Power over Peoples: Technology, Environments, and Western Imperialism, 1400 to the Present (The Princeton Economic History of the Western World)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.29 (960 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0691154325 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 416 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-01-08 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Daniel R. Headrick is professor emeritus of social science and history at Roosevelt University. His books include The Tools of Empire and The Earth and Its Peoples.
He shows how superior technology translates into greater power over nature and sometimes even other peoples, yet how technological superiority is no guarantee of success in imperialist ventures--because the technology only delivers results in a specific environment, or because the society being attacked responds in unexpected ways. They have relied on their superior technology to do so, yet these technologies have not always guaranteed success. Power over Peoples examines Western imperialism's complex relationship with technology, from the first Portuguese ships that ventured down the coast of Africa in the 1430s to America's conflicts in the Middle East today. Breathtaking in scope, Power over Peoples is a revealing history of technological innovation, its promise and limitations, and its central role in the rise and fall of empire.. For six hundred years, the nations of Europe and North America have periodically attempted to coerce, invade, or conquer other societies. Why did the sailing vessels that gave the Portuguese a century-long
Raimonds said History revisited. Once in a while, it is enjoyable to relive grand historic moments and refresh your general history knowledge. In particular, from a perspective, which may even claim to foretell the natural course of history.Professor Daniel Headrick examines the period of imperial conquests from the 15th century to present. His book describes the impact of European technological developments on the policies of European monarchs, states and, of course, the deeds and behaviour of people, who carried them out. In a catching narrative the author argues, that throughout the course of history, technological adva. "One Star" according to Bernardo Ibarrola. OK
Headrick is right to think that insufficient attention has been paid to how technological change and environment shape imperialism, and his work is an excellent attempt to remedy that deficiency."--Peter Cain, The Historian"This is an interesting, clearly-written, and well-researched book. I am a better scholar for having read it, and chances are that you will be too."--James Daschuk, Environmental History Journal. "Headrick destroys the simplistic notion that technological advances alone can explain the historic limits of Western global hegemony."--Choice"For professional historians--and especially for those dealing with the events of the early modern and modern world and with the progress of technical advances most of the latest book by Daniel R. Headrick might seem like a comforting walk