Propaganda Map - Europe 1879

http://daughternumberthree.blogspot.com/2010/01/maps-as-propaganda.html

Maps used for propaganda have immense power.  Small changes in depictions of areas can change the way in which the map-reader perceives that area.  For example, position and size within a map can give an area more relative importance.  A country that is depicted as being bigger and in the center of a map can be perceived as having a considerable amount of power over other areas.  

The map above shows European nations at the end of the 19th century.  This propaganda map is getting its point across not necessarily through position, but through size and cartographic cartoons. In this picture, Russia is depicted as a wolf that is descending upon the other countries (depicted as civilized men).  This map depicts an overall urgency to defend themselves against the Russian nation.  But, within the western European countries that are depicted as men, some countries are depicted as valiant (Germany) while others are either relaxing (Spain) or grasping no weapons at all.  This German made map was more than likely used to emphasize the nation as being heroic, or steadfast.