History, Economy, and Culture United States History, Economy, and Culture

Creating a Nation US-2/5 of N. America 3rd largest country in size and population Rich natural resources, moderate climate, fertile soil, and lots of water have attracted waves of immigrants Immigration is a recurring theme 1st people-nomads from Asia who settled and occupied, undisturbed for many years 15th century, Europeans began to arrive, exploring the “new world”

Creating a Nation, cont. Spanish arrived first, est. St. Augustine French and British came looking for fisheries and fur to trade English est. Jamestown in 1607 Europeans displaced Native Americans and brought Africans to work as slaves Fr and Br eventually fought over trade and territory (French and Indian War) British gained control of land East of Mississippi (13 colonies) until they fought for independence in the American Revolution

A New Nation US founded after the Revolution Nation grew rapidly and settlers pushed Westward Doubled land in 1803 (Louisiana Purchase) from France Early 1800’s, immigrants from W. Europe flooded in Loyalty to their region was placed over loyalty to the nation (Sectionalism) and led to the Civil War (1861-1864) After 4 years, they reunited

An Industrial and Urban Society 2nd ½ of 19th Century—highlighted by people on the move Westward Expansion via wagons or trains. People moved to settle in the West Gov’t removed, by force, Natives from their land Immigrants cont. to pour in from W. and E. Europe. People moved West or settled in cities US was transformed from a rural, agricultural nation to an urban, industrialized one

World Power US was a dominant economic and political power by the 20th century. By the end of the 20th, it was the sole superpower. Ample natural and human resources has allowed the US to be self- sufficient But global economic depression and 2 World War’s brought some challenges changes Last half of the 20th century, Americans moved from cities to suburbs. Moved from the North to the South and West. Immigrants now come from Latin America and Asia Periods of civil unrest: civil rights mov’t, womens lib. Mov’t

Global Society Us economy boomed bc of changes in technology and the revolution of the computer Providing services and information technology surpassed industrial production (Industry to Service) US became the leader of the non-Communist nations and after the collapse of USSR, it became world's greatest economic power

Government Representative Democracy 3 branches (executive, legislative, judicial) Executive, headed by President, carries out laws, veto/approves laws Legislative makes the laws Judicial interprets the laws State governments also have 3 branches and exercise powers not specified to the Federal government in the constitution

Economic Power US has 7% world’s land area and 5% of population BUT the largest economy Lead in agricultural products, manufactured goods, and global trade Available natural resources, skilled labor force, and a stable political system have allowed economic growth

Economic Power US can feed itself as well as the world. Supply 40% world’s corn, 20% cotton, 10% wheat, cattle, and hogs Fertile soil, favorable climate, and early mechanization of farms are responsible Our industry output is the largest bc of advances in electronics and technology that have led to the creation of new products Economy is driven by service industries. ¾ Americans work in service- related jobs Leds the world in exports/imports

Diverse Society Nation of Immigrants—different races and ethnicities, 70% European, 13% Hispanic, 12% African America, 4% Asian, 1% Native American English is dominant language, Spanish second Founded on Religions Freedom, 85% Christian (56% Protestant, 28% Roman Catholic), 2% each for Judaism and Islam Rich, artistic heritage. Today, motion pictures, and popular music are most influential forms of art on the world

American Life Majority have HIGH standard of living Pursuing the “American Dream” 80% live in cities or suburbs Value education, children 6-16 MUST attend school Wide range of leisure-time activities Most major cities have professional sports Not all Americans live well, 1/10 live in poverty.