World Geography TodayChapter 8 The United States Preview Section 1: History and CultureHistory and Culture Section 2: Regions of the United StatesRegions

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


Bell Ringer # 10-12-15

• What are some important events in the history of the United States?

• Homework—review notes; begin to complete study guide; study 50 states map



Question

What important events occurred in American history?



• 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 Revolutionary War independence in 1776, U.S. established a federal, Republic system of government.






• Westward expansion in the 1800s gained new lands but caused conflict with American Indians.

• The North industrialized while the South developed a agricultural economy. Differences between the North and South because of state’s rights and slavery caused the Civil War.


Key Events in American History (continued)




• Settlers spread west seeking new land to farm. After the Civil War population in the West increases dramatically. Immigration into easter cities from Europe increases too.

• U.S. fought in two world wars; emerged as a major power. USA becomes a super power.


• New Trends in immigration in 1960s. Most immigrants now come from Asia and Latin America.


• Great diversity of people and languages

• Variety of religions –Christian, Jewish, Muslim, many others living together peacefully

• Broad public education– high literacy rate

• Distinctive forms of popular culture: movies, skyscrapers, music, holidays, sports


Unique Elements of American Culture


Bell Ringer # 5 10-13-15

• Open to textbook pg. 167

• What does Bierstadt’s painting suggest about American perceptions of the West during the 1800s?

• Homework—review notes; begin to complete study guide; study 50 states map Oct. 15


Agenda

• Review notes from yesterday

• 25 minutes to do timeline pg. 166-169


• Complete timeline

• Push/pull BLM

• Ch. 8.2 notes


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.


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


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?



Bell Ringer # 6 10-14-15

• Look over your timeline from yesterday. Name one push factor and one pull factor related to migration.

• Homework- Work on study guide; review notes; 50 states quiz on Thursday Oct. 15


Agenda

• Finish and go over timeline

• Push pull blm

• Ch. 8.2 notes


Question

What commercial activities make up the economy of the Northeast?



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.



• 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


Strength of Midwestern Agriculture


• 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


Changes in the South


• Harsh conditions limited early settlement

• Ranching, wheat farming on plains

• Abundant minerals fuel mining economy

• Natural beauty stimulates tourism

• California agriculture based on irrigation


Influence of the Western Environment


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?



Question

What are some of the environmental issues faced by the United States?



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.



• Earthquakes on West Coast

• Flooding in many areas

• Tornadoes in Midwest and South

• Hurricanes along East Coast and Gulf of Mexico


Natural Hazards


• 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


Changes in Cities and Population Patterns


• Reliance on world trade

• Shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free trade

• Pros and cons of free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA)


Global Economy


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?

Documents

World Geography TodayChapter 8 The United States Preview Section 1: History and CultureHistory and Culture Section 2: Regions of the United StatesRegions