The Killing Age

The Killing Age

Map 2.1. British Shipping

This map depicts British shipping. Note, especially, the predominance of the Atlantic, which became absolutely central to the British industrial economy.

back to images & maps Because we have solid information on the movement of ships, scholars have been developing innovative representations on topics such as commercial shipping and whaling. This information—which often includes meteorological data and other observations—is now being used to help reconstruct climate and oceanic systems. This map, depicting shipping, helps us understand […]

Ch 2.2. Funerary screen with European ship

From Nigeria during the nineteenth century, this funerary screen shows how Western commerce shaped African history.

back to images & maps Ch2.2. Funerary screen with European ship Funerary screen with European ship, Kalabari, nineteenth century, Nigeria. Europeans brought fantastic and fantastical goods to Africa’s shores. Imagine the holds of their ships filled with bolts of cotton, beaver felt, silk, porcelain, alcohol, and weapons, to name just a few. These goods profoundly […]