Environment and Conflict in Europe

Eighteen Basic Maps’ that outline various features of the War in Europe.

“The accompanying sheet of maps illustrates facts of the environment closely connected with the conflict in its economic, political, and military aspects. Elements of strength and weakness in the structure and resources of the nations, objectives sought through conquest or diplomatic pressure, and geographical conditions that may help or hinder the success of armed forces will all be apparent on examination and comparison of these maps. Since this publication has been prepared during a period of extreme uncertainty, the maps have been designed to cover large areas and to provide information that should be helpful in the interpretation of future event.” – Pg. 3.

This detailed collection of maps and descriptive text was compiled by the American Geographical Society of New York and published in 1940. Eighteen different maps of Europe and the world highlight topographic detail, changing boundaries, major infrastructure, industrial capacity, population, and land use. Volume of international trade reflects Britain’s need for imported food, while the map of mineral resources shows a lack of critical petroleum deposits in Germany, despite its recent annexations and invasions. The 29 page text includes descriptions and sources for each map, in addition to an index to the places labeled on the sheet.