In Western societies, maps evolved as part of a tradition that perceived land as a something one could buy, sell, control, and exploit. Thus, maps, like muskets and warships, became tools of European hegemony in the New World. Kings and wealthy landowners sponsored the creation of new maps, which were then often used for political reasons, such as claiming territory, or economic ones, such as financing expeditions or staking out trade routes.

A "war of maps" waged between England and France during the first half of the eighteenth century exemplifies how maps were used by competing European powers to claim territory in the New World. This cartographic confrontation culminated with the French and Indian War (known as the Seven Years' War in Europe), which in turn ended with the expulsion of France from the North American continent.

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Carte de la Louisiane et du cours du Mississipi Dressée sur un grand nombre de Memoires	A New Map of ye North Parts of America claimed by France under ye names of Louisiana, Mississipi, Canada & New France, with the Adjoyning Territories of England & Spain
Carte de la Louisiane et des Pays Voisins	A Map of the British and French Settlements in North America.