The European maps from the 1550s and the Dutch map of the slave trade

 

The European maps from the 1550s and the Dutch map of the slave trade reveal important aspects of the European worldview that enabled them to justify their actions in the New World. These maps provide insights into the European mindset during the Age of Exploration and colonization.

Firstly, the inclusion of monstrous figures in the European map signifies the dehumanization of the native peoples of the Americas. The Europeans perceived these indigenous populations as savage and uncivilized, justifying their exploitation and mistreatment. This perception is reflected in the writings of Bartolomé de las Casas, who described the indigenous peoples as “beasts in human form” (Crosby, 1972). By depicting the natives as monstrous figures, Europeans could further distance themselves from any moral qualms about their actions.

Secondly, the French map’s emphasis on natural resources highlights the economic motivations behind colonization. The inclusion of images such as cod, beavers, seals, and whales showcases the wealth that could be extracted from the New World. European powers saw these resources as valuable commodities that could fuel their economies and increase their global power. This economic drive served as a justification for their territorial expansion and resource exploitation.

Lastly, the Dutch map illustrating the sea routes of the slave trade reveals the Europeans’ belief in their own superiority and entitlement. The Europeans viewed Africans as inferior and saw them as suitable for enslavement. The Europeans justified this by claiming that Africans were better suited for labor in unfamiliar lands due to their perceived physical strength and lack of knowledge about the environment. This belief in their own superiority allowed Europeans to justify the enslavement and brutal treatment of African people.

Overall, these maps reveal that the European worldview during this period was characterized by dehumanization, economic motivations, and a sense of entitlement and superiority. These attitudes enabled Europeans to justify their actions in the New World, including enslavement and resource extraction, by devaluing the lives and rights of indigenous peoples and Africans. It is important to critically examine these historical perspectives in order to understand the lasting impacts of colonialism and work towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

References: Crosby, A. W. (1972). The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.