human geography the united states of america. espn: a framework for studying countries economic...
TRANSCRIPT
Human Geography
The United States Of America
ESPN: A Framework For Studying Countries
EconomicSocialPoliticalENvironmental
Economic Social
Political ENvironmental
U.S. Economies
What specifically influences the economic makeup of the United States?
Natural ResourcesMeans of ProductionMass of MarketsAdvent 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.
NortheastSource of much of the U.S.’s raw materialsRiver systems were important for production and refinement of raw materials, as well as their transportation
MidwestSource of much of the U.S.’s agricultural productionLarge arable tracts of land are used for farming (corn, wheat) and husbandry (dairy, porcine, wool)
SouthHistorically agricultural (non-subsistence crops like cotton, tobacco)New industries revolving around mineral wealth and services
WestSource of many raw materials and fuelsAlso used for some husbandry and agriculture
Economic Infrastructure
Large emphasis put on commercial transportation
Interstate HighwaysRivers and canal systemsRailroadsPort cities
Necessity for communicationMost global business relies on to-the-minute informationCellular and satellite coverageInternet connections and Wi-Fi
Global Economies
Exports/ImportsMajority of U.S. business has to deal with the exportation and importation of goods to markets around the globe and here at homeWho 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
MovementWestward Expansion was hindered or aided by several geographic features
Mountain RangesAppalachian Mountains were the boundary of the 13 ColoniesRocky Mountains prevented efficient contact with Pacific Coast
RiversMississippi River was America’s first superhighwayLewis and Clark used the Missouri and Columbia Rivers to navigate the West
DesertsMojave Desert and Death Valley proved difficult to cross for many settlers
Environmental Interaction
Economic UsesRivers and Canals are used extensively for commercial trade and energyMountains are mined extensively for their mineral wealthAquifers are tapped to provide agricultural supportEven the wind is utilized to generate green energy
Cultural UsesAir Conditioning allows comfortable living in arid environmentsInsulation and central heating allow settlements at higher latitudes and elevations
Foldable Activity