The Disturnell Map: A Complex Negotiation Tool

🗺️The Disturnell Map was used to negotiate the US-Mexico border after the Mexican-American War and transfer Mexico land to the US.

🌊The map contained serious errors and inaccuracies, including misplaced rivers, nonexistent river branches, and inaccurate topography and town positions.

🛤️The inaccuracies and ambiguities of the map nearly caused another war between the US and Mexico, as the US wanted more land.

💰The negotiation over the map was also influenced by the desire to establish a southern transcontinental railroad route and promote economic development.

🇺🇸The Disturnell Map stands as a testament to the complexities of 19th-century mapping and the crucial role maps play in guiding the course of nations and their histories.

What is the Disturnell Map?

—The Disturnell Map is a map that was used to negotiate the border between the US and Mexico after the Mexican-American War in 1848.

What were the errors in the map?

—The map contained misplaced rivers, nonexistent river branches, inaccurate topography, and inaccurately positioned towns.

Why did the inaccuracies of the map cause tensions between the US and Mexico?

—The US wanted more land, and the map inaccurately represented the agreed-upon border, leading to disputes and almost causing another war.

What role did the southern transcontinental railroad route play in the negotiation?

—The desire to establish a southern transcontinental railroad route influenced the negotiation over the map, as it would promote economic development and the expansion of the US.

What is the significance of the Disturnell Map?

—The Disturnell Map showcases the complexities of 19th-century mapping and highlights the important role that maps play in guiding the course of nations and their histories.

00:00The Disturnell Map was a crucial tool used to negotiate the US-Mexico border after the Mexican-American War.

02:40The map contained serious errors and inaccuracies, including misplaced rivers, nonexistent river branches, and inaccurate topography and town positions.

06:30The negotiation over the map was influenced by the desire to establish a southern transcontinental railroad route.

06:41The map nearly caused another war between the US and Mexico due to its inaccuracies and the US's desire for more land.

07:09The Disturnell Map represents the complexities of 19th-century mapping and the significant role maps play in shaping the histories of nations.