1. A Portrait of Americans
Chapter One

2. Who Americans Are
Section One

3. Americans are Diverse
Live in different areas in different types of homes—rural/city, single-family homes, apartments, condos, farms, etc.
Today’s workforce has almost equal numbers of men and women; most work in the service industry
We have more old people than ever before (thanks Baby Boomers)!

4. America: A Cultural Mosaic
Section Two

5. The American Identity
We’ve moved from being a melting pot to a cultural mosaic

6. European Americans
Beginning in the 1600s; mostly from England, Ireland, and Scotland
Next were immigrants from Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia
From 1830 to 1920 came the largest numbers from Germany, Slovakia, Russia, Ireland, Italy, and Greece
Although they settled in certain areas of the country, most tried to assimilate

7. Hispanic Americans
Also called Latinos; come from any Spanish-speaking country
First Spaniards settled the south in the 1800s
Today, they’re from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean

8. African Americans
The majority of these ancestors did not come to the United States by choice
led to future discrimination

9. Asian Americans
Earliest settlers were from China, looking for California gold in 1849
Some established businesses to serve the miners
Success led to exclusion laws—keeping Asians from immigrating to the U.S.—from
Immigration increased after 1972

10. Native Americans
Were pushed further west with the beginning of European settlements
Today, they’re making a push into the tourist/entertainment industry

12. Today’s Population
We’re a diverse nation with the same goal: enjoying the land of opportunity.
We did have some changes between the last three censuses taken:
1990 Census
2000
Census
2010
Non-white
20%
25%
28%
Hispanic Americans 9%
12%
16%
Largest Minority
African Americans

13. The Values That Unite Us
Section Three

14. Beliefs are certain ideas that we trust are true.
Values are our standards of behavior.

15. Basic American Values
Equality: everyone must have the same rights and opportunities in life
Discrimination still exists though.
Equal Opportunity: race, sex, religion, background, and opinions cannot limit our chances at success
Freedom: we can make our own choices
Justice: although we do not have to be treated the same, we need to be treated fairly