History and Culture of the United States

The Beginning of America Ancestor’s of today’s American Indians first settled North America 14,000 years ago – Crossed land bridge that linked Asia and Alaska Spanish explorers reached America around 500 years ago, soon followed by the French and the English

What’s in a name???? Early settlement of the United States can be seen in many of our place-names Many Native American place- names are still used today – Appalachians, from the Apalachee tribe – Mississippi, Algonquian word for “great river” – Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, North/South Dakota- originate from Indian words Spanish explorers moved into TX, NM, and CA – San Antonio, El Paso, Sante Fe, Los Angeles French explorers traveled the Mississippi River creating: – New Orleans, St. Louis, and Detroit British empire setting the east creating places: – New York, Richmond, and Charleston

Colonial History British were the major influence on our history 1600s-13 colonies! Most of the colonial settlements were ports located on natural harbors or on navigable rivers Developed regional economies – South-tobacco and cotton – North- trade, shipbuilding, and fishing By Colonists were tired of British control – Led a successful rebellion against colonial rule – We are independent!!!

Independence and Westward Expansion After independence- set up a federal system of government – Power is divided between local, state, and national gov’t – Power rests with the people 1800s- Americans migrated westward in search of better farmland – By 1830 we have made it to Texas – California gold rush!! Government encouraged movement west- gave land away for free Ran into conflicts with the Indians- pushed Indians from their land and farther west onto reservations

Economic Development Northeastern US was industrializing Industries and railroads spread South- based on export crops – Plantations ran the south using slave labor Economic differences of North and South led to the Civil War remember this After the Civil War, rapid westward migration occurred due to the transcontinental railroad 1869 Railroads made it easier to get away from rivers and machinery made farming easier Vast development of the US made it more attractive to people to migrate to the country’s growing cities

The 1900s US experienced major social, economic, and technological changes World War s- Great Depression World War II 1950s-1990s- Cold War (bitter conflict with the Soviets)

The Melting Pot America’s Culture Due to our history of immigration, our culture includes traditions, foods, and beliefs from all over the world More than 99% of Americans are either immigrants or the descendants of immigrants – Most with European descent – 12% have African origin – A little more than 12% are Hispanics and Asians (largest growing groups) American Indians make up less that 1% of the population English is the main language but the US has no official language – Spanish is the second most widely spoken language

Religion More than 1,200 religious groups Immigrants introduced many of these religions Christianity is the major religion in the country – More than 50% are Protestants: Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists – 25% Roman Catholic Christians – Some 6 million Jews live in America (more than Israel!) – The number of people practicing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam are growing

Settlement and Land Use Population of the US is concentrated in the Northeast – Reflects country’s settlement People have started to move away from the Rust Belt and move to the Sun Belt (warm areas of South and West) Settlement patterns also reflect land use – Most densely populated areas: Urban areas – Less populated areas: farmlands and ranch areas

Education Helped create a high standard of living Education is free and is required of all citizens More than 3000 colleges are located in the country Many students come from around the world to study in the United States

Arts, Customs, and Traditions The US helped pioneer the development of motion pictures First country to build skyscrapers Our great authors include: Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, Ernest Hemingway, Maya Angelou… all world known

Musical Styles Our many ethnic groups have inspired musical styles – Africans brought West African music – Europeans brought instruments and harmonies – Jazz was created from the blending of European and African music… Began in New Orleans Other music that began in United States – Blues, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Rap

Most widely celebrated holidays: Christmas, Easter, which reflect America’s Christian heritage Americans celebrate July 4 th One tradition Americans enjoy is watching and playing sports – Baseball, basketball, football, etc.. Traditions