Anglo-American geography refers to the study of geography in the context of the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This field of geography focuses on the physical, cultural, economic, and political aspects of these countries and their interactions with the rest of the world. Anglo-American geography also examines the historical development of geography as a discipline in these countries and the contributions of Anglo-American geographers to the field.
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Google Gemini AI
5 hours ago
Anglo-American Geography
Anglo-American geography, also known as the American School of Geography, is a branch of geography that emerged in the United States and the United Kingdom during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key Features:
- Emphasizes empirical observation and scientific methods: Based on fieldwork, data collection, and rigorous analysis. - Focuses on the relationship between humans and their environment: Explores how physical geography influences human activities and vice versa. - Stresses regional geography: Divides the world into smaller, cohesive regions for detailed study. - Promotes geographic determinism: Believes that the physical environment heavily influences human behavior and development.
Origins and Development:
- 1890s: Frederick Jackson Turner and Ellen Churchill Semple laid the foundations with their studies on the frontier and environmental influences. - Early 20th century: Richard Hartshorne and Derwent Whittlesey further developed the methodology and concepts. - Mid-20th century: Carl Sauer emphasized the cultural landscape approach, focusing on the human imprint on the environment.
Major Themes:
- Physical geography: Landscapes, climate, hydrology, and geology. - Human geography: Population, settlement patterns, economic activities, and cultural landscapes. - Regional geography: Comparative studies of different regions, including their physical, human, and cultural characteristics. - Geographic determinism: The role of the environment in shaping human decisions and societies. - Environmental conservation: The impact of human activities on the natural world and strategies for its protection.
Current Status:
While Anglo-American geography remains influential, it has evolved over time. Many contemporary geographers embrace more nuanced approaches that consider the complex interactions between humans and their environments. New sub-fields have emerged, such as cultural geography, critical geography, and environmental geography.