Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Caroline Winterer, an expert in the history of geology and paleontology, who authored a book on America's deep time revolution. They explore 19th-century fossil discoveries and how they reshaped perceptions of the continent's age. The conversation touches on walking on 4 billion-year-old rocks, the allure of iconic dinosaurs like the T-Rex, and the political implications of these finds in establishing American cultural identity. Winterer highlights the role of fossil narratives in shaping historical context and national pride.
The discovery of ancient fossils in North America challenged prior perceptions of the continent as a 'New World,' revealing its immense geological history.
The interplay between fossil discoveries and industrialization fostered scientific competition, significantly shaping America's cultural identity and attitudes towards land ownership and indigenous peoples.
Deep dives
Understanding Deep Time
Deep time refers to the concept that the Earth is billions of years old, contrasting sharply with the earlier belief that it was merely 6,000 years old. This shift in understanding occurred over a century, notably between 1800 and 1900, as both Americans and Europeans began to grasp the Earth's vast age and the existence of ancient life. Key to this paradigm shift was the discovery of fossils, particularly those revealing life forms like trilobites, which are now recognized as the earliest known creatures on Earth. This new perspective expanded the narrative of Earth's history, allowing for a richer appreciation of natural processes and the development of life over unimaginable timescales.
Fossils as Evidence of Ancient Life
The fossil discoveries in North America during the 19th century illustrated the continent's immense antiquity, challenging perceptions of its youth. Rocks in locations like the Canadian Shield are over 4 billion years old, providing tangible evidence of Earth's history that can be physically encountered today. Gradually, discoveries of dinosaur fossils, such as those found in the Midwest, revealed that ancient giants once roamed what is now the U.S., showcasing a diversity of life far older than previously acknowledged. These findings prompted an evolution in both scientific inquiry and public fascination, contributing to a burgeoning dinosaur craze in America during this period.
The Role of Industrialization
The industrial revolution significantly contributed to the discovery of fossils, as industries sought resources from deeper geological layers, leading to unintentional fossil finds. Early fossil hunters, including notable figures like Thomas Jefferson, discovered huge bones while digging for coal and other resources. The industrial practices and subsequent expeditions prompted private scientific endeavors to document and authenticate these finds, resulting in fierce competition among scientists and institutions. Excavations led to the establishment of museums that showcased these fossils, asserting North America's place in the global scientific community while celebrating its unique prehistoric heritage.
The Political Dimensions of Deep Time
The narrative of deep time in North America carried significant political implications, particularly as the documented antiquity of the continent was used to assert ownership over land. As fossil discoveries proliferated, they played a role in justifying the expansionist attitudes of white Americans toward Native American populations by claiming an 'older' history attributed to prehistoric creatures, such as dinosaurs. This attribution of age and depth not only undermined the histories of indigenous peoples but also reshaped the cultural landscape, elevating American identity through the lens of its ancient past. Hence, the understanding of deep time became intricately linked with notions of manifest destiny and American exceptionalism, reshaping both science and politics throughout the 19th century.
Tristan Hughes explores Ancient America's true age; how 19th-century fossil discoveries across North America revealed a history far older than previously believed, challenging the notion that the Americas were a 'New World.'
Tristan is joined by Professor Caroline Winterer as they discuss walking on 4 billion-year-old rocks in Eastern Canada, uncovering the first trilobites and the sensational dinosaur discoveries like the T-Rex and Brontosaurus that mesmerised the public and scientific community alike.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.
All music from Epidemic Sounds
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