Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. have been ignored by historians for a long time because they seemed to represent events caused by forces beyond human control – they were literally seen as “acts of god.” However, more recent scholarship has clearly shown that the origins, the course, and the aftermath of a natural disaster are influenced by social, cultural, economic, and natural factors. This lecture class will trace the history of natural hazards and natural catastrophes in North America from colonial times to the present. By looking at both iconic events like the 1927 Mississippi flood or Hurricane Katrina and less well known disasters, we will explore issues such as environmental (in)justice, disaster migration and displacement, the memory and culture of catastrophes, the important role of technology in dealing with natural hazards and regimes of coping and preparedness.
- Profesor: Uwe Lübken