North American History and Geography

North American History

• September 11, 2001, a tragic date in North American history, involved al-Qaeda hijacking planes.

• Notable historical events include:

  • 16th-century settlement of the first colonies
  • The Declaration of Independence in 1776
  • The Civil War in 1861
  • 20th-century European immigration
  • NASA's founding in 1958
  • The 9/11 tragedy in New York in 2001

Geography of the USA

• The USA is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
• It's the third largest country by area.
• It's bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
• Comprised of 50 states and the District of Columbia, which is where Washington, D.C., the capital, is located.

Natural Regions of North America

• The Rocky Mountains are the longest mountain chain in North America, located in the west.
• Temperate rainforests, located in the northwest, have indigenous plants like the Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and Douglas fir.
• Desert regions, such as Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan, are located in the southwest and have plants like saguaro cacti, Joshua trees, and mesquite.
• The Great Plains, in the center of the continent, have rich soil, which supports the growth of many grains.
• The Great Lakes region, in east-central North America, consists of the lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.

Quick Facts about the USA

• Natural Wonders- Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Niagara Falls, Sequoia National Park
• Highest Point- Mount McKinley (Denali), Alaska, 6,190 meters
• Lowest Point- Death Valley, -86 meters
• Largest City- New York City, 23.7 million people
• Longest River- Missouri River
• Largest Lake- Lake Superior

Education in the UK

• Academic year runs from early September to late July, divided into Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms, each approximately 13 weeks long, with a week-long break (half-term).
• Primary school starts at age 4 and lasts 7 years.
• Secondary school starts at age 11 and lasts 5 years.
• GCSE exams assess educational progress at the end of secondary school.
• Sixth form (2 years) allows students to specialize in 3-4 subjects.
• College provides further education with vocational courses.
• Undergraduate studies typically last 3-4 years, leading to a Bachelor's degree.
• Postgraduate studies often last 1-2 years, culminating in a Master's degree.
• Professional doctorate degrees are the highest postgraduate achievements in the UK .
• A vocational course teaches skills and knowledge for a specific career or profession. Tuition fees are paid for this course.

Universities in the UK

• Some notable universities include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh, King's College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

UK Celebrations

• The Summer Solstice, celebrated in Stonehenge on June 21st, is the longest day and shortest night of the year. Common celebrations include barbecues, picnics, and participating in sports with friends and family.
• Bank Holidays are public holidays including May Day, Late May Holiday.

Easter Traditions (UK)

• Easter bonnets, hats decorated with flowers, leaves, and Easter symbols.
• Egg painting, a traditional activity involving decorating eggs with crosses and other symbols, representing Jesus's death.
• Hot cross buns, sweet breads baked and eaten on Good Friday, symbolizing the baking and eating of hot cross buns
• Easter is a religious holiday.

Spring Celebrations (UK)

• Bonfires, lit in towns to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot.
• Sunrise watching at ancient monuments like Stonehenge.

Ancient Monuments (UK)

• Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument, was built from large stones, and dates from 3000-2000 BC.
• Westminster Palace is the meeting place for the UK Parliament and dates from the 11th century.

Food and Drink

• Traditional Easter food includes hot cross buns and chocolate eggs.
• Guinness beer is often associated with Easter celebrations.
• Bonfire Night celebrations typically involve music, dancing, fireworks, and activities like bobbing for apples and carving pumpkins (Jack-o'-lanterns).
• Diwali, a major Hindu festival, celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It's marked with traditional Indian food.

Comparing Festivals (UK)

• Bonfire Night: celebrated on November 5th
• Diwali: dates vary, marked with traditional Indian food, decorative lights, and street parties.

Halloween

• Halloween's origins are linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain.

Celebrations Around the World

• The UK hosts large Diwali celebrations outside of India with street parties and lighting decorative lights.

Key Dates

• November 5th - Bonfire Night
• October 31st - Halloween
• Dates vary - Diwali

Key Terms

• Diwali - Hindu festival celebrating victory of light over darkness.
• Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) - commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot, celebrated on November 5th.
• Halloween-originating from the Celtic festival of Samhain, it is celebrated on October 31st.
• Jack-o'-lantern- carved pumpkin.
• Trick-or-treating- a Halloween custom.
• Holiday, festive day or period of recreation when no work is done.

Notable Holidays

• Christmas - commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, typically celebrated on December 25th
• Boxing Day - celebrated on December 26th, traditionally a day when servants and tradesmen received gifts.
• Washington's Birthday - a US federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February.
• Martin Luther King Day - a federal US holiday, celebrated on the third Monday of January.

Holiday Celebrations

• Decorating homes and public spaces
• Exchanging gifts and Participating in traditional foods and activities
• Attending parades and events.

Key Figures

• George Washington - first President of the United States
• Martin Luther King Jr. - prominent Civil Rights leader, won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964

Traditional Foods

• Roast goose with red cabbage
• Crawfish jambalaya
• Roast turkey
• Casseroles
• Gravy / Cranberry sauce
• Creamed spinach
• Christmas ham
• Cookies, Fruit cake, Gingerbread houses, Potatoes are some other common dessert options

Charitable Events

• New Year's Eve often involves charitable work, like meals for the homeless and support for charities.

Regional Variations

• Variations in food and celebrations based on region, including South (Roast Turkey).

Times Square Ball Drop

• A New York City event marking the new year.

History of Christmas Celebrations

• Celebrations shared in America and UK. Includes decorating and eating traditions.
• Popular Christmas foods include desserts (like dried fruit and marzipan), baked goods, biscuits, hot cross buns, boiled eggs, and vegetables.
• Santa Claus is a key symbol but is now commercially driven.

Comparison of Christmas and Easter Celebrations

• Christmas and Easter celebrations are observed uniquely across both America and the UK.
• Key differences are in the timing of shopping and sales, theatrical productions, Christmas markets, and different traditional foods.
• Easter is marked by Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, and Easter parades

Independence Day

• Celebrated on July 4th, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Celebrations often include picnics, parades, and fireworks.

Memorial Day

• Observed on the last Monday of May, honoring men and women who died serving in the US military.
• Activities can include visiting cemeteries, memorials, and participating in parades.

Thanksgiving Traditions

• Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
• A common tradition is the turkey wishbone, used for making a wish.
• The US President often pardons two turkeys.

Thanksgiving Foods/ History

• Key foods include roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and sweet potato bread.
• The tradition reportedly stems from a feast shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621.

Modern Day Thanksgiving Celebrtions

• Gathering with family and friends, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, eating traditional foods, watching football games, and volunteering are common US Thanksgiving activities.

History of Labor Day

• Labor Day is a day honouring working people and their contributions.

Test your knowledge of significant events in North American history and the geography of the United States. This quiz covers pivotal moments such as the Declaration of Independence and key geographical features, including the Rocky Mountains. Explore how history and geography intertwine in shaping North America.