American Cultural Regions Quiz

American Cultural Regions

• US regions are unofficial, but more natural than state divisions, which are often arbitrary.
• Four main regions: Northeast, South, Midwest, West.

Northeast

• Sub-regions: New England and Middle Atlantic.
• New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut):
  • Smallest region, historically significant (American Revolution & abolitionism).
  • Primarily hilly, limited farmlands.
  • Historically strong in shipbuilding, fishing, and trade (largest merchant marine).
  • Simple, wood-frame houses, white church steeples.
  • Considered shrewd, thrifty, hardworking, inventive, and independent.
• Middle Atlantic (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia):
  • Urban center: New York City.
  • Early settlers: farmers, fur traders.
  • More diverse than New England (Dutch, Swedes, English Catholics, Quakers, Mennonites, Amish).
  • 19th century: major centers for heavy industry.

Midwest

• Stretches from Ohio to the Rocky Mountains; from Great Lakes to Kansas & Ohio River.
• Urban center: Chicago.
• Small towns, barbed-wire fences, large rectangular farm fields.
• Referred to as the nation's breadbasket.
• Associated with open-mindedness, friendliness, straightforwardness, traditional values, and conservatism.
• Birthplace of the Republican Party (1850s).

South

• Strong historical consciousness, stemming from the Civil War.
• Lowland South: large cotton plantations, many slaves, post-war poverty.
• Upland South: smaller farms, fewer slaves, mountainous terrain, hard living.
• Associated with hospitality, family values, a relaxed lifestyle, but also with dangerous independence and violent prejudices.
• Emphasis on personal honor and valor.
• Distinctive dialects.
• Cultural contributions including blues, jazz, country music (Nashville is the musical capital).
• Rich literary tradition (Southern Renaissance).

West

• Encompasses a wide range of sub-regions.

• Southwest:

  • Drier and more sparsely populated than the Midwest.
  • Strong Native American cultural influences.
  • First colonized by Spain.
  • Sub-regions:
    • Interior Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico): oldest cultures, harsh climate.
    • Navajo Nation (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah): diverse cultural traditions
    • Mormon Region (Utah, SE Idaho): Salt Lake City is the center; strong moral, educational, and health standards.

• Pacific Southwest:

  • California ("Golden State") - large population, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, wine production, beautiful coastal climate, Gold Rush, earthquakes, Yosemite National Park.

• Pacific Northwest:

  • Northern Cascades (Washington, Oregon), Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, Seattle, Portland, abundant natural resources.

• Rocky Mountains:

  • Montana (Little Bighorn battle; Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho peoples), Idaho (Gem State, Potato state), Wyoming, Colorado (skiing destination); Yellowstone National Park.

Alaska

• Largest US state, 49th state.
• Sold to US by Russia.
• About 500,000 inhabitants; native populations (Indians, Eskimos, Aleut).
• Industries: oil, fishing, fur, military bases.
• Gold rush (Yukon, Klondike 1890s).
• Tourism.
• Towns: capital Juneau, Anchorage.

Hawaii

• Volcanic islands, settled by ancient Polynesians around 300 AD.
• Captured by Europeans (James Cook) in 1778.
• Kamehameha united islands; monarchy in early 1800s.
• US territory since 1900, 50th state (Aloha State) in 1959.
• Diverse population.
• Industries: sugar, pineapple, nuts, coffee; now tourism.
• Capital: Honolulu; Pearl Harbor.

Test your knowledge about the cultural regions of the United States, focusing particularly on the Northeast. This quiz covers the historical significance, geographical characteristics, and cultural diversity of both New England and the Middle Atlantic. Dive deep into the unique attributes that define these areas.