North America Realm GR1123 PDF

Native Americans & European Settlements Indigenous North Americans Native Americans - First Nations Devastated by European arrival & expansion. Native Religions of First Nations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 9FHcZSh5Jco European Colonies: – Current “pop...

Native Americans & European Settlements Indigenous North Americans Native Americans - First Nations Devastated by European arrival & expansion. Native Religions of First Nations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 9FHcZSh5Jco European Colonies: – Current “population geography” = legacy of French & British  13 Colonies Divided into 3 “Cultural Hearths” New England Colonies (Boston area) – Plymouth Colony Midland/Middle Colonies (Philadelphia area) - Agriculture Southern Colonies/Chesapeake Bay (Virginia - South) – Plantations: Tobacco & Cotton  The U.S.-Mexico Borderland: Boundary or Transition Zone Much of Southwestern U.S. belonged to Mexico. – The population today is of deep Mexican descent. – borderland = cultural transition zone – U.S. & Mexico are becoming more economically linked.  European Influence – Colonialism “Democracies” United States: Republic w/ a President & Congress Political Canada: Constitutional Monarchy w/ a Prime Structures/Processes Minister & Parliament Both have political parties Canadian parties pay to vote BOTH Federal States United States – 50 “states” Canada – 10 “provinces”  As compared with Canada… Indigenous peoples weakened w/the westward push of European settlers: Regionalism Loss of population and territory Little political power & Ethnicity: the United Due to slavery & Jim Crow laws - African Americans are concentrated in the Southeast. States Hispanics in the Southeast are dispersing throughout the U.S. Asian Immigrants more clustered than other groups concentrated along the West Coast  Cultural Foundations Language – English = Lingua Franca – Facilitates mobility – Dominant medium of interaction Religion – Christianity dominant in U.S. – Regional denomination diversity – Religious tolerance Food https://youtu.be/07iy0PvV3mU  Urbanization is a process by which an increasing percentage of a population lives in urban areas. Changes in lifestyle, economic activities, and infrastructure accompany this shift. Urbanization Rural-Urban migration and the Spatial American Manufacturing Belt (Southern Ontario) Economy Realm’s industrial cities – New York, Chicago, Toronto, and Pittsburgh (Steel City) Mechanization of agriculture, mining, and fishing Manufacturing, Production and Consumption  Urbanization Stages Primary: Extraction of raw materials from nature Secondary: Manufacturing of raw materials into finished goods Lumber → Furniture Steel → Automobiles Tertiary: Service economy to support production and consumption Banking Retail Transportation  Deindustrialization and Suburbanization Introduction of mass automobiles and construction of large-scale highways Higher interconnectedness and mobility among cities Accelerated the process of suburbanization- WHAT IS THAT? Deindustrialization – loss of manufacturing jobs. The Central Business District lost its role as the dominant metropolitan core.  Often visible in the urban Urbanization The U.S. population is highly landscape. and the unequal compared to “Western” countries. The neighborhood effect: Spatial distinct characteristics of one’s neighborhood. Inequality refers to factors in Economy: addition to income (health, education level, etc.). Urban The Great Recession of 2008-2013 deepened Geographies https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=Mi9sjhISYfg&t=195s inequality. of Inequality &pp=ygUgdXJhbiBpbmVhb Gl0aWVzIGluIG5vcnRoIGFt ZXJpY2E%3D  North America’s Physiographic Regions Diverse physiographic regions each exhibit natural landscape homogeneity. High-Relief Regions: Pacific Mountains Rocky Mountains Appalachian Mountains Lowland Regions: Great Plains Interior Lowlands Various Coastal Plains  Great Lakes and Great Rivers Two great drainage systems between the Rockies and Appalachians: 1. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River into the northern Atlantic 1. Mississippi-Missouri rivers into delta on the Gulf of Mexico Both modified by human engineering Mississippi River Alluvial Valley 31 states and 2 Canadian Provinces Drain into the MS River 4th longest and 10th largest river system in the world  Floodplain of the Mississippi River Important Economic Region in North America Very fertile farmland culturally important Music, Food, Atlantic Coastal Plain Area of land at base of Appalachian Mountains to the coastal region. Broad, flat, plain gently sloping to the ocean Known as the Piedmont Sierra-Nevada Mountains California & Nevada Elevation Rise East Facing = Steep West Facing = Gradual Not Volcanic The Rockies One of the World’s most massive mountain ranges Extends from Central Mexico to Central Alaska (ca. 3,000 miles) Colorado alone has 54 mountain peaks >14,000ft Much younger than Appalachians Plate Tectonics Theory that supports Continental Drift hypothesis developed by Alfred Wegener (1912)  The Physical Setting: Climate Regions Weather: immediate state of the atmosphere Climate: aggregate - total record of weather conditions at a place or region over a long period of time Köppen’s Climatic Regions A: equatorial/tropical B: dry C: temperate D: cold E: polar H: highland  Key Natural Climate Controls: Latitude: Higher latitudes tend to be cooler (less direct sunlight) Lower latitudes are warmer (closer to the equator) Altitude: Higher altitudes are usually cooler (Rocky Mountains) Lower altitudes are warmer in temperature (Death Valley) Ocean Currents: “Global Conveyor Belts” Transport warm water/precipitation from equator to colder poles & vice versa Continentality: Coastal areas tend to have moderate temperatures Locations in center of continent tend to have more temperature extremes  Geography of Language 15 main language families Indo-European is the most widespread spoken language type (i.e. English, French, Spanish, etc.) Most business/trade is done in the English Language  The Geography of Language Language as the essence of culture: – Linguistic diversity in the face of English primacy – Language life span: emerge, thrive, and die out – Languages evolve over generations. Language tree: – 15 language families: shared, but distant, origins – Several language subgroups under a family – Lingua franca: a common second language used in government, commerce, or higher education – English primacy is a result of colonization and globalization  the United Nations & the Importance of Language SIX Official Languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English*, French, Russian, Spanish Multilingualism = Core Value of United Nations – VIDEO UN Secretary-General: Antonio Guterres https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzOF0bbiEog  “the process by which a person or a group's What is Assimilation? language and/or culture come to resemble those of another group” Basic Facts Culturally complex African and European Has some of the most bio- diverse landscapes in the world of Middle influences on the islands Holds 7% of the worlds biodiversity America Spanish and Volcanoes, Deserts, Amerindian influences Rainforest, Beaches on the mainland Religion: Mostly Mostly economically poor Catholicism populations Haiti is the poorest Sometimes called: nation in the Western Latin America or Hemisphere. Mesoamerica  High Densities & Cultural Diversity Densely Populated Region – Mexico – more than half population in interior core – Contrasts w/ dense Pacific coast – Nicaragua & Guatemala Primate Cities – the countries largest cities Mainland & Islands – urban hierarchy Most Expressive of National Culture- Mexico City and Havana. Indigenous Legacies Architecture & Technology Cultural Diversity = Immigration  Regions of Middle America Four Distinct Regions – Mexico – Central America – Greater Antilles – Lesser Antilles  Regions of Middle America Mexico: Bordering North America - largest region with 31 states Central America: 7 Republics Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama Greater Antilles: The 4 Large Islands Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti/Dominican Republic (Hispaniola) Lesser Antilles: Numerous Small Islands including the Bahamas be familiar where they are located…but don’t memorize  Mexico: Physiography – Two Peninsulas – One Isthmus Mountain “Backbone” Ranges – Sierra Madre Occidental – Sierra Madre Oriental CENTER = – Plateau of Mexico (incl. Valley of Mexico)  “Land Bridge” Middle America links North & South America Archipelago chain of islands Greater & Lesser Antilles (incl. Bahamas) Natural hazards! Earthquakes – active plates tectonics Volcanoes – multiple converging plates Hurricanes – warm water increase strength  Middle America: A Land Bridge Panama’s Isthmus – Narrow 65 km (40 mi) – Land Bridge – links two continents – Crucial Role diffusion of animals & humans across planet  The Isthmus of Panama – links North America and South America. Examples of Bering Land Bridge – linked Asia (Siberia) and North America (Alaska) Land Bridges during the last Ice Age. Sunda Shelf – connected Southeast Asia and the Asian mainland during low sea levels.  Middle America: Island Chains Approximately 7000 Caribbean Islands crests & tops of ocean-floor mountain chains formed out of tectonic plate collisions – What type of tectonic collision forms islands? A large Archipelago = island chain Greater Antilles: the four larger islands Lesser Antilles: remaining smaller islands  Geographical Features: Northern Boundary Longest Land Border between “wealthy” realm & a realm with lower GDP Cross-Border Interaction – dynamic borderland – Cross-Cultural Influence – btwn the United States & Mexico – NAFTA = North American Free Trade Agreement – Change in economic & urban geographies border zone – Maquiladoras = assembly factories – often located as close to the border as possible – China, however, is the largest provider of U.S. imports – putting pressure on Mexico to become more competitive Deforestation 2/3 tropical rain forest before the Europeans arrived Only 10% of these areas remain today Reasons Industries desire tropical woods $$$ Population increases need for land  Collision of Cultures European Competition – Spain’s Focus – Panama, Pacific Central America, & Mexico – British foothold on mainland – Caribbean Islands – fought over by Spain, Britain, France, & the Netherlands – Later…American presence on mainland – Culture Changed…again – Africans were brought as slaves to work on plantations.  The Central American Republics: Guatemala Heart of Maya Empire and significant Amerindian cultural influence. Large income gap between the poor indigenous population and politically dominant mestizo populations Economic potential: minerals, including oil, and wide range of agriculture products including coffee Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.  Political & Economic Fragmentation: Regional Contrasts Mainland – Mestizo: Euro-Amerindian dominance = – mixed- ancestry persons – Hacienda = large estate system & social prestige Caribbean Coast & Islands – Fusion of European & African influences – Plantation System & Export Production – Seasonal & Imported Labor – Economy of Efficiency STUDY GUIDE FOR EXAM 1 – GR1123/07 1. North America Realm Key Countries: United States Canada Physical Geography: Major Features: Rocky Mountains: Dominates the western part of the continent, running from Canada to the southwestern United States. Great Plains: Flatlands in the central region are crucial to agriculture (wheat, corn, soybeans). Appalachian Mountains: The eastern mountain range is older and smaller than the Rockies. Great Lakes: Largest freshwater lakes in the world, shared by the U.S. and Canada. Climate: The climate varies greatly: it is Arctic cold in northern Canada, temperate in much of the U.S., and subtropical in the southern U.S. and parts of Mexico. Economic Geography: Industrialization: The U.S. and Canada are highly industrialized, with advanced economies in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and services. Agriculture: The U.S. and Canada are world leaders in agricultural production, and the Great Plains are known as the world’s "breadbasket.” Natural Resources: Both Canada and the U.S. have vast natural resources—Canada’s oil sands, the U.S.’s coal and natural gas reserves, and timber in both countries. Urbanization Stages of Urbanizations North America physiographic regions Sierra Nevada mountains The Rockies Trade: NAFTA: Key trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Global Influence: The U.S. dominates global finance, technology, and trade. Cultural Influences: Indigenous Cultures: Indigenous peoples played a significant role in North America's early history and have strong cultural legacies, especially in Canada and the southwestern U.S. European Influence: Colonization by Britain, France, and Spain profoundly shaped North America’s cultural and linguistic landscape. Diversity: The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures due to immigration, mainly from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Challenges: Economic Inequality: Growing wealth disparity, particularly in the U.S. Environmental Issues: Climate change, deforestation, and resource depletion. Political Divisions: Polarization in the U.S. and differing political systems between Canada and the U.S. 2. Middle America Realm Regions of Middle America Mexico Physiography Island Chains Caribbean Islands: Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, etc. Physical Geography: Major Features: Sierra Madre Mountains: Mexico is divided into the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental ranges. Climate: Mostly tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Highland areas have more temperate climates. Manufacturing: Maquiladoras (factories in Mexico near the U.S. border) are key to Mexico's economy. They produce goods for export, particularly to the U.S. Remittances: Many Central American economies depend heavily on remittances sent home by migrant workers in the U.S. Cultural Influences: Indigenous Civilizations: The Maya and Aztec civilizations were highly advanced before Spanish colonization. Their legacies remain in language, art, and religion. Spanish and African Influence: Spanish colonization brought Catholicism and European customs, while African slaves brought significant cultural contributions to the Caribbean. Challenges: Drug Trade: Mexico and parts of Central America are heavily impacted by drug trafficking, leading to violence and corruption. Poverty and Inequality: Many countries face significant economic inequality and poverty, especially in rural areas. Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions frequently affect the region. 3. South America Realm Key Countries: Andean Nations: Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia Southern Cone: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay Brazil Physical Geography: Major Features: Andes Mountains: The most extended mountain range in the world, spanning several countries, plays a crucial role in agriculture and culture. Amazon Basin: Home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest and river system, a biodiversity hotspot. Pampas: Fertile lowlands in Argentina and Uruguay, crucial for cattle ranching and agriculture. Patagonia: Arid region in southern Argentina and Chile, known for its stark landscapes and sheep farming. Climate: It varies widely: tropical in the Amazon, arid in the Atacama Desert, temperate in the Southern Cone, and subpolar in southern Patagonia. Cultural Influences: Indigenous Civilizations: The Inca civilization in the Andes and the numerous indigenous groups of the Amazon have left lasting cultural influences in the region. European Colonization: Spanish and Portuguese colonization brought Catholicism, the Spanish language, and European customs. African Influence: African slaves brought to Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia have deeply influenced music, religion (Candomblé, Santería), and culture. Key Themes Across All Realms Global Trade: All three realms are deeply integrated into the global economy, primarily by exporting natural resources (oil, minerals, agricultural products). Cultural Diversity: Indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences have shaped the cultural landscapes of North, Middle, and South America. Environmental Challenges: Deforestation, climate change, and natural disasters affect all three regions, particularly in the Amazon Basin, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Andes. Economic Inequality: Wealth disparities are a common theme, with many countries struggling to balance economic growth with social equity.