Economic Growth: Geography and Institutional Factors
Key Questions in Economic Development
Proximate and Ultimate Factors in Development
Ultimate factors are deep, underlying causes of development differences—things that shape history over thousands of years. Proximate factors are the immediate mechanisms through which these ultimate factors influence outcomes.
Examples of Ultimate Factors:
- Geography (climate, animals, crops)
- Continental orientation
- Disease environment
Examples of Proximate Factors:
- Technology
- Institutions (property rights, rule of law)
- Education
Great Himalayas, Himalayan Rivers, Indian Climate & Soils
Great Himalayas (Himadri): Structure and Features
The Great Himalayas, also known as the Himadri, form the northernmost and loftiest range of the Himalayan mountain system. They are characterized by their immense height, continuity, and rugged terrain.
1. Structure of the Great Himalayas
The geological structure of the Himadri is a result of the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
- Rock Composition: The core of the Great Himalayas is primarily composed of Archaean rocks
Global Urbanization and City Structures
Historical Development of Cities
Cities in Antiquity
- Around 7,000 years ago, the first cities emerged in China, India, and the Middle East.
- Structure centered around a palace, market, and temple, often protected by a defense wall.
The Greek Polis
- The Greek city-state (*polis*) featured two main urban areas:
- The **Acropolis**: The high, fortified area.
- The **Agora**: The public square and marketplace.
- By the 5th century BCE, the grid plan became common.
Roman Cities
- Characterized by a regular, planned layout
Key Concepts in Modern European History
Absolutism
Definition: A monarch possesses absolute power, rules by divine right, and centralizes government.
Key Examples
- France: Louis XIV, who famously stated, “I am the state.” Characterized by a strong army and expensive wars.
- Spain: Philip II led as a Catholic power, though subsequent wars weakened Spain.
- Russia: Peter the Great and Catherine the Great pursued westernization alongside autocracy, maintaining strong control and continuing serfdom.
Note: If the question mentions Parliament, law, or
Read MoreThird World Underdevelopment and Neocolonialism Dynamics
Third World Settings: Underdevelopment
The expression “Developing World” began to be used in the 1950s. This group included virtually all decolonized countries, and many other poor nations experiencing economic dependency. Third World countries are characterized by two certain facts: most of the population works in agricultural tasks, and industrialization is scarce.
Key Characteristics of Underdevelopment
- Low per capita income.
- Widespread malnutrition among much of the population.
- Shorter life expectancy
Neolithic Revolution and Irrigation: Foundations of Agriculture
The Neolithic Revolution: Agricultural Transformation
The Agricultural Revolution, also known as the Neolithic Revolution, marks the major transformation when early humans shifted from a nomadic, hunting–gathering life to settled agriculture. This process began around 10,000 BCE in different parts of the world and became the foundation of human civilization.
1. Introduction
Before agriculture, humans lived in small groups, depending on wild animals and forest produce. With climatic changes after
Read More