1. Cultural Diffusion

2. Spatial Exchange
Processes of spatial exchange (diffusion), have influenced events in the past and continue to shape the present
Diffusion - how something diffuses or spreads
Can be applied to many things:
ideas, technology, products, diseases, religions

3. Cultural Diffusion
The spread of ideas, goods, technologies, and cultural traits from one society to another
Is a major cause of change within societies

4. Cultural Diffusion Examples:
Spread of technologies like cell phones and the internet
Religion
Christianity & Islam started in neighboring areas and now have spread throughout the globe to become the world’s 1st and 2nd largest religions
Food
Fashion
American pop culture

5. Columbian Exchange

6. Columbian Exchange
refers to the widespread exchange of plants, animals, ideas, diseases and cultural characteristics between Europe and the Americas following Columbus’ voyage in 1492
often referred to as exchange between Old World and New World
Eastern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere

8. Cultural Convergence
Cultural diffusion today is leading to cultural convergence on a global scale, creating a common culture.
“to converge” - to come together and join
Examples
“Latin American” culture
democratic ideas
English as the international language of business
technologies such as cell phones, tvs, and internet
global sports

10. Cultural Divergence
Cultural diffusion can also lead to cultural divergence - or separating of cultures
“to diverge” - to separate
Examples:
Roman Empire
Aryan India

11. Historical Change

12. Historical Change
Many of the changes that the world and its people have gone through during its history have been caused or aided by geography. Some reasons are:
changes in physical and human geography
cultural diffusion
trade
conflict - internal & international
changes in transportation and energy
technological developments

13. Bering Land Bridge

14. Genocide
the mass killing of an ethnic group, often with the intention of extermination
Examples:
Holocaust
Hutus vs. Tutsis in Rwanda
Khmer Rouge
What about us? Native Americans, Japanese

15. Terrorism
the use of violence and intimidation driven by a political goal
Examples:
9/11 attacks
1972 Olympics in Munich
1995 Oklahoma City bombing
cartel terrorism

16. Technological Innovation
Technology - the use of materials, tools, and skills to meet human needs

17. Technological Innovation
Refers to the development of new technologies
Information Technologies
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) - merges mapmaking and database technologies
GPS (Global Positioning System)
Air Conditioning
Travel
Medicines

18. Desalinization
Process of heating and cooling salt water in order to separate the salt and make fresh water.
used to provide otherwise arid areas with fresh water for human consumption and irrigation, examples:
Israel - desert area next to Mediterranean Sea, 40% of its water is desalinated
El Paso, TX - one of the world’s largest desalinization plants