Representations: Maps of North America

I recently read The Nine Nations of North America by Colin Woodward. Woodward argues that the United States is really just a federation of nations held together by a common government. Thus, the features of that government have been compromise and division. Here, the framework runs much deeper than the Sesame street inspired red state/blue state narrative that you hear on cable news. Instead, Woodward examines each of these 11 nations and how they live together. Compromise, alliances, war, it's all there if you look for it.

These 11 distinct cultures and regions developed based on sentiments of their early settlers. As new immigrants moved in, they assimilated to the dominant culture. For example, "New Netherlands" which encompasses the great NYC area has long valued internationalism, social tolerance, capitalism, and materialism from the start. Neighboring Yankeedom's love for education, local politics, and a sense of moderation stands in sharp contrast to New Netherland's more materialistic and market driven desires.

Since early European settlement, not much has changed.

I'll write a much longer post about this book soon, but for now, here's a map of the 11 nations:

I really like Woodward's map. In fact, I think it would've been a fun exercise if he had gone into further detail, demarcating the sub regions within the 11 nations. For example, "Mormon Country" within the Far West nation.

Anyways, here are some other maps that attempt to parse out the continent (again keep in mind that Woodward's are my favorite):