Learning from Disasters: Saxony Fights the Floods of the River Elbe 1784-1845

Keywords

• Abstract

  After the millennium flood of 2002 in Saxony the subject of 'climate change causes natural disasters' does not come to rest in the media and science. This article investigates how a society reacts, when it is almost constantly struck by natural disasters. Between 1784 and 1845 at least 12 disastrous floods happened in Saxony. The result thereof was a Saxon learning-genesis which is demonstrated in three learning phases (1784-1800, 1800-1820 and 1820-1845). Introductory explanations of historical aspects of and publications about natural disasters and high water research to day are provided. A theoretical framework on how to learn from natural disasters is attached. In the outlook, the Saxon learning genesis is compared to the study of the DKKV (Deutsches Komitee für Katastrophenvorsorge), 'Lessons Learned' from 2003. Thereby not only analogies between previous and today's disaster management are drawn but also are underlined the more efficient methods and approaches of more than 200 years ago.

• Series Information

  Historical Social Research Vol. 32, No. 3 (2007): Special Issue: Historical Disaster Research. Concepts, Methods and Case Studies

  Starting Point and Frequency: Year: 1979, Issues per volume: 4, Volumes per year: 1

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