ON THE ISLAND PEOPLE OF BRITAN (saying it like a propertarian) —“The story sta

ON THE ISLAND PEOPLE OF BRITAN

(saying it like a propertarian)

—“The story starts with geography. Britain is a relatively small island situated off a large but historically divided continent. It is narrow, with navigable rivers, and it is blessed with natural resources and fertile land.

This combination of factors has various implications for the country’s development. Its island status and narrow dimensions mean that the coast is always nearby, making a large proportion of the population maritime; add an ample supply of wood, and conditions are ripe for the construction of a strong navy.

The fertile soil allows for a stable population, while resources such as coal, metals and sheep (for wool), along with navigable rivers, facilitate strong international trade. From the United Kingdom’s perspective, the divisions in the Continent both reduced its threats — limiting Continental powers’ ability to build a navy strong enough to invade — and increased its opportunities, as British traders found ways to insert themselves between countries that were often at war.

Thus, once the island’s basic needs of safety and nourishment were satisfied, Britain’s geography enabled it to become a maritime trading power.”—

George Friedman, Stratfor