Cornell University Library Digital Collections

What Italy Wants

Title:
What Italy Wants
Full Title:
Italy Hopes War Will Bring New Roman Empire - What Italy Wants
Collection:
Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
Creator:
Burke, Howard
Date:
1940
Date posted:
2017-04-14
ID Number:
1287.01
Identifier:
PJM_1287_01.jpg
Subject:
Imperialism
World War II
Pictorial
Unusual Projection
Extent:
(cm, H x W) 40 x 50; inset map 11 x 12
Collector's Notes:
This map, published on the eve of Italy's entry in the War, "presents a neutral if not actually sympathetic summary of Italy's war aims," and even refers to Mussolini by his preferred fascist honorific, "Il Duce." Curtis 2016, 125. Both the text at the lower left and the bird's-eye view of the central Mediterranean create the impression of Italian goals limited to modest gains in North Africa and the Adriatic. The explanation is straightforward: William Randolph Hearst - publisher of the Journal-American and Howard Burke's boss - was fervently against U.S. involvement in any European war, viewed Mussolini with "unabashed admiration," and even had the dictator under contract to contribute articles to his newspapers! Ibid.
For another, particularly prescient map by Howard Burke in a Hearst newspaper, see ID #1259, How Japan Could Attack U.S. (1937).
Note:
For further information on the Collector’s Notes and a Feedback/Contact Link, see https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/about-collection-personal-statement and https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/feedback-and-contact
Source:
New York Journal-American, June 2, 1940.
References:
For full details on references, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/references.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Rights:
For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.

About the collection

This is a collection of “persuasive” cartography: maps intended primarily to influence the opinion of the viewer -- to send a message -- rather than to communicate geographic information. The collection reflects a variety of persuasive tools: allegorical, satirical and pictorial mapping; selective inclusion or exclusion; unusual projections, graphics and text; and intentional deception. Maps in the collection address a wide range of messages: religious, political, military, commercial, moral and social.