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As I discussed in another post, yesterday the History Channel had a program on “The Little Ice Age” which occurred between the 14th and 19th Centuries. Basically, it was a period of cooling (perhaps only a few degrees) which scientists theorize may have been caused by changing warm/cold water currents in the Atlantic Ocean. This cooling, though hardly on par with a major ice age, had a profound effect on Europe.Among the effects the Little Ice Age had on societies:
- Shifted agricultural production away from grains and towards heartier cold-weather crops (such as potatoes)
- Killed off a Viking settlement in Greenland
- Possibly created dense-wood trees responsible for the pure sounds of Strativarius violins, which were manufactured during the coldest months of the Ice Age
- Led to an increase in beer/liquor consumption among Northern Europeans, who brought their tastes to America (today they make up ~90% of alcoholic beverages in the U.S.)
- Created reliance on the potato, which backfired for the Irish during the potato blight of the 19th Century
It was during this time that England would become quite cold and icy, and even Venice’s canals “froze solid”. It was also during this time the Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, placing her fictional character on snowcaps or glaciers as a reflection of her own environment. This mini ice age was truly phenomenal when you think about it, and it’s probably a good thing to think about when studying civilizations during this era.
The effect of climate and geography on the progress of civilization is absolutely fascinating. For a more in-depth treatment of this topic, I’d recommed “Mainsprings of Civilization” by Ellsworth Huntington. Dense at times, but it’s worth it.
Interesting current events news – a news story circulated just last week about the possibility of another ice age that may be upon us because of – get this – water currents in the Atlantic Ocean, the same problem that scientists in the History Channel show believe caused the previous mini Ice Age. I don’t know if it was coincidence or intentional arrangement that the History Channel had its show on the topic a week before news broke about this being a real possibility.
Whatever the case, although such a mini Ice Age would have dramatic effects on the world, I think that mankind is much more capable of handling such climate changes than they were previously.SOme are blaming the coming Ice Age on global warming. Still trying to figure that one out.
I think a new mini Ice Age would have much less dramatic effect on mankind for much the same reasons you do: we are much less dependent on the climate in general and temperature in particular for our livelihood and the way we live. However, it could still have serious effects on less developed parts of the world that aren't as independent of the weather like we are: namely parts of the Mid East, much of Africa, and regions of Asia.I think a mini ice age would have a huge effect on civilization seeing with the high costs of heating buildings. It would also shift agriculture and increase food prices as well.
As I discussed in another post, yesterday the History Channel had a program on “The Little Ice Age” which occurred between the 14th and 19th Centuries. Basically, it was a period of cooling (perhaps only a few degrees) which scientists theorize may have been caused by changing warm/cold water currents in the Atlantic Ocean. This cooling, though hardly on par with a major ice age, had a profound effect on Europe.
