Map Analysis

Map 1: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/map_item.pl?data=/home/www/data/gmd//gmd3m/g3290m/g3290m/gct00084/ca000009.jp2&style=dsxpmap&itemLink=r?ammem/gmd:@filreq(@field(NUMBER+@band(g3290m+gct00084))+@field(COLLID+dsxpmap))&title=Historia%20general%20de%20los%20hechos%20de%20los%20castellanos%20en%20las%20Islas%20i%20Tierra%20Firme%20del%20Mar%20Oceano,%20escrita%20por%20Antonio%20de%20Herrera%20coronista%20mayor%20de%20Su%20M[ajesta]d%20de%20las%20Indias%20y%20su%20coronista%20de%20Castilla.+-+Map%202

1. This map is very interesting. It is clear that the explorers had discovered a good idea of what the United States looked like by the 1600s; however, it wasn't anywhere near perfect. It is clear that the map displays a rough sketch of what the country actually looks like, but there are many aspects of it that don't coincide. The size and location of Florida, for example, is way off. Florida is so much bigger than it is pictured on this map, and it's located farther right than listed. This map is definitely Spanish as well because it uses the language to label different locations on the map. I thought it was very interesting that the map had majority of the islands off the coast of the United States listed and Central America, because it shows very intricate detail of what the explorers had already discovered.
2. The narrators of this map were obviously Spanish and more concentrated on South America. They clearly had become familiar with most of the country, and they were trying to show the details of the final parts. This map also shows they have discovered America slightly. They have a general idea of what the United States looks like, but they are now figuring out a sketch, so they know where to begin to explore. It is obviously promoting the idea of Manifest Destiny. The Spaniards want to conquer more land and be the fastest to do it. This relates directly to American values because it is stating that in order to be the best country, it is essential to control the most land. That has been a value for America and it's ancestors for centuries.
3. "Maps in subsequent New World works portray growing European imperialism, however." (pg. 53) This is a powerful and very true point because it illustrates the importance of Manifest Destiny and conquering land.

War: the Destroyer and Uniter

Since the beginning of the United States of America, war has been a prominent factor in the way the country has evolved. Warfare has changed the country in more ways than anyone could possibly imagine. The Civil War and World War II resulted in the most casualties in history. After the battles have ended, the President is always looked to as the hero of war. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt are two of the greatest war heroes of all time, and both gave incredible inaugural addresses. In these world class speeches, the powerful men used very different words to unite the same country.

President Abraham Lincoln became President right at the horrific start to the Civil War. The war resulted in the most lives lost because, of course, all the lives lost were American. The total casualties amounted to 625,000. In his inaugural address right before the end of the war, the two most common words he used were war and God. War was obviously the most commonly used word because it was still war time. He was urging the country to join together and preserve the Union. He argued that war does not unite but tears apart a country that was once so strong. He used the word a total of 12 times. Interestingly, the second most common word he used was God. It is clear that this time was a very religious time period. Although there was freedom of religion, most citizens practiced some sort of Protestant Christian faith. President Lincoln knew that religion was something that tied the entire country together. He said things like, "both pray to the same God and read the same Bible." He was trying to unite the country by using the most important thing in all the citizen's minds--God.

Franklin D. Roosevelt is one of the most influential presidents of the history of the United States. He took control of the country during the Great Depression and tried to improve the country's horrid conditions. The economy didn't improve until the start of World War II, but at the end of the dreadful war, FDR was there to lead the country with a moving inauguration speech. The two words he used the most were peace and learn. These words were very crucial to the second World War because they express exactly what the United States needed to do to recover from the dreadful war. Peace was the word used the most because FDR wanted his country to learn that peace was the best way to deal with conflict. "In the years to come, we shall work towards a just and honorable peace." This is the best example from the speech because it expresses what needed to happen with the country. The second thing the country needed to do was learn, which was the second word. Learning from mistakes is very important, and it is necessary in the end of all conflicts.

The differences between the two presidents during the end of the two biggest losses of lives in American History are very prominent. Abraham Lincoln tried to reunite his broken country by using the illusion of war to show the destruction and separation it causes; however, he took the focus to what united the country the most: their strong faith in God. Religion was so important to the country during that time period. Almost a century later, the world is an entirely different place, but the country has just survived another war. FDR, their fearless leader, refuses to discuss the past and reaches towards the future. He suggests peace and learning are the only ways to conquer conflict.

Two of the most amazing Commanders in Chief--Presidents of the United States--guided a powerful country through the worst wars in American history. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt reunited the broken country in very different ways, which is very clear from the words used in their inaugural addresses.