How was it decided exactly where to put the divisions (borders) between countries, provinces and states?

Question

Seems to me it would have been easier to draw straight lines instead of having the borders of most places be all squiggly.

Answer 1

Most often cases rivers, lakes, mountains and other geographic features are used. That seems to me to be pretty simple. (" 'Yond those mountains are the Russians.")

As you suggested, some lines are drawn simply with a line or a circle. The squigglies are because of towns or other random reasons.

In other places other than America, dividing lines for countries now are there due to previous wars for the most part. WWII in Europe caused many lines to shift. Some countries were annexed, split and fought over.

Basically, as time goes by, countries might fight over a town because in a place like Europe (even hundreds of years ago) a town or 5 miles or so means a lot. Most wars happen due to the want or demand of land.

Answer 2

Many borders are based on natural features like coastlines, rivers, and mountain ranges, which don't follow straight lines.

Also languages, culture, religious affiliation and economic ties between cities and regions often come into play.

Answer 3

Born and made ;-) in boston massachusetts. residing in Austria as a results of fact i´m 2 years previous. Edit: @gothic. Besoffen am sonntag? ;-) Verdammt ich arbeite noch immer an meinem rausch. Aber es schaut gut aus ;-)