ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → History

The potato brought an era of peace and prosperity to Europe

You shouldn't overlook the potato.

Elena MotivansbyElena Motivans
December 11, 2017
in Agriculture, History, News
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

The potato, though a simple food, was actually a harbinger of peace to Europe. It brought economic stability that countries were less willing to gamble in a war.

Potatoes were first discovered in Latin America in the 1400s and brought to Europe. They revolutionized agriculture because they could be grown in many different types of soil, are drought resistant, and can be stored for a long time. Potatoes can be prepared in many different forms, such as fried, boiled, and baked. Most Europe countries have a traditionally potato-based dish, whether it be colcannon, dumplings, moussaka, French fries, vodka, and gnocchi. Even now, it is the forth most consumed crop world-wide.

In a study published for the National Bureau of Economic Research, the introduction of the potato is linked historically with peace and prosperity. The researchers examined 2,477 battles fought in 899 wars over 500 years in Europe.

The potato: a peaceful food. Image credits: Lumbar.

The introduction of the potato lowered the cost of land. Land was more valuable before because you need a lot of prime land to grow the amount of crops necessary to feed a country. Wars were fought to secure prime agricultural land. However, potatoes could be grown on smaller pieces of land and still produce a good yield, even in poorer soils. Then land was less valuable so fewer people fought over it.

The more reliable harvests boosted incomes for farmers and for the state, with higher tax revenues. There was more political stability within countries as peasants and rulers had increased income. When a country was weighing out if it was worth it to go to war or recolt, more and more often, it just wasn’t worth it anymore. The citizens were more afraid to lose their resources. It became “too expensive to engage in combat.”

Additionally, potatoes had a good nutritional value and supported growing populations. They acted as a buffer for extreme weather conditions, such as cold weather and droughts. These extreme weather conditions can prompt a country to engage in war.

“The climatic shocks observed over time, like rough winters, have tended to favor the emergence of conflicts,” said Iyigun, a University of Colorado professor. “People have had to fight to survive.”

Potatoes gave Europeans a greater degree of food security, which in turn, stabilizes the whole region. A lesson can be taken from history, in that currently poor countries need to increase their food stability and reliability to become more politically stable.

RelatedPosts

After two hours, sunscreen with zinc can lose effectiveness and become toxic
The climate crisis is turning parts of Antarctica green
The first hominids might have evolved in Europe, fossil jaw suggests
Understanding magma in the mantle: rocks melt at greater depth than previously thought

 

ShareTweetShare
Elena Motivans

Elena Motivans

I've always liked the way that words can sound together. Combined with my love for nature (and biology background), I'm interested in diving deep into different topics- in the natural world even the most mundane is fascinating!

Related Posts

Health

Your gut has a secret weapon against ‘forever chemicals’: microbes

byMihai Andrei
20 hours ago
News

High IQ People Are Strikingly Better at Forecasting the Future

byTibi Puiu
20 hours ago
Health

Newborns Feel Pain Long Before They Can Understand It

byTudor Tarita
21 hours ago
News

Cheese Before Bed Might Actually Be Giving You Nightmares

byTudor Tarita
21 hours ago

Recent news

Your gut has a secret weapon against ‘forever chemicals’: microbes

July 3, 2025

High IQ People Are Strikingly Better at Forecasting the Future

July 3, 2025

Newborns Feel Pain Long Before They Can Understand It

July 3, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.