Introduction

Abstract

Under the heading ‘On the Threshold of a New Era’, we read how ‘the breathtaking speed of contemporary technological progress has revolutionized our concepts of time and distance’ (Krarup Nielsen et al. 1930: 9, my translation). Titled ‘The Conquest of the Earth’ (Jordens Erobring), six large volumes tell the history of how ‘the white race’ has strived to expand its knowledge and rule over foreign lands and people—through trade, exploration, conquest or scientific expeditions (Krarup Nielsen et al. 1930: 15). The authors follow the line set by the notorious geopolitician Halford John Right Mackinder when they note how the last 50 years of polar expeditions (at the time of writing) represent an effort to complete the conquest, or closure, of the world (Krarup Nielsen et al. 1930: 23). As techno-mechanical innovations penetrate the most remote sites of the earth, customs and tradition are demolished as we strive towards human uniformity.