Sir Halford John Mackinder
Rachel Taylor
AP Human Geography
September 20th 2013
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Early Life
• Born on February 15th, 1861
– Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England: “dreariest of
the midland redbrick towns”
• Born into good family
– Father a doctor
• Helped him discover his interest in medical geography
• Well-traveled from a young age
– French governess
– Shaped interest in geography
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Education
• Gainsborough Grammar School
• Epsom College
– Developed enthusiasm for historical geography
• Christ Church: Oxford
– Specialized in
animal morphology
– Last 2 years: geo,
history, & law
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Achievements
• 1880: He & friend win 5-year Jr.
Studentship in physical sciences
• 1885: First lecture on physical geo
• 1886: Membership of Royal Geographical Society
• 1887: Appointed to Oxford Readership
• 1892: First principal of University Extension
College
• 1893: Founded Geographical Association
• 1913-1946; 1916: Chairman of GA; President
• 1923: Chair in Geo., London Univ.
• 1944: Charles P. Daly medal
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Important Works
• “The Scope and Methods of Geography”
– Environmental determinist
• Britain and the British Seas
– 1st comprehensive account of
geomorphology in Britain
• “Geographical Pivot of History”
– Intro to Heartland Theory
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Contributions to Geo
• Heartland Theory: Idea that any political
based in heart of Eurasia could gain enough
strength the dominate the world
– Whoever controls E. Europe, controls world
• Based on Alfred Thayer
Mahan’s theory of naval
domination
– After Ind. Rev., land travel
could be more efficient than
sea; thus, less relevant
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Heartland Theory
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World War II
• Concluded Heartland
struggle would be
between Germany
& Russia
• Closed heart-land important because of
inaccessibility
• Thought Germany had edge
• When Nazis invaded Russia, approach into
Heartland
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Textbook
• Chapter 8: Political Geography
• Particular name & theory not mentioned
• General theories regarding role of geography & war
– How it impacts alliances & who cooperates
• Key Issue 3: Political and Military Cooperation p. 257
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Thanks for Watching!
By: Rachel Taylor