The Geography of the United States
US Geography Basics Third largest country in the world. Half the size of Russia. One third the size of Africa. Half the size of South America. 2 ½ times the size of Western Europe.
50 States now exist
Settlement
Chesapeake Bay The first permanent European settlements are around this body of water
New England Settlements The Pilgrims will settle in New England
The 13 Colonies The colonies will all be settled along the eastern seaboard
Topography
What is Topography? The study of the earth’s surface This is the mountains and valleys Because of the topography of the U.S. expansion and settlement will be slow
Topography of the US
The Contour of the US
Rivers will make migration & farming easier St. Lawrence R. Columbia R. Missouri R. Hudson R. Potomac R. Mississippi R. Ohio R. Colorado R. Arkansas R. Rio Grande R. Yukon R.
Mountains slowed the expansion of the U.S. Adirondack Mts. Cascade Mts. Rocky Mts. Sierra Nevada Mts. ^ Mt. Whitney Appalachian Mts. ^ Pike’s Peak ^ Mt. McKinley Alaskan Range
Climate
Climate will also have an impact on the settlement of the U.S.
The Chesapeake Colonies Humid and Hot summers Mild Winters
New England Colonies Long cold Winters Short, mild Summers