1. Settlement Patterns

2. The various ethnic groups have settled in different areas of the USA. Each groups settles in a particular area due to a culmination of these factors: 1.Point of entry 2.Economic opportunities (jobs, money) 3.Social conditions 4.Existence of others from same community and language 5.Climate (weather)

3. White Americans · Largest group · 197 million people · Migrated from Europe · Settled in all parts of the USA Mixed well in US society after one or two generations

4. Native Americans (Indians) In 19 th century they were push of their land by white settlers and herded into ‘reservations’. Now-a-days only a third stay in reservations on states such as Arizona, Utah and Colorado. Over half now live in towns and cities e.g California and L.A. Why? : They have moved to try and further their economic position by finding good jobs.

5. Blacks 36 million (13%) Blacks or African Americans The largest Black populations (55%) are found in the south. Why? This is because it is there that they were first brought as slaves to work from Africa. However from 1900-1960 many blacks moved to northern cities. Why? To find jobs in industry. But an economic down turn in the 1970s led to a reverse migration where many blacks have returned to the south. Why? Return to family roots and more jobs became available in south due to industry relocation. However Blacks are still found in northern cities such as Chicago and New York where man live in ghettos such as the Bronx.

6. Hispanic Americans Population group is sub-divided into 3 categories: Mexicans Cubans and Puerto Ricans. Fastest growing group (13%) due to large families and immigration, particularly from Mexico.  Hispanics are mainly found in south-western states with half of them living in California. Examples  Cubans: Cubans, for example, are mainly located in Florida. Why? This is because it is where they usually arrive from Cuba which is only 90 miles off the coast - (Point of entry). They also settle beside people from their own culture and language.  Mexicans: Mexican people are mainly concentrated in the south western states such as California and New Mexico. Why? These are the states along the Mexico-US border and it is here that most Mexicans enter the USA. They also get better jobs here than in Mexico and the weather is the same!  In general Hispanics settle close to where they enter the USA. They also settle close to people from their own culture and language. And lastly they settle in the south west as the prefer the warmer climate.

7. Asian 4% of US population. Chinese, Japanese and Korean Over half are concentrated in the west – mostly California. They live in cities and towns. Why? as they mainly work in business. They also like the climate of the west which is similar to Asia!