The United States

1. CHAPTER 8 The United States Section 1: History and Culture Section 2: Regions of the United States Section 3: Geographic Issues

2. Section 1 History and Culture Key events in American history: • Earliest inhabitants arrived at least 14,000 years ago from Asia. • Europeans began arriving 500 years ago: first Spanish, then English and French. • British established 13 colonies. • After independence, in 1776, U.S. established a federal system of government.

3. Section 1 History and Culture Key events in American history: (continued) • Westward expansion in the 1800s gained new lands but caused conflict with American Indians. • North industrialized, while South developed plantation economy. Differences caused Civil War. • Settlers occupied interior plains; immigration swelled eastern cities. • Great Depression Early 1900’s • U.S. fought in two world wars; emerged as a major power. • Cold War 1950-early 1990’s

4. Section 1 History and Culture Unique elements of American culture: • great diversity of people and languages • variety of religions • broad public education • distinctive forms of popular culture: movies, jazz, sports • Immigration trends

5. Section 2 Regions of the United States Objectives: • What is the economy of the Northeast like? • Why is the Midwest such an important farming area? • How is the geography of the South changing? • How have environmental conditions influenced the history of the West?

6. Section 2 Regions of the United States Features of Northeastern economy: • first region to industrialize • thriving commerce in port cities • industrial decline in the late 1900s • now a mix of industry, commerce, and finance.

7. Section 2 Regions of the United States Strength of Midwestern agriculture: • one of the world’s most productive farming areas • abundant arable land • Corn Belt—corn for export, livestock feed • Dairy Belt—major producer of butter and cheese

8. Section 2 Regions of the United States Changes in the South: • shift away from rural farm economy • growth of industry, prompted by low wages, cheap land, laws • substantial immigration from Latin America • urbanization

9. Section 2 Regions of the United States Influence of the Western environment: • harsh conditions limited early settlement • ranching, wheat farming on plains • abundant minerals fueled mining economy • natural beauty stimulates tourism • California agriculture based on irrigation

10. Section 3 Geographic Issues Objectives: • What are some important environmental issues in the United States? • What natural hazards affect the lives of Americans? • How are cities and population patterns in the United States changing? • How is the U.S. economy tied to other countries around the world?

11. Section 3 Geographic Issues Environmental issues: • huge energy consumption • great waste and pollution • population growth and economic development add to problems (e.g., acid rain) • fertilizer runoff harms marine life • dams and competition for scarce water—key issues in West

12. Section 3 Geographic Issues Natural hazards: • earthquakes on west coast • flooding in many areas • tornadoes in Midwest and South • hurricanes along east coast and Gulf of Mexico

13. Section 3 Geographic Issues Changes in cities and population patterns: • shift of population and business from center cities to suburbs • some gentrification in inner cities, forcing out low-income residents • major impact of immigration on ethnic and cultural mix, notably in West and South

14. Section 3 Geographic Issues Global economy: • reliance on world trade • shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free trade • pros and cons of free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA) Political Issues: • Middle East (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) • Terrorism • Economy(debt, taxes, jobs, housing market) Social Issues: • Racial Issues • Rich vs. Poor (the gap between them is huge)