1949 / 1956 South Polar Chart
By: British Admiralty
Date: 1949 / 1956 (dated) London
Dimensions: 26 x 39 inches (66 x 99cm)
This is a very interesting and unique nautical chart of Antarctica or the South Pole. It was first published by the British Admiralty in April of 1949 and reissued in 1956 based on the latest information in the hydrographic department.
The map centers on True South and presents Antarctica divided into territorial claims with many locations named after notable explorers. Antarctica, remained largely unexplored until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As explorers from various nations ventured southward, they began to lay claim to parts of the continent based on the principle of first discovery. With the potential for valuable resources such as minerals, marine life, and strategic military advantages, nations sought to establish territorial claims in Antarctica to secure their interests. This led to competing claims by several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
In response to the growing tensions and to prevent potential conflicts over territorial claims, diplomatic efforts were made to establish an international framework for governing Antarctica. This culminated in the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961. The treaty effectively suspended territorial claims and prohibited new claims from being made while it was in force, declared Antarctica a demilitarized zone, prohibiting military activities and the establishment of military bases on the continent, and placed an emphasis scientific research between cooperating nations.
Condition: Map is in A+ condition folded in the center with sharp detail and lovely printed color on bright and clean paper with full margins on all sides and no tears or holes.
NOTE: Any shading along the centerfold is a result of the scanning process and not nearly as pronounced when viewed in hand.
Inventory #12744
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