Final answer:
The maps highlight the relationship between colonialism and current human development, showing a correlation where regions that were heavily colonized tend to have lower human development indicators. These patterns underscore the lasting impacts of colonial exploitation and neocolonialism on former colonies, contributing to economic and developmental disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maps provided indicate a strong correlation between the histories of colonialism and post-colonial human development. The first map detailing Colonized Territories: 1945 shows much of Africa, Asia, and the Americas under the control of European powers, setting a historical context for foreign dominance over local economies, cultures, and political systems. These regions were heavily exploited for their resources with boundaries shaped by European interests, which continues to influence their developmental trajectories to this day.
Turning to the map depicting the UN Human Development Index, 2009, there is a clear trend that those regions which were heavily colonized, such as Africa and parts of Asia, exhibit lower levels of human development (as indicated by areas shaded in red and orange). This suggests a legacy of colonial exploitation that continues to impact these regions in the form of neocolonialism through economic and political pressures exerted by former colonizing countries and global institutions. This relationship shows a pattern where the former colonial powers maintain a higher human development standing, while the colonies have struggled with development challenges.
Additionally, the map suggests that the lasting influence of colonialism has led to inequalities in economic and societal development, as many of the least developed countries (LDCs) correspond with the countries that were subjected to the longest and most intense periods of colonial rule. The concept of neocolonialism helps to understand the current economic dependencies and political alignments that stem from this historical context. Recognizing this helps in making historical connections to imperialism, colonialism, and inequitable resource distribution which are mirrored by current development disparities.