"Environmental determinism" is a term that describes the causal influence that climate and geography have on the course of human history in a region. It is a concept that most historians treat cautiously.
[answer only one of the following, then comment on a classmate's posting]
- Does "Nine sloughs" seem to make a good case for environmental determinism, or not? Use specific examples and explain your argument one way or the other.
- Consider environmental determinism more broadly. Using a specific event or span of history, describe how using this analytical framework can allow for greater insight or comprehension of history.
- How can environmental determinism lead to a distortion or misuse of evidence and cause misinterpretation of history or even harm? Use a real or hypothetical example.
Full Answer Section
In addition, the book describes how the arrival of European settlers in the Pacific Northwest led to a dramatic decline in salmon populations. However, the book also acknowledges that the decline in salmon populations was also due to human factors, such as overfishing and habitat destruction.
Examples of environmental determinism in "Nine Sloughs"
There are a few examples of environmental determinism in "Nine Sloughs." For example, the book states that the "geography of the Pacific Northwest determined the course of its history." The book also states that the "environment of the Pacific Northwest was a force of nature that shaped the human experience."
Examples of other factors that shaped history in the Pacific Northwest
Other factors that shaped history in the Pacific Northwest include:
- Human migration: Native Americans migrated to the Pacific Northwest over 15,000 years ago. European settlers arrived in the Pacific Northwest in the early 19th century.
- Trade: Native Americans traded with each other and with other groups outside of the Pacific Northwest. European settlers traded with Native Americans and with other parts of the world.
- Cultural exchange: Native Americans and European settlers exchanged ideas, technologies, and goods.
How using the environmental determinism framework can allow for greater insight or comprehension of history
Using the environmental determinism framework can allow for greater insight or comprehension of history by helping us to understand the role that the environment plays in shaping human societies. For example, the environmental determinism framework can help us to understand why certain civilizations developed in certain places and why certain societies declined.
Example: The rise and fall of the Mayan civilization
The Mayan civilization developed in Central America, a region with a rich and diverse environment. The Mayans were able to develop a complex social and economic system by taking advantage of the resources that were available to them in their environment.
However, the Mayan civilization also declined. One reason for this decline was environmental degradation. The Mayans cleared forests for agriculture, which led to soil erosion and water pollution. The Mayans also overfished their rivers and lakes.
The environmental determinism framework can help us to understand the role that the environment played in the rise and fall of the Mayan civilization.
How environmental determinism can lead to a distortion or misuse of evidence and cause misinterpretation of history or even harm
Environmental determinism can lead to a distortion or misuse of evidence and cause misinterpretation of history or even harm in a number of ways.
First, environmental determinism can lead to a simplification of history. By focusing on the role of the environment, environmental determinists often ignore other important factors, such as human agency and cultural exchange.
Second, environmental determinism can be used to justify racism, imperialism, and other forms of oppression. For example, environmental determinists have argued that certain races are superior to others because they live in more favorable environments.
Third, environmental determinism can be used to promote fatalism. By arguing that the environment shapes our destiny, environmental determinists can discourage us from taking action to improve our lives.
Example: The use of environmental determinism to justify racism
In the 19th century, some environmental determinists argued that white Europeans were superior to Africans because they lived in more temperate climates. These environmental determinists used this argument to justify racism and imperialism.
Conclusion
Environmental determinism is a complex issue. It is important to understand the role that the environment plays in shaping human societies. However, it is also important to be aware of the limitations of the environmental determinism framework. Environmental determinism can lead to a distortion or misuse of evidence and cause misinterpretation of history or even harm.
Sample Answer
Overall, "Nine Sloughs" does not make a good case for environmental determinism. It is true that the environment played a role in shaping the course of history in the Pacific Northwest, but it was not the only factor. Other factors, such as human migration, trade, and cultural exchange, also played a role.
For example, the book describes how the abundance of salmon in the Pacific Northwest allowed Native American tribes to develop a complex social and economic system. However, the book also acknowledges that Native Americans were skilled at managing their environment and that they played an active role in shaping the landscape