Political Landscapes: Barriers and Walls in the 20th and 21st Century AP Human Geography

Directions Use the graphic organizer provided to document information about important barriers/walls built by countries to establish their borders. This graphic organizer will help you answer one of the FRQ’s found on the Unit Exam.

The Mexico/US Border

The Border The Mexico–United States border is an international border running from Imperial Beach, California, and Tijuana, Baja California, in the west to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and Brownsville, Texas, in the east. 1,969 miles long

Purpose to slow/control the flow of illegal immigrants/goods from Mexico

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Pm8q8OExM

The Berlin Wall

Another Cold War crisis Background East – West rivalry Berlin divided – contrast the two halves. WEST: Prosperous, helped by US, attracted people from the East. Seen by USSR as ‘infection’ in the heart of Communist East Germany. EAST: Much less prosperous and under Communist control

What they wanted The West Prevent USSR from gaining control of East Germany To see a united, democratic Germany The East Maintain control over E Germany Make the West recognise it as an independent state Stop the flood of refugees especially the skilled and professional ones – much needed in E Germany

Purpose of Wall to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szjFKADu69U

North Korea/South Korea Demilitarized Zone

PER CAPITA GDP $1,800 Many still suffering from lack of food SOUTH PER NORTH PER CAPITA GDP $1,800 Many still suffering from lack of food SOUTH PER CAPITA GDP $32,020 ECOMONY GROWING RAPIDLY

Leadership in N. and S. Korea Kim Jong-un is the supreme leader of North Korea. He is the son of Kim Jong-il. Park Geun-hye is the eleventh and current President of South Korea. She is the first woman to be elected as President in South Korea

The two countries are separated by the DMZ (demilitarized zone) at the 38th parallel. 38th Parallel - line of latitude (38 degrees North) that separates communist North Korea from democratic South Korea. DMZ – Demilitarized Zone- a weapons-free zone between North Korea and South Korea; no weapons or troops are permitted in this zone, although each side is heavily guarded to prevent invasion by the other; it has also been made into a wildlife sanctuary in hopes that might deter either side from becoming aggressive

Purpose of the DMZ to act as a buffer zone in order to reduce the likelihood of violence between North and South Korea

North Korea Population: 24.5 million 57% urban South Korea Population: 50 million 80% urban SATELLITE IMAGES AT NIGHT

Video: Escape from North Korea http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/06/opinion/escape-from-north-korea.html?_r=0

Social/Political Consequences Increased tension between neighboring countries or among citizens within a “walled” country (e.g., East Berlin) Increased isolation (reduction in the diffusion of culture) Stigmatizing of excluded population (either internally or externally) Promotes nationalism, reduces foreign influences, increases xenophobia Illegal crossing of the border becomes more dangerous Separation of families, friends, relatives, cultural groups Increased protection/security from either real or perceived threat Reduced face-to-face interaction between people of neighboring countries Increased virtual communication between people of neighboring countries Reduced migration

Economic Consequences Cost of construction, maintenance, staffing Creates jobs: construction, maintenance, staffing Reduction in flow of illegal goods Reduction in flow of illegal labor and potential savings in social costs Loss of job opportunities for those excluded, less money earned/sent home, reverse remittances Loss of cheap labor Increased cost of smuggling (humans, drugs, other goods) Reduced seasonal migration

Now work with a partner to answer this FRQ: a. Identify 2 examples of walls or other barriers built by countries in the 20th and 21st centuries. (5 pts) b. Explain the purpose of one of the examples you identified in part a. (10 pts) c. For each of the categories listed below, discuss one consequence (positive or negative) faced by countries as a result of walls or other barriers established along their borders. (10 pts) social or political economic