Study Notes for World Regional Geography - Chapter 4

Geographic Overview

• North America extends from the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska to Mexico and Central America.
• The continent is divided into two realms based on physical and cultural geography:
  • The United States and Canada share similar characteristics.
  • Mexico and Central America have tropical climates and a Spanish colonial legacy.

Physical Geography

• North America is characterized by diverse landscapes, including mountains, plains, and forests.
• Major physiographic regions include:
  • The Rocky Mountains
  • The Great Plains
  • The Appalachian Mountains
• Climate Zones: The continent experiences a wide range of climates, from tundra in the north to semi-arid desert in the southwest.

Historical Context

• Indigenous Peoples:
  • Before European contact, an estimated 50 million indigenous people inhabited North America.
  • They practiced various forms of agriculture and hunting.
• European Colonization:
  • Columbus's arrival in 1492 initiated widespread colonization.
  • This led to significant cultural and demographic changes.
  • It also included the spread of diseases that devastated indigenous populations.
• Key historical events that shaped North America:
  • The American Revolution
  • Civil War
• Manifest Destiny: The belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent, influencing territorial acquisitions through treaties and conflicts.

Industrial Development

• Industrial Revolution: The U.S. transitioned from agriculture to industrialization post-Civil War, with significant manufacturing hubs developing in regions like Pittsburgh.
• Migration Patterns: The Industrial Revolution spurred migration from rural areas to cities, with urban populations growing significantly by the early 20th century.

Urban Landscape

• Urbanization and Suburbanization: The shift from urban centers to suburban living has led to urban sprawl, with many cities now facing challenges related to transportation and infrastructure.
• Gentrification: This process has transformed neighborhoods, often displacing lower-income families as property values rise.

Cultural Diversity

• Indigenous populations and their histories.
• Influence of European colonization on cultural landscapes.
• Modern multiculturalism and immigration patterns.
• Cultural Melting Pot: The idea that immigrants assimilate into American society, contributing to a diverse yet unified culture centered around the American Dream.

Patterns of Inequality

• Income Inequality: In the U.S., approximately 12% of the population lives below the poverty line, with significant disparities based on geography and ethnicity
• Indigenous Poverty: Indigenous communities in Canada experience much higher poverty rates compared to the national average

Global Connections

• Trade Agreements: NAFTA, replaced by the USMCA, has facilitated trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, impacting economic growth in the region
• Immigration Patterns: Canada and the U.S. have differing approaches to immigration, with Canada emphasizing multiculturalism and the U.S. focusing on assimilation

Population Dynamics

• The US population surpassed 300 million in 2006, with significant urbanization trends.
• Approximately 80% of the population lives in urban areas, with growth concentrated in southern and western states.
• The historical growth of Canada's population is complex and has been influenced in many different ways, such as Indigenous populations, expansion of territory, and human migration.
• The main driver of Canada's population increase has been and continues to be immigration.
• According to the 2021 census, there were over 37 million people living in Canada, which is about 5.2% more than there were in 2016.
• Canada has about 40 million inhabitants as of 2025.
• The Quebec City–Windsor Corridor is the most densely inhabited and heavily industrialized region accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total population by StatCanOpen

Religion

• North American religion is dominated by many forms of Christianity.
• Religion has had a significant impact on the continent's philosophy, art, culture, and legal system.

The Colorado River Crisis

• Overview: The Colorado River, a vital resource for millions across seven U.S. states and two Mexican states, is facing a severe crisis.
• Scientists predict a permanent decrease in water levels of 5 to 20 feet over the next 40 years, raising alarms among cities that depend on this crucial waterway.

Key Factors Contributing to the Crisis

• Climate Instability: Fluctuations in rain and snowfall significantly impact the river's water levels. Weather patterns have become increasingly erratic, leading to a precarious imbalance in water supply.
• Industrial Agriculture: A staggering 75% of the Colorado River's water is used for irrigation in industrial farming, which exacerbates the depletion of this critical resource.
• Urban Demand: Major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Denver are increasingly concerned about their water supply as the river's flow diminishes

Recent Developments

• A collaborative effort among the seven states has led to a strategic initiative to cut water allocations to address the river's alarming depletion. This has left many cities uncertain about their future water supply

Legal and Management Challenges

• The management of the Colorado River is governed by a complex legal framework established by the 1922 Colorado River Compact. This framework dictates water rights distribution among the states, complicating efforts to address the crisis

Future Outlook

• The future of the Colorado River appears bleak, with scientists warning of further declines in water levels due to climate change and rising temperatures.
• Effective conservation measures and innovative water management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of this crisis

Revision Questions

1. What are the major landforms of North America and their significance?
2. How has colonization shaped the cultural landscape of North America?
3. What are the key economic sectors in North America today?
4. How does climate affect human settlement and agriculture in different regions?
5. What are some of the biggest environmental challenges in North America?