The Western Hemisphere has undergone massive geopolitical changes in the past two centuries. In 1770, the Western Global Map was a reflection of the political and economic power dynamics that existed at the time. Meanwhile, after decades of Spanish and Portuguese rule, by 2020 much of this map had changed drastically, reflecting newly formed nations and expanded colonial empires. By comparing these two maps side by side, we can gain a better understanding of how political and economic forces have shaped the world’s geography over time.
At first glance, one major difference between the two maps is that Spain’s empire was once far more extensive than it is today. In 1770 Spain claimed vast territories throughout North America such as Florida and parts of Louisiana; meanwhile its holdings in South America included Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Venezuela (Library of Congress). This was significantly reduced following wars for independence across Latin America during Grandes de Independencia from 1810-1830 (Aguilar et al., 2019). As a result by 2020 Spain no longer held any colonies in either hemisphere — with many nations formerly part of the Spanish Empire having since seceded to form independent countries like Mexico or Uruguay.
The second map also shows an expansion in European colonies outside their traditional spheres over this period – namely Britain’s colonization efforts throughout Canada — which had just been acquired through multiple treaties signed with France earlier that century (Davies & Hamowy 1987). In addition to Canada there were also British controlled territories in Guyana and Jamaica while Dutch influence spread to Suriname along with French Guiana (Library Of Congress). These colonies provided valuable resources such as raw materials for industry back home but also enabled Europe to extend its global reach beyond what had previously been possible via naval expeditions alone (Snyder 2010). It should be noted however that despite their increased presence within North American politics their respective domains remained comparatively small compared to those upon which they exerted imperial control elsewhere such as India or Africa — where they established large-scale plantations largely run by slave labor (Driscoll 2015).
Compare 2 maps of the Western Hemisphere. The first is the Western Global Map of 1770 and the second is the Western Hemisphere after the collapse of Spanish and Portuguese rule
Additionally while colonial powers were expanding abroad they were often enacting stricter control domestically too – particularly within Iberian states who sought out ways to suppress local uprisings against them. This is evident from looking at Brazil where slavery became firmly entrenched due largely to Portugal’s own efforts at maintaining strict control over its population using oppressive tactics such as military force or religious indoctrination among others(Ferreira 2012). Similarly Spanish colonists within Central American countries resorted increasingly towards violence when faced with resistance from indigenous populations – leading ultimately lead to further subjugation amongst certain communities which continues into present day (García Y Griego 2017) .
Overall both maps show a clear evolution in terms of geopolitical dynamics across North and South America during this period – from a region dominated mainly by European colonizers in 1770 through various revolutions against Spanish/Portuguese rule up till 2020 where many former colonies are now independent nations seeking out new pathways towards prosperity on their own terms While much has changed since then there are still huge disparities between those who maintain access privileges versus those lacking same whether politically economically socially etc – making it essential that we continue analyzing historical patterns like these if only so we may work towards more equitable solutions going forward too .