Sinking peat bogs: environmental change in Holland, 1350-1550

The formation of the Dutch Republic between 1350-1550 invoked an ecological transformation reflected in the dominance of the low landscape. During this period, the mining of the peat bogs completely demolished the underlying soil, and caused the bogs to sink. At the same time, using the fuel harvest...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental history 2001, Vol.6 (1), p.32-32
Main Author: Dam, P J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Conservation of Natural Resources - economics
Conservation of Natural Resources - history
Demography
Economics - history
Environment
Floods - economics
Floods - history
History of medicine
History, 15th Century
History, 16th Century
Netherlands - ethnology
Oceans and Seas
Population Dynamics
Soil
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Summary:The formation of the Dutch Republic between 1350-1550 invoked an ecological transformation reflected in the dominance of the low landscape. During this period, the mining of the peat bogs completely demolished the underlying soil, and caused the bogs to sink. At the same time, using the fuel harvested from the bogs, the Republic began a program of expansion. This required that bogs be drained and that water be redirected to large lakes, created from the sinking bogs. This analysis of the lake phase of environmental history clearly illustrates the interplay of human actions and natural conditions in creating a unique environment. Many of the processes initiated during this period became irreversible, and ultimately reflected the excessive exploitation of the peat resources.
ISSN:1084-5453
1930-8892