Rand McNally is a well-known American map publishing company that has been in operation since the 19th century. Founded in 1856 by William H. Rand and Andrew McNally in Chicago, Illinois, the company initially started as a printer and later shifted its focus to map production and publishing.
In 1897, Rand McNally created the maps that reflected the geopolitical and geographical knowledge of that era. "India" referred to the Indian subcontinent, which included present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. "Further India" typically referred to Southeast Asia, including countries like Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
In 1897, the world was undergoing significant changes due to colonialism, exploration, and technological advancements. Many of the regions mentioned, including India and Southeast Asia, were under European colonial rule or influence. The British Empire had a significant presence in India, while Southeast Asia was being colonized by various European powers like France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
Maps produced by Rand McNally in 1897 would have depicted these regions with their political boundaries and geographical features as known at the time.
Initially, Rand McNally began as a printer and lithographer, producing railroad tickets and timetables. However, the company soon expanded into map production, printing maps for railroads and eventually creating maps for various purposes, including educational, commercial, and general use.
Rand McNally became well-known for its accurate and detailed maps, and it played a significant role in providing geographical information during a time when exploration and industrialization were rapidly changing the world. The company was instrumental in developing technologies and techniques for creating accurate maps and atlases, including innovations in color printing and cartography.
Over the years, Rand McNally has produced a wide range of products, including road maps, atlases, globes, and electronic navigation systems. Its maps have been used by travelers, educators, businesses, and government agencies to navigate and understand geographic landscapes.
The company's historical maps, especially those from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offer valuable insights into the geopolitical and geographical knowledge of those times. They provide a snapshot of how the world was understood and represented before the widespread use of digital technology and satellite imagery.
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