Commerce and Empire

Abstract

Chapter 9 shows how theories about commerce and empire affect ideas about Europe. Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century geography books usually argue that Europe excels at trade. In some respects, this promotes a concept of Europe based upon economic rivalry, but is also presents the continent as the centrepiece of an integrated global network. Some texts celebrate Europe’s imperial prowess and in several cases regard conquered areas as part of the continent itself rather than distinct regions. Others are critical of empire, but the majority endorse an idealized imperialism in which commerce demonstrates Europe’s presumed global pre-eminence.