The Russian Spider Seeks New Victims (1940)

This map was drawn by Howard Burke and published by the newspaper. Los Angeles Examiner in 1940, in the context of the Second World War.

This map, entitled “The Russian spider sits atop the world and seeks more victims.”, was part of the United States' anti-communist propaganda campaign. In 1940, the Soviet Union still maintained its non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany, thereby becoming a de facto enemy of the Allies. The United States had not yet entered the war, but propaganda such as this sought to pressure the government to join the Allies.

The Soviet Union is shown in pink in the centre of the map. The numerous signs displayed along all the borders are intended to show how the Soviets were active on all fronts in expanding their borders and influence:

Alaska, a territory that the Russians regret having sold to the United States.
Sweden y Norway may be as follows.
Finland suffers the brunt of the Russian advance towards the Atlantic.
Estonia, Latvia y Lithuania have already been absorbed by Russia.
Poland It could become entirely Russian if Germany loses its current war.
Bessarabia, taken by Romania from Russia, may be the next red target.
The Dardanelles, a vital and strategic waterway of Turkey, is coveted by Russia.
In the Balkans, It's Italy versus Russia.
Iraq, controlled by Great Britain, is being watched by the Reds.
Iran It is also an oil-producing country, the scene of Russian activity.
British control over Afghanistan is gradually being supplanted by the Soviets.
The Nazis have reported riots in the Khyber Pass, thanks to the weapons provided by the Russians.
Gandhi demands autonomy in India, with communist activity.
The Reds have infiltrated Sinkiang.
Russia supports the resistance china against Japan.
Outer Mongolia It is already under Soviet control.
Manchuria remains attractive to Russia.

Not all of this information was actually verified, but that wasn't really important, since the main purpose of this map was to caricature the Soviet enemy as a predator that would take advantage of any opportunity to continue advancing.

Sources

The Russian Spider Sits Atop the World and Watches for More Victims