US History: Geography & the Environment Flashcards

How did the geography of the Great Plains influence the development of Native American societies there?

Answer: It promoted nomadic lifestyles centered around the buffalo

The vast, open grasslands of the Great Plains, combined with the abundance of American bison (buffalo), led Native American societies in the region to adopt nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles. They followed the buffalo herds, which provided food, clothing, and shelter, making their culture deeply intertwined with this animal and the environment.

What geographic feature contributed most to the economic development of the southern colonies?

Answer: Fertile soil and warm climate

The Southern colonies possessed extensive areas of fertile soil and a long growing season due to their warm climate. These geographical advantages were ideal for cultivating labor-intensive cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo, which became the foundation of their agricultural economy and led to the development of large plantation systems.

Which development most dramatically altered the physical landscape of the West during the 19th century?

Answer: Construction of the transcontinental railroad

The construction of the transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, dramatically altered the physical landscape of the West. It involved massive engineering feats, cutting through mountains and bridging rivers, and facilitated the rapid settlement, resource extraction, and economic development of the region, fundamentally changing its appearance and accessibility.

What environmental consequence did westward expansion and mining bring?

Answer: Widespread soil erosion and water contamination

Westward expansion and extensive mining operations in the 19th century had severe environmental consequences. Practices like hydraulic mining, clear-cutting for timber, and intensive agriculture led to widespread soil erosion, deforestation, and the contamination of rivers and streams with mining waste and agricultural runoff.

How did geography shape the economic activities of the Northeast in the 19th century?

Answer: Rivers and harbors supported manufacturing and trade

The Northeast's geography, characterized by numerous rivers providing water power and a jagged coastline with excellent natural harbors, was perfectly suited for industrial development and trade. These features facilitated the establishment of textile mills and factories, as well as bustling port cities that became centers for commerce and shipping.

Which environmental disaster in the 1930s highlighted the dangers of over-farming and poor land management?

Answer: The Dust Bowl

The Dust Bowl was a severe environmental catastrophe in the 1930s, primarily affecting the Great Plains region. It resulted from a combination of prolonged drought, decades of unsustainable farming practices that stripped the topsoil, and high winds, leading to massive dust storms that devastated agriculture and forced many families to migrate.

What impact did the creation of the Erie Canal have on geography and trade?

Answer: It linked the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal was a monumental engineering achievement that created a navigable water route connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and, subsequently, the Atlantic Ocean via New York City. This dramatically reduced shipping costs, facilitated westward migration, and transformed New York City into a dominant commercial hub.

Which factor best explains patterns of urbanization in the United States during the late 19th century?

Answer: Proximity to rivers and railroads

During the late 19th century, urbanization patterns in the United States were heavily influenced by transportation infrastructure. Cities grew rapidly along rivers, which provided water power for factories and transportation, and especially along railroad lines, which facilitated the movement of raw materials, finished goods, and people, making these locations ideal for industrial and commercial centers.

Which 20th-century movement significantly influenced U.S. environmental policy?

Answer: Environmentalism

The Environmentalism movement, gaining significant traction in the mid-20th century, raised public awareness about pollution, resource depletion, and habitat destruction. This movement led to the passage of landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fundamentally shaping U.S. environmental policy.