223. Empire of Plants: From Kew Gardens to Botany Bay
Empire
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Rubber, Empire, and Legacy
This chapter examines the intertwined history of rubber cultivation and imperialism, focusing on the profound effects on indigenous populations in South America. It highlights the role of Kew Gardens in establishing global rubber trade and the brutal conditions faced by local communities in plantation areas like Ceylon and Singapore. The narrative also reflects on the broader implications of these economic pursuits alongside colonial expansion, addressing attempts at decolonization and the complexities of botanical knowledge within the context of profit and exploitation.
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