The Great Land Rush and the Making of the Modern World, 1650-1900 - Softcover

Weaver, John C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 077353153X ISBN 13: 9780773531536

Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2006

Synopsis

The Great Land Rush and the Making of the Modern World, 1650-1900 describes European appropriation and distribution of land in the new world. 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 underscores the tragic history of the indigenous peoples of these regions and shows how they lost "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 the period was marked by a complete disregard for previous notions of restraint on dreams of unlimited material prosperity.

About this title

About the Author:

John C. Weaver is professor of history, McMaster University.

Review:

"A superb piece of work, unusual in its breadth. It engages no less than the whole of the British and American worlds and Weaver has considerable professional knowledge in these areas. He has an amazing capacity to identify and synthesize the extant literature in a simple and compelling style."

"The insightful analysis of various land rush episodes in frontier settlement makes this book special. Building on and complementing the existing literature, Weaver makes a unique contribution to our understanding. This work is a monumental achievement."

"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

About this edition

• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 077353153X
• ISBN 13: 9780773531536
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512