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The United States. Preview Section 1: History and Culture Section 2: Regions of the United States Section 3: Geographic Issues Chapter Wrap-Up. Section 1: History and Culture. Read to Discover What are some important events in the history of the United States? - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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World Geography Today Chapter 8
The United StatesPreview
Section 1: History and Culture
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Chapter Wrap-Up
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Read to Discover
• What are some important events in the history of the United States?
• What are some unique elements of American culture?
Section 1: History and Culture
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Question
What important events occurred in American history?
Section 1: History and Culture
World Geography Today Chapter 8
12,000 B.C.
1500s 1600s
12,000 B.C.—Ancestors of American Indians arrive from Asia.
1600s—The British begin to set up colonies in America.
1619—Enslaved Africans arrive in the British colonies.
1600s and 1700s—Spanish colonists migrate north from Mexico into the American Southwest.
Early 1500s—The Spanish and French explore the Americas.
Section 1: History and Culture1700s
1776—The American war for independence begins.
World Geography Today Chapter 8
1800s 1900s
1800s—Pioneers move west.
1830—Settlers move as far as Texas.
1861–65—The Civil War
1920—More Americans live in cities than in rural areas.
1917–18—U.S. in World War I
1830s—The northeastern United States begins to industrialize.
1848—Gold is discovered in California.
1869—The transcontinental railroad is completed.
1941–45—U.S. in World War II
1945–early 1990s—The Cold War
Section 1: History and Culture1850s
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Earliest inhabitants arrived at least 14,000 years ago from Asia.
• Europeans began arriving 500 years ago: first Spanish, then English and French.
• British established 13 colonies.
• After independence in 1776, U.S. established a federal system of government.
Section 1: History and Culture
Key Events in American History
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Westward expansion in the 1800s gained new lands but caused conflict with American Indians.
• The North industrialized while the South developed a plantation economy. Differences caused the Civil War.
• Settlers occupied interior plains; immigration swelled eastern cities.
• U.S. fought in two world wars; emerged as a major power.
Section 1: History and Culture
Key Events in American History (continued)
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Great diversity of people and languages
• Variety of religions
• Settlement includes concentration in the Northeast
• Broad public education
• Distinctive forms of popular culture: movies, skyscrapers, music, holidays, sports
Section 1: History and Culture
Unique Elements of American Culture
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Read to Discover
• What is the economy of the Northeast like?
• Why is the Midwest such an important farming area?
• How is the geography of the South changing?
• How have environmental conditions influenced the history of the West?
Section 2: Regions of the United States
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Question
What commercial activities make up the economy of the Northeast?
Section 2: Regions of the United States
World Geography Today Chapter 8
The Northeast
Financial Center
New York is the country’s leader
in commerce and banking.
Manufacturing Industries
Pittsburgh is a steel producer. This industry
declined in the late 1900s.
Textiles
New York is a major fashion
center.
Trade
Many cities are important commercial centers and
ports.
Section 2: Regions of the United States
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• One of the world’s most productive farming areas
• Abundant arable land
• Corn Belt—Nebraska to Ohio; corn for export and livestock feed; soybeans for margarine, vegetable oil, and bean curd
• Dairy Belt—Wisconsin and most of Minnesota and Michigan; major producer of butter and cheese
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Strength of Midwestern Agriculture
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Shift away from rural farm economy
• Primary industries based on local raw materials
• Growth of industry prompted by low wages, cheap land, and favorable laws
• Substantial immigration from Latin America
• Urbanization
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Changes in the South
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Harsh conditions limited early settlement
• Ranching, wheat farming on plains
• Abundant minerals fuel mining economy
• Natural beauty stimulates tourism
• California agriculture based on irrigation
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Influence of the Western Environment
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Read to Discover
• What are some important environmental issues in the United States?
• What natural hazards affect the lives of Americans?
• How are cities and population patterns in the United States changing?
• How is the U.S. economy tied to other countries around the world?
Section 3: Geographic Issues
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Question
What are some of the environmental issues faced by the United States?
Section 3: Geographic Issues
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Pollution and acid rain
Decline in population
of animal life such as salmon
Creation of “dead zone” in the Gulf of
Mexico
Competition for limited
water resources
Environmental Issues in the U.S.
Section 3: Geographic Issues
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Earthquakes on West Coast
• Flooding in many areas
• Tornadoes in Midwest and South
• Hurricanes along East Coast and Gulf of Mexico
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Natural Hazards
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Shift of population and commerce from inner cities to suburbs
• Some gentrification in inner cities, forcing out low-income residents
• Major impact of immigration on ethnic and cultural mix, notably in West and South
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Changes in Cities and Population Patterns
World Geography Today Chapter 8
• Reliance on world trade
• Shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free trade
• Pros and cons of free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA)
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Global Economy
World Geography Today Chapter 8
Chapter Wrap-Up Understanding the Main Ideas
1. How did changing perceptions of the Great American Desert lead to changes in society?
2. How has immigration to the United States influenced the diffusion of religions and cultural change?
3. Which states are part of the Corn Belt, the Dairy Belt, and the Wheat Belt?
4. How has competition for water resources from the Colorado River affected California and Arizona? How has the river itself been affected?
5. When did the United States become the world’s only superpower? Why?
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