1. Section 1: Natural Environments Section 2: History and Culture
CHAPTER 32
The Pacific Islands
Section 1: Natural Environments
Section 2: History and Culture
Section 3: The Region Today

2. SECTION 1
Natural Environments
Question:
What are the similarities and differences between the Pacific’s high islands and low islands?

3. Natural Environments SECTION 1 HIGH ISLANDS LOW ISLANDS
• formed by volcanoes or oceanic rock
• made of coral
• subject to natural phenomena such as tsunamis and volcanoes
• small and flat
• mountainous and rocky
• often ring-shaped
• little freshwater
• fresh water
• generally found in groups
• thin soil
• rich, volcanic soils

4. SECTION 2
History and Culture
Question:
What are some of the foreign influences in the history of the Pacific Islands region?

5. History and Culture SECTION 2
1520s Europeans begin to explore the Pacific Islands.
1898 United States captures Guam.
1940s Pacific region becomes the site for World War II battles and bases.
Post-World War II Many islands move away from colonization to independence.
1500
1900
1950
2000

6. SECTION 3
The Region Today
Question:
How are the Pacific Islands’ economies, demography, and challenges linked?

7. The Region Today SECTION 3 The Pacific Today
Economic activities like mining have damaged the environment.
Small markets on islands make industrialization difficult.
Population growth has resulted in overcrowding.
The Pacific Today
Ethnic divisions have sometimes led to political violence.
Emigration has led to shortage of skilled workers.

8. Chapter Wrap-Up CHAPTER 32
1. What are the two types of islands in the Pacific? What are their origins?
2. What geographic factors helped a large number of languages to develop in the region?
3. What food crops have traditionally been important in the region? What uses did Pacific Islanders find for the coconut palm?
4. Why is manufacturing not a major factor in the region’s economy?
5. What are the three patterns of human movement in the Pacific Islands today?