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When a new map is raised within the family chat, the first order of business is to discuss the lines and themes. We’ve found with previous maps that about 20 to 25 lines is the right amount for a map to ensure the right balance of readability and fullness. The challenge with the 20th century is the scope for so many more. So how do we refine? Choosing themes that encapsulate many minor themes is important. For example, an early idea was to have an assassination line because the 20th century isn’t short of these. However on reflection, this becomes too specific and therefore reduces the overall breadth of coverage for the map. In contrast, the line ‘Global Conflicts and Wars’ allows for scope as this could cover everything from the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 to the Gulf War in 1990-1991. But this may also be too broad, so again, refining what we include on lines is a difficult task and usually requires a few hours of discussion together as a family. Lines tend to evolve as research and design begin.
— Jeremy
I was born in 1993, seven years before the turn of the century. The majority of my memories, and the memories of my friends, are within the 21st century (not to mention the students I teach who are born post-2006). However, a lot of what we do today, how we approach life, and the problems and issues we face stem from the 20th century. The lasting impact of this century on innumerable aspects of modern human life cannot be underestimated.
The 20th century has always been the era of human history that has fascinated me. I can recognise that this may be because of recency bias, and that this time period has had real consequences for me. But it also feels close enough to feel real. The seismic changes and shifts the world saw, the spectrum of ideologies that governed people, the ever-present conflicts, and the wondrous discoveries and breakthroughs make this an epoch relevant to us all today. It’s for these reasons, among others, that this will be one of our next history maps.
— Jeremy
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