The United States Of America Human Geography

ESPN: A Framework For Studying Countries Economic Social Political ENvironmental Economic Social Political ENvironmental

U.S. Economies What specifically influences the economic makeup of the United States? Natural Resources Means of Production Mass of Markets Advent of Quaternary Sectors What elements of our economy are representative of a free market? What elements of our economy are representative of a socialist system?

Economic Regions of the U.S. Northeast Source of much of the U.S.’s raw materials River systems were important for production and refinement of raw materials, as well as their transportation Midwest Source of much of the U.S.’s agricultural production Large arable tracts of land are used for farming (corn, wheat) and husbandry (dairy, porcine, wool) South Historically agricultural (non-subsistence crops like cotton, tobacco) New industries revolving around mineral wealth and services West Source of many raw materials and fuels Also used for some husbandry and agriculture

Economic Infrastructure Large emphasis put on commercial transportation Interstate Highways Rivers and canal systems Railroads Port cities Necessity for communication Most global business relies on to-the-minute information Cellular and satellite coverage Internet connections and Wi-Fi

Global Economies Exports/Imports Majority of U.S. business has to deal with the exportation and importation of goods to markets around the globe and here at home Who saw the news report that we are close to becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum? Who do we import many of our goods from? Who do we export to? What do we export to other countries? What do we import?

Environment Movement Westward Expansion was hindered or aided by several geographic features Mountain Ranges Appalachian Mountains were the boundary of the 13 Colonies Rocky Mountains prevented efficient contact with Pacific Coast Rivers Mississippi River was America’s first superhighway Lewis and Clark used the Missouri and Columbia Rivers to navigate the West Deserts Mojave Desert and Death Valley proved difficult to cross for many settlers

Environmental Interaction Economic Uses Rivers and Canals are used extensively for commercial trade and energy Mountains are mined extensively for their mineral wealth Aquifers are tapped to provide agricultural support Even the wind is utilized to generate green energy Cultural Uses Air Conditioning allows comfortable living in arid environments Insulation and central heating allow settlements at higher latitudes and elevations

Foldable Activity Under Economic Under ENvironment Answer these questions: What types of economic activity does the U.S. participate in? What three physical features have impacted our settlements? Is our economy more Socialist or Free Enterprise? Which features were impediments? Which were aids? What does each region of the U.S. produce economically? How do we use the environment for economic gains? How do we transport our goods? How do we adapt to the environments in the U.S.? Who are our main import/export partners?