1. CHAPTER 8 The United States Section 1: History and Culture
World Geography Today
4/21/2017
CHAPTER 8
The United States
Section 1: History and Culture
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Chapter 08

2. Key events in American history:
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.

3. Key events in American history: (continued)
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.
North industrialized, while South developed plantation economy. Differences caused Civil War.
Settlers occupied interior plains; immigration swelled eastern cities.
Great Depression Early 1900’s
U.S. fought in two world wars; emerged as a major power.
Cold War 1950-early 1990’s

4. Unique elements of American culture:
Section 1 History and Culture
Unique elements of American culture:
great diversity of people and languages
variety of religions
broad public education
distinctive forms of popular culture: movies, jazz, sports
Immigration trends

5. Objectives: Section 2 Regions of the United States
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?

6. Features of Northeastern economy:
Section 2 Regions of the United States
Features of Northeastern economy:
first region to industrialize
thriving commerce in port cities
industrial decline in the late 1900s
now a mix of industry, commerce, and finance.

7. Strength of Midwestern agriculture:
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—corn for export, livestock feed
Dairy Belt—major producer of butter and cheese

8. Changes in the South: Section 2 Regions of the United States
shift away from rural farm economy
growth of industry, prompted by low wages, cheap land, laws
substantial immigration from Latin America
urbanization

9. Influence of the Western environment:
Section 2 Regions of the United States
Influence of the Western environment:
harsh conditions limited early settlement
ranching, wheat farming on plains
abundant minerals fueled mining economy
natural beauty stimulates tourism
California agriculture based on irrigation

10. Objectives: Section 3 Geographic Issues
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?

11. Environmental issues:
Section Geographic Issues
Environmental issues:
huge energy consumption
great waste and pollution
population growth and economic development add to problems (e.g., acid rain)
fertilizer runoff harms marine life
dams and competition for scarce water—key issues in West

12. Natural hazards: Section 3 Geographic Issues earthquakes on west coast
flooding in many areas
tornadoes in Midwest and South
hurricanes along east coast and Gulf of Mexico

13. Changes in cities and population patterns:
Section Geographic Issues
Changes in cities and population patterns:
shift of population and business from center 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

14. Global economy: Section 3 Geographic Issues reliance on world trade
shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free trade
pros and cons of free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA)
Political Issues:
Middle East (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan)
Terrorism
Economy(debt, taxes, jobs, housing market)
Social Issues:
Racial Issues
Rich vs. Poor (the gap between them is huge)