World Geography Today
The United States
Preview
Section 1: History and Culture
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Chapter Wrap-Up
Chapter 8
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 1: History and Culture
Read to Discover
• What are some important events in the
history of the United States?
• What are some unique elements of
American culture?
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 1: History and Culture
Question
What important events occurred in
American history?
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 1: History and Culture
12,000
B.C.
12,000 B.C.—
Ancestors of
American
Indians arrive
from Asia.
1500s
Early 1500s—The
Spanish and
French explore
the Americas.
1600s
1600s—The
British begin to
set up colonies in
America.
1619—Enslaved
Africans arrive in the
British colonies.
1600s and 1700s—
Spanish colonists
migrate north from
Mexico into the
American Southwest.
1700s
1776—The
American
war for
independence
begins.
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 1: History and Culture
1800s
1800s—Pioneers
move west.
1830—Settlers move
as far as Texas.
1830s—The
northeastern United
States begins to
industrialize.
1848—Gold is
discovered in
California.
1850s
1861–65—The Civil War
1869—The
transcontinental
railroad is completed.
1900s
1917–18—U.S. in
World War I
1920—More Americans
live in cities than in
rural areas.
1941–45—U.S. in World
War II
1945–early 1990s—The
Cold War
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 1: History and Culture
Key Events in American History
• Earliest inhabitants arrived at least 14,000 years
ago from Asia.
• Europeans began arriving 500 years ago: first
Spanish, then English and French.
• British established 13 colonies.
• After independence in 1776, U.S. established a
federal system of government.
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 1: History and Culture
Key Events in American History (continued)
• Westward expansion in the 1800s gained new lands but
caused conflict with American Indians.
• The North industrialized while the South developed a
plantation economy. Differences caused the Civil War.
• Settlers occupied interior plains; immigration swelled
eastern cities.
• U.S. fought in two world wars; emerged as a major
power.
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 1: History and Culture
Unique Elements of American Culture
• Great diversity of people and languages
• Variety of religions
• Settlement includes concentration in the Northeast
• Broad public education
• Distinctive forms of popular culture: movies,
skyscrapers, music, holidays, sports
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Read to Discover
• What is the economy of the Northeast like?
• Why is the Midwest such an important farming
area?
• How is the geography of the South changing?
• How have environmental conditions influenced the
history of the West?
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Question
What commercial activities make up the
economy of the Northeast?
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 2: Regions of the United States
The Northeast
Financial
Center
New York is the
country’s leader
in commerce
and banking.
Manufacturing
Industries
Pittsburgh is a
steel producer.
This industry
declined in the
late 1900s.
Textiles
New York is a
major fashion
center.
Trade
Many cities
are important
commercial
centers and
ports.
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Strength of Midwestern Agriculture
• One of the world’s most productive farming areas
• Abundant arable land
• Corn Belt—Nebraska to Ohio; corn for export and
livestock feed; soybeans for margarine, vegetable
oil, and bean curd
• Dairy Belt—Wisconsin and most of Minnesota and
Michigan; major producer of butter and cheese
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Changes in the South
• Shift away from rural farm economy
• Primary industries based on local raw materials
• Growth of industry prompted by low wages, cheap
land, and favorable laws
• Substantial immigration from Latin America
• Urbanization
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 2: Regions of the United States
Influence of the Western Environment
• Harsh conditions limited early settlement
• Ranching, wheat farming on plains
• Abundant minerals fuel mining economy
• Natural beauty stimulates tourism
• California agriculture based on irrigation
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Read to Discover
• What are some important environmental issues in
the United States?
• What natural hazards affect the lives of Americans?
• How are cities and population patterns in the United
States changing?
• How is the U.S. economy tied to other countries
around the world?
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Question
What are some of the environmental issues
faced by the United States?
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Decline in
population
of animal life
such as
salmon
Pollution
and acid rain
Environmental
Issues in the
U.S.
Creation of
“dead zone”
in the Gulf of
Mexico
Competition
for limited
water
resources
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Natural Hazards
• Earthquakes on West Coast
• Flooding in many areas
• Tornadoes in Midwest and South
• Hurricanes along East Coast and Gulf of Mexico
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Changes in Cities and Population Patterns
• Shift of population and commerce from inner cities
to suburbs
• Some gentrification in inner cities, forcing out lowincome residents
• Major impact of immigration on ethnic and cultural
mix, notably in West and South
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Section 3: Geographic Issues
Global Economy
• Reliance on world trade
• Shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free
trade
• Pros and cons of free trade agreements
(e.g., NAFTA)
World Geography Today
Chapter 8
Chapter Wrap-Up Understanding the Main Ideas
1. How did changing perceptions of the Great American Desert
lead to changes in society?
2. How has immigration to the United States influenced the
diffusion of religions and cultural change?
3. Which states are part of the Corn Belt, the Dairy Belt, and
the Wheat Belt?
4. How has competition for water resources from the Colorado
River affected California and Arizona? How has the river
itself been affected?
5. When did the United States become the world’s only
superpower? Why?