REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES

1. REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES

2. REGIONS U.S. Government (census bureau) divides the country into four regions. Remember: REGION-divides world into units based on similar characteristics. Formal-designated by official boundaries. ex. states, Gobi Desert Functional-designed for a job. ex. Airport Perceptional-based on idea or thoughts. ex. Dirty south

3. NORTHEAST(ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA)

4. GEOGRAPHY • fewer natural resources (COAL) • rocky soil (FARMING DIFFICULT) • steep hills • maple syrup

5. CLIMATE • warm, humid summers • snowy, bitterly cold winters

6. PEOPLE • Many cities that have high population density. • Europeans settled area in search of religious liberty. • Legacy of education (Yale, Brown, MIT) • Melting pot of new immigrants from Europe. • Largest ethnic groups today=Italian, Irish, Puerto Rican, African American

7. ECONOMY • financial industry (stock market)* • manufacturing • trade (due to harbors) • fishing (crabs, clams, oysters, fish, lobster)

8. MID-WEST (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI)

9. GEOGRAPHY • Relatively flat with plains and small hills • Abundant natural resources (COAL, STEEL, OIL)

10. CLIMATE VARIES* Illionis/Indiana- wetter and warmer Great Plain states- dry Northern states- cooler Super cells which cause tornados are coming in the spring and summer. *The differences in climate and soil effect farmers growing season.

11. ECONOMY • Exporting of farm products (wheat, corn, soybeans) • Other agriculture-dairy cattle, hogs • Manufacturing-steel mills, auto industry, railroad. • Financial-Chicago Board of Trade *Known as the breadbasket because the regions farmers are among the worlds most productive.

12. PEOPLE • Mostly Christian • Large African American population in major cities (jazz and blues influence)

13. WEST (AL, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, NV, NM, MT,OR, UT, WY, WA)

14. GEOGRAPHY • Mississippi River forms the easternmost boundary for the west. • Colorado River is major source of water. • Several mountain ranges that capture moisture and create precipitation (Rocky, Cascades, Mt. St. Helens,) • Several dry areas beyond mountains (Mojave, Death Valley)

15. GEOGRAPHY CONTINUED • Natural resources include: gold, sliver, uranium. • Many areas lack adequate water. • Pacific states are the most volcanically active areas. (Ring of Fire)

16. CLIMATE • Most of region is arid or semi-arid. • Hawaii has a wet tropical climate and tropical rain forest. • Alaska is mostly tundra, a cold, dry treeless plain.

17. PEOPLE • Manifest Destiny • Cowboy culture created during the early 20th century. • Hawaii has largest Asian population. • Largest Native American population. • Utah history of religious polygamy & Mormanism • Issues: illegal immigration, race riots • Large Mexican American populations

18. ECONOMY • Fishing • Forestry • Mining Many towns grew when he 1st transcontinental railroad was completed making Los Angeles the 2nd largest city in the country. Alaska is the largest state but smallest in population. Many places can only be reached by boat or plane.

19. SOUTH (TX, OK, AK, LA, KY, TN, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, WV, VA, DC, MD, DE)

20. GEOGRAPHY • Rich soil • Access to Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico • Wetlands and swamps provide for unique vegetation and wildlife.

21. CLIMATE • Warmer than other regions* • Zones: temperate, sub-tropical, tropical and arid. Hurricanes in late summer early autumn are common. • *Known as the sunbelt.

22. PEOPLE • History of slavery and segregation • Native American culture flourished until approx 1500AD • French and Spanish influence from historical purchases. • Christian influences brought by white settlers.

23. ECONOMY • Space industry • Oil industry • Farming (tobacco, rice, cotton, wheat, hay, corn) *The south is one of the fastest growing regions of the US due to its warm climate and jobs.

24. THINK • How do regions help us understand the country? • Do you think regions contribute to stereotypes?