Maps Coursework (Coursework Sample)

Maps
Student’s Name
Course
Maps
Introduction
Harley (523) alleges that maps were used in ancient America for a long time in exploration as a panoramic that demonstrated the world as one that was drawn from above, some kind of art and a perspective that was impossible in a preflight era. However, some researchers argue that maps are just but mere glorified pictures. Their assertion is that maps not only control a land but depict it as well with the aim of imposing humanity over it, especially politically. Much of the information that a map conveys is a result of human history and can therefore be changed over time. The sudden changes symbolize a critical characteristic that is usually ignored (Nobles 3). They signify visual representations and social construct of a temporary order that is imposed over a particular place on the earth. This study attempts to analyze the features, information and contents found in the map of ancient California and how they relate with the European’s perspectives of the new world.
Description of Sources
The map that was used had no author. This is possible because not all maps have an author indicated on them. The type of map used was a topographical map. A topographical map is a symbol and line representation of selected natural and man-made features of an earth’s region which is plotted to a scale that is definite (Harley 526). Again, such maps demonstrate the network of oceans, seas, terrains, mountains, man-made monuments like buildings and human settlements. The map was plotted in 1700 in ancient California when there was little activity in respect to industrialization and urbanization although efforts for development had started being eminent. The method or mode of distribution was a pamphlet and the intended audience was mainly settlers who wanted to inhabit the ancient California and tap into the potential fertile lands. Similarly, scholars had an interest in the region to analyze the activities that led to the growth of the place.
Analysis of Source
According to Nobles (19) the source attempts to give an aerial view of ancient California after it was invaded by settlers from England. The settlers introduced crops such as fruits, wheat, corn, and animal rearing. Their activities sparked up growth of the place by buying and renting land for farming and sale. The buildings and settlements in the map are a clear indication that the place was inhabited by the Europeans. The extensive chunks of land owned by settlers required labor and this led to slave trade to provide the required labor. The settlers got their subjects from America but because the slaves there were too weak to perform the hard tasks, they died and suffered from diseases (Harley 532). This prompted the settlers to source for slaves from other areas like Spain but the most effective were Africans because they were strong and resistant to diseases as well as being in a distant place that made it hard for them to run away. The Pacific Ocean in the map was the means of transport for the Europeans when they traveled to get slaves on cruise ships. Similarly, the water body connected California with the outside world.
Nobles (27) allege that ancient California was marked by numerous political milestones. Europeans had developed an interest in California as early as 1500. By the beginning of 1700, California was one coastal region that was not part of European colony. The super powers by then who were Russia, Spain and Britain had started eyeing the coastal st...