Week 2: Notes on Slides 2 Flashcards
Describe the difference between environmental history and “classical” geography.
Classical geography (1850-1920s) viewed the human-environment relationship as one-way, where the environment shaped humans. Environmental history, however, examines a reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment.
Match the Concept
Match each term with its description:
- Historiography
- Longue durée
- Silent Spring
- Environmental externalities
- Bilateral approach
DESCRIPTION
A) Rachel Carson’s influential book that raised awareness about DDT’s harmful effects.
B) Analyzing history by looking at broad, long-term structures and perspectives.
C) Method that studies history by focusing on the interaction between humans and their environment.
D) The study of how historical knowledge and methods evolve.
E) Environmental costs, like pollution, that are not accounted for in economic transactions.
1 - D
2 - B
3 - A
4 - E
5 - C
Fill-in-the-Blank
The French Annales School advocated for studying history through the concept of the ___, which emphasizes understanding historical events within a larger, long-term framework.
longue durée
Fill-in-the-Blank
Rachel Carson’s 1962 book, ___, highlighted the environmental dangers of DDT and is seen as a catalyst for the modern environmental movement.
Silent Spring
Why is it important not to impose modern values when studying ancient cultures and civilizations?
Judging past civilizations by modern standards can lead to misunderstandings. People in the past made decisions with limited knowledge, so it’s crucial to understand their context without assuming our 21st-century perspectives are universally applicable.
What is the main difference between environmental history in North America and Europe?
A) In North America, it developed as a sub-discipline of history; in Europe, as an offshoot of geography.
B) In Europe, it focused more on ecology, while in North America, it was centered on biology.
C) Environmental history in North America did not begin until the 1980s, while it began in the 1960s in Europe.
D) In North America, it focused on ancient civilizations, while in Europe, it emphasized industrial impacts.
A
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the “bilateral approach” in environmental history?
A) To show how geographical factors shape human society only
B) To highlight the influence of technology on environmental change
C) To examine the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment
D) To focus exclusively on human impacts on ecosystems
C
