1. History, Economy, and Culture
United States
History, Economy, and Culture

2. 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”

3. 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

4. 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 ( )
After 4 years, they reunited

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.