Ecological Imperialism Chapter Summary

Alfred W. Crosby’s book Ecological Imperialism explores the beginning of European control in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and South America. The Prologue of Crosby’s book questions the domination of these Neo-Europes. Was the European success due to their organization and technology? Perhaps simple biological factors are responsible. The idea of one land mass, or Pangaea, is depicted in Crosby’s first chapter. When the mass began to split and divide into individual continents the plants, animals, and humans were separated by large bodies of water. Development was diluted into separate regions causing a strain on ecological growth. Crosby introduces the thought of the dangerous contact settlers would have on an untouched land
An unfortunate decision to introduce rabbits into the uninhabited environment would prove to be the settler’s demise. On the other hand, Spanish invaders showed the Canaries that complete domination was possible through success in crops and livestock while unintentionally killing local peoples through the spread of diseases. Seen in chapter five, the wind played a role in European imperialism. Portuguese sailors learned to sail around the wind. Because the sailors were quick to learn the winds, trade became easier and more efficient. Even so, imperialists could not conquer all lands. Some climates were not suitable for Europeans and other lands were previously and heavily settled. The chapter, “Within Reach, Beyond Grasp”, explores the idea of European determination versus the reality of domination. The chapter titled “Weeds” illustrates another variable of European power. Crosby explains, “The weeds, like skin transplants placed over broad areas of abraded
In his ending arguments Alfred W. Crosby explains that European victory is based on the areas they decided to takeover and the native populations’ ecosystems that resulted in destruction by the natural components of the Europeans.
The belief of the importance of the natural world depicted in Alfred W. Crosby’s book, Ecological Imperialism, is important in determining the makeup of society. I believe Charles Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest demonstrates evidence for Crosby’s book. The idea of natural selection explores the idea that only the organisms capable of reproducing and continuing a population are healthy enough to succeed in an environment.
The Darwinism concept is true in time of war, plagues, and even economical struggle. All organisms are faced with struggles and those who are unable to prevail and survive are inevitably lacking in qualities needed to function properly in their environment. The importance of the natural world cannot be measured. The natural world is the only way to establish a