How have mountains affected history?

Question

How would history have changed if the mountains were raised or lowered? Imagine the peoples that would have met sooner or later. Would we be more culturally homogeneous? How would our politics be
changed? Would we be more peaceful or warlike?

Answer 1

It’s an interesting question. The role geography plays in shaping our history cannot be underestimated. The dominance of certain nations, and the wealth accorded to many, can directly be attributable in large part to their location around a natural resource, or certain type of terrain. For example, much of ancient Egypt’s prosperity can be linked to the fact that the Nile River provided the necessary water to sustain a sizeable population, while allowing an easily traversable route for the exchange of goods and ideas.

Likewise many elevated formations, such as hills and mountains, have provided certain societies with advantages over others. For instance, the high hills surrounding ancient day Sparta, sheltered it from outside influence, so as to allow them to create a militaristic society unfettered by foreign interruption. The highlands of Scotland deterred the many hordes that tried to subdue its inhabitants.

Though it may not be the sole factor, or even the most important, the mountainous terrain that canvases much of the European continent, probably had a lot to do with giving the European powers, throughout history, a militaristic advantage over nations who sought to usurp their authority, and who intended to invade their lands. This gave European powers, vying for imperial dominance a secure base from which to regroup and retreat to, and any army with that sort of thing in their favor, will invariably be successful against their adversaries.

So among other factors, one can ascribe much of Europe’s strength in this world, to its mountainous landscape. Their supremacy, as a result, influenced the world in terms of languages, technology, and ideas.

A good documentary to watch, concerning how environmental factors, and resources were so seminal in European military and political success in the world is called “Guns, Germs and Steel” based on the book of the same name by author Jarred Diamond. He demonstrates in detail how Europe’s hegemony and subsequent massive influence over world events, laid in large part not to anything intrinsically superior in Europeans themselves, but in the resources and disease resistance accorded them by circumstances they were placed in.

Answer 2

I have to say, I never thought about that one before. I think it has affected history positively and negatively but more positively. I think having mountain barriers has helped keep peace between nations that wouldn't have been peaceful with eachother and slowed down the exploration of new lands and expansion of new lands. If we had no mountains, we would have had alot more wars and would probably have totally over run this planet millenials ago.

Answer 3

purely element i will think of of could be to lookup how the mountain selection impacts climate interior the US then talk that. consistent with danger you're able to desire to assert the selection helped make contributions to the airborne dirt and dirt bowl (total guessing on my section)?