Synopses & Reviews
A critique of the greatest reallocation of resources in the history of the world and an analysis of its effects on indigenous peoples, the growth of property rights, and the evolution of ideas that make up the foundation of the modern world. The Great Land Rush and the Making of the Modern World, 1650-1900 describes the appropriation and distribution of land by Europeans in the new world. By integrating the often violent history of colonization of this period and the ensuing emergence of property rights with an examination of the decline of an aristocratic ruling class and the growth of democracy and the market economy John Weaver describes how the landscapes of North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa were transformed by the pursuit of resources. He also underscores the tragic history of the indigenous peoples of these regions and shows how they came to lose possession of their land to newly formed governments made up of Europeans with European interests at heart. Weaver shows that the enormous efforts involved in defining and registering large numbers of newly carved-out parcels of property for reallocation during the Great Land Rush were instrumental in the emergence of much stronger concepts of property rights and argues that this period was marked by a complete disregard for previous notions of restraint on dreams of unlimited material possibility. Today, while the traditional forms of colonization that marked the Great Land Rush are no longer practiced by the European powers and their progeny in the new world, the legacy of this period can be seen in the western powers' insatiable thirst for economic growth, including newer forms of economic colonization ofunderdeveloped countries, and a continuing evolution of the concepts of property rights, including the development and increasing growth in importance of intellectual property rights.
Review
"Striking above all for its global scope." Literary Review of Canada"Tour de force ' a sweeping synthesis." Histoire sociale / Social History "The great land rush here is much more than greedy people falling over one another in vainglorious pursuit." Canadian Historical Review"Weaver has written one of those rare books that for many decades will grace lists of essential bibliography." American Historical Review
Synopsis
Appropriation and distribution of land transformed North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The Great Land Rush and the Making of the Modern World integrates the often violent history of European colonization and the ensuing emergence of property rights with an exploration of the growth of democracy and the market economy.In the tradition of Guns, Germs, and Steel, John Weaver reveals what lies behind our acceptance of the right to unlimited material wealth. He underscores the tragic history of the indigenous peoples of these regions and how they lost "possession" of their lands. He argues that the enormous effort to reallocate newly carved-out parcels of property during the Great Land Rush led to an idea of property rights that was marked by a complete disregard for previous notions of restraint on material possibility. That legacy continues to drive the Wests insatiable thirst for economic growth, newer forms of economic colonization of underdeveloped countries, and continuing evolution in concepts of property rights, including the increasing importance of intellectual property rights.
About the Author
John C. Weaver is University Professor at McMaster University, and the author of The Great Land Rush and the Making of the Modern World, 1650-1900.