1. S3 Modern Studies National 4/5 United States of America Population

2. Learning Objectives Today we will learn… 1.That America has a diverse multicultural society. 2.The reasons people migrate and continue to migrate to the US. 3.The various ethnic groups that make up the proportion of the American population.

3. Into the “Melting Pot” multiculturalsovereign The United States of America arguably has the most diverse, multicultural population of any sovereign country. America’s highly diverse population is the product of numerous and sustained waves of immigration. Ethnic and racial diversity - the "melting pot" - is celebrated as a core element of the American ideology. Sovereign: Self-governing Multicultural: a mix of different cultures

4. Population History The original people of north America, who made up several distinct groups of native Americans, went into decline with the arrival of settlers and now constitute a minority of the population. EnglandScotlandWalesIreland The early settlers came predominantly from the British Isles; England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. However, large numbers of black Africans were also taken to work as slaves to work the plantations of the Americas. Millions of Europeans also migrated in search of political freedom and economic opportunity constituting a third stage of immigration.

5. Why did people want to Go? two Reasons why people wanted to migrate to the US can be divided into two main factors; Push Factors: Push Factors: People moved to America to escape persecution and problems in their own country. – For example, – For example, 100,000 German Jews migrated following the accession to power of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi’s in the 1930s. Pull Factors: Pull Factors: People sought freedom, money and riches and were sold on the ‘American Dream’ ideal. – For example, – For example, Hispanics from the southern Americas are among those seeking what their predecessors wanted - the promise of prosperity and freedom.

6. Multicultural Society 324 million According to the US Census Bureau there are currently 324 million people living in the US. White Americans 78.1% White Americans are currently the largest ethnic group and make up 78.1% of the population. Latino/Hispanic Americans 16.7% Latino/Hispanic Americans make up the second largest ethnic group at 16.7% of the population. Black Americans 13.1% Black Americans are the third largest ethnic group making up 13.1% of the population. Native Americans 1.2% Native Americans account for 1.2% of the population Asian Americans 0.5% Asian Americans are the fifth most populous grouping accounting for 0.5% of the population. Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders 0.2% Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders are the least populous ethnic group making up 0.2% of the population.

7. Racial Distribution Map Ethnic groups in the US are not spread equally throughout the country. The following map shows how different ethnic groups are dispersed across the US. http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer

8. Racial Distribution White Americans White Americans are mainly populated in the North East states such as New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Although, there is sizable white population in all areas of the US. Latino/Hispanic Americans Latino/Hispanic Americans are most populous in costal states such as California and Florida or in States such as New Mexico and Texas that are situated along the US/Mexican border. Black Americans Black Americans are concentrated in southern states such as Tennessee and Georgia (former slave owning states). Asian/Pacific Island Americans Asian/Pacific Island Americans mainly settle in the West, particularly California. Historically, many Asian/Pacific Islanders were brought to the US to work on the Union Pacific Railway.

9. Task Complete the following table in your jotters: Ethnic Group % of Total Population Location White Americans 16.1 Special Reservations Asian Americans 0.2

10. Changing America 20.2% over the age of 65 The average age of the American population is getting older; in 2050 20.2% of Americans will be over the age of 65 (currently 13%). 46.3% The White American population is in decline and in 2050 it is expected to make up only 46.3%. 30%7.8% In contrast the Hispanic and Asian population is expected to increase in 2050 to 30% and 7.8% respectively.

11. Changing America (2) For the first time in US history half of all births come from ethnic or racial minority groups. Between July 2010 and July 2011 there were 4 million babies born in the US of which only 1.98 million where white. HispanicBlackAsianWhite Most American children under the age of one are more likely numerically to be Hispanic, Black or Asian than White. CaliforniaHawaiiNew MexicoTexas This population transformation can already be seen in states such as California, Hawaii, New Mexico and Texas where more than 50% of the population is made up of minority groups. MAJORITY-MINORITY STATES