Introduction to North American History PDF

Introduction to North American History The date September 11, 2001 is one of the most tragic dates in North American history. On this day, terrorists from the group known as Al Qaeda hijacked four planes to show their disagreement with the United States' involvement in world affairs. Historical Eve...

Introduction to North American History The date September 11, 2001 is one of the most tragic dates in North American history. On this day, terrorists from the group known as Al Qaeda hijacked four planes to show their disagreement with the United States' involvement in world affairs. Historical Events Some notable historical events include: The settlement of the first colonies in the 16th century The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 The Civil War in 1861 The arrival of immigrants from Europe in the 20th century The foundation of NASA in 1958 The 9/11 tragedy in New York in 2001 Geography of the USA The United States of America lies between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It is the third largest country in the world by size. The USA is bordered to the north by Canada and to the south by Mexico. It is made up of 50 states and the District of Columbia, in which the capital, Washington, is located. Natural Regions The natural regions of North America include: :  Mountains: The Rockies are located in the west and are the longest chain in North America. Temperate Rainforest: Located in the north-west, this region is home to indigenous plants such as the Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and Douglas fir. Desert Regions: The Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts are located in the south-west and are home to plants such as the saguaro cactus, Joshua tree, and mesquite. Great Plains: The central part of the continent is covered by vast blankets of rich soil, making it possible to grow enormous quantities of grains. Great Lakes Region: A chain of freshwater lakes in east-central North America, consisting of lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Quick Facts Some quick facts about the USA include: Category Description Natural Wonders Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Niagara Falls, Sequoia National Park Highest Point Mount McKinley, Denali, Alaska, 6,190m Lowest Point Death Valley, -86m Largest City New York City, 23.7 million people Longest River Missouri River Largest Lake Lake Superior : Largest State (by Alaska area) Largest State (by California population) Education in the UK The academic year in the UK starts in early September and ends with the end of July. The year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term is about 13 weeks long and is split in half with a week-long break called half term. Education System The education system in the UK includes: Primary School: Starts at the age of 4 and lasts for 7 years. Secondary School: Starts at the age of 11 and lasts for 5 years. GCSE Exams: Taken at the end of secondary school to check educational progress. Sixth Form: A 2-year program that enables students to specialize in 3 or 4 subjects. College: Offers further education with various vocational courses. Undergraduate Studies: Lasts for 3 or 4 years and ends with a Bachelor's degree. Postgraduate Studies: Lasts for 1 or 2 years and ends with a Master's degree. Professional Doctorate Degree: The highest postgraduate :  achievement one can earn in the UK. “A vocational course is a course that is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a specific career or profession. A tuition fee is a fee that is paid by students to attend a university or college.” Universities in the UK Some of the most recognizable universities in the UK include: University of Oxford University of Cambridge Imperial College London University College London (UCL) University of Edinburgh King's College London London School of Economics and Political Science## UK Celebrations The Summer Solstice takes place in Stonehenge, which is the longest day and the shortest night of the year. People celebrate it all over the UK on June 21st, marking the beginning of summer. Some common ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice include: Having barbecues Going on picnics Participating in sports with friends and family Bank Holidays : In the UK, there are several bank holidays throughout the year. One of these is the Early May Bank Holiday, which takes place on the first Monday of May. This holiday is traditionally celebrated with Maypole dancing, where dancers hold onto colorful ribbons attached to a tall pole and dance around it in patterns while village bands play live music. “The Maypole is a tall pole decorated with ribbons, flowers, and leaves, symbolizing new life and the rebirth of Jesus.” Another bank holiday is the Late May Bank Holiday, also known as the Spring Bank Holiday, which takes place on the last Monday of May. This holiday is a time for people to relax at home, go on short trips, or participate in outdoor activities with friends and family. Easter Traditions In the UK, Easter is celebrated with several traditions, including: Easter bonnets: people wear hats of any size decorated with flowers, leaves, and other Easter symbols Egg painting: a traditional activity where eggs are decorated with crosses and other symbols, representing the Christian belief that Jesus died on the cross Hot cross buns: small, sweet breads baked and eaten on Good Friday, symbolizing the baking and eating of hot cross buns The following table summarizes the Easter traditions in the UK: Tradition Description Easter bonnets Hats decorated with :  flowers, leaves, and other Easter symbols Egg painting Eggs decorated with crosses and other symbols, representing the Christian belief that Jesus died on the cross Hot cross buns Small, sweet breads baked and eaten on Good Friday, symbolizing the baking and eating of hot cross buns Maypole dancing Dancers holding onto colorful ribbons attached to a tall pole, dancing around it in patterns while village bands play live music Easter is a Christian holiday that falls on a different date between March 22 and April. In the UK, Easter is celebrated with various traditions, including the Easter Egg Hunt. Children are told that the Easter Bunny hides chocolate eggs in houses, gardens, or parks, and they have to follow clues to find them. Easter Traditions Some of the Easter traditions in the UK include: Good Friday: a day of celebration before Easter Sunday Easter Monday: a day of celebration after Easter Sunday Easter Bank Holidays: a long weekend of celebration :  Sit-down meals: people usually get together for a meal on Easter Sunday Spring Celebrations In addition to Easter, the UK also celebrates Spring with various events, including: Bonfires: people light bonfires in towns to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot Sunrise watching: people go to ancient monuments like Stonehenge to watch the sunrise on the summer solstice Gunpowder Plot The Gunpowder Plot was a failed attempt to blow up the Westminster Palace. It is commemorated every year on November 5th with bonfires and fireworks. “The Gunpowder Plot was a conspiracy to destroy the English Parliament and kill King James I in 1605. The plot was foiled when the conspirators were caught guarding a cache of explosives in the House of Lords.” Ancient Monuments Some of the ancient monuments in the UK include: Monument Description Date Stonehenge A prehistoric monument made up of gigantic 3000 B.C. - 2000 stones B.C. Westminster The meeting place of the UK Parliament 11th century Palace : Food and Drink Traditional Easter food includes hot cross buns filled with raisins and chocolate eggs. People also celebrate with Guinness Irish beer and other drinks. “Hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns marked with a cross on top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday.## Introduction to Festivals The United Kingdom celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Two notable festivals are Bonfire Night and Diwali.” Bonfire Night Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated on November 5th every year. It is traditionally marked with: Music Dancing Fireworks as the grand finale In addition to these celebrations, people also engage in activities such as: Bobbing for apples Pumpkin carving, where carved pumpkins are called Jack-o-Lanterns Going from house to house in the evening to collect as many sweets as possible, known as trick-or-treating Diwali Diwali is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs. The festival is marked with: Traditional Indian food :  Decorative lights Street parties Thousands of bright, decorative Diwali lights lit during the celebrations Comparison of Festivals The following table compares Bonfire Night and Diwali: Festival Date Traditions Bonfire Night November 5th Music, dancing, fireworks, bobbing for apples, pumpkin carving Diwali varies Traditional Indian food, decorative lights, street parties Origins of Festivals “The origin of Halloween is believed to have come from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.” Celebrations Around the World The United Kingdom hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India, with thousands of people attending street parties and lighting decorative lights. Halloween, on the other hand, is celebrated on October 31st and is influenced by Celtic traditions. Key Dates The following are key dates for the festivals: 1. November 5th: Bonfire Night :  2. October 31st: Halloween 3. varies: Diwali Key Terms Diwali: a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness Bonfire Night: a festival celebrated on November 5th to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot Halloween: a festival celebrated on October 31st, originating from the Celtic festival of Samhain Jack-o-Lantern: a carved pumpkin, typically associated with Halloween Trick-or-treating: the act of going from house to house to collect sweets, typically on Halloween## Introduction to Holidays The lecture discusses various holidays and their significance. A holiday is defined as: “a day of festivity or recreation when no work is done” Some notable holidays mentioned include: Christmas: a holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, typically celebrated on December 25th Boxing Day: a holiday celebrated on December 26th, traditionally a day when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts Washington's Birthday: a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of February, honoring the first :  president of the United States, George Washington Martin Luther King Day: a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of January, honoring the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement Holiday Celebrations The lecture highlights the various ways holidays are celebrated, including: Decorating homes and public spaces Exchanging gifts Participating in traditional foods and activities Attending parades and events The following table summarizes the holidays discussed: Holiday Date Significance Christmas December 25th Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ Boxing Day December 26th Traditional day for servants and tradesmen to receive gifts Washington's Third Monday of Honors the first president of the United States, Birthday February George Washington Martin Luther Third Monday of Honors the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Day January King Key Figures : The lecture mentions several key figures, including: George Washington: the first president of the United States Martin Luther King: a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, who fought for equal rights for Black Americans and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 The Civil Rights Movement is defined as: “a social movement that aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States## New Year's Eve Celebrations New Year's Eve is a significant event in the United States, with millions of Americans watching the King Flower Parade floats and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. At midnight, people kiss a loved one precisely to mark the beginning of the new year.” Traditional Foods Traditional foods vary depending on the region. Some common dishes include: Roast goose with red cabbage Crawfish jambalaya Roast turkey Casseroles Gravy (a rich, dark meat sauce) Cranberry sauce Creamed spinach Christmas ham :  Stuffing prepared from leftover bread, sausage, and sage Mashed potatoes “A casserole is a dish made from layers of food, typically including meat, vegetables, and starch, baked in the oven.” Desserts Desserts are also an essential part of New Year's Eve celebrations. Some popular options include: Cookies Fruit cake Gingerbread houses Potatoes Charitable Events New Year's Eve is also a time to support charities, with many people organizing meals for the homeless and jobless. Volunteer work is also a significant part of the celebrations, with many events held to support those in need. Regional Variations Regional variations in New Year's Eve celebrations are significant, with different parts of the country having their unique traditions. The following table summarizes some of the regional variations: Region Traditional Food South Roast turkey, casseroles, gravy :  Northeast Roast goose, red cabbage, cranberry sauce Gulf Coast Crawfish jambalaya, seafood salad Times Square Ball Drop The Times Square Ball Drop is a iconic event held in New York City, where a crystal ball is slowly dropped from the roof of One Times Square to mark the beginning of the new year. Thousands of people gather in Times Square to watch the event, which is also broadcast on television.## Christmas Celebrations in America Christmas in America is a holiday celebrated in various ways. It starts with Christmas shopping and Winter Celebrations. There are many celebrations in America, but some are also similar to those in the UK. History of Christmas Celebrations The history of Christmas celebrations is shared between America and the UK. However, America has its own unique Christmas traditions. “Christmas traditions include decorating homes, streets, and public places with colorful decorations, attending theatrical productions, and eating Christmas food.” Some popular Christmas foods include: Desserts like dried fruit and marzipan Baked goods like biscuits and hot cross buns Boiled eggs and vegetables Christmas Symbols Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas, but it is also deeply commercialized. This means that people spend large sums of money on presents and decorations. : Comparison of Celebrations The following table compares Christmas celebrations in America and the UK: Celebration America UK Christmas Starts early, with many sales and Starts later, with fewer sales and Shopping discounts discounts Winter Includes theatrical productions and Includes theatrical productions and Celebrations Christmas concerts Christmas markets Christmas Includes desserts, baked goods, and Includes desserts, baked goods, and Food boiled eggs roasted meats Easter Celebrations Easter is another holiday celebrated in America. It is celebrated in different ways, including: Easter egg hunts Easter baskets Easter parades The following table compares Easter celebrations in America and the UK: Celebration America UK Easter Egg Hunt A popular A popular activity activity for for children children Easter Food Includes Includes desserts, baked desserts, baked :  goods, and goods, and boiled eggs roasted meats Easter Parades Held in some Held in some cities, with cities, with Easter Easter bonnets bonnets and and Easter Easter baskets baskets The United States has a rich history of celebrating various holidays, each with its own unique traditions and customs. Two notable holidays are Independence Day and Memorial Day. Independence Day Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This day marks the beginning of the summer season and is often celebrated with: Barbecues and picnics in local parks and nature areas Parades and other outdoor events Fireworks displays “The Declaration of Independence is a document that declared the 13 American colonies' independence from Great Britain and established the United States of America as a sovereign nation.” Memorial Day Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It is a day to: Honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in :  the United States military Visit memorials and cemeteries to pay respects to the fallen soldiers Participate in parades and other events to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by the military personnel The following table summarizes the key differences between Independence Day and Memorial Day: Holiday Date Purpose Independence July 4 Celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence Day Memorial Day Last Monday Honor and remember the men and women who died while of May serving in the United States military Thanksgiving Traditions Another notable American holiday is Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. One of the traditions associated with Thanksgiving is the turkey wishbone. Two people hold the wishbone and make a wish The person who ends up with the larger part of the wishbone is said to have their wish granted The Presidential Turkey Pardon is another tradition that takes place during Thanksgiving. The President of the United States pardons two turkeys, sparing them from being eaten :  The pardoned turkeys are then sent to a farm to live out the rest of their lives## Introduction to Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is traditionally believed to have originated from a feast shared by English colonists and Native Americans in 1621. Traditional Thanksgiving Foods The traditional Thanksgiving menu consists of: Roast turkey Stuffing (a side dish made with bread, herbs, and sometimes sausage) Gravy (a dark sauce) Sweet potatoes Cranberry sauce Pumpkin pie (the most common Thanksgiving dessert) Pecan pie Sweet potato bread History of Thanksgiving The first Thanksgiving was symbolic as it sealed a treaty between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. The Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims how to grow crops, such as corn, and how to hunt for food. “The Wampanoag tribe was a Native American tribe that played a significant role in the early history of the United States. They were skilled hunters and farmers, and their knowledge of the land and its resources was essential to the survival of the Pilgrims.” : Modern-Day Thanksgiving Celebrations Today, Thanksgiving is a major public holiday in the United States. People celebrate by: Gathering with family and friends Watching parades, such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City Eating traditional Thanksgiving foods Watching football games Participating in volunteer work to help those in need Thanksgiving Traditions The following table summarizes some common Thanksgiving traditions: Tradition Description Family People come together with their loved ones to share a meal and spend time gatherings together Parades Colorful parades are held in many cities, featuring marching bands, floats, and giant balloons Football Watching football games on television is a popular Thanksgiving activity games Volunteer Many people participate in volunteer work to help those in need, such as serving work food at soup kitchens Conclusion to Thanksgiving Celebrations : In the evening, people often watch fireworks or gather around the table to share stories and give thanks for the blessings in their lives.## Introduction to Labor Day Labor Day is a celebration that honors the contributions and achievements of workers. It is a day to recognize the hard work and dedication of individuals who have contributed to the well-being of their communities and countries. History of Labor Day The history of Labor Day is complex and has evolved over time. It is a day that has been influenced by various social and economic factors. Some key points about Labor Day include: It is a day to honor the working class It is a day to recognize the importance of workers' rights It is a day to celebrate the contributions of workers to the economy Significance of Labor Day The significance of Labor Day can be understood by considering the following: “Labor Day is a celebration that acknowledges the value and dignity of work and the contributions that workers make to the well-being of their communities and countries.” Some key aspects of Labor Day include: Aspect Description Celebration A day to honor the working class Recognition A day to recognize the importance of workers' rights Contributions A day to celebrate the contributions of workers to the economy : Conclusion to Labor Day Overview Labor Day is an important holiday that recognizes the value and dignity of work. It is a day to honor the contributions and achievements of workers and to celebrate their importance to the economy and society. :