Countries that owned their railway network (1894)

This map, published by Walter Vrooman in 1894, shows the countries whose railway networks were wholly or partly owned by the state.

Vrooman was an American socialist dedicated to education. With this propaganda-style map, Vrooman attempts to highlight how most developed countries at the time owned their railway networks, with the United States being one of the few exceptions.

The use of red is interesting, and by no means coincidental, as it is the colour of the socialist flag. With this, Vrooman unapologetically conveys the map's intention as a tool to promote his ideals.

As a curious detail, New Zealand appears surrounded by a circle and completely rotated. I have not been able to find any reference to why the author included this detail on the map.

Sources

• Map of the World Showing in Red the Countries Which Own Their Railways Wholly or in Part 1894