Political Mapping Portfolio: Analyzing Shifts in Historical and Modern Political Maps
Learning Goal
To analyze changing political maps by examining two regions and addressing the influence of significant historical events on population shifts and political boundaries.
Selected Regions for Analysis
- Eastern Europe (focusing on the Balkans)
- Sub-Saharan Africa (focusing on Nigeria)
Region 1: Eastern Europe - The Balkans
Historical Context
- Pre-20th Century: The Balkans were under the influence of the Ottoman Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire. Ethnic boundaries were often blurred due to imperial rule.
- World War I (1914-1918): The collapse of empires (Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian) during and post-war led to the establishment of new nation-states.
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001): The disintegration of Yugoslavia resulted in significant ethnic conflict, redrawing the political map drastically.
Changes in Political Maps
- 1914 Map Overview: Dominated by empires, numerous ethnic groups existed within a single political framework.
- 2010 Map Overview: Emergence of distinct nations like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.
Influence of Events on Populations
- The dissolution of Yugoslavia caused mass migrations, ethnic cleansing, and conflicts that shifted population demographics and altered boundaries based on ethnic lines.
- New borders reflected ethnic majorities, leading to increased nationalism and tension in the region.
Region 2: Sub-Saharan Africa - Nigeria
Historical Context
- Colonial Era (19th - 20th Century): Nigeria was established as a British protectorate, grouping diverse ethnic groups without consideration of pre-existing boundaries.
- Independence (1960): Nigeria gained independence but grappled with ethnic and religious divisions, leading to political instability.
- Civil War (1967-1970): The Biafran War illustrated deep ethnic tensions, leading to geopolitical reconfigurations.
Changes in Political Maps
- 1960 Map Overview: Colonially drawn borders that did not reflect ethnic distributions (e.g., Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo).
- 2020 Map Overview: Modern Nigeria is administratively divided into 36 states, reflecting a broader understanding of ethnic lines, but often still contested.
Influence of Events on Populations
- Colonial rule imposed arbitrary borders, sowing discord among ethnic groups that were historically distinct.
- The civil war led to significant loss of life and migration, contributing to ongoing ethnic tensions and disputes over resource allocation.
Conclusion
By analyzing the political maps of the Balkans and Nigeria, it becomes evident that significant historical events have greatly influenced the current political landscapes and populations in these regions. In the Balkans, the fragmentation of Yugoslavia highlighted ethnic identities and conflicts, while in Nigeria, colonial legacies and civil strife have shaped the modern state’s boundaries and demographic complexities.
Reflection
Understanding these shifts not only provides insight into current geopolitical dynamics but also emphasizes the need for careful consideration of ethnic identities in political discussions and decision-making processes. This portfolio underlines the impact of history on contemporary society and highlights the interconnectedness of geography, politics, and human experiences.
This analysis covers the learning goals outlined in the 04001 Geography and Society Political Mapping Portfolio through an exploration of the historical influence on modern political maps in two distinct regions.
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