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| 0441 |
The Pulse of Asia : vol.1 |
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CHAPTER XVIII
THE GEOGRAPHIC BASIS OF HISTORY
In studying the geography of Central Asia, we have come
to three main conclusions. In the first place, we have seen
that not only the habits, but to a large extent the character,
of the people of Central Asia appear to have been moulded
by physiographic environment. In the second place, we have
concluded that, during historic times, climate, the most im-
portant factor in that environment, has been subject to not-
able changes. And finally, it appears that the changes of cli-
mate have caused corresponding changes not only in the
distribution of man, but in his occupations, habits, and even
character. We must now go a step farther, and must see
whither we are led if we accept without further question the
validity of these three conclusions. If they are true, it ap-
pears that geography, especially through its influence upon
character, is the basis of history in a way that is not generally
recognized; and that climatic changes have been one of the
greatest factors in determining the course of human progress.
This conclusion applies primarily to Central Asia, but there
is strong reason to believe that it is equally applicable to
western Asia, north Africa, and Europe. Apparently, the
same is true of America and of the continents of the southern
hemisphere, but it is impossible to consider them here.
The geographic basis of history, as distinguished from
the non-physical basis, with which we are not now concerned,
consists of what may be called permanent facts, on the one
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