Unit 4: North America
We define North America as the United States and Canada, both of which similar physical characteristics and a history of colonialism. These two countries make up more than 13 percent of the world's total landmass. North America is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean to the north. North America is highly urbanized: approximately 80 percent of the population lives in cities. Most of North America's diverse population consists of immigrants or descendants of immigrants. The United States is the world's largest economy, and both Canada and the United States enjoy relatively high standards of living.
We begin this unit by exploring of the physical characteristics of North America, paying particular attention to its physiographic regions. Next, we explore the influence of European colonialism. Then, we take a close look at immigration patterns, urban growth, economic development, the globalization of the "American Dream", shifts in demographics, and the distribution of religious affiliations.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- describe the physiographic regions of North America;
- explain the two dominant climate patterns in North America;
- discuss the three European countries that significantly influenced the development of North America, which regions they dominated, and the long-term impact of their actions;
- examine the population distribution of the United States and Canada using thematic maps of population density;
- explain the origin of the geographic boundaries of the United States;
- identify migration patterns of the United States during the period of westward settlement;
- examine urban growth patterns of the United States and its connection to new forms of transportation;
- describe the economic patterns that aided the United States in becoming the world's largest economy;
- define "cultural melting pot" and the "American Dream" and explain why they are significant;
- describe the current demographic profile of the United States;
- explain the regional distribution of religious affiliations in the United States;
- identify the most densely populated regions of Canada;
- explain why there are English-speaking and French-speaking regions in Canada;
- identify cultural differences between French-speaking and English-speaking populations in Canada;
- discuss patterns of population growth and decline in various regions of the United States and Canada; and
- examine the environmental consequences of rapid population growth in the Mountain West region of the United States.
MapCheck: North America
Can you name the bodies of water, mountains, cities, and islands in this map of North America?
4.1: Introducing North America
This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of North America and discusses how three European countries significantly influenced its development. It also explores the population distribution of the United States and Canada.
Watch this explanation of the Santa Ana winds, when they occur, and why they are so fast and dry.
In this exercise, you will explore various landforms in North America. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.
4.2: United States: Early Development and Globalization
This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the United States. It also takes a look at the origin of the geographic boundaries of the United States, its historical migration patterns, urbanization, the development of its transportation infrastructure, the concept of the "American Dream", and globalization.
Watch this video, which explains how and why partisanship exists in the U.S. government.
In this exercise, you will examine the westward emigration of the American population during the 1800s. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.
Watch this video, which explores how the United States could lead by example rather than by force.
In this exercise, you will explore the growth of steel in the United States. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.
4.3: United States: Population and Religion
This section gives an in-depth analysis of the current demographic profile of the United States, including the reasons behind the regional distribution of religious affiliations in the country. It also explores the concepts of a "cultural melting pot" and the "American Dream".
In this exercise, you will examine the population distribution across the United States. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.
4.4: Canada
This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of Canada and analyzes why it has both English- and French-speaking regions. It also exploree how the Canadian and American economies are interrelated.
4.5: Regions of the United States and Canada
This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the regions of the United States and Canada and discusses their significant populations of minority groups. It also explores how North America's physical geography contributes to its economic activity.
Watch this video where Eric Sanderson explores the origins of New York City.
