Ch. 13: Historical Change

Essential Questions How does the physical and human geography of the world change over time? What are the main causes of historical change?

Changes in Physical Geography Mostly gradual changes. Caused by forces like: tectonic plate movement, erosion, climate change. Change occurs over thousands of years.

The Sahara Once fertile land, covered in forests and flowing rivers. As climate grew warmer Sahara grew drier, became a desert.

The Siberian-Alaskan land Bridge 11,500 yrs. ago Siberia and Alaska connected by land bridge. When earth became warmer glaciers melted, sea levels rose, and land bridge disappeared under water.

Changes in Human Geography Happens quicker than physical changes. Based on cultural regions or political units. They can: Expand, Contract, even Disappear. A groups culture can also change over time.

Traditional Societies/Ways Some societies resist change. Members of these traditional societies prefer to do things much as their ancestors have done. In the modern world, however, most societies are now changing more rapidly than ever before.

The Roots of Change Geographers and Historians have identified several important processes that often contribute to change. Often combinations of these processes work together to effect change The processes are: Migration, Cultural Diffusion, Trade, Conflict/War, Technological Innovation

Migration Movement of people from one place to another. They bring their beliefs, technology, ways of doing things with them. May cause conflict to arise when moving to a new area already inhabited.

Cultural Diffusion Spread of ideas, goods, technology, cultural traits from one society to another. Cultural Diffusion is often a major cause of change.

Trade Trade is any exchange of goods; it can be within a group or between groups. Trade encourages the spread of people, goods, and ideas. As a result people are able to use new and different products.

Conflict Armed conflicts occur either within a society or between societies. There are many reasons why armed conflict occurs: Civil Wars & Genocide International Conflicts Competition for Wealth & Resources Conflict over Ideals Terrorism

Civil Wars Civil Wars can occur for many reasons: Fights over: Scarce Resources, Political Power, Religious Differences, Between Ethnic Groups

Genocide When a dominant group tries to kill all or most of the members of a religious or ethnic group. Example: Holocaust during WWII, Hutus & Tutsis in Rwanda, Serbians & Muslims in Bosnia.

International Conflicts: Competition for Wealth & Resources In the 18th and early 19th century: Europeans fought each other over colonies around the world. Europeans and natives fought each other as well over lands claimed by Europe. See book for examples

International Conflicts: Conflict Over Ideals Countries sometimes go to war over ideas: In the 16th century fighting broke out between Protestants and Catholics across Europe. After WWII the United States and The Soviet Union engaged in a "Cold War" over differing ideologies about government forms. Actually broke out into fighting in Korea, Vietnam, and almost in Cuba.

Terrorism When a group does not feel strong enough to challenge a government openly they will resort to terrorist attacks. They use violence (suicide bombings, other violent attacks) to instill fear in the "enemies" population. Typically they demand some sort of concession from the enemy.

Impact Of Conflict Cultural changes caused by conflict: War can break societies apart. The collapse of one society by another taking control. The collapse of governments Conflict can lead to technological innovation with mixed outcomes. ( nuclear power, Anthrax)

Technological Innovations

Technology Technology- the use of materials, tools, and skills to meet human needs. Technological innovation- the development of new technology. You are going to create a timeline of technological innovation. So keep track of all dates mentioned!

2200 BC Hittites create first iron tools, harder and sharper weapons helped them conquer enemies BC- Compass invented in China, allows for better navigation, especially during voyages. 150 BC- Astrolabe first created, used to find latitudes, determine location later on AD- Gutenberg develops moveable type, allows for faster and less expensive printing of books.

Changes in Transportation & Energy Improvements in transportation and energy production have significantly modified the physical environment. 1700's Steam Engine invented, provides a power source and a means of transportation. Late 1890's-1900's airplanes and automobiles invented, greatly increases range of travel possible of people and goods.

Effects of Changes in Transportation Steamboat and railroad increased access to inner parts of continents especially in colonial Africa, the American West, and Asia. Leads to increase in cities, roads, railways, and shipping. Need for fuel leads to oil, coal, and natural gas exploration, drilling, and consumption up to the present day increasing airborne pollution.

Recent Technological Developments New Information Technologies- computers Internet, cellphones Global Positioning Systems- use to locate exact location on earth at any time. Graphic Information Systems- allow for the collection and study of many different types of data, helping to better inform decisions made by governments, business, etc... Air conditioning- by 1960's widespread in America, especially southern states.

Desalinization Method of removing salt from salt water to create fresh water. Useful in countries in desert climates or that only have access to salt water sources. Allows humans to adapt to previously inhospitable environments.

Agriculture 20th century- The invention of the tractor greatly increased the area a farmer can plant and harvest. Scientists have engineered better seeds, fertilizers, & pesticides to increase food output. Food production has doubled in the last 50 yrs.

Trade Global trade has increased because of innovations in: transportation, production, communication, etc... Access to goods made outside of home country greatly increased.

Medicine DNA discovered and mapped, helping cure diseases. Creation of vaccines helping prevent sickness, helping to fight diseases. CAT scans, MRI's, x- rays all help in diagnosis.