How does geography impact history?

Answer 1

Geography can have a large impact on history. Two major examples of this are the development of the ancient Roman Empire and the distance between the United States and powerful countries to the east and west of the USA.

In the case of the Roman empire it can be seen how the expansion and conquest of other ancient nations was impacted by Rome's geographic position in the Mediterranean Sea. Rome was located in the middle of what was once called the "Roman lake" meaning the Mediterranean Sea.

Rome had a central position in that important sea and a central position on the Italian peninsula. Rome also could take advantage of its location that was not on the sea coast but northeast of the Mediterranean Sea, on the Tiber River.

Sea attacks on Rome could never be a surprise attack as the enemy would have to pass the Roman seaport of Ostia.

In terms of taking control of the Italian peninsula, Rome's central location in Italy was ideal. Rome's position could cut the peninsula in half. Troop movements to the North and South of Rome were enhanced by having a safe and fortified capitol in the middle of Italy.

At the southern tip of Italy lay the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily.

Rome took control of that island in its wars with Carthage and her Greek allies in southern Italy and on Sicily.

So besides being in the middle of Italy, Rome also by controlling Sicily, placed itself in a position to control sea transport that was travelling east or west of Sicily.

In summary, Rome's geographical position helped it expand its empire.

In the case of the United States, its geographical position did the opposite of what Rome's did.

Up until the end of World War 2, the USA avoided any serious and threatening contact with warring European powers and with the new military power of Japan.

The most important example of how geography helped the USA was during World War Two. When it became involved in that war, its population and the industries that were required to wage the war were protected by the vast distances that were needed to navigate the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that surrounded the USA.

During the war, even the victorious allies of the USA, were invaded, bombed and devastated by the military power of Germany. The USA was also insulated from Japan. Japan never took control of the Hawaiian Islands, a USA base, but they only could bomb it , and it was "once".

The result of its geographic position left the USA mainland intact and because of that, by war's end, the USA was by default, the most powerful nation at that time. Unlike its allies and enemies who faced massive destruction and had a huge rebuilding effort after the war.

The above is one benefit of the USA's geographic position. There are more examples of this however the WW2 example was the most important one.

Answer 2

Geography has always played a major role in history. Mountains and oceans have isolated countries like China, making it the oldest civilization in the world today. Covering vast distances like Russia, crossing rivers or deserts have determined the outcome of many wars between countries.

Answer 3

It effects Ireland because of Ireland being an island they are able to trade with other countries. Also because of their soil they arre able to do a lot of farming which affected the jobs in Ireland and that their diet used to mostly consist of potatoes.

Answer 4

its just the way that it did because it inflenced many people in life

Answer 5

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Answer 6

It certainly helped. As an example, please note how many large cities are located at the mouths of rivers.

Answer 7

Three ways are that if volcanoes happen, tornadoes, earthquakes.

Answer 8

Geography can affect the history of a group by distroying the artifacts

Answer 9

Geography altered wars, floods,cities, etc.

Answer 10

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