Chapter 6 A Profile of the United States

Focus Question What is the difference between cultural convergence and cultural divergence?

Why is the U.S. lucky to have multiple climate zones? Focus Question Why is the U.S. lucky to have multiple climate zones?

In Comparison The U.S is a large nation Wealthy Nation 4th in area 3rd in population Wealthy Nation Highest GNP in the world Why are we wealthy Natural Resources Innovations in transportation Innovations in communication Respect for Individual Freedom

Abundance of Natural Resources Farming Land is abundant Homestead Act Department of Agriculture ¼ population live in rural regions $50 billion/year

Abundance of Natural Resources Forestry Produces an array of materials South, and Northwest Northwest produces the most timber Renewable resource

Abundance of Natural Resources Underground Resources Coal 1/5 world supply Used in many industries Nonrenewable Natural Gas Alaska Oil

Abundance of Natural Resources Minerals Gold Zinc Copper Lead Titanium Uranium

Moving Resources, Goods and People Travel Over Water 1800’s Water travel begins Steam Engines Today's Cargo ships Movement over Land Railroads Transcontinental Railroad Early 1900’s Model T 1950’s highways

Communication Technology Beginning Snail Mail Telegraph 1837 1915 telephone Today Computers Cell phones Fax Email

Section 2

Respecting Individual Freedoms Free Enterprise Individuals own, operate, and profit from their own businesses in competitive markets Race, gender, and age does not play a role in Free Enterprise Many immigrants are drawn b/c of free Enterprise

Why is the United States a wealthy nation? Focus Question Why is the United States a wealthy nation?

Questions to think about Race, gender, and age does not play a role in Free Enterprise Is that completely true? Many immigrants are drawn b/c of free Enterprise What are the positives and negatives of that?