pythagoras, renowned for his approved claim that the earth is spherical. Subsequently, Pythagoras claim would open doors to advanced arithmetic perception of the spherical earth. From 2nd Century AD, Roman scholars employed the use of latitudes and longitudes in determining geographical difference in time. Harrison, Massey and Richards (2004) said that by the 10th Century, skilled geographers from the west could calculate with high precision the distance between various points on earth. This was the time when researchers started documenting detailed knowledge about the planet’s habitability. Eventually, medieval studies of the earth’s phenomena would soon pave way for western explorer like Christopher Columbus, accredited with discovery of new lands, especially America. In the early 18th Century, geography scholars struggled with the problem of longitudinal relations with time. According to James and Trapasso (2006), conflicts surrounding this problem came to a halt in 1760s when John Harrison used a chronometer and accurately acknowledged the Greenwich meridian as the reference longitude. Through all these ages, geographic knowledge helped man in his exploration and navigation endeavors. James and Trapasso (2006) claimed that it would have been difficult for Columbus to discover America and the West Indies without a world map. On the other hand, Arab traders would not travel to unchartered territories without knowing the distance between continents. This means that there would be no definite globalization, governance structures and spatial planning without the knowledge of geography. Importance of Geography Understanding different aspects of the earth is important in explaining apparent disparities in terms of resource endowment, political orientations and climatic discordance of regions. According to Chant (2002), knowledge developed from studying influence of latitudes is important in explaining difference between tropic and polar climates. Understanding climatic difference of regions marked the foundation of agriculture as part of economic geography. Therefore, geography unearthed the varied resource endowment of regions across the world. In addition, without knowledge of temperature and soil differences, people in Sri Lanka would not know that their country has high potential for tea farming. On the other hand, people would still be wondering why natural tragedies like earth quakes and hurricanes happen. According to Short (2003), study of longitudinal aspects was important in comprehending time difference observed between different regions across the world. Geography and European Imperialism At some point in historical studies, one may fail to understand how European countries like Britain, Germany and France conquered vast geographical regions in Africa and Asia. However, such phenomena can be explained by acknowledging the role played by geography in imperialism. European imperialism features as one of the territorial expansions which benefited immensely from geography. During the early 18th Century, European nations like Britain and France were undergoing substantial development and accumulation of wealth. According to Phillips and Jones (2005), the desire to amass great wealth led to exploration of other geographical regions having indefinite governance structures but with abundant natural resources. In this context, member states involved in European imperialism started planning for their territorial expansion using geographical knowledge of Africa and Asia. First, British army commanders were able to indentify viable spots in Asian territories like Singapore where they could establish ports for their navy ships. In this case, knowledge of sea depths and physical topography of strategic places like Singapore enhanced imperialism. Physical topography also provided a foundational basis of understanding natural resource distribution across colonies like Africa and Asia. In the early 16th Century, Dutch settlers moved to South Africa in order to do farming. In the process, those Dutch men in South Africa discovered substantial diamond and gold deposits. According to Guelke (1985), such discovery of valuable natural resources attracted Britain’s attention. Consequently, member states involved in European Imperialism started determining existence of natural resources based on topographical and climatic characteristics of different regions in Africa. On the contrary, geography not only helped in expansion of empires but also benefited from European Imperialism. Prior to establishment of colonies in Africa, America and Asia, there was not detailed description of the earth’s habitability. In addition, the relationship between physical geology and human habitants remained vague. Baker (2013) claimed that during the European Imperialism period, colonial masters were able to qualitatively comprehend distribution of human habitants in terms of ethnic differences. Before Imperialism, human and economic geography of African nations like Kenya, Nigeria and Libya remained unchartered. According to Polian (2004), imperialism spurred categorization of regions based on ethnic concentration and abundance of natural resources. At this juncture, it is undeniable that geography benefited significantly from European Imperialism. Conclusion In conclusion, one can appreciate the fact that geography as an academic discipline derives its roots from the medieval ages. Through all those centuries, scholars committed their time and resources in documenting detailed description of physical and human features of the earth. According to Morag (2005), those detailed descriptions would later be helpful in enhancing political undertakings like imperialism. On the contrary, such political journeys like European Imperialism would latter spur development of human and economic geography of unchartered regions like third world countries. Reference List Baker, A. (2013). Geography and History: Bridging the Divide. London: Oxford University Press. Chant, S. (2002). Book Review: Landscapes of globalization: Human geographies of economic change in the Philippines. Progress in Human Geography, 5(12), 97-104. Guelke, L. (1985). On the role of evidence in physical and human geography. Geoforum, 09(7), 176-179. Harrison, S., Massey, D. & Richards, K. (2004). Thinking across the divide: perspectives on the conversations between physical and human geography. Area, 34(6), 14-15. James, P. & Trapasso, L. (2006). Essentials of Physical Geography. New York: Cengage Learning. Jerry, W. & Martin, M. (2000). Let’s Review: Global history and geography. London: Barron’s Educational Series. Morag, B. (2005). Geography and Imperialism 1820-1940. Manchester, Manchester University Press. Phillips, R., & Jones, R. (2005). Unsettling Geographical Horizons: Exploring Premodern and Non-European Imperialism. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 84(6), 182-190. Polian, P. M. (2004). Against their Will: History and geography of colonization. Moscow: Central European University Press. Short, J. R. (2003). The World through Maps: A history of cartography. Detroit: Firefly Books. Talbert, A. & Richard, L. (2009). Geography and Ethnography: Perceptions of the world in pre-modern societies. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Read More