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The scope and methods of geography : and, The geographical pivot of history,
"Is geography one, or is it several subjects? More precisely, are physical and political geography two stages of one investigation, or are they separate subjects to be studied by different methods, the one an appendix of geology, the other of history? " --Halford Mackinder in The Scope and Methods of Geography , 1887 The Scope and Methods of Geography was published by Halford Mackinder in 1887 in the "New Monthly Series of the Royal Geographical Society." It was a manifesto for the New Geography, in which he viewed physical geography and human geography as a single discipline. This publication represented the beginning of an illustrious career as an English geographer and academic.
44 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1969
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About the author
Halford John Mackinder
57 books54 followersSir Halford John Mackinder (1861 – 1947) was an English geographer, academic, politician, the first Principal of University Extension College, Reading (which became the University of Reading) and Director of the London School of Economics. In January 1910 he was elected to Parliament as Liberal Unionist Party member for the Glasgow Camlachie constituency and was defeated in 1922.
Mackinder's work paved the way for the establishment of geography as a distinct discipline in the United Kingdom. His role in fostering the teaching of geography is probably greater than that of any other single English geographer. He became a full professor in Geography in the University of London (London School of Economics) in 1923.
Mackinder's work paved the way for the establishment of geography as a distinct discipline in the United Kingdom. His role in fostering the teaching of geography is probably greater than that of any other single English geographer. He became a full professor in Geography in the University of London (London School of Economics) in 1923.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 9, 2012
Having studied Dr Mackinder's Heartland Theory in political science class, I decided to read "The Geographical Pivot of History." This lecture/article focuses on Mackinder's support for his theory, and I found it to be a fascinating read.
March 26, 2023
"The Geographical Pivot of History" is a famous paper by the British geographer and politician Halford Mackinder, first presented at the Royal Geographical Society in 1904. The paper argued that the key to world power lay in controlling the Eurasian landmass, which Mackinder called the "Heartland".
Mackinder believed that the Heartland, which consisted of the vast expanse of Eurasia from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, was the most strategically significant region on the planet because of its immense size, resources, and strategic position. According to Mackinder, whoever controlled the Heartland could control the world, as it offered easy access to both Europe and Asia, which together represented the majority of the world's population and resources.
Mackinder's theory had significant implications for geopolitics and military strategy, and it was influential in shaping British and later American foreign policy during the 20th century. Mackinder's ideas helped to lay the groundwork for the development of the Cold War, as well as the U.S. policy of containment, which sought to prevent the expansion of Soviet influence into Europe and Asia.
While Mackinder's theory has been criticized for oversimplifying the complex realities of global power dynamics, it remains an important and influential contribution to the field of geopolitics and international relations.
GPT
Mackinder believed that the Heartland, which consisted of the vast expanse of Eurasia from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, was the most strategically significant region on the planet because of its immense size, resources, and strategic position. According to Mackinder, whoever controlled the Heartland could control the world, as it offered easy access to both Europe and Asia, which together represented the majority of the world's population and resources.
Mackinder's theory had significant implications for geopolitics and military strategy, and it was influential in shaping British and later American foreign policy during the 20th century. Mackinder's ideas helped to lay the groundwork for the development of the Cold War, as well as the U.S. policy of containment, which sought to prevent the expansion of Soviet influence into Europe and Asia.
While Mackinder's theory has been criticized for oversimplifying the complex realities of global power dynamics, it remains an important and influential contribution to the field of geopolitics and international relations.
GPT
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews