South Africa – Where Geography Shapes History

South Africa (public domain map)

I am fascinated by how geography affects history. I know, it sounds strange…but it amazes me how history is literally shaped by the way the land and seas are laid out.

Even if you look in your own neighborhood, wherever you are in the world, you will see (or can find out) how the lay of the land affected roads, development, structures, etc. There is always a reason why something is located where it is and geography is almost always the driver.

But on to South Africa – where this is especially apparent…

When you look at a map the most prominent feature of South Africa is the Cape of Good Hope. There are two major drivers – it is the southernmost point (most southeastern point to be very specific) of a massive continent and you have to go around it if you want to get from west to east via boat (or vice versa!). And obviously you don’t want to travel way out in the ocean to pass by so you try to “hug” the cape as close as (safely) possible.

And this has brought about a wealth of history.

European traders plying the waters to the Far East had to pass by Cape Town. It was a natural stopping point and Cape Town became a critical and strategic trading center. Table Mountain is the most prominent geographic feature. I can image the early voyagers spotting it after enduring a tortuous journey from Europe. There would be more to miles to travel, but at least the crew could take a breather and replenish their ship stores in Cape Town – I am sure they loved the sight!

Even today massive supertankers and commercial vessels of all types ply the waters just off the coast of South Africa. You may not see them and technology allows them to bypass Cape Town but South Africa geography puts them there.

And due to South Africa geography you also encounter unique South African weather patterns and ocean currents – which is food for thought for another article!

What do you think? Please add your comments by clicking on the above title: “South Africa – Where Geography Shapes History”

(Map Source)

Raymond Pechacek lives in the U.S. and is married to a wonderful South African lady (BG!). He writes about the people, customs, wildlife, and places of South Africa, runs a consulting firm to help companies improve their global trade processes, and imports products into the U.S. - with an emphasis on supporting South Africa!