The Impact Of Geography On The Economic Growth Of The West

Geography played a key role in the economic growth of the West. Europe had always been politically fragmented due to its geography. There were no enormous plains or broad rivers. The landscape was mountain ranges, large forests and the population was centered in the valleys. This made it hard to gain control of and encouraged growth and the continued existence of decentralized power. Even though Europe had previously experienced steady growth, it soon gave way to famine and plagues. The Black Plague encouraged a radical transformation of the economy. Europe was neither the most fertile nor the most populous area in the world. However, due to the decrease in population, land became more plentiful and labor more expensive. Urban†¦show more content†¦Water transport of these goods was so much more economical and being surrounded by water led to their industry of ship building. Since there was no government authority that could control this commercial development it thrived. The evolution of new and lethal weapons like the musket and cannon facilitated the expansion on both land and sea and as a result the arms race began. â€Å"The impact of the gunpowder revolution at sea was even more wide-ranging† (Kennedy, 1987). This influenced and helped advance the future of maritime development. The development of long-range armed ships advanced Europe’s ability to control the oceanic trade routes. Even though â€Å"the revolution in military technology †¦.had implications for the organization and capital costs of warfare† (Tracy, 1991), the profits and benefits from this expansion were vast. They were able to procure gold, silver, and spices. Being able to access the Newfoundland fisheries brought about an abundance of food and oils. Employment to facilitate bulk trade helped to boost the economy. Ship building stimulated the economy and brought about the need for craftsmen, dealers, and suppliers, as well as insurers. Gold and silver were used to purchase spices and silks and timber was used to purchase iron guns from England. These economic advances coupled with technological advances interacted to drive the rise of Western Europe. Even though China had been disrupted by Mongols and the