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

Refugee Movements: The Syrian Crisis

The Worst European Humanitarian Crisis Since WWII

The current situation of Syrian refugees is the worst European humanitarian crisis since World War II. Thousands of people are fleeing the war in the Middle East, crossing the Mediterranean Sea, and seeking refuge in Europe. Many have died trying to reach European shores, and those who have arrived now face a lack of aid from the EU.

The Origins of the Conflict

The conflict's origin can be traced back to the Arab Spring of 2010, when numerous conflicts erupted between populations and dictators in several countries. While Tunisia and Egypt saw changes in their governments, the dictators of Libya and Syria refused to relinquish power.

The Wars in Libya and Syria

This... Continue reading "Syrian Refugee Crisis: Impact on Europe" »

This document presents a collection of key geographic, demographic, and historical facts spanning various continents. Each point offers insights into the physical landscapes, population trends, and historical developments of different regions around the globe.

North American Geography and Demographics

• The Great Plains are located to the east of the Rocky Mountains in Canada.
• Canada's population reached 30 million by the year 2000.
• The Colorado River flows through Mexico.
• The Industrial Revolution first took hold in the United States in the Northeast, not the South.
• Most of the U.S. population presently lives east of the Mississippi River.
• Canada has significant coal mining areas in the west, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta.
• In 2010, approximately

Unit 10: The New World Order

1. The New World Order and Its Problems

1.1. Multipolarity of Power

The end of communism in 1991 brought a new world order, with the USA as the sole world superpower. Its hegemony is evident in the influence of its diplomacy, the presence of its military around the world, and its intervention in several conflicts since the 1990s.

Last Decade: A tendency towards greater multipolarity due to the opposition towards USA hegemony. Some emerging countries are establishing themselves on the international scene with political and economic growth. In the future, countries like China, India, or Brazil will be ready to compete with the USA.

1.2. The Problems of Today's World

Democracies need to:

• Find ways of giving equal opportunities

Kukuyuan Tea Company: Imperial Ambitions

During a meeting, a journalist discussed a tea company named “Kukuyuan Tea Company”. Their objective was to increase profits, leading them to expand operations to Kenya.

Kenya: A Strategic Colonial Target

Kenya was chosen for its fertile land, abundant rivers suitable for cultivation, a large labor force, and perceived security. The Industrial Revolution's impact on population dynamics meant a readily available workforce in the colonies. Significant scientific progress also suggested opportunities for new discoveries and knowledge acquisition in the region. From their perspective, the concept of 'white supremacy' justified their control over indigenous populations and the 'civilization' of the region.... Continue reading "Kukuyuan Tea Company: Imperialism in Kenya" »

Independence of United States:

Between 1756 and 1763, England and France fought the Seven Years War. England won, leading to measures affecting the 13 colonies:

• It prohibited the advance of the French towards conquered lands.
• It reimplemented the commercial monopoly.

Towards an Independence State:

The British measures outraged the colonists, leading to boycotts and street disturbances. In 1774, the Continental Congress of Philadelphia met, followed by a second Congress in 1775, which decreed popular mobilization. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was passed.

French Revolution:

Clergy: The state was divided into high and low clergy. The high clergy were mostly nobles, while the lower clergy came from common sectors. Nobility: Nobles... Continue reading "Struggle for Independence in United States, French Revolution, and Latin America" »

Understanding Urban Concepts

What is a City?

There is no single factor that universally defines a city. Key characteristics often include:

• Number of Inhabitants: While there's no universal number, in Spain, it's typically more than 10,000 people.
• High Population Density: A concentration of buildings, a compact shape, and a continuity of the built environment.
• Way of Life: Often implies a way of life that is tolerant, dynamic, and anonymous.

Types of Urban Layouts

Different types of urban layouts exist, with three being more common:

• Orthogonal Layout: An urban layout consisting of streets that run at right angles to each other in a grid pattern. This pattern was also used when building expansion zones in cities during the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Radial

ANCIENT REGIME

17-18 CENT. POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS TOOK PLACE. START MODERN AGE.

FEUDAL SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS:

• EUROPEAN MONARCH + POWERFUL.
• NEW FORMS SKILLED CRAFTSMANSHIP/INCREASE TRADE (OPEN ECONO.)
• BOURGEOISE BECOME WEALTHIER, + POWERFUL DUE CONTROL CRAFT PRODUCT. AND TRADE.
• HUMANISM DEVELOPED: NEW WAY THINKING REPLACE RELIGIOUS THOUGHT.
• ADVANCES SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY OVERCOME DESIRE KEEP KNOWLEDGE SECRET.
• NEW ARTISTIC STYLES EMERGED DISTINCT FROM CATHOLIC CHURCH.

POLITICS OF ANCIENT REGIME

17 CENT. ABSOLUTE MONARCHY PREDOMINATE WESTERN EUROPE. CONSIST CROWN UNLIMITED AUTHORITY.

MODEL ABSOLUTE MONARCHY: LOUIS XIV FRANCE (1643-1715) HE NOT CALL ESTATES GENERAL, CONTROLLED GOVERNMENT, INTERVENE IN ECONO..

SPAIN POWER DECLINE IN 17... Continue reading "Ancient Regime: Political, Economic, and Social Transformations" »

The Impact of Mass Tourism on Global Industries

Over time, tourism has become one of the major global industries in the world. Tourism is fundamentally defined as travel away from one's home. This definition perfectly describes the action that takes place in coastal areas where tourists seek new environments, such as warm temperatures or novel activities.

This analysis will examine the advantages and disadvantages of this specific kind of travel, known as mass tourism, and provide a logical conclusion.

Key Advantages of Mass Tourism

The two main advantages of mass tourism are the significant creation of new local jobs and the development of economic activity in these areas.

1. Economic Development and Income Generation

   Tourism is a critical source of

Radical Islam

Radical Islam, or Islamic fundamentalism, advocates a strict and radical application of Islamic principles, including:

• Observance of Sharia, or Islamic law, which imposes strict moral and religious ideas.
• The grouping of Muslim countries into a political union.

To achieve its objectives, proponents believe Muslims should:

1. Confront Western culture, especially that of the USA.
2. Depose governments in Arab countries allied with the West and replace them with Islamic governments.
3. Eliminate Western influence from these countries.
4. Some use terrorism.

In recent decades, Islamic fundamentalism has directly influenced governments such as Iran and increased its influence in others, for example, Afghanistan, Egypt, Algeria, Palestine, and Lebanon.

Latin

Factors Affecting Population Distribution