History via 100 maps

It all began with my fascination with politics since my grade school days. It was inevitable that this would lead me to the study of geopolitics, the study of the influence of factors as geography, economics and demography on the politics and especially the foreign policy of a state. The final step was connecting geography to geopolitics and the study of geography led to my fascination with maps.

The book “A History of the 20th Century in 100 Maps” by Tim Bryars and Tom Harper (The British Library, 2014) is a fascinating exploration of the 20th century through the lens of cartography. It showcases 100 maps that narrate key events and developments of the century, including world wars, the Cold War and social movements. The authors highlight the diversity of maps, ranging from iconic ones like Harry Beck’s London Underground map to lesser known maps printed on handkerchiefs or used for propaganda.

The book is visually engaging and pairs geographic visualizations with concise text, making it a compelling coffee table book. It celebrates the artistry and historical significance of maps, offering readers a unique perspective on how cartography shaped and reflected the 20th century.

The book “A History of the 20th Century in 100 Maps” highlights several pivotal events and developments of the 20th century. These include the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, the Swinging Sixties, the rise of feminism and the advent of the internet.

The book also includes maps used for propaganda, advertising and even printed on unconventional materials like handkerchiefs. It’s a fascinating way to explore history through the lens of cartography.

Maps are invaluable tools for studying history because they offer a visual representation of how people understood and navigated their world at different times. They reveal insights into political boundaries, territorial disputes, migration patterns, trade routes and the spread of cultural or religious ideas. Here are some key reasons why maps are significant in understanding history:

Contextualizing events. Maps help place historical events in a geographic framework, making it easier to understand the scope and impact of events such as wars, conquests and colonization.

Tracking change over time. By comparing maps from different periods, historians can visualize changes in borders, urbanization, environmental shifts and human activity.

Propaganda and influence. Maps have often been used as tools of propaganda, shaping perceptions of nations, ideologies and conflicts. Studying them reveals how maps influenced public opinion and political agendas.

Cultural insights. Maps reflect the technological advancements, artistic styles and cultural priorities of the people who made them, offering a window into the societies of the past.

Uncovering hidden narratives. From marginalized communities to forgotten trade routes, maps often bring to light stories that traditional historical accounts may overlook.

While the focus is on history events, the exploration of propaganda maps is important in an era of digital misinformation and media manipulation. The emphasis on cartography as a political tool offers insights into contemporary geopolitical tensions. By demonstrating how maps have historically influenced public opinion and policy decisions, the authors provide a powerful reminder of the importance of visual literacy.

“A History of the Twentieth Century in 100 Maps” is both a visual feast and a narrative journey that explores the profound transformation of the 20th century through cartography. The book curates 100 unique maps – from widespread commercial prints to rare pieces that were once found only as throwaway advertisements or ephemeral propaganda artifacts – to illuminate how maps not only recorded but also shaped historical events.

The book’s strengths lie in its innovative approach to history, its meticulous curation and its rich visual appeal.

Since this book was published by The British Library, the selection of maps is predominantly those of the United Kingdom. There was no reference to Southeast Asia, which I found disappointing.

The most interesting section is the one labelled “Mercator Atlas of Europe” which discussed historical maps and atlases as collectible antiques and as investments.

Another interesting map is the 1958 map of the land use and creation of modern Hong Kong.

For the readers of the three-volume fantasy novel, “The Lord of the Rings,” there is also the author JRR Tolkien’s map of Middle Earth. He used the map “… to reinforce the reality of Middle Earth.” As the book says, “While the story unfolds over hours of reading, the map allows the story to be recalled at a glance.”

Beyond their practical uses, the maps highlighted in the book serve as cultural artifacts that offer insights into the eras they represent. They capture moments of technological innovation, social transformation and shifts in power dynamics, thereby prompting us to question how visual culture shapes – and is shaped by – public discourse. The book’s ability to evoke the emotional and societal currents of the 20th century through these varied maps is both insightful and refreshing.

These strengths make the book not only an academic resource but also an engaging coffee table conversation piece. It offers a fresh take on 20th century history through conflict, innovation and cultural change, through the lens of 100 significant maps.

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Write Things’ Summer Writefest for Kids & Teens runs from May 19-30 (MWF only) 3-5 pm at Fully Booked BGC. Four face-to-face sessions, two via Zoom. Come and write with our facilitators Mica Magsanoc and Sofi Bernedo and guest authors Ambeth Ocampo and Daryll Delgado. Only a few slots left; register at bit.ly/summerwritefest2025.