2C1 - Interpreting the Past and Present Through Geography Flashcards
Understand how to apply geography to interpret the past and present.
What physical features and formal regions surround the United States?
- Pacific Ocean to the west.
- Canada to the north.
- Mexico to the south.
- Atlantic Ocean to the east.
What geographical features can be found in the central and western regions of the United States?
- Plains in the central regions.
- Mountains in the west.
What were some of the factors that led to the failure of many early colonies in the Americas?
- Diseases.
- Conflicts with Native Americans.
- Wars between Spain, England, and France.
- Starvation.
What were some of the challenges faced by the New England colonies in terms of geography?
- Rocky terrain.
- Less-than-ideal soil.
- Short growing seasons.
What geographical features made farming sustainable in the Middle Colonies?
- Fertile soil
- Warm climate
- Wide valleys
- Plains
- Several rivers
What important river became a key transportation route for the Western region of the US?
Mississippi River
What resources were settlers in the West searching for?
- Iron ore
- Oil
- Coal
- Gold
What was the purpose of the Homestead Act?
To give every household 160 acres of land.
Government policies favored westward expansion by giving every household 160 acres of land through the Homestead Act.
What geological features made the journey to the western parts of North America difficult for settlers?
- Rocky mountains.
- Desert in the Southwest.
Why is geography important to history?
Human populations have a massive impact on how land is altered and shaped over time, affecting national borders and resources.
How did the Nile River impact Ancient Egypt?
- Provided citizens with food, water, transportation, and trade opportunities.
- Made nearby lands more fertile for agriculture.
- Great Pyramids were built with mud from the river.
- Religious significance.
What made Ancient Egyptian lands fertile?
The Nile River’s flooding.
This allowed agriculture to be possible.
What can historical geography provide insights into?
How and why civilizations made certain choices and the rise and fall of nations.
Historical geography allows insights into the possible motivations behind a civilization’s decisions.
What was a significant impact on the decline of Napoleon’s empire after invading Russia?
Lack of winter clothing and stretched supply lines.
What did European leaders mainly consider when drawing colonial borders in Africa?
Resources they wanted to extract.
