South America Map Puzzle

Educating children about South American culture and geography in the 1940s.

This colorful puzzle map uses bright hues and exotic imagery to express the industry, culture, and history of South America. Flags and means of transportation are shown in the oceans, with a special note identifying the discovery of Magellan’s Strait.

Based on text on the box, the product was aimed toward children’s education and in that regard, it certainly shows a predisposition toward ‘American’ ideologies like capitalism and nationalism. A list of interesting facts on the verso further highlights this bias – with numerous references of commercial exports, U.S. military intervention, etc. Not exactly information of particular interest to a child!

Manufactured in Rochester, N.Y. around 1942 by the E.E. Fairchild Corporation and marketed under the All-Fair Puzzle brand.