Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Nationalization of important branches of the economy

Many strategic branches of the economy were nationalized in many countries, for example, heavy industries like iron and steel or shipbuilding, network industries such as telecommunications and electricity (which were considered natural monopolies).

Finance/Industry relationship

●The Anglo-Saxon model is different and firms rely more on capital markets for the provision of finance.

●In Germany banks have been heavily engaged with industrial capital in durable relationships based on long-term success. The interlocking relationships between financial and industrial capital have provided stability, a healthy flow of information to the financial institutions which in turn has helped firms to obtain... Continue reading "Nationalization of Strategic Industries and Finance-Industry Relationships" »

Ingredients

Ingredients: 10% sodium chloride, 17% carbon, 40% sodium nitrate, 1% colorant.

Social Revolutions

Societies sometimes change very gradually, and the basic structure of society stays the same:

• The Neolithic Revolution began about 10,000 years ago. Human societies first learned to practice agriculture and live together in settlements.
• The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It led to the growth of cities on a massive scale and the adoption of the new economic system of capitalism.
• The Liberal Revolutions of the same period were connected to these economic changes.
• Today, the Technological Revolution is causing changes in the way people work and interact with each other. The information society opens access

INTRO: The methods used by these two societies to control their territories contribute to their accomplishments. While the Achaemenid Empire employed different strategies to handle foreign issues compared to the Han Dynasty, both empires utilized similar systems to manage their territories, such as dividing their empires into districts and developing a road system.

Ru

• From the Pacific Islands
• A peace-loving man but ambitious to become a leader
• Made a plan to build a large seaworthy canoe and sail it to a new land
• Showed what a strong leader would do and persuaded relatives and friends to be a part of his mission
• Faced a weakness, which was not knowing what they were up against; in this case, the strong winds and fierce ocean
• With a strong voice to

Consequences of Capitalism: Economic Changes

Capitalism is an economic system based on liberalism in which most means of production (machinery, factories, etc.) are privately owned. Its main theory is that of a free market and is based on competition law (supply and demand and reduce costs).

• Capitalism led to an inequality society (class society): high difference by wealth.
• Sometimes led to overproduction and economic crisis. It grows very fast but can decrease also very fast.
• Banks are joint-stock companies.
• Could finish in monopolies or oligopolies.

Consequences of Capitalism: Social Changes

There are high, middle, or petty bourgeoisie. Factors of class society: Capitalism organized society into the bourgeoisie, the rich people who carried out business... Continue reading "Consequences of Capitalism: Economic and Social Changes" »

Roman Cities and Daily Life

Urban Planning and Architecture

Roman cities were meticulously planned with a distinctive grid layout featuring straight and parallel streets. Streets running north to south were known as Cardo, while those running east to west were called Decumanus. The intersection of these main thoroughfares formed the Forum, the central public square where key city buildings such as the Capitoline Temple, Basilica, Temples, and Baths were located.

Leisure and Public Structures

Beyond the Forum, Roman cities featured various structures dedicated to leisure and public services:

• Theatres: Outdoor facilities designed for dramatic performances and plays.
• Amphitheatres: Grand arenas built to host gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

The Evolution and Impact of Shopping Centers

This analysis will examine shopping centers, delving into their history, exploring the reasons for their popularity, and assessing their impact on town center shops, before concluding with a personal perspective.

A Brief History of Shopping Centers

The first shopping centers emerged in the late 1980s, with the concept largely originating from the USA. A primary advantage was the convenience of finding a wide array of products and services under one roof. Furthermore, products were frequently more affordable than those found in smaller, independent shops. Consequently, daily, but particularly on weekends, people flocked to these centers for their weekly or even monthly shopping needs.

The Rise of Consumer

Economic Activity: An Overview

Economic activity encompasses the actions people undertake to organize the production, distribution, and consumption of goods. It addresses the fundamental challenge of fulfilling human needs, which are unlimited, using limited resources.

What is a Good in Economics?

In economics, a 'good' possesses two key characteristics:

• Scarcity: It is limited, making people willing to pay for it.
• Necessity: It fulfills human needs, justifying people's willingness to pay.

Production and Factors of Production

Production involves utilizing natural and human resources to create goods. These resources include:

• Natural Resources: Resources derived from the environment, such as biological, mineral, and energy sources.
• Human Resources: Encompass

Imperialism: External Domination

Imperialism is a form of state rule characterized by external domination. This involves the external control of foreign territories without their absorption into the ruling nation-state, leading to an unequal distribution of power between the sovereign state and its dependencies.

Motives for Imperialism

• Economic: Plunder, exploitation, and settlement.
• Non-Economic: Spreading religion and ensuring security.

Opportunities for imperialism stemmed from pre-existing unequal distributions of power. While not the ultimate trigger, technological advances in ship design, navigation, and armament provided a significant European advantage, often coupled with resistance to diseases.

Mercantilism and Economic Growth

Mercantilism... Continue reading "Rise of European Imperialism and Global Trade Shifts" »

The Secondary Sector: Industry

Definition

The secondary sector encompasses industries that transform raw materials into manufactured goods. This process involves the use of machinery and energy in enclosed spaces like factories, resulting in the mass production of products.

Types of Industry

By Maturity

• Mature: Textile, steel, naval
• Advanced: Biotechnology, microelectronics, telecommunications, robotics

By Destination of Products

• Basic Industries: Convert raw materials into semi-finished products
• Capital Goods Industries: Manufacture products essential for other industries
• Consumer Goods Industries: Produce goods for direct sale to consumers

The Post-Fordist Model

This model emphasizes the development of new technologies and industries, catering to individual... Continue reading "The Secondary Sector: Industry and Its Impact on Economic Growth" »

The Foundations of Industrialization

Industrialization is defined by structural change, improvements in productivity, and the transition from human labour to machinery. This period saw a significant change in demand, marked by shifts in spending behaviors and a rise in demand for market-supplied goods. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the range of market activity expanded, creating greater opportunities for individuals to sell their labour for wages. This led to increased specialization and market activity, as the extent of the market often depends on specialization.

The key to achieving total productivity growth was not found in demography or technology alone, but in the organization of the household as an economic entity. This contrasts... Continue reading "The Industrial Revolution and Britain's Economic Transformation" »