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

The consequences of colonialism were devastating for some native populations:

• The local government was eliminated or subjected to foreign control.
• The native economy was altered as the colonies replaced traditional crops with plantations of products for exportation.
• Commerce was mainly beneficial for the metropolitan state, and the infrastructures were built based on private interest.
• Industrial development did not take place in these territories, and territorial frontiers were not clearly marked, which would bring later conflicts.

Society was divided between a foreign dominating minority that controlled the government and lived in luxurious villas, and the native majority that lived apart. The native cultures were marginalized, and western culture... Continue reading "Consequences of Colonialism: Devastation and Conflict" »

1. Causes of Colonialism

A) Political and Strategic

• Colonies were symbols of prestige.
• Control of strategic areas for security and trade.

B) Demographic

• Colonies absorbed excess European population to mitigate social conflicts and unemployment.

C) Economic

• Demand for raw materials for industry.
• Need for new markets for industrial products.
• Capitalism stimulated investment in other territories.

D) Geographical and Technical

• Scientific expeditions explored unknown areas to discover new plants, animals, and minerals.
• New means of transport facilitated exploration.

E) Cultural and Ideological

• The belief in the supremacy of white people and their duty to "civilize" inferior peoples.
• Nationalism drove the desire for large nations to rule over less "civilized" people.

Single-Crop (Monoculture)

Monoculture, or single-crop farming, is an agricultural system that consists of growing just a single plant species in a field for many years.

Multiple-Crop (Polyculture)

Polyculture, or multiple-crop farming, involves cultivating more than one plant species in the same field.

Agriculture with Irrigation

Irrigated agriculture involves the artificial application of water to the land or soil.

Agriculture without Irrigation

Rainfed agriculture is a system based on the natural use of water, primarily rainfall.

Intensive Farming

Common in the Atlantic regions, intensive farming involves the use of pesticides and new technologies to maximize land productivity.

Extensive Farming

Extensive farming involves cultivating a large area of... Continue reading "Farming Systems and Agricultural Practices" »

Corporate & Individual Climate Action

The Role of Big Companies in Addressing Global Warming

People with financial resources should be encouraged to invest in new methods of producing clean, renewable, ecological energy. The Government should sponsor these initiatives so that green jobs can be created for the many unemployed people in Spain and all over the world. America is attempting this on a great scale, and perhaps this could be the beginning of a pollution-free Planet Earth.

Harnessing Natural Resources

We must remember that the sun, the wind, the sea, and the ocean are available for us to investigate. We need to develop effective, renewable energy sources to help us maintain a similar lifestyle, integrated with the technology we, as... Continue reading "Corporate Investment in Clean Energy Solutions" »

The Old Regime (15th-18th Centuries)

The Old Regime, or *Ancien Régime*, refers to the period before the French Revolution. It was characterized by a stratified society, an agricultural economy, and, primarily, absolute monarchy.

Population Dynamics

• High birth and death rates.
• Slow population growth.
• Frequent demographic crises (wars, epidemics, crop failures).
• Life expectancy around 40 years.
• Predominantly rural population.

A Stratified Society

Society was divided into rigid social groups:

• Privileged: Nobility and Clergy.
• Non-privileged: The Third Estate (everyone else).

Nobility

• Status by inheritance.
• Extensive land holdings.
• Tax exemptions.
• Special courts and legal treatment.
• Held high political positions.
• Internal hierarchy: High Nobility (e.g., Dukes,

The Strengthening of the Monarchy

Spain: A Historical Look at Migration Patterns

Has Spain always been a destination country? A look at its history reveals significant shifts in migration patterns:

• 1898: Spain loses its last major colonies, Cuba and the Philippines, leading to an increase in the peninsular population.
• 1914-1918: World War I.
• 1936-1939: Spanish Civil War. Political refugees seek asylum in France and Mexico.
• 1939-1945: World War II.
• 1950s-1960s:
  • Domestic Migration: Significant movement from rural areas to urban centers within Spain.
  • Emigration to Europe: Many Spaniards emigrate to more industrialized European countries like Germany and France.
  • Emigration to Latin America: Continued emigration to various Latin American nations.
• 1973: World Oil Crisis. Many Spanish emigrants

The Industrial Revolution: A Transformative Era

From Agrarian to Industrial Society

The Industrial Revolution, spanning the 18th and 19th centuries, marked a pivotal shift from agrarian, rural societies in Europe to industrial, urban ones. This period profoundly impacted daily life through industrialization and mass production, leading to unprecedented economic growth, particularly in Europe.

Key Developments and Impacts

The steam engine, alongside advancements in the iron and textile industries, played crucial roles. These innovations revolutionized transportation, communication, and banking. While industrialization improved living standards for many due to lower product prices, it also created harsh conditions for the working class.

Social Transformations

The... Continue reading "Societal Shifts During the Industrial Revolution" »

Chocolate

Chocolate is a food that is popular all over the world. It is made from the seeds of the cacao tree. It can be eaten and also used as a flavor in ice cream, candy, and other foods. Many people like the taste of chocolate, and those who work hard eat it to give them energy.

History of Chocolate

Chocolate originally came from Mexico and Central America. Historians think that the Maya took the wild cacao trees from the rainforest and planted them in their own gardens. They crushed the seeds and mixed them with water and spices to make a hot drink. Chocolate and cacao were very important for the Mayan culture. Families drank a hot chocolate drink at special occasions and parties.

The Aztecs, a people who lived centuries later, used cacao... Continue reading "The History and Making of Chocolate" »

What is the Resurgence of Cities in the Middle Ages?

The gradual recovery of the urban world.

When did it happen?

From the 11th century onwards.

Why did cities grow?

Because of the peasants' migration.

What happened with agricultural surpluses?

They were sold in cities.

What is the meaning of 'Surplus'?

Every product not needed to be consumed.

Mention the main causes of the resurgence of cities:

• Technical innovations applied to agriculture
• Growth of cultivated land

Why did cities regain commercial importance?

Because of the sale of agricultural surpluses.

Determine the following statements into CAUSE or CONSEQUENCE of the resurgence of cities:

• Technical innovations: CAUSE
• Cities regained commercial importance: CONSEQUENCE
• Peasants migrated to cities: CAUSE