HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 1 The United States Section 1: History and Culture Section 3: Geographic Issues CHAPTER 8

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 2 Objectives: What are some important events in the history of the United States? What are some important events in the history of the United States? What are some unique elements of American culture? What are some unique elements of American culture? Section 1 History and Culture

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 3 Key events in American history: Earliest inhabitants arrived at least 14,000 years ago from Asia. Earliest inhabitants arrived at least 14,000 years ago from Asia. Europeans began arriving 500 years ago: first Spanish, then English and French. Europeans began arriving 500 years ago: first Spanish, then English and French. British established 13 colonies. British established 13 colonies. After independence, in 1776, U.S. established a federal system of government. After independence, in 1776, U.S. established a federal system of government. Section 1 History and Culture

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 4 Key events in American history: Key events in American history: (continued) Westward expansion in the 1800s gained new lands but caused conflict with American Indians. Westward expansion in the 1800s gained new lands but caused conflict with American Indians. North industrialized, while South developed plantation economy. Differences caused Civil War. North industrialized, while South developed plantation economy. Differences caused Civil War. Settlers occupied interior plains; immigration swelled eastern cities. Settlers occupied interior plains; immigration swelled eastern cities. U.S. fought in two world wars; emerged as a major power. U.S. fought in two world wars; emerged as a major power. Section 1 History and Culture

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 5 Unique elements of American culture: great diversity of people and languages great diversity of people and languages variety of religions variety of religions broad public education broad public education distinctive forms of popular culture: movies, jazz, sports distinctive forms of popular culture: movies, jazz, sports Section 1 History and Culture

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 6 Objectives: What are some important environmental issues in the United States? What are some important environmental issues in the United States? What natural hazards affect the lives of Americans? What natural hazards affect the lives of Americans? How are cities and population patterns in the United States changing? How are cities and population patterns in the United States changing? How is the U.S. economy tied to other countries around the world? How is the U.S. economy tied to other countries around the world? Section 3 Geographic Issues

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 7 Environmental issues: huge energy consumption huge energy consumption great waste and pollution great waste and pollution population growth and economic development add to problems (e.g., acid rain) population growth and economic development add to problems (e.g., acid rain) fertilizer runoff harms marine life fertilizer runoff harms marine life dams and competition for scarce water—key issues in West dams and competition for scarce water—key issues in West Section 3 Geographic Issues

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 8 Natural hazards: earthquakes on west coast earthquakes on west coast flooding in many areas flooding in many areas tornadoes in Midwest and South tornadoes in Midwest and South hurricanes along east coast and Gulf of Mexico hurricanes along east coast and Gulf of Mexico Section 3 Geographic Issues

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 9 Changes in cities and population patterns: shift of population and business from center cities to suburbs shift of population and business from center cities to suburbs some gentrification in inner cities, forcing out low- income residents some gentrification in inner cities, forcing out low- income residents major impact of immigration on ethnic and cultural mix, notably in West and South major impact of immigration on ethnic and cultural mix, notably in West and South Section 3 Geographic Issues

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON World Geography Today HOLT 10 Global economy: reliance on world trade reliance on world trade shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free trade shifting emphasis from tariff protections to free trade pros and cons of free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA) pros and cons of free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA) Section 3 Geographic Issues