Presentation Transcript

1. Cultural Geography of the U.S. & Canada

   Chapter 6
2. The United States
3. Population Patterns
4. The People Diversity reflect immigration 300 million people/major of immigrant descent First people Moved across the Bering Land Bridge about 20,000 years ago Ancestors to the Native Americans 2.5 million Native Americans today Immigration due to political/religious freedom, escape, or pursuit of a better life Industrial & economic growth attracted immigrants 2004- 11.7% foreign born
5. Density & Distribution Population density- 80 people per square mile Northeast & Great Lakes regions most heavily populated Centers of commerce and industry Least populated areas- Alaska, the Great Basin, & the Great Plains Fastest growing regions- the South & Southwest “Sunbelt” region Warm climate is very attractive
6. Urban Areas U.S. is experiencing Urbanization Population movement from rural to urban areas Metropolitan areas Most people live within these areas Population over 50,000 Outlying communities are called suburbs Spread of cities is known as urban sprawl
7. …Continued East Coast Economic and commercial center of global trade Called a megalopolis
8. History & Government
9. Early Nation Building Nomadic movements from Asia Native American societies varied by location Mid-1500’s saw beginnings of European colonization Spanish colonized the South and Southwest French colonized the Northeast English colonized the Atlantic Coast New England Colonies-Ship Building/Trade center Middle Colonies-Farmed cash crops Southern Colonies-Plantations crops
10. …Continued Native American culture begins to fade 1763-British seize French holdings 1776-1783-American Revolution Americans establish a new government Federal System Bill of Rights Separation of Powers Three Branches
11. Growth, Division, & Unity Nation begins pushing west North established as industrial center Midwest natural resource and later industrial center South establishes an agrarian society Cotton production Plantation society Workforce made up of enslaved Africans Underground Railroad network forms
12. …Continued 1861-1865- American Civil War Fought between industrial North & agrarian South North wins the war Slavery abolished at wars end Freed slaves given U.S. citizenship Still faced discrimination for over a century
13. Technological Change Farming Improvements Dry Farming on the Plains Steel plows & steam tractors introduced Railroads Transcontinental lines Built by Chinese, Irish, & Mexican workers Transformed economic growth, travel, and communication
14. …Continued Both World Wars spurred economic growth Assembly line production improved industry Population become mobile & urbanized Standard of living rose People began purchasing luxury goods Economic trends today High-tech business Began in the 1990’s Service industries
15. The U.S. Today
16. Modern Challenges Terrorism & War Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the WTC & Pentagon 2001- War in Afghanistan 2003- War in Iraq Change American perspective on the World and how we function in daily life
17. Culture Language English is the main language spoken Trend toward bilingualism (Speaks 2 languages) Spanish 2nd most spoken language Religion All 5 major religions practiced in the U.S. Number of adherents vary by region
18. Education & Healthcare Network of public & private schools Equal opportunity for education 97% literacy rate Substantial resource and options for health care Unequal access to healthcare resources Government debates of equality for all
19. The Arts Native American development of art standards European introduction of ideas during colonization Jazz Strictly an American creation Blend of African rhythms & European harmonies Developed in African American communities Movie Industry centered in Los Angeles (Hollywood) Theatre Industry centered in New York City (Broadway)
20. The Family High standard of living Variety in choice and opportunities Housing, jobs, education, etc. 50% of households married 44% have children under age 18 60% of households have 1 or 2 children 46% in 1970 Aging population Baby boomer generation
21. Canada
22. Population Patterns
23. The People Immigrants came for similar reasons as the U.S. Loyalists fled Revolutionary American due to their feelings toward Britain Settled in Maritime Provinces Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, & Prince Edward Island Quebec is heavily influenced by French background 1/3 of Canadians of mixed ethnicity 1 million Native American, Inuit, or mixed European/Native American live in Canada
24. Density & Distribution Rugged terrain & cold climate prevented Northern settlements 90% of the population lives along U.S./Canadian border 8 people per square mile Population centers along waterways & agricultural regions Movements toward Manitoba, Saskatchewan, & Alberta Oil & Natural gas industries
25. Urban Areas Toronto-Industrial/Financial Montreal-Industrial/Shipping Vancouver-Center of Canadian trade with Asia Edmonton-Petroleum industry center
26. History & Government
27. Early Inhabitants & Settlers 200,000 Native Americans lived in Canada at European arrival John Cabot & Jacque Cartier established claims British & French conflict over territory begins in the 1670’s Hudson Bay Co. looking for Northwest Passage British capture Quebec in 1759 New France captured in 1763 Quebec Act allowed French to keep their language, religion, & system of laws
28. The United Government 1867 the Dominion of Canada formed Feud with colonial power Fear of U.S. invasion Est. part of the British Empire Canadian Independence 1901 Great Britain held control over Canadian Constitution Full legislative control in 1982
29. Government British governments head of state- Governor General Parliament Legislative bodies Senate & House of Commons Prime Minister is the head of government 9 judge Supreme Court
30. Expansion & Diversity Atlantic to Pacific Coast, Arctic Ocean to U.S. Border 1815-1855-1 million British immigrants arrived in Canada French become a minority Klondike Gold Rush & Prairie Provinces spur migration Shelter for escaped U.S. slaves Expansion led to Native American displacement 1999-Nanavet established for Inuit people “Our Land”
31. …Continued Industrialization boom in the 1900’s Both World Wars spurred growth Improvements in pensions, unemployment insurance, & medical coverage
32. Modern Challenges US/Canadian Trade Free Trade Agreement NAFTA Eliminated tariffs and trade barriers Benefited both nations Growing influence of U.S. culture Separation of Quebec Regional differences Preservation of language and culture
33. Culture Language & Religion English & French mainly spoken All five major world religions practiced Education & Healthcare 97% literacy rate Children 6-16 must attend school Each province responsible for education Government helps pay for healthcare All citizens have access to healthcare Problems facing this system: Longer life expectancy/Aging population Solution: Higher taxes and fewer benefits
34. …Continued Art European, American, & Native American influences Push to revitalize Native American art Historical & religious themes in early literature Toronto Canadian art center 3rd Largest English speaking production center Toronto Symphony National Ballet of Canada
35. Family Life High standard of living 70% of couples married Aging population (1 in 6 over the age of 65) 60% have children 43% have one child 39% have 2 children 18% have 3 children Life expectancy is 80