Today in History October 3, : President Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day – Civil War – United people 117 million people celebrate 242 million turkeys $3.6 billion 931 pounds of pumpkins 13.8 pounds – average consumed by Americans Plymouth Rock: landing of 1 st pilgrims – 28 towns in U.S. 1990: East Germany & West Germany united to become Germany – 45 years after being split into 2 countries following WWII

Middle Eastern Life October 3, 2011

Goal of Middle East: reduce influence of West, BUT: – Buy goods from West – West own most factories/ oil Many turn to socialism – A.k.a. communism – Gov’t control of EVERYTHING – EX: Iraq, Syria, Iran Population growth HIGH – Triple in size in 30 years – Double in 24 years Problems with rapid pop. growth 1. Use more resources (water, wood, iron) 2. Limit land to live 3. Limited amount of water (desalination; irrigation) Egypt: encourage delay in marriage in hopes have LESS children

Oil Middle East has 60% of world’s oil Oil determines whether country WEALTHY or POOR Wealthy Hospitals Industry Beautiful cities HIGH standard of living Example: Kuwait – Free education & healthcare Growth of Cities Crowded/ jobs scarce Ex: Baghdad – 5 million people Western Influence Try to eliminate western influence Ex: Saudi Arabia/ Iran – Ban western music, TV, & movies

Women Veiled when leave home (Saudi Arabia/ Iran) Not all women in Middle East require women wear veils – Some women still prefer to wear Many marriages arranged High education growth Whether or not women work, responsible for housework & kids Education Very important/ $$ millions on schools More boys than girls (but growing) – Many think girls don’t need to read/ write Independence – Own laborers, engineers, doctors, teachers Education levels vary – From High illiteracy to High Education areas