US State Borders & Geography

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Questions and Answers

Why are state borders in the eastern United States often characterized as 'squiggly'?

They were determined by geological fault lines.
They were intentionally designed to be irregular for aesthetic purposes.
Rivers, used as primary transportation routes, defined many of these borders. (correct)
They were defined by train tracks during the westward expansion.

What was the primary mode of transportation that influenced the location of major cities in the eastern United States?

Railroads
Stagecoaches
Air travel
Waterways (correct)

What geographic feature primarily defines the western border of Missouri?

The Missouri River
A straight, man-made line
The Rocky Mountains
The Mississippi River (correct)

What distinguishes the 'Platte Purchase' from the rest of Missouri's geography?

It was acquired from Native Americans. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely primary reason for the creation of the Missouri bootheel?

Rich landowners wanting to govern themselves and preferring Missouri's laws. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical event is sometimes falsely attributed to the creation of the Missouri bootheel?

The New Madrid earthquake (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the Toledo War between Ohio and Michigan?

A border dispute centered on the city of Toledo. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Toledo War ultimately resolve the dispute between Ohio and Michigan?

Ohio received Toledo, while Michigan gained the Upper Peninsula. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What geographical process led to the separation of a part of Kentucky from the rest of the state?

The constant shifting of the Mississippi River (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on available evidence, what is the primary land use of the detached part of Kentucky?

Farmland (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did westward expansion influence the borders of western states differently than those of eastern states?

The Industrial Revolution and train tracks shaped western borders, while eastern borders were defined by water transportation routes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a plausible scenario if the Toledo War had never occurred?

Michigan would have included Toledo, potentially altering its economic and political landscape. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factors most likely contributed to the differing shapes of state borders between eastern and western states?

Historical transportation methods and the timing of state formation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How might the geography of Missouri be different if the New Madrid earthquake was indeed the cause of the 'bootheel'?

The bootheel's shape and location would more closely align with the earthquake's impact zone, potentially including different areas based on land value at the time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What implications did water transportation have on the development patterns of eastern states?

It concentrated populations along waterways, fostering trade and economic activity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How might the economic development of Michigan have differed if it had retained control of Toledo after the Toledo War?

Michigan might have experienced earlier and more significant industrial growth due to Toledo's strategic location and access to resources. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely long-term consequence for the detached part of Kentucky due to its geographical isolation?

The development of a unique and isolated cultural identity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do the historical narratives surrounding the Missouri bootheel reflect the complexities of state border creation?

They demonstrate the role of geography and political maneuvering in shaping state boundaries. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the reliance on rivers for transportation in the East, what strategic advantages did cities located on these waterways possess?

Easy access to natural resources and trade routes, facilitating economic growth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Industrial Revolution specifically influence the shaping of state borders during westward expansion?

It shifted the focus from natural landmarks like rivers to man-made structures such as train tracks for defining borders. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Eastern State Borders

Eastern states have irregular borders due to the historical use of rivers as major transportation routes.

Western State Borders

Western states have straight borders because they were defined by train tracks laid during westward expansion.