The Map of Echoes

The world is undergoing significant transformation, marked by the continued expansion of industrialization, the spread of imperialism, and rising political tensions. Outside of Africa, Britain, and Europe, other parts of the world are also deeply affected by these changes, while maintaining distinct cultural and economic landscapes.

North America

The United States is in a period of rapid growth following the Civil War (1861–1865). Industrialization is spreading across the country, and cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia are emerging as major centers of commerce, finance, and industry. The country is also expanding westward, with the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 opening up new territories for settlement and exploitation.

Meanwhile, Canada is still developing under British rule, with cities like Montreal and Toronto growing rapidly as centers of trade and commerce. Vancouver is beginning to emerge as an important port on the Pacific coast.


South America
In South America, Brazil is the largest country, with its capital Rio de Janeiro growing as a cultural and commercial hub. Brazil's economy is heavily reliant on coffee and sugar plantations, as well as slave labor, though slavery would be officially abolished in 1888. Other notable cities included Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, which is flourishing as a center of trade, and Santiago, Chile, a growing city with a focus on mining and agriculture.


Asia
Asia is a period of imperial expansion, with European powers and the United States vying for influence. China is still under the rule of the Qing Dynasty, but it is facing internal turmoil, including the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864). Shanghai is rapidly growing as an international port and trading center, with European and American concessions.

Japan, after the Meiji Restoration of 1868, is rapidly modernizing and transforming from a feudal society into a growing industrial power. Tokyo (formerly Edo) is becoming the political and economic center of the nation, while Osaka is thriving as an industrial hub.

Oceania – (Australia and New Zealand)
Here, the British colonial influence is strong, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne becoming key economic centers due to the expansion of agriculture, mining, and the wool industry. Melbourne especially saw rapid growth during the gold rush in the 1850s, continuing into this decade as the city became a thriving cultural and financial hub.

Auckland, in New Zealand, is also growing as an important port city.

New York City (USA)
The largest city in the United States, and one of the largest in the world, New York is a global center for finance, trade, and immigration. The opening of Central Park (1873) symbolized the city’s growing importance and urban sophistication. The Brooklyn Bridge is under construction, and the city is rapidly industrializing.

Shanghai (China)
Shanghai became an important international trade hub during this period, with European, American, and Chinese influences coexisting in its concessions. Its growth is tied to China's trade with Europe and the Opium Wars, and it is undergoing significant Westernization.

Buenos Aires (Argentina)
The largest city in South America, Buenos Aires is the economic and cultural capital of Argentina, growing rapidly thanks to immigration, trade, and the rise of agriculture, particularly wheat and meat exports.

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Rio is the capital of Brazil and a center of trade, particularly in coffee and sugar. It is growing rapidly and is a key focal point of Brazil’s economic power during the 1870s.

Tokyo (Japan)
After the Meiji Restoration, Tokyo became the political and economic center of a rapidly modernizing Japan. The city began its transformation from a feudal capital to a major industrial and military power in Asia.

Melbourne (Australia)
As a key city in the Australian colonies, Melbourne is rapidly industrializing, with significant wealth generated by the gold rush. The city is a center for commerce, culture, and politics.

Mexico City (Mexico)
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is a center of culture, politics, and trade. The city is growing as Mexico works to modernize and strengthen its economy, especially after the turmoil of the Mexican-American War (1846–1848) and French Intervention (1862–1867).