Making maps and mental images: Finnish press cartography in nation-building, 1899-1942

摘要

This empirical study of the role played by Finnish press cartography in Finnish nation-building is based on newspaper data and scientific maps produced by the Geographical Society of Finland. The study draws from a well-known research tradition in critical cartography and focuses on four time periods. First, in their search for an independent nation and resistance against Russification (1899-1917), the Finns articulated their territory and identity cartographically. Second, in the 1920s and, third, in the 1930s, maps were used to consolidate the newly independent state. Finally, during the territorially expansionist first two years of the Continuation War (1941-1942), the focus was on propaganda and territorial claims. The examination shows that both scientific and press maps had a powerful impact on the production of 'Finnish national space' and territory.