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]