Why large maps must distort Earth's surface

Large maps cannot avoid distorting Earth

A map of a small area can mostly ignore Earth's curve. A map of a large part of the planet cannot. Turning a round Earth into a flat map always creates distortion, so map projections choose where and how that distortion appears.

Cheap British cloth helped destroy India's textile industry

Machines made British cotton cloth cheap enough to sell in India for less than locally handwoven cloth. Indian textiles could be finer and required cheaper labor, but mass production still gave British cloth a major price advantage and helped destroy much of India's textile industry.

Ireland’s population fell by 30% during famine

During the Great Famine of 1845–1849, Ireland’s population of more than 8 million fell by 30%. About 1 million people died and another 1.5 million emigrated. Emigration helped keep the island’s population declining until the 1960s.

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Why large maps must distort Earth's surface

Large maps cannot avoid distorting Earth

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