Ch 6 Sec 1 Cultural Geography of the United States & Canada

The U.S. has been influenced by Asians some 20,000 years ago, Native Americans, European settlement, & modern industrialization. Canada has been shaped by European immigration & its physical geography.

Population Patterns Reasons for U.S. immigration: Political freedoms Religious freedoms Better economic opportunities Fleeing a war &/or natural disaster

Most populated U.S. areas: Northeast Great Lakes regions Pacific coast (sunbelt) *US has experienced urbanization, in coastal areas

1924 1973

Metropolis – is one city with at least 50,000 people Megalopolis- is a chain of cities linked together, example is Richmond Va. to Boston Mass. San Diego

Least populated U.S. areas: Subarctic region of Alaska Parts of the Great Plains Great Basin

History and Government U.S. history has been influenced by: Native Americans European colonization A war for independence against Great Britain 4.The creation of a new gov

5. Westward expansion 6. Industrial growth 7. Technological changes

The Underground Railroad Informal network of safe houses

Modern U.S. challenges include: Terrorism War Oil dependency

Brandon Denny, 9, a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing

Immigration has influenced the diversity & culture of the U.S. U.S. Culture Immigration has influenced the diversity & culture of the U.S. - Different aspects of culture in the U.S.: Language—mainly English Religion—mainly Christian Education—public or private schools are available

Health care - many people cannot afford health care in the U.S The arts - mid-1800s the U.S. started to develop its own form of art, such as jazz. Family life - many families enjoy a high standard of living due to the wealth in the U.S