The Ethnic Map of Europe (1914)

Source: http://teachers.ausd.net/socialsci/ethnicmapeur1914.htm

This map of Europe is a Thematic map which shows the distribution of ethnic groups in Europe in 1914. At the first glance, I couldn't identify the use and the message that it conveys. When I saw the word "French", I said that this map wants to show the distribution of languages in Europe. So to end up my confusion, I decided to look at the web page of this map. And yes, I found out that it is the distribution of Ethnic groups in Europe 1914. Also, in its web page, there's no other description about this map.

The color contrasts among each Ethnic group is good. It clearly shows the distinction and emphasis among each of them. Areas with mix ethnic groups have stripe colors. The color helps in identifying the ethnic groups across borders. About the texts, some of them are too small and overlays some of the lines which made them hard to be read.

All in all, a map reader with no knowledge about Europe or its ethnic groups would not understand this map. First and foremost, it has no title, which is the most important element of a map. Secondly, it has no direction, scale, and sources. And lastly, it has no legend which could have helped a lot in understanding this map. Rating: 6.

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