Human Geography

The United States Of America

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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