Uses European maps from before the American Revolution to show how Europeans saw the world and its inhabitants. By highlighting images of people, symbols, resources and tools, this lesson asks the following questions: Why did Europeans think colonialism was morally justifiable? Why did they want to colonize? How were they able to colonize so many parts of the world?

Presentation

Activities

Further Reading

  • Daston, Lorraine. Wonders and the Order of Nature, 1150 – 1750. 2001.