| Summary: | In Britain, in the year 1900, geography held a subordinate position not only in the universities, but also in general educational circles, and in the opinion of the public. The early years of this century were of great moment in its development and by 1914 a much greater respect had been accorded to the subject though it was not yet recognised as a subject of full honours standard in the several universities. In 1900 the acknowledged and established centres of geographical work were the geographical societies, and it is through their work and influence that the development of geography in the first fourteen years of the century is examined. The societies led the movement to improve geographical education. They provided influential spokesmen, financial and other support, both nationally and locally. This study uses the records of the major geographical societies of Britain in an attempt to increase knowledge of the history of geography during these years. The lack of published material on this topic is evidenced in the bibliography. After an assessment of the position of geography in 1900, its progress is shown in relation to the various areas of development, namely the universities, the extra-mural departments, the teacher training colleges, the schools and the field of research and publication. Finally, the achievement reached by 1914 and the place of societies in this are evaluated.At that time the number of academic geographers was small and most of them were active in several spheres. Similarly, the chief officials of the societies worked for several geographical causes, so that the exact area of influence of anyone society or person remains uncertain. The nature of the part played by the leading geographers in relation to the work of the societies is considered and the complementary function of the individual and the society clarified.
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