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Description

This is an attractive map of Manila printed by the American Army and Red Cross, just after the liberation of the city from the occupying Japanese forces. The extent of the city on the map is significantly more limited than in the present day, occupying only now what is known as Manila proper. Thirty-four points of interest are labeled throughout the city, including Red Cross clubs, offices, and other points of interest such as palaces, churches, cemeteries, and "cock fights." Additional points of interest are indicated going off of the map. Hundreds of streets are indexed to the left of the map. 

The liberation of Manila was one of the last large battles of the Second World War and devastated Manila to the same level as Berlin and Warsaw. In order to spare American troops, house to house combat was fought with tanks and artillery. This resulted in the destruction of most of the city and the deaths of many civilians, including in and around the historical and heavily defended Intramuros district. After liberation, the city was reoccupied by American troops and once again became an American colony. The city would be rebuilt in part by the army and, of course, the Red Cross. The Philippines would become independent in 1946, and Manila soon underwent a Golden Age.

It is likely that this map was created from a pre-war model, as no mention of changes or destruction from during the war period can be found. The shape of the city would change during reconstruction, and this is not yet evident in the current map.

This is an American Red Cross Service Bureau overprint variant of the second state of the map, printed with corrections in September of 1945 after a first edition from August.

Condition Description
Minor toning and wear along folds.