Global Thematic 3

	Geographic features have aided and harmed development of nations. The isolation of an island nation has caused both England and Greece to develop a strong navy to defend its shores and to trade with other nations. This in turn has allowed each nation to develop governments different than others of the time.
	Though it was Spain that was known for the size of it's fleet, it was the English who defeated them. For many centuries England has not been invaded simply because it would become very difficult to fight through its highly skilled navy. Because of it's lack of foreign dominion, England has also been able to develop a constitutional monarchy as early as the 1200s A.D. This is a major stipulation that separates England from most of the world at this time, as it is a form of democracy. It is the  third instance of democratic government, after Ancient Greece, and the Roman Republic. This major change becomes an example for many future countries, including many that became free from England after the fall of European Colonialism.
	Greece, though not completely an island, nevertheless relied upon their proximity to the ocean for a number of things. Due to the mountainous terrain, much of the land of mainland Greece was non-arable, and thus they relied upon fishermen to obtain food. because of their irregular coasts, the Greeks were able to establish themselves as seafarers, eventually establishing a strong trade network through their fleet of trade ships. Greece was known for its disunity at times, including its various forms of government. In the city-state of Athens, the first democracy was able to emerge around 600 B.C. Though in truth many people were restricted from voting due to the strict definition of what a citizen was, it was still a democracy. The establishment of this type of government has allowed other countries with people seeking freedom from oppressive governments a system to emulate.
	Though the isolation of an island can hinder development, it also provides certain protection that can not be achieved like most other means. It becomes much harder to cross water than even the steepest mountains. In Greece And England, it has allowed a petri dish for democracy to grow in.