How does the geography influence history?

The geographical position of a country can affect how that country interacts with other countries and how internal factors are influenced by its geographical location. Here are a few examples of this, which might surprise even students of history.

In the US Civil War the Tsar of Russia supported the Union in its war with the Confederacy. Russia at this time was one the most despotic world powers and one might wonder why or how Russia would be involved with the internal struggle in the United States. The reason is the geographical locations of both countries.

Russia's ports were all frozen in the winter. Since Peter the Great, Russia has sought a warm water port. In the years prior to the US Civil War, the US Government in the winter allowed the Russian Navy to use its eastern ports and in the west the port of San Francisco for naval maneuvers. Thus we see Russian support for the Union based on this situation.

Temperate zones:

For the most part nations in the temperate zones around the world have been faster to develop industry, military power, trading and economic power. Much more so than nations in tropical weather zones. This difference is partly responsible for the Colonialism policies of the European powers. Their ability to dominate nations in tropical/semi-tropical zones was based on their climate in the temperate zones.

In ancient history, the location of the city-state of Rome helped it establish an empire in the Mediterranean Sea. Its position in the middle of the Mediterranean, allowed it to contol the sea passage from east to west by its ownership of Sicily. It also allowed its military to move from Rome to other areas of the "Western World" either by sea of by its road system. Rome itself is not on the coast of Italy but is inward on the Tiber River. Thus it had the natural advantage of not being subject to a sea attack.

These are just a few of the many examples of how geography can affect the history of the world.