THE GEOGRAPHICAL PIVOT OF HISTORY

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by Halford John Mackinder (1904)

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Russia exists within a vast geographical area that is surrounded and protected by natural wonders. Forests and tundra in the north and north-east, mountain ranges to the east and west, and desert in the south. This is the “Heartland” and “Pivot Area.” Russia is a land power that is seemingly impenetrable and is largely invulnerable to attack by sea. As western nations are colonising sea powers, this eventuality raises some consternation. Russians are constructing railways at a rapid pace, which will soon enable swift access to the coast and ocean. Imports and exports are likely to increase, as will local prosperity. Russia could plausibly team up with Germany. And, by using the expansive Russian forests as a reliable source of timber, both countries united could set about building up a sea fleet that may seek to challenge the existing sea powers. The Russian people who live in the heartland (Russia) are identified as tenants rather than owners. Valuable background to the Cold War. What were they thinking? Read and find out. Non-fiction. 17 pages.

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DETAILS:

Title: The geographical pivot of history

Year: 1904

Author: Halford John Mackinder

Pages: 17

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Book review by Keith Salter