Halford Mackinder

Early Life:

Born in Gainsborough Lincolnshire, England

Mackinder went to Epsom College, boarding school in Surrey, from 1874-1880

University of Oxford

He specialized in biology (received highest honors) 1883, then studied modern history

Shifted to Geography- divided into physical and human geography

Went to study law after Oxford at Middle Temple

Became barrister in 1886

1861-1947

Theory:

1904- Mackinder wrote a paper “The Geographical Pivot of History” known as Heartland Theory

○ Suggests that controlling Eastern Europe was important to control the world

■ Hypothesis

● “Who rules East Europe commands the Heartland; who rules the Heartland commands the World-Island; who rules the World-Island commands the world.” (1919)

● No more land to conquer: there will be a struggle for dominance, any winner would make a world empire

○ The world was divided into two parts: “world-island” Eurasia and Africa and everything else (Periphery)

○ Any power which controlled the World-Island would control well over 50% of the world's resources

■ Main point: whoever controlled Eastern Europe “Heartland” controls Asia, Europe, and Africa (world-island)

Theory:

Influences:

Foreign policies of world powers

Germany

German Karl Haushofer applied this theory during the Third Reich; to take control

United States

Theory was only designed for Eurasia

Ways to Prevent this:

Mackinder knew this theory would create war

He believed that this would lead to the dictatorship of Germany

Elaborated on the concept of “one world,” and the need for establishment of regional powers

During World War II, NATO was created to stop world power

Activity:Heartland

Inner Crescent

Outer Crescent

Bibliography:

Bradley, Niall. "Geopolitics of Empire: Mackinder's Heartland Theory and the Containment of Russia -- Sott.net." SOTT.net. Quantum Future, 2 Apr. 2014. Web. 20 Sept. 2015. <http://www.sott.net/article/276668-Geopolitics-of-Empire-Mackinders-Heartland-Theory-and-the-Containment-of-Russia>.

Crone, G. (n.d.). Sir Halford John Mackinder | British political geographer. Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/biography/Halford-John-Mackinder

Fettweis, C. (2000, May 9). PARAMETERS, US Army War College Quarterly - Summer 2000. Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/parameters/Articles/00summer/fettweis.htm

Halford Mackinder. (2014, August 27). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Halford_Mackinder

Hee, R. (2005, July 18). V24N3 - World Conquest : The Heartland Theory of Halford J. Mackinder. Retrieved September 20, 2015, from http://www.mindef.gov.sg/safti/pointer/back/journals/1998/Vol24_3/8.htm

Semps, F. (2000, February 1). Sempa | Mackinders World (I). Retrieved September 20, 2015, from �http://www.unc.edu/depts/diplomat/AD_Issues/amdipl_14/sempa_mac1.html

Rubenstein, James. "Chapter 8: Political Geography." The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography. Tenth ed. Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011. 238-271. Print.