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

Mahatma Gandhi: Architect of Indian Independence

Mahatma Gandhi was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. He also inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. The honorific Mahatma was bestowed upon him in 1914 in South Africa.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gandhi was raised in a Hindu merchant caste family. He trained in Law at the Inner Temple in London. Gandhi first employed non-violent civil disobedience as a lawyer in South Africa. When he returned to India in 1915, he organized peasants, farmers, and labourers against discrimination. He was elected to the Indian National Congress in 1921, from where he fought British domination. He was imprisoned for many years and... Continue reading "Mahatma Gandhi & Andy Warhol: Legacies of Influence" »

The Dawn of Modernity: Industrial and Social Revolutions

Transformative Eras: Industrialization and French Revolution

• In Great Britain, significant economic and technological advances led to the development of a more efficient system of industrial production.
• The process of industrialization soon spread throughout Europe.
• The combination of industrialization and the consequences of the French Revolution resulted in the end of the traditional estates system.
• Art and architecture during this period reflected the profound economic and social changes taking place.

Origins of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain

Key Factors Driving Industrialization from the 1760s

• Population Growth: During the 18^th century, improved living conditions in Europe, due

Unit 3: Key Industrial Concepts

• Heavy Industry: Industry that transforms raw materials into semi-finished products used by other industries.
• Light Industry: Industry that manufactures products for consumers, utilizing raw materials or semi-finished products.
• Industrial Area: A geographical location characterized by continuous industrial development and activity.
• European Blue Banana: Also known as the European Backbone or the Bluemerang, this urban corridor of industry stretches from North West England to Northern Italy. Cities in this area are characterized by a high concentration of capital, population, and industry.
• Refinery: A production facility where raw materials are converted into valuable products through chemical processes.

Unit 4: Economic

Norman Rule and Saxon Degradation

The Irony of Daily Life in Norman England

The whole scene sets up a degradation of the daily life of a Saxon in Norman England, full of ironic humor.

Property, Forests, and the Ranger's Authority

On line 22, Gurth mentions the figure of the Ranger of the Forest. For the Normans, land property was much more important than for the Saxons. When they arrived in England, they reinforced the idea of property by identifying people in relation to their land, which can be appreciated in the names of the nobility (e.g., Simon of Montfort, etc.).

They reinforced private property, and forests were no longer common ground, as they used to be during the Saxon period, but were placed under the administration of Royalty and nobility.... Continue reading "Class Conflict and Linguistic Division in Norman England" »

Glossary of Key Terms: Environment, Energy, and Finance

This comprehensive glossary defines essential vocabulary related to environmental science, sustainable energy production, conservation efforts, and financial concepts.

Advance Payment

A sum of money that is paid some time before you receive the item or service you intend to buy.

A Major Source of Electricity

Something that produces a significant amount of electricity.

Calculate

To discover an amount or number using mathematics.

Challenge

Something that is difficult and that tests someone's ability.

Climate Change

The long-term shift in the Earth's weather patterns and average temperatures.

Dependence

The state of needing someone or something in order to exist or function.

Destruction

The process of destroying... Continue reading "Essential Vocabulary for Sustainability and Energy" »

The period between 1750 and 1800 witnessed the rise of industrialization, marking a pivotal moment in human history. Industrialization, characterized by the development of industries and the adoption of mechanized production, brought about dramatic changes in trade, living conditions, and the global economic landscape. This essay will delve into the factors that led to Britain becoming the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.

Financial Prowess and Technological Innovation

Britain's financial landscape played a crucial role in fostering industrial growth. The nation boasted a wealthy class willing to invest in new ventures, fueling innovation and technological advancements. A keen interest in science and technology led... Continue reading "The Dawn of Industry: Why the Industrial Revolution Began in 18th Century Britain" »

Fossil Fuel Emissions

Burning fossil fuels like coal and gas to generate electricity or power vehicles releases CO2 pollution into the atmosphere.

Example: Australia

In Australia, electricity generation is the primary source of carbon pollution, with 73% of electricity derived from burning coal and 13% from burning gas.

Deforestation Impact

Deforestation occurs when humans clear large areas of vegetation for farming, urban development, or to harvest timber and palm oil. This process releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as CO2, contributing to global warming. Deforestation and forest degradation account for up to one-fifth of global greenhouse gas pollution.

Solutions for Global Warming

Reducing electricity generation from coal and gas, and increasing... Continue reading "Causes of Global Warming: Fossil Fuels, Deforestation & Politics" »

The First and Second Industrial Revolutions marked pivotal periods in human history, fundamentally transforming economies, societies, and technologies. This comparative analysis highlights the distinct characteristics, innovations, and impacts of each era.

First Industrial Revolution (1760-1870)

This period saw the emergence of new manufacturing processes in Great Britain, which then spread to other parts of the world.

Chronology and Historical Context

From 1760 to 1870, Great Britain was the absolute leader, reinforcing its empire. Germany, France, Belgium, and the USA followed, though at a distance.

Main Inventions

Key innovations included:

• Steam engine
• Power loom
• Blast furnaces
• Telegraph
• Railway and locomotive
• Steamboat

Sources of Energy

The primary source... Continue reading "Industrial Revolutions: First vs. Second Era Transformations" »

This document examines five key human resources themes from the 20th century and their significance in understanding labor market evolution.

Concentration of Employment Shifts

Explanation of Employment Concentration

The concentration of employment shifted from primary (agriculture, raw materials) to secondary (manufacturing) and then to tertiary (service) industries throughout the 20th century. This transition was significantly aided by technological advancements. While overall employment grew, its distribution across industry sectors underwent substantial change, leading to increased educational requirements for the workforce.

Significance for Labor Market Change

Understanding this shift is crucial for comprehending labor market evolution. As technology... Continue reading "20th Century Labor Market Evolution: Key HR Themes" »

Types of Globalization

• Economic Globalization

  Economic globalization refers to the increasing interdependence of world economies. This results from the growing scale of cross-border trade of commodities and services, the flow of international capital, and the wide and rapid spread of technologies. Countries that trade with many others and have few trade barriers are considered economically globalized.

• Political Globalization

  Political globalization refers to the growth of the worldwide political system, both in size and complexity. It involves the increasing number and power of international organizations and agreements. It is the amount of political cooperation that exists between different countries.

• Social Globalization

  Social globalization pertains