Map Analysis

map 2 http://www.loc.gov/resource/g4410.ct001000/

• The map was created by Spanish speaking people seeing as it is written in spanish
• The creators seem to think that California is an island, separated from the rest of the United States
• There are illustrations of the explorers teaching the Native Americans methods of farming and how they are grateful to the new growing crops
• The rivers seem very important, especially those that connect with Mexico
• There are many provinces illustrated along the rivers which means that in the dry climate, land along the water was essential
• There is an illustration of people rowing a canoe in the ocean so this could be the explorers but most likely the Native Americans

There are many assumptions that this specific map makes. One of the most clear is the fact that the Native Americans wanted and were willing to learn knowledge from the explorers. It is assumed that the white explorers are viewed by the Native Americans as “...hapless martyrs” (pg. 70). The image the map creates is that the explorers are Gods in the eyes of the simple minded natives. Another assumption made is the fact that there is an “...inevitability to English control of the North American Continent…” (pg. 56). The people currently living in the California area don’t seem to put up a fight, but rather welcome the white people with open arms. This particular map centers around the American identity at the time that white people are better than any other race or culture. It is clear that the explorers came in and claimed California as their own. They had all the answers on survival and coexistence. They couldn't have shown any hostility and the natives were pleasant and simple people who were willing to give up their land. This identity is biased based on the creators of the map. It shines a bright light on the white race who shoved all their problems and animosity under the rug so that no one could know the whole truth. It also shows that the white race was not as smart as they thought they were since California obviously is not an island. I do think however that another identity is the American Dream. California was an area of opportunity. It had fertile land that could produce a nice profit after hard work. It is also a shining example that the spirit of exploration can take you to the ends of the earth, or at least the United States.