Chapter 6

Cultural Geography of

the United States and Canada

The United States

• May have a wider range of ethnic groups than most other countries in the world

• “Melting pot of the world”

• Most diverse population in the world

Population Patterns

• Immigration- is the movement of people into one country from another.

• Over 300 million people live in the U.S.

• Mostly immigrants- our forefathers were immigrants to this country

Population Patterns

• People come to the United States seeking jobs, educational opportunities, and career opportunities.

• Others seek refuge from difficult political situations

• In 2004, 11.7% of the U.S. population was foreign born

Density and Distribution

• Approximate population density is 80 people per square mile

• Out of large urban areas, the population is widely distributed

• Great lakes and northeast are the most densely populated

• Sub-arctic region and the arid Great plains are the least densely populated

Density and Distribution

• 1970s– American south and Southwest became the

fast growing area– Sunbelt- nickname for this area due to its mild

climate– The areas proximity to Mexico and the

Caribbean make it a prime location for immigrants

Urban Areas

• Urbanization- the movement of people from rural areas to the city– Cities grew when agriculture became

mechanized and required less workers

• Metropolitan area- includes a city of at least 500,000 people

• Suburbs- outlying communities near a city• Urban sprawl- spread of people and

suburban development

Population

• Most of the population is located near coastal areas where the economy is linked to world trade

• Megalopolis- a chain of closely linked metropolitan areas

• Pacific coast cities provide important links to Asian economies

History and Government

• US. Has been influenced by:– Native Americans – European colonization– A war for independence– Creation of a new government– Westward expansion– Industrial growth

Early America

• Nomads crossing a bridge from Asia became the first people to America thousands of years ago

• Native Americans settled throughout North, central, and South America.

• 1500s- English and French began to settle in these areas and begin farming

Early America

• 1700s– Britain controlled the Atlantic coast; set up 13 colonies– New England

• Rocky soil, short growing season, abundant timber

– Middle• Fertile soil, mild winters, warm summers for growing cash

crops

– Southern• Mild climate, rich soils, promoted plantation agriculture

Early America

• 1763- France was forced to give up its American empire to Britain

• British Government angered the colonists leading to a revolution

• The U.S. Government is a federal republic

• 3 separate and equal branches– Executive, Legislative, Judicial

Growth, Division, and Unity

• 1800s- industrialization transformed the United States

• Midwest became a leading center of industry due to large supplies of coal

• Textile industry made cotton a major cash crop in the South

• Underground Railroad- an informal network of safe houses

Technological Change

• 1800s- U.S. government encouraged settlement of the Great Plains to ease overcrowding in Eastern city

• Dry farming- a method of cultivating land to catch and hold rainwater

• Railroads– Chinese, Irish, Mexican and other immigrants

• World Wars spurred economic growth

Modern Challenges

• September 11, 2001- terrorism became a major concern for the United States

• We invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March of 2003

• The War in Iraq continues

Culture

• Language and religion– English is the main language in the U.S.– Bilingual- learn to speak English in addition to

their native language• Growing Latino population has made Spanish the

second most common language

– Many religions have flourished in America• Christians, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and

Buddhism

Education and Health Care

• Education is built on a network of public and private schools– Literacy rate- the percentage of people who

can read and write (97%)???

• Healthcare costs are rising

• Many people have trouble affording insurance

• Universal Healthcare is being debated

The Arts

• First Americans– Integrated art, music, storytelling into daily life

• 1800s– People began to create art forms that reflected their

own lives and cultures– Jazz- blends African rhythms with European

harmonies

• Los Angeles- Hollywood (movie business)• New York- Broadway (theatrical productions)

Family Life

• Many people in the U.S. enjoy a high standard of living

• Married couples make up about 50% of all households

• 44% have children under the age of 18

• Average age of a person is 36 years old in 2004

Section 2

Canada

Population Patterns

• The People– Immigrants came to Canada in search of:

• Political and religious freedom• Economic and educational opportunities• Refuge of war

– Loyalists- colonists who wished to remain loyal to the British Government moved to Canada

– Province- is a political unit similar to a state

Density and Distribution

• 90% of the population live along the U.S./Canadian border

• Average population density is 8 people per square mile

• More densely populated areas are found near water and lakes

• Prairie Providences- Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta

Urban Areas

• Toronto- Canada’s largest city– Industrial and financial center

• Montreal- industrial and shipping center

• Vancouver- handles nearly all trade between Canada and Asia

• Edmonton- grew because of the petroleum industry

History and Government

• Early Inhabitants and Settlers– 1400s- Europeans arrived– Native population died due to disease brought

by the Europeans– John Cabot and Jacques Cartier helped

establish European claims– French were allowed to keep their language,

religion, and systems of laws • Quebec Act

A United Government

• Canada is a constitutional monarchy

• Dominion- a partially self-governing country with close ties to Great Britain

• Parliament- part of the Canadian government that includes the Senate and House of Commons

Expansion and Diversity

• The British government encouraged immigration to Canada– 1 million Britain immigrants arrived

• Quebecois- Quebec’s French speaking inhabitants

• Klondike Gold Rush- led to widespread immigration from other parts of the world

• Westward expansion came at a price as Native Americans were pushed off their land

Modern Challenges

• Trade is thriving between the U.S. and Canada• North American Free Trade Agreement

(NAFTA)- eliminated tariffs and other trade barriers

• Canadians struggle to maintain a separate identity

• Separatism- the breaking away of one part of a country to create a separate independent country

Culture

• Language and Religion– Two official languages (English and French)– Christians make up the largest religious group– Numerous other religions are practiced which

shows the nations diverse immigrant populations

Education and Healthcare

• Literacy rate of 97%• Each providence is responsible for

organizing and administering public education

• Public health care system so everyone has access to high quality medical treatment

• Cost is increasing- so taxes must be raised and benefits limited

The Arts

• Influenced by the British, French, American, and native cultures

• Immigrant population has added to the variety of the arts

• Toronto is a major area for theater and music– Toronto Symphony Orchestra and National

Ballet of Canada call Toronto home

Family Life

• One of the wealthiest countries in the world

• 65% of the population own cars

• Married couples make up 70% of the population

• 60% have children under the age of 18

• 1 in 6 Canadians are 65 or older