The United States and Canada Culture

The United States

A Diverse Society The United States is a nation of immigrants; therefore, there are multiple ethnic traditions and different races. Breakdown of the population: European Ancestry – 70% Hispanic Americans – 13% African Americans – 12% Asian Americans – 4% Native Americans – 1% The largest ethnic groups  English, German, Irish, African, French, Italian, Scottish, Polish and Mexican

Language and Religions English is the dominant language of the United States Spanish comes in as the second most common language in the US. Majority of immigrants will continue to speak their native language until they have learned English. Religious Freedom – cornerstone of American society There are over 1,000 different religious groups that practice their faith in the United States. The major religious groups in the United States include – Christians (Protestants and Roman Catholics), Jews, and Muslims.

The Arts and Popular Culture There is a rich artistic heritage due to the diverse population. The first artists – the Native Americans The Europeans brought their artistic traditions with them. The 19th century  major period of artistic development Seen in music, literature, painting and architecture Modern-Day  motion pictures and popular music are the two most influential art forms This form of entertainment is influential across the globe (cultural diffusion)

American Life Today The American Dream Where Americans Live Immigrants come to the United States looking or a better life for themselves and their children. Where Americans Live About 80 percent of Americans live in cities or surrounding suburbs First moved from rural areas to cities, then cities to suburbs Movement to the suburbs was made possible by automobiles

Sub-Regions – The Northeast Quick Facts There are nine states that are found in this region. The region covers about 5 percent of the nation’s land area, but is home to 20 percent of the country’s population. America’s Gateway The area received many of the first European settlers – considered the “gateway” to American lands. The region is highly industrialized and urbanized. A lot of the seaboard cities serve as international trade centers. The amount of natural resources available in the region allow for industrial growth and development. There has been a transition into manufacturing and service industries.

The Northeast “Rust Belt” – the declining and abandoned traditional industries Many of these industries have moved overseas or to warmer climates in the United States. Growth of the Megalopolis Megalopolis = a region in which several large cities and surrounding areas grow together The nation’s first megalopolis developed in the Northeast – “BosWash” It stretches through 500 miles of highly urbanized areas (from Boston to Washington, DC It contains one-sixth of the US population Rapid road, rail and air links are vital to its economic development and expansion

Sub-Regions – The Midwest Quick Facts: There are twelve states that make up the region. The land is also referred to as the “American Heartland” The region occupies about 20 percent of the land and 25 percent of the US population. Agricultural and Industrial Heartland The Midwest is often referred to as the “breadbasket”. The central location of the region makes it a trade, transportation, and distribution area. The waterways also make cities more accessible. Changing the Face of the Midwest The number of farms is declining; therefore, more jobs are in the service industries People and industries are moving away from the region to the South and West.

Sub-Regions – The South Quick Facts There are sixteen states in this region Eleven of the states were members of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Texas is sometimes considered a part of the Southwest (added with some states from the West). The Old South The region has some of the oldest American settlements. There is a mix of cultures that reflect the diversity of its settlers. British, African, Hispanic, Cajun and Creoles are some of the major groups. Sometimes referred to as part of the “sunbelt” because of the climate.

The South The New South The region’s humid subtropical climate hindered industrialization. Agriculture was the primary focus of South. Livestock activity was also prevalent in the region. Introduction of air conditioning (in 1950s) and the region’s energy resources gave a boost to industry - - - changed the cultural atmosphere in the region. Major industries are moving from the Midwest and the Northeast. New populations mean changes in culture.

Sub-Regions – The West Quick Facts Settling in the West The region is composed of thirteen states; it is composed of lands stretching from the Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean (and includes Alaska). The region covers 50 percent of the land area of the United States, but only 20 percent of the population. Settling in the West Same sort of settlement practices today as in the frontier days: wherever landforms and climates are most favorable. Limited the interaction between groups of people The region is the most rapidly growing area in the United States. The increasing population means an increase in the diversity present. Developing the West Growth of the region in the 20th century was aided with air conditioning and irrigation. Water supply allowed inland with the use of irrigation. Production of multiple goods and trade has also aided in the development of the region. The cultural diversity is allowed to prosper

Canada

The Atlantic Provinces These are the four eastern provinces – Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Harsh Lands and Small Populations This region is home to about 8 percent of Canada’s population. The majority of people live in coastal cities because of the rugged terrain and severe weather. People make a living using what is available to them  many depend on forestry and fishing industries

The Core Provinces This region is composed of the two provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The Heartland of Canada This region is often referred to as the heartland of Canada because of its importance socially, economically and politically. Three out of five Canadians live in this region. Most settlements are found along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. Two major culture are found in specific provinces of this region: Ontario – English-speaking majority Quebec – French-speaking Canadians

The Prairie Provinces There are three provinces that make up this region – Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Canada’s Breadbasket This region is connected to the Great Plains in the United States – meaning the land is fertile and plentiful. A Cultural Mix Diverse populations found in each province including : Manitoba – Scots-Irish, Germans, Scandinavians, Ukranians and Poles Saskatchewan – South and East Asians; metis Alberta – European immigrants and Indian, Japanese, Lebanese and Vietnamese The combination of cultures creates a varied culture, not specific to one group

Pacific Province and Territories This region is composed of British Columbia and three territories – Yukon Territory, Northwest Territory and Nunavut. This area makes up the western and northern parts of Canada. British Columbia More than half of the land is densely forested, making it difficult for human habitation. Most of the population is located in the southwest part of the province. The area relies on ports and trading, thereby introducing more cultures through the major port cities. The Territories The land of the territories accounts for 41 percent of the country’s land mass. However, they are sparsely populated (too sparse to be provinces). Major area – Nunavut It was carved out of the eastern territories in 1999 and is the home of the Canadian Inuit. The land is rugged but some of it is useful for economic purposes