Agroinnovations #99: Ecological Imperialism

By Frank Aragona, originally published by Agroinnovations

August 16, 2010

Society
NOTE: Images in this archived article have been removed.

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This episode focuses on the arguments in the book Ecological Imperialism, written by Alfred W. Crosby. Alfred Crosby joined me briefly to talk about this book. I have added to his comments by reading key passages from his book.

Topics of discussion include the success of Europeans in the New World, the significance of Pangaea and the Neolithic Revolution, the definition and explanation of terms like Neo-Europe and portmanteau biota, the failure of the Norse explorers in North America, European Imperialism in the Canary Islands, the role of weeds, animals, and disease in European successes overseas, and a biogeographical explanation for European conquest.

Alfred Crosby’s website

Ecological Imperialism (via Amazon)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 51:56 — 47.7MB)

Frank Aragona

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