Geography and Imperialism have been intrinsically linked for centuries, some academics even consider the modern discipline of geography to have directly stemmed from imperialism.^[1] European imperialism in particular, contributed to the field of geography.^[2] As European powers sought to expand outwards and overseas, they required the knowledge to do so effectively.^[3] Thus, European expansionists relied on geographic knowledge for everything from cartography to the planning of human settlements.^[1] The field of Geography, however, also relied on European imperialism to develop the subject.^[1]

The knowledge that formed the initial subject of geography was achieved through European expansionism.^[1] This includes information on the lands and seas of the earth, its flora and fauna as well as its peoples.^[1] It is unsurprising then, that many geographers during the time of European territorial expansion, were in favour of imperialism.^[4]

Although there are exceptions, geographers contemporary to European territorial imperialism aided in the justification of the practice.^[4] In particular, geographers gave European states the reason of environmental determinism, which is the belief that the environment shapes character and culture.^[4] This theory deemed Europeans to be better than others because of Europe's geographical features; due to this perceived superiority, European imperialism was contemporarily justified.^[5]