Maps as Claims

Print Worksheet    Download   Email
The two maps below—one British, one Dutch—depict roughly the same geographic area, and they were created in the 17th century, within twenty years of one another. Pay attention to how they differ.
 

Map-New-England.jpg

Source: Smith, John. New England: The most remarqaeable parts thus named by the high and mighty Prince Charles, nowe King of great Britaine. 1632. John Carter Brown Library, Brown University.
 

Map-virgina.jpg

Source: Belgii Novi. Angliae Novae, et Partis Virginiae Novissima Delinatio. [ca. 1651]. John Carter Brown Library, Brown University.
--------------------

Questions:

1. What was the purpose of John Smith’s map? [Hint: Read the title].

2. The Dutch map calls the same area New England, but it does not emphasize the same places that Smith does. In fact, it adds many more names that sound Dutch, rather than English. What do you think the Dutch map is attempting to do?

3. From this example, what role do you think maps played in territorial contests between European empires?