The United States The United States has one of the world’s most diverse population.

Population Patterns The People – There are nearly 300 million people in the United States today. – Immigrants came to the United States for political, religious and economical issues. Many immigrants faced discrimination when they first arrived, but their work ethic, talent and enthusiasm help them adapt. – In 2004, 11.7 percent of the U.S. population was foreign born. Immigrants are still arriving in the U.S. today seeking the same opportunities the immigrants sought centuries ago. Density and Distribution – United States has a population density of 80 people per square mile. – Outside the urban areas the population is widely distributed.

Population Patterns – The Northeast and the Great Lake regions are the most densely populated, while Alaska, the Great Basin and parts of the Great Plains are the least densely populated areas. – Since 1970, the Sunbelt has become the country’s fastest growing area. People are drawn to the mild climate and growing industries of this region. Urban Areas – The United States has experienced a movement of people from rural areas to cities. Agriculture requires fewer workers due to the advancements in technology

Today, the majority of the population lives in metropolitan areas These large clusters lie in costal areas with strong economies that is supported by world trade. As these areas continue to grow, they spread and develop further out. This is known as urban sprawl. Early Nation Building First nomads crossed into North America using a land bridge that connected Asia and Alaska. Near the same time nomads from Central and South America were moving north.

History and Government Their descendents came to be known as Native Americans. – Native Americans lives were shaped by their location and climate. They occupied the region unbothered until the arrival of the Europeans in the mid- 1500’s. The Spanish explored the south, while the French explored the northeast.

By the 1700’s the British controlled the land along the Atlantic Coast. In the New England Colonies, shipbuilding and fishing industries were very important. The Middle and Southern Colonies were used for cash crops and plantation agriculture. In 1763 France was forced to give much of its North American possessions to Great Britain. Early Nation Building Conflicts were quickly rising between the settlers and the Native Americans as the Europeans forced the natives off their land

History and Government – Tension also began to rise between the colonists and the British government. Parliament tried to imposed new taxes and limit the colonists freedom. The colonies won their independence from Great Britain after winning the American Revolution ( ). – The United States government is a federal republic. There is a strong national government, but it shares its powers with the state governments. The rights of the citizens are protected by the Constitution. The national government has three separate but equal branches. – Executive, legislative and judicial.

Growth, Division and Unity – In the 1800s the United States doubled in size. They gained valuable land and natural resources Growth, Division and Unity – Industrialization also began to boom in the 1800s The first factories arose in the Northeast where waterfalls could power machines. Coal from the Midwest was used to fuel steam engines, making steam power cheap. – Cotton became a major cash crop in the South due to the growing textile industry. African Americans became very important to clear and work the land.

Technology and Change In the late 1800s, Eastern cities were becoming crowded, so the government encouraged settlement of the Great Plains. There was also a need for more farmers to provide food for cities. Dry farming Planting and harvesting large areas was made easier by the invention of steel plows and steam tractors. Tension between the North and South mounted steadily until it erupted into the Civil War in After four years the North prevailed, and slavery was abolished.

Technology and Change – Railroad lines were built to transport manufactured goods from east to west, and food products from west to east. – Economic growth was spurred in the 1900s by two world wars. The cost and time to make products was drastically reduced by the development of the assembly line. The population became more mobile and urbanized. – Minority groups began to participate in politics and business. Modern Challenges – After September 11, 2001, terrorism became a major concern for most Americans.

After the devastating attacks the United States launched a war on terrorism. In a joint effort, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in October After forcing the Taliban leaders from power, the U.S. turned its sights on Iraq. On March 20, 2003, the United States invaded Iraq, and by April 3 the Iraqi regime had fallen. In May 2006, a new government had been formed. Language and Religion English is the primary language of the United States. Spanish has become the second most spoken language Christianity is the most popular religion in the U.S. Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are just a few of the other religions practiced.

Culture Education and Health – A network of public and private schools make up the education system in the United States. – The U.S. is able to devote a substantial amount of resources to health care. However, many people are still unable to afford health insurance, or even health care with insurance. The Arts – European traditions dominated the arts after their arrival. – By the mid- 1800s people had began to create their own cultures. For example, jazz developed in African American Communities. – U.S. culture has the biggest influence world wide in the area of popular entertainment.

Culture Family Life – The citizens of the United States enjoy a high standard of living. – This gives them the advantage of many personal choices and opportunities Goods are relatively inexpensive Housing varies to suit needs – 50 percent of all household in the U.S. are occupied by married couples – Households in the U.S. are smaller today than they were in the past. – The U.S. population is aging compared to what it was in 1970.