Spurred by the dramatic landscape transformation associated with European colonization of the Americas, this original and extensively illustrated work creates a prototype theory to explain relationships between colonialism and landscape. Andrew Sluyter adeptly weaves historical sources and empirical research into a comprehensive geographical theory and applies it to a case study of the Veracruz lowlands along the Gulf Coast of Mexico. He then explores broader considerations of environmental conservation, development, and global policy challenges. This book will be of significance to geographers and others interested in development and environmental studies.