1. The United States Of America
Human Geography

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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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?