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.