HIS336H1

The History of Amazonia

Contrary to traditional images, Amazonia is not a pristine forest with sparse human presence. This course explores the complex societies developed around the Amazon River Basin and how they shaped the forest’s configuration. The course centers on the development of European colonialism in the region, the different modes of commodity extraction, and projects to incorporate Amazonia into nation-states. Amazonia’s history – and the history of the people who live there – helps us imagine the region’s role in our era of acute climate challenges. Topics may include empire, Indigenous history, economic development, and environment.