AP Human Geo

Shift of Manufacturing Jobs

• Historical Context: In the 1970s, significant economic shifts began in industries like coal, steel, and automobile manufacturing.
• Migration: Many manufacturing jobs moved from the Northeast to the Southeast, particularly South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia.

Reasons for Shift

• Property and Land:
  • South provides more available and affordable land compared to crowded Northeastern cities.
  • Expanding factories is cheaper in regions with vast open spaces.
• Labor Costs:
  • The Southeast had lower labor costs due to reduced wages and weaker unions compared to the North.
• Climate:
  • Warmer weather in the South is more appealing compared to harsh winters in the North.