Human Geography of the United States

Creation of a Nation Migrants (Movement of people to the US) –Nomads (13,000 years ago), Spanish explorers (1565) searching for gold and other treasure. –French and English (~1600s), French settled along the St. Lawrence River (Fur Trade). English settled towards the south along the rivers near the Atlantic coast. First English settlement, Jamestown – 1607 –Columbian Exchange – Goods traded between the old world (Europe) and the new world (America) Establishing the Union –American Revolution ( ) –Louisiana Purchase – Doubled to size of the US (1803)

Industrial and Urban Society Some people moved west to make way for white settlers on the frontier Some people migrated to the cities to work in textile, steel, oil, and other industries.

Governing the People U.S. governing system was framed by the constitution in Representative Democracy - people rule through elected representatives. Federal Republic – powers are divided among the federal, or national government and various state governments. Branches of Government –Executive – President (Carries out the laws) –Legislative – Congress (Makes the laws) –Judicial – Supreme Court (Interprets the laws)

World’s Greatest Economic Power 7% of the Land Area in the world, 5 percent of the world’s population – has the world’s largest economy. Accounts for more than 10% of the world’s exports. Built upon a free enterprise system – private individuals own most of the resources, technology, and businesses – can operate them to make a profit.

A Diverse Society Majority of Americans, about 70%, trace their ancestry to Europe. 13% to South and Central America. 12% to Africa. 4% to Asia. Languages and Religion –English, Spanish –More than 1,000 different religious groups practice their faiths in the US today. 85% are Christian.

Subregions of the United States The Northeast –New England States –Northeast only covers 5% of the land area but 20% of the population lives there. –“Gateway to America” –Resources – Coal, Iron Ore, and Oil –Megalopolis – Boston and Washington (BosWash)

Subregions of the United States The Midwest –Contains the 12 states of the north-central United States. –Nation’s “breadbasket” – Fertile soil, adequate rainfall, and favorable climate. Produce more food and feed more people than farmers in any comparable area in the world. –Wheat, Soybeans, and Dairy Products –Transportation hub

Subregions of the United States The South –16/11 were part of the Confederacy during the Civil War. –Warm climate, fertile soil and many natural resources. –The Old South – Many immigrants of mixed heritage occupied this region (British, African, Hispanics). –The New South – Attracted many manufacturing and urban centers (Petroleum, steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles and electronics).

Subregions of the United States The West –Stretches from the Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean (includes Alaska and Hawaii). –People in the west today as they did during frontier days settle this area wherever landforms and climate are favorable. –Most rapidly growing region in the United States. –Logging, fishing, mining, tourism, filmmaking, and foreign trade.