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

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

The different location criteria have resulted in various types of industrial areas.

Traditional Industrial Landscape: Black Landscapes of the 19th Century

Coal fields were the most industrialized areas for many years. This is because metallurgical industries used coal as an energy source, so were located next to coal deposits.

Urban Industrial Landscape

Refineries were built in ports and cities because of the demand for petroleum. Numerous other industries developed next to the refineries, benefiting from the existing market, workforce, and low transport costs.

Port Landscape

Many industries associated with maritime transport are concentrated in and around major ports.

Industrial Mountain Landscape

Mineral deposits, raw materials, and abundant, cheap... Continue reading "Industrial Landscapes and Sustainable Development" »

Why Did the Industrial Revolution cause a change to the social and political System?

The Industrial Revolution was a rapid economic change And it took place between 1780 and 1870 in Great Britain. It affect to the Social and political system in Britain as we are going to explain now:

European population started to grow from the 18th Century, but it intensified from the 19th century onwards. This demographic revolution was a consequence of the high birth rate (due to the better economic Perspectives made people marry younger) and a sharp decrease in the death rate (because they improved hygiene conditions, there were fewer diseases, and due To the improved of the agriculture they have better diets…)

Industrial society was no longer divided by

types of population pyramids: 1. Constrictive pyramid It has fewer people in the younger age categories, and has been typical of U.S. Populations as baby boom populations shift to more conservative birth rates. 2. Expansive pyramid It represents greater numbers of people in the younger age categories, And is typical of many developing countries where birth rates are high, but Conditions are harsh, and life expectancy is short. 3. Stationary pyramid It shows roughly equal numbers of people in all age categories, with a Tapering towards the older age categories. Countries such as Sweden show Stationary age categories because of relatively low, constant birth rates, and a High quality of life.

Demographic transition: It is associated with the... Continue reading "A flow of people and organizations that move toward the same horizon from different positions." »