Geography and the 19th Century

Geography played a huge role in shaping 19th century. The tightly packed, competitive nations of Europe were much more inclined to advance scientifically and politically because of the competition from the other surrounding countries. As technology grew in one country it would inevitably be passed onto and improved upon by another country. Places like China who had no competition, and thus no need to race for new technology didn't move forward as they should have to keep their place as a major power in the world. Because they didn't feel like they needed to improve themselves, they fell behind the western countries. The industrial revolution also allowed for greater opportunities for trade all over Europe and Asia. Countries could export their goods to far away places and get a wider market. A surplus of cotton in Europe could be exported to Asia, which would boost the economy. In a way, geography also gave birth to imperialism. The isolated countries would be seen as alien and their customs barbaric, making the Europeans want to colonize them for their own good. Geography also heavily influenced our game of risk, especially once nationalism was introduced into it. Africa became one of the safest place for the indigenous people because it was more isolated than say, Asia. The Blue and Grey nationalist players could easily sweep through Asia's indigenous people because the territories were packed together and all bordered each other.