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Empire
223. Empire of Plants: From Kew Gardens to Botany Bay
Jan 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland and Empireworld, delves into the fascinating ties between Kew Gardens and British imperialism. He explores how Kew served as both a symbol and a catalyst for revolutionary industries, like rubber cultivation. The dark consequences of these pursuits on indigenous populations are also highlighted. Sanghera examines the historical roots of botanic gardens and their intertwined relationship with colonial ambitions, bringing a critical lens to a seemingly tranquil topic.
41:07
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Quick takeaways
- Kew Gardens exemplifies the dual nature of British imperialism, symbolizing both scientific achievement and the exploitation inherent in colonialism.
- The introduction of Carl Linnaeus’s classification system transformed botany, enabling a systematic understanding of exotic plants gathered through imperial exploration.
Deep dives
The Role of Botanic Gardens in Imperialism
Botanic gardens played a significant role in the context of empire, serving as collections of plants gathered from the far reaches of British colonial territories. These gardens were instrumental in showcasing the botanical wealth that imperialism brought to Europe, with their origins rooted in royal ambition and scientific curiosity. The discussion highlights how these spaces became symbols of status and power, not just for Britain but also reflecting broader European aspirations during the age of discovery. This intertwining of botany and empire indicates that plants were not just cultivated for aesthetic purposes, but also for their economic potential as imperial enterprises expanded.
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Discover
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