The U.S. in a Global Era ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What impact has American popular culture had on the rest of the world?
TEKS and Objectives I will… We will… (10F) describe significant social issues (13B) analyze the causes and effects of changing demographic patterns resulting from legal and illegal immigration to the U.S. (18B) identify the impact of multinational corporations (27A) explain the effects of scientific discoveries and technological innovations such as computers on the economic development of the U.S. (27B) explain how specific needs result in scientific discoveries and technological innovations in medicine (28A) analyze how scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and the application of these by the free enterprise system improve the standard of living the U.S. (28C) understand how the free enterprise system drives technological innovation and its application in the marketplace such as cell phones, inexpensive personal computers, and global positioning products Describe how Americans have influenced the rest of the world in this global era
Technological innovation inventing a product/process Requires creativity Producing or implementing it Requires resources/organization United States World leaders in technological innovations Free Enterprise system provides incentives (profits) for creativity
Medicine and Health Medical Innovations Genetic Engineering Drugs developed to slow down effects of HIV/AIDS Currently working to find cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, etc. Genetic Engineering Cloning biological genes is now possible
The Computer Revolution Information Technology (IT) Silicon chips launched a technological revolution Silicon Valley (CA) Home to millions of jobs in manufacturing, programming, and services Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Google, etc.
The Global Economy Multinational Corporation Globalization McDonald’s, Disney, Wal-Mart, Apple Employ millions at home and abroad Globalization Technological innovations faster transportation and communication Foreign countries provide cheap labor, lax environmental laws, and lower taxes Creates competition and lower prices (i.e. cars)
Managing the Environment Global Warming Pollutants trap heat on Earth Greenhouse effect raises temperatures to dangerous levels Acid Rain Pollutants turn into acids washed out of air when it rains Erosion of the Ozone Layer Ultraviolet radiation can cause cancer Water Pollution Crowded cities lead to increased sewage that contaminates water
Changes in American Demography Study of population U.S. Population 3rd largest in the world Shifting from Northeast to West
The Immigration Issue Legal Immigrants Illegal Immigrants Those who receive visas for permanent residence Illegal Immigrants People who cross the border/land on shores without permission Some enter legally but overstay their temporary permits
The Immigration Issue Role in the U.S. Often work for low wages in agriculture, construction, landscape, or domestic services Some don’t pay taxes Some require social services (school, healthcare) Some have children who are American citizens Central issue in American politics