Describe the relationship between physical geography and world cultures.
- my guess is that since geography has to do with mountains and seas, culture is spread whenever people settle in those different areas?-
Your guess is on the right track! Physical geography indeed plays a significant role in shaping world cultures. Here's how:
1. Environmental Influence: Physical geography, such as mountains, rivers, coasts, and climate, directly influences the development of cultures. For example, the presence of rivers can provide fertile land for agriculture, leading to the growth of settled societies with specific cultural practices and traditions related to farming. Deserts, on the other hand, can shape a nomadic lifestyle and influence cultural practices like herding animals.
2. Natural Resources: Geographical features determine the availability and distribution of natural resources, which can impact cultural practices and economic activities. For instance, societies located near forests may have cultural practices centered around timber production and woodworking, while coastal communities may develop cultures focused on fishing and seafaring.
3. Trade and Contact: Geography also influences the types of interactions and exchanges that occur between different cultures. Physical boundaries such as rivers, mountains, or oceans might hinder or facilitate trade and contact. For example, the Silk Road trade network was shaped by geographical features including mountain ranges and deserts, leading to exchanges of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between diverse cultures.
4. Migration and Settlement: Geography plays a role in the movement of people and the locations they choose for settlement. Geographical features can act as both barriers and facilitators. Mountains, deserts, or bodies of water may act as natural barriers, resulting in the development of distinct cultures in isolated regions. Conversely, easily navigable rivers or fertile plains can encourage migration and cultural diffusion as people settle and interact with new environments.
In summary, physical geography not only provides a backdrop for cultural development but also influences the types of resources available, as well as the trade patterns, movements, and interactions between different cultures. Understanding geography helps us comprehend the diversity and interconnectedness of world cultures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography
http://www.studentsfriend.com/onhist/combine.html