What is geography's effect on the Industrial Revolution and the current Mid-East crisis?
Think about the regions most affected by the Industrial Revolution. What landforms were there? Were they near rivers? Were they near already developed cities? Did towns of the industrial revolution spur cities? As a hint, the Industrial Revolution started in New England. That region contains a lot of rivers good for mills.
Think about the Middle East's resources. The countries often fight over oil. The countries back in history also fought over access to waterways, since the majority of most Middle Eastern Countries is deserts.
The powerful western European countries had the money to take raw materials from their colonies around the world and use their knowhow to manufacture finished products.
The Mid-East has few natural resources (except for oil in Saudi Arabia) and therefore life is hard for most of the inhabitants. Palestinians and Israelis are both trying to occupy a very small bit of land.
Geography plays a significant role in both the Industrial Revolution and the current Mid-East crisis. Let's break down each aspect separately:
1. Industrial Revolution:
Geography had a profound impact on the Industrial Revolution in several ways. Firstly, the geography of certain regions provided the necessary natural resources for industrialization. For example, the presence of coal and iron ore deposits in Great Britain facilitated the growth of the coal and iron industries, which were essential for the development of factories and machinery.
Secondly, geography influenced the transportation and communication networks during the Industrial Revolution. Countries with abundant navigable rivers or natural harbors, like Great Britain and the United States, had a distinct advantage in terms of transporting raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets. This facilitated the growth of trade and the exchange of ideas, contributing to industrial advancements.
Finally, geography also shaped the distribution of industries during the Industrial Revolution. Factors such as access to raw materials, availability of energy sources, and proximity to markets influenced the location of factories and industrial hubs. This, in turn, led to the concentration of industrial activities in certain regions and the emergence of urban centers.
2. Current Mid-East Crisis:
Geography is a crucial factor in understanding the complexities of the current Mid-East crisis. The region's geography has several strategic elements that have influenced the crisis.
Firstly, the Middle East is home to vast reserves of oil and gas, making it a vital global energy supplier. Control over these resources has been a major driver of conflicts and power struggles in the region. The geographic distribution of oil and gas fields, and the presence of important transit routes for energy exports, have shaped geopolitical interests and rivalries.
Secondly, the Middle East's strategic location has made it a significant crossroad for international trade and transportation. Its proximity to major shipping routes and the presence of key maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz, contribute to its geopolitical importance. Disruptions or conflicts in these critical areas can have global implications on trade and energy security.
Additionally, the region's diverse geography, including deserts, mountains, and water bodies, has shaped the distribution of populations, cultures, and political boundaries. These geographic factors have influenced historic and ongoing conflicts between different ethnic, religious, and political groups, contributing to the complexity of the current crisis.
To gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between geography and these two topics, additional research into specific case studies and historical context would provide more comprehensive insights.