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

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.

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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?

Environmental issues: Section 3 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

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

Changes in cities and population patterns: Section 3 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

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)