Pre-ap geography chapter 5 –The United States & Chapter 6 - Canada Week of January 26th – 30th Geographic Regions of the USA

Physical Geography The United States is the third largest country in the world (Russia & Canada) The USA has 3 major physical geographical regions with unique features THE EAST AND THE SOUTH – low area, which is flat and close to sea level Atlantic Coastal Plain - Flat, close to sea level moving west it rises to a higher level called the Piedmont Appalachian Mountains - Main mountain range in the East; millions of years of erosion so that highest peak is about 6,700 feet (Mount Mitchell, NC 6,664 feet) INTERIOR PLAINS- Filled with hills, lakes, and rivers

Physical Geography INTERIOR PLAINS- Filled with hills, lakes, and rivers Great Lakes- The largest group of freshwater lakes in the world; important for trade between the United States and Canada. Mississippi- North America’s longest and most important river it has many tributaries - smaller streams or rivers that flow into a larger stream or river (Missouri and Ohio). These rivers deposit rich silt that creates the fertile farmlands of the Interior Plains. Great Plains - At higher elevation has vast areas of grasslands

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY WEST – Where several of the country’s most rugged mountain ranges are located Rocky Mountains - Enormous rugged mountain ranges that rise above 14,000 feet (Mount Elbert, CO 14,440 feet) Continental Divide - A line of high peaks in the Rocky Mountains. A continental divide - an area of high ground that divides the flow of rivers towards opposite ends of a continent. Rivers to the east empty into the Mississippi River and to the west into the Pacific Ocean. Alaska & Hawaii- At 20,320 feet, Alaska’s Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America. Hawaii formed by volcanoes millions of years ago.

Physical Geography

Climate of the Interior Plains region Physical geography Climate of the East and South region Northeast: Humid continental climate with snowy winters and warm, humid summers. South: Humid subtropical climate with milder winters and warm, humid summers. Florida: Warm all year Climate of the Interior Plains region Most of the region: A humid continental climate Great Plains: Hot and dry summers

Climate of the West region Physical Geography Climate of the West region West: Mostly dry Pacific Northwest coast: A wet, mild coastal climate Alaska: Sub-arctic and tundra climates Hawaii: A warm, tropical climate The United States

Physical Geography The USA is rich in natural resources such as farmland, oil, forests, and minerals. Alaska, California, Texas & Louisiana: oil The U.S. is a major oil producer but uses more oil than it produces. Appalachians and Rockies: minerals including coal. Coal supplies the energy for more than half of the electricity produced in the U.S. The U.S. has about 25 percent of the world’s coal reserves. Forests: lumber Farmlands: wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, fruits, and vegetables

The people and culture of the United States are very diverse European Descendants - About 7 out of every 10 people African Americans - African Americans live in every region, but southern states and many large cities have a higher percentage. Hispanic Americans - Many came from Mexico, Cuba, and other Latin American countries. Most live in the southwestern states that border Mexico. Asian Americans - Live mostly in California Native Americans - For thousands of years, Native Americans were the only people in the Americas. Today most live in the west, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico.

culture Language After English, Spanish is the most widely spoken language. About 17 million Americans speak Spanish. Over 50 million are bilingual, or speak two languages. Religion Most people are Christians. Some are Jewish or Muslim. A small percentage is Hindu or Buddhist. Many religious holidays: Christianity – Christmas & Easter; Judaism - Hanukkah, Yom Kippur, & Rosh Hashanah; Islam - Ramadan and the feast called ‘Id al-Fitr African Americans also celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday that is based on a traditional African festival.

culture Food & Music Diverse ethnic foods like Mexican tacos, Italian pasta, or Japanese sushi are now part of the American diet. Music from around the world have also influenced American culture. American musical styles include blues, jazz, rock, and hip hop. Popular Culture American culture, such as movies, television programs, and sports, are popular abroad. Examples - Star Wars seen by millions, baseball in Japan, Starbucks in almost every major city, and an MTV channel in Asia We didn't start the fire

The united states today The United States is grouped into four regions today—the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. The Northeast - Industrial and financial centers. Economy: banks, investment firms, insurance companies, respected universities. Rich farmland, coal, steel production, and fishing. Most densely populated region in the U.S. with 40 million people. Cities from Boston to Washington, D.C. form a megalopolis, or a string of large cities that have grown together. Cities founded in colonial era became important seaports.

The united states today The South - Rich farmlands grow cotton, tobacco, and citrus fruit. This region is becoming more urban and industrialized. Atlanta metropolis has grown from 1 million in 1960 to 4 million today. Research Triangle in North Carolina is growing high-tech area. Texas Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Rover areas have huge oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Important trade centers with Mexico and Central and South American countries. E.g., Miami

The united states today The Midwest - One of the most productive farming regions in the world Crops: corn, wheat, and soybeans. Dairy farms in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota Major cities are located near the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and the Great Lakes because products are easily shipped to and from these centers. Detroit, Michigan, is the country’s leading automobile producer. Chicago, Illinois, is the third largest city in the nation.

The united states today The West - Large open spaces with major cities on the Pacific Coast More than 10 percent of the nation lives in California, where farming, technology, and entertainment are important industries. Economy of other states: ranching and growing wheat. Mineral resources: coal, oil, gold, silver, copper, and others Oregon and Washington: forestry and fishing Seattle: Washington’s largest city with many industries. Alaska: oil, forests, and fish Hawaii: pineapple, sugarcane, and tourism

The united states today The United States has a strong economy and a powerful military but is facing the challenge of world terrorism. Economy - Largest economy in the world. Many natural resources, modern technologies, and jobs Beneficial trade with Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and Europe 1992: The North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, has made trade easier with Mexico and Canada.

The united states today Military A powerful military to protect the U.S. Helps other countries defend themselves Terrorism September 11, 2001: Terrorists hijacked four American jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The hijackers wanted to disrupt the U.S. economy with terrorism, or violent attacks that cause fear. President George W. Bush declared war on terrorism and established the Department of Homeland Security.

The united states today Terrorism The U.S. sent forces to Afghanistan to kill or capture members of al Qaeda, a terrorist group, and established a new democratic government in the country. 2003: Bush believed Iraq was another threat and ordered an invasion of Iraq. World leaders are working with the U.S. to combat terrorism. 9/11 - New York 9/11 - Pentagon World Tribute to 9/11 World Reaction II President Bush Addresses the Nation

Pre-AP Geography Chapter 6 – Canada Canada's Geography

Canada – Physical Geography A huge country (2nd Largest), Canada has a wide variety of physical features, including rugged mountains, plains, and swamps. Canada and the U.S. share many physical features. The mountains along the Pacific coast and the Rocky Mountains extend north into western Canada. Broad plains stretch across the interiors of both countries.

Canada – Physical Geography Canada and the U.S. share many physical features. Both countries border the St. Lawrence River, which links the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The Niagara Falls, located between Ontario and New York State, plunge an average of 162 feet between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Canada – Physical Geography Canada has a region of rocky uplands, lakes, and swamps called the Canadian Shield, which covers about half the country. Canadian land bordering the Arctic Ocean is covered with ice year- round. Very few people live here, but some wildlife have adapted to the harsh environment.

Canada – Physical Geography Canada’s location greatly influences the country’s climate. Located far from the equator Cool to freezing temperatures year-round The farther north, the colder the climate. Much of central and northern Canada has a sub-arctic climate. The far north has tundra and ice cap climates.

Canada – Physical Geography Canada’s location greatly influences the country’s climate. About half of Canada lies in these extremely cold climates. Central and eastern southern Canada is humid and relatively mild. The coast of British Columbia is the mildest. The Pacific coast brings rainy winters and mild temperatures. Inland southern Canada is colder and drier.

Canada – Physical Geography

Canada – Physical Geography Canada is rich in natural resources like fish, minerals, fertile soil, and forests. Fishing Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coastal waters are among the world’s richest fishing areas. Grand Banks - Off the Atlantic coast where the Cold waters from the Labrador Sea meet the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Ideal for the growth of tiny organisms, or plankton where Large schools of fish gather to eat the plankton. (Recent over-fishing)

Canada – Physical Geography MINERALS The Canadian Shield has many mineral deposits. World’s main source of nickel, zinc, and uranium. Other resources: lead, copper, gold, and silver Saskatchewan: potash, a mineral used to make fertilizer Alberta: oil and natural gas Forest Vast areas of forests from Labrador to the Pacific coast provide lumber and pulp. Pulp—softened wood fibers—is used to make paper. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan get much of their newsprint from Canada. Newsprint is cheap paper used mainly for newspapers. Canada

Canada – History & Culture Beginning in the 1600s, Europeans settled the region that would later become Canada. Native Canadians The First Nations: The Cree hunted bison on the Interior plains. The Inuit hunted seals, whales, and walruses in the far north. Today, Canada has about 400,000 Indians and Inuit. European Settlers Vikings settled on Newfoundland in AD 1000, but abandoned settlements. 1400s: Other European settlers arrived. Europeans traded metal goods like axes and guns for furs that Native Canadians supplied.

Canada – History & Culture New France 1608: The French established Quebec City. At its height, New France included much of eastern Canada and central United States. New France was part of the French Empire. To defend New France against the British, the French established good trade and diplomatic relations with Native Canadians. French missionaries also converted people to Christianity. After 150 years, the British defeated the French, but the cultural legacy remained.

Canada – History & Culture British Conquest Mid-1700s: The British took control of New France after winning the French and Indian War. Most French stayed. French & Indian War The British divided Quebec into two colonies and established part of the border between today’s provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Provinces are administrative divisions of a country. Few English-speaking settlers came to Quebec. Nova Scotia was divided. The new British colony of New Brunswick was created.

Canada – History & Culture Creation of Canada Each colony developed separately at first. 1867: Parliament created the Dominion of Canada. 1885: The transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway was built to connect British Columbia, on the Pacific Coast, with provinces in the east. Canada acquired new lands in the north, mainly by buying them from the Hudson’s Bay Company, a fur-trading business. Canada also signed treaties with Native Canadians.

Canada – History & Culture

Canada – History & Culture Immigration and migration to cities have shaped Canadian culture Immigration Late 1800s/early 1900s: Immigrants arrived from Europe and the U.S. to farm and work in mines, factories, and forests. 1897: Discovery of gold in the Yukon Territory lured more immigrants. Chinese immigrants came to work on the railroad. Early 1900s: Economic boom Quebec, New Brunswick, and Ontario produced wheat, pulp, and paper. British Columbia and Ontario supplied minerals and hydroelectricity. 1940s: Canada enjoyed one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Canada – History & Culture Movement to cities After WWII: New immigration from Europe Many settled in cities. Toronto became one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world with people from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin American, and Asia. Recently, Canadians have moved To cities in Ontario to find jobs To Vancouver, British Columbia for jobs and climate Political and economic centers are Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal.

Canada Today Canada’s Government Democratic government led by a prime minister (head of Government-Elected) who oversees the parliament. Queen Elisabeth II of Great Britain is Head of State (Ceremonial Position) Parliament: House of Commons (lower House) and the Senate (Upper House) People elect members of the House of Commons. Prime minister appoints members of the Senate. Ten provincial governments are led by premiers. (Like our governors) Provincial and central system is similar to U.S. state and federal system. Canadian Government

Canada’s physical geography splits the country into Four regions. Canada Today Canada’s physical geography splits the country into Four regions. Cultural differences between French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians also leads to regionalism. In Canada, most people speak English, except in Quebec Province where the official language is French. Regionalism is the strong connection that people feel toward the region in which they live. Some Canadians have a stronger connection to their region than to the country as a whole.

Canada Today Canada’s Regions The Eastern Provinces Includes Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, & Prince Edward Island are called the Maritime Provinces) Maritime means on or near the sea. Short growing season, so economy relies mostly on forestry and fishing Both English and French-speaking people & Most people live in coastal cities. Cities are industrial, fishing, and shipping centers. Halifax, in Nova Scotia, is the region’s largest city. Eastern Provinces

Canada Today The Heartland Includes Quebec and Ontario Most urbanized region French-speaking Montreal in Quebec is Canada’s second largest city. Many residents of Quebec, or Quebecois, argue that Quebec should be independent or be given special privileges. Ontario has a larger population than Quebec and is the manufacturing center. Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is an industrial, financial, educational, and cultural center. Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is in Ontario. Ontario Quebec

Canada Today The Western Provinces Includes the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta and British Columbia More people live in Quebec than in all the prairie provinces. Wheat, oil, and natural gas production are important industries. British Columbia - Four million people Resources: forests, salmon, and minerals Vancouver is a coastal city that trades with Asia. Western Provinces

Canada Today Canadian North The Canadian North Includes Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut Extremely cold due to location near Arctic Circle Only 100,000 people although this region covers more than a third of Canada. Nunavut is a new territory for the 30,000 native Inuit people who live there. Mostly forest, tundra, and towns isolated by frozen waters of the Arctic Ocean. Canadian North

Canada Today Industries One of world’s leading mineral producers: titanium, zinc, iron ore, gold, and coal Iron and steel industry supports plane, car, and household appliance manufacturing industries. Tourism is a fast-growing service industry. Trade Canada’s economy depends on trade. Canada and the U.S. have the world’s largest trading relationship. 60 percent of Canada’s imports are from the United States. 85 percent of Canada’s exports goes to the United States Recent issues include a tariff on Canadian lumber and a 2003 case of mad cow disease.