Maps are powerful documents. They are never objective, based on both the information they include as well as what they exclude. Contemporaries often use maps to present a position or argue a case. They influence the viewer in subtle ways, as the cartographer employs his or her talents in the service of a larger objective. The maps in this activity were used to promote the British re-conquest of Sudan in late 1890s.

• See bias in maps
• Understand the ability of maps to influence opinions

1. Discuss the bias of maps and the role they may play in advocacy and propaganda.
2. Review Britain's colonial interests in Africa and explore its re-conquest of Sudan.
3. Provide the class with the Student Sheet and allow time for completion.
4. Discuss their results

Time Allocation: One class period

Variation on this Activity:

• Compare 1884 European Possessions in Africa Map (Figure 5) with 1898 Map to illustrate the question of the Upper Nile - Inset (Figure 7) and have students consider whether the distribution of land to the European powers in 1884 increased or decreased tensions in Africa.

Special Resources for this Activity

• Atlas 1635.2.N5.1898
  Maps to Illustrate the Niger and Upper Nile Questions. By W. & A. K. Johnston. Edinburgh, 1898. 20 x 17 inches. For Darfur presentation, focus on the following three insets:
• Map to illustrate the question of the Upper Nile (Figure 7);
• Map of Africa showing relative positions of above maps (Figure 8);
• Political map of North Africa.
• For more information on the British re-conquest of Sudan, go to Country Reports
      Note: This site requires a username/password; most schools should have an account

Assessment criteria

• Did student note salient features of all three maps?
• Did student appreciate the political mission of these maps?

The British had long influenced the area of Egypt and Sudan but by the late 19th century, they needed to solidify their authority. The area was important both for its natural resources and as a passage to British holdings in India and Asia. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 reflected the centrality of this second interest. By the early 1890s, absent formal ownership of the area, competing claims threatened British control. They feared that other colonial powers would take advantage of Sudan's instability to acquire territory previously annexed to Egypt. In addition to these political considerations, Britain wanted to establish control over the Nile to safeguard a planned irrigation dam at Aswan. In 1895 the British government began a mission to reconquer Sudan. British soldiers were involved in this effort and the government needed to generate positive public opinion. It requisitioned the production of Map to illustrate the question of the Upper Nile (Figure 7), Map of Africa showing relative positions of above maps (Figure 8), and a Political Map of North Africa (Figure 9) collectively titled "To Illustrate the Question of the Upper Nile". Please look at the three maps closely and answer the following questions.

1. Identify the differences among the three maps.
2. Why do you think all three were included to make the case for the reconquest of Sudan?
3. The map series title was "To Illustrate the Question of the Upper Nile". What was the real question to be considered?
4. Do regions/possessions seem distinct on this map? What is the significance of this impression?
5. Locate Darfur. What conclusions can you reach about its status when these maps were made in 1898?