Transcript wgt_ch08
World Geography Today The United States Preview Section 1: History and Culture Section 2: Regions of the United States Section 3: Geographic Issues Chapter Wrap-Up Chapter 8 World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 1: History and Culture Read to Discover • What are some important events in the history of the United States? • What are some unique elements of American culture? World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 1: History and Culture Question What important events occurred in American history? World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 1: History and Culture 12,000 B.C. 12,000 B.C.— Ancestors of American Indians arrive from Asia. 1500s Early 1500s—The Spanish and French explore the Americas. 1600s 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. 1700s 1776—The American war for independence begins. World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 1: History and Culture 1800s 1800s—Pioneers move west. 1830—Settlers move as far as Texas. 1830s—The northeastern United States begins to industrialize. 1848—Gold is discovered in California. 1850s 1861–65—The Civil War 1869—The transcontinental railroad is completed. 1900s 1917–18—U.S. in World War I 1920—More Americans live in cities than in rural areas. 1941–45—U.S. in World War II 1945–early 1990s—The Cold War World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 1: History and Culture Key Events 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 independence in 1776, U.S. established a federal system of government. World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 1: History and Culture Key Events in American History (continued) • 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. World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 1: History and Culture Unique Elements of American Culture • 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 World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 2: Regions of the United States 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? World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 2: Regions of the United States Question What commercial activities make up the economy of the Northeast? World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 2: Regions of the United States 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. World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 2: Regions of the United States Strength of Midwestern Agriculture • 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 World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 2: Regions of the United States Changes in the South • 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 World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 2: Regions of the United States Influence of the Western Environment • Harsh conditions limited early settlement • Ranching, wheat farming on plains • Abundant minerals fuel mining economy • Natural beauty stimulates tourism • California agriculture based on irrigation World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 3: Geographic Issues 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? World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 3: Geographic Issues Question What are some of the environmental issues faced by the United States? World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 3: Geographic Issues Decline in population of animal life such as salmon Pollution and acid rain Environmental Issues in the U.S. Creation of “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico Competition for limited water resources World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 3: Geographic Issues Natural Hazards • Earthquakes on West Coast • Flooding in many areas • Tornadoes in Midwest and South • Hurricanes along East Coast and Gulf of Mexico World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 3: Geographic Issues Changes in Cities and Population Patterns • Shift of population and commerce from inner cities to suburbs • Some gentrification in inner cities, forcing out lowincome residents • Major impact of immigration on ethnic and cultural mix, notably in West and South World Geography Today Chapter 8 Section 3: Geographic Issues Global Economy • Reliance on world trade • Shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free trade • Pros and cons of free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA) 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?