Much like the hands on a face of a clock, geopolitical boundary and name changes on a globe or a map can accurately date it. Here are a few hints to help with determining the era of your map or globe:

When we are trying to determine the age of a map or globe we find it is easiest to remember a few changes roughly arranged by decade.

1902: Cuba becomes independent

1914: Completion of Panama Canal

1922: Russia becomes Soviet Union

1935: Persia changes to Iran

1949: East & West Germany created

1960: Collapse of Colonial power in Africa

1971: Congo Becomes Zaire

1991: Dissolution of Soviet Union

     Once you establish the approximate decade for your globe or map start narrowing down the time period.

     For example, start by looking at Europe. If East and West Germany, 1949, are shown, look at Africa next. The collapse of colonialism in Africa brought about the creation of a great many countries. So, if Africa still shows the colonial divisions, but Germany is divided, then you would know that the globe was made in the 1950's.

     After establishing the decade, follow the same procedure to narrow the range further.

     Using our example, which we have determined was made between 1949 and 1960, we would look at the changes that happened in the 1950s. The cease-fire between North and South Korea was 1953, Malaya became an independent country in 1957. With these two dates it is possible to establish when a 1950's era globe was made to within a couple years and a little further research can pinpoint the years exactly.

       Some thing to keep in mind

     Mapmakers would often place the previous name of a country in parantheses underneath the current one, often decades after the name changed.

Consider the materials and appearance of a globe or map when dating it.

A firm knowledge of American history can be a significant aid when dating pre-1900 globes.

There is quite a bit of info available online, so a little research can go a long when towards helping date a map or globe.