Author Description

Headrick has written an excellent book on how technology allowed and enabled colonial expansion in the 19th century. Although the focus of the book could lead to an interpretation of technological determinism, he does acknowledge that other, related factors had to exist. In fact, the introduction discusses the twin issues of motive and means, recognizing that both need to exist, the relationship is fluid, and that they are interrelated. However, and keeping in mind the book was written in 1981, the author feels the technological factor has been overlooked or downplayed. The book's thesis is that European powers were able to expand rapidly in the 19th century because technology reduced the cost, in both monetary and human terms, and because it gave them the means to exploit areas of the globe that had been out of reach of coastlines. Headrick argues that the development of steamboats, railroads, weapons, communications, and quinine allowed the penetration of Africa, India, and China which in turn drove down costs, opened up new markets, and provided access to raw materials. The book is an easy and interesting read, and Headrick does make a good argument for the technological factor being a key enabler to colonial expansion.