Read the article, “Nine sloughs: profiling the climate history of the Yuan and Ming dynasties, 1260–1644” (nine-sloughs-profiling-the-climate-history-of-the-yuan-and-ming-dynasties-1260-1644.pdf Download nine-sloughs-profiling-the-climate-history-of-the-yuan-and-ming-dynasties-1260-1644.pdf Download nine-sloughs-profiling-the-climate-history-of-the-yuan-and-ming-dynasties-1260-1644.pdf), and first, answer ONE of the following questions, noting which question you're answering. Second, comment on the posting of a classmate.
NOTE: The "Nine sloughs" article is a good work of scholarship and, as such, can seem a bit technical and dense in places: please don't worry about retaining data--you can skim these areas. What is important is getting an idea of the author's argument and general thesis.
"Environmental determinism" is a term that describes the causal influence that climate and geography have on the course of human history in a region. It is a concept that most historians treat cautiously.
[answer only one of the following, then comment on a classmate's posting]
1. Does "Nine sloughs" seem to make a good case for environmental determinism, or not? Use specific examples and explain your argument one way or the other.
2. Consider environmental determinism more broadly. Using a specific event or span of history, describe how using this analytical framework can allow for greater insight or comprehension of history.
3. How can environmental determinism lead to a distortion or misuse of evidence and cause misinterpretation of history or even harm? Use a real or hypothetical example.
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Answering question 1:
"Nine sloughs" does make a good case for environmental determinism. The article argues that the climate played a significant role in shaping the history of the Yuan and Ming dynasties. It provides specific examples to support this argument.
One example is the impact of droughts on the stability of the dynasties. The article discusses how prolonged periods of drought during these periods led to food shortages and famine, which in turn weakened the central authority and contributed to social unrest. For instance, during the reign of Emperor Yingzong in the early Ming dynasty, there was a severe drought that lasted for six years. This led to widespread famine and peasant uprisings, ultimately resulting in the overthrow of the emperor.
Another example is the influence of climate on the agricultural practices and economic development of the dynasties. The article explores how changes in rainfall patterns and temperature affected crop yields and agricultural productivity. For instance, it discusses how the practice of dual cropping was introduced during the Yuan dynasty as a response to changing climate conditions. This agricultural innovation contributed to increased food production and population growth.
These examples demonstrate how the climate and environmental factors had a direct impact on the social, political, and economic aspects of the dynasties, supporting the case for environmental determinism.
Comment on a classmate's posting:
I agree with your analysis that "Nine sloughs" makes a good case for environmental determinism. The examples you provided are strong evidence for the influence of climate on the history of the Yuan and Ming dynasties. The article effectively demonstrates the link between climate events and their impact on political stability and economic development. It highlights the importance of considering environmental factors in understanding historical processes. Well done!
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