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

The Agricultural Revolution

Changes in Farming Practices

• Elimination of Fallow Land: Continuous farming replaced fallow periods.
• Crop Rotation: New crops like potatoes were introduced in rotation cycles.
• New Crops from America: Tomatoes and maize spread across Europe, revitalizing soil and providing fodder.
• Manure as Fertilizer: Livestock manure became a natural fertilizer.
• Iron Tools and Plough Horses: Increased use of iron tools and plough horses improved efficiency.

Increased Productivity (Late 18th Century Onwards)

Agricultural productivity increased due to irrigation, chemical fertilizers, and mechanization (iron ploughs, seed drills, and new harvesting techniques).

Enclosure Acts (1760-1840)

Common land was gradually enclosed and became privately... Continue reading "Agricultural and Demographic Revolutions in Europe" »

Non-renewable Energy

Advantages:

• Cheap
• Easy to store and transport

Disadvantages:

• Greenhouse gases (CO2)
• Will run out
• Pollution and environmental damage

Coal:

Major producer: China. Heat and oxygen react with carbon in coal to produce CO2 and heat.

Oil:

Major producers: Asia, USA, and Europe. Liquid derived from petroleum, used as fuel or lubricant.

Natural Gas:

Major producers: America, Russia, Europe, and China. Less harmful than coal and oil.

Nuclear Energy:

Major producers: Ukraine and Japan. Uses uranium; water turns into steam to produce electricity. Relatively clean (water vapor), reliable.

Renewable Energy

Advantages:

• Sustainable
• Clean
• Reduces CO2 emissions
• Does not pollute the air

Disadvantages:

• Expensive
• Can be noisy (wind)
• Difficult to store
• Dependent on

The Industrial Revolution in Britain: 1750-1850

Britain transformed into an industrialized nation between 1750 and 1850. The Industrial Revolution dramatically altered the lives of people living in Britain. The population during this period was approximately 11 million people, primarily residing in villages and earning their livelihoods through agriculture. However, by 1850, the population had surged to about 21 million. People began to migrate to cities and work in factories, leading to a significant shift in their way of life. This essay will argue that the Industrial Revolution was spurred by three crucial factors: population increase, raw materials, and transportation.

Population Growth and its Impact

One of the primary reasons for industrialization... Continue reading "Industrial Revolution in Britain: 1750-1850" »

Environmental:

Climate - African suffers from a Lack of rainfall. This means that droughts are common. The result is that crops May suffer. There are certain diseases, in tropical climates, such as malaria And yellow fever, because of the hot and humid conditions. MEDC and cope but Not LEDC.

Natural Hazards - Floods, Droughts and tectonic activity can limit future growth and destroy buildings And agricultural areas. This also means a country may divert income to help Recover from these events.

Landlocked - 15 Countries in Africa are landlocked. This means it is more difficult to trade as Goods have to be driven through other countries to get to the coast for Shipping. It is also more difficult for new technology to reach a landlocked Country,... Continue reading "Concept of education" »

Solar panels are technological devises that tae advantage of solar energy and converts it into usable energy for humans.

Environmental Movement

A social and political movement that seeks to protect and improve the quality of the environment.

Environmental Value System

A worldview that shapes the way an individual or group of people perceive environmental issues. This will be influenced by cultural, religious, economic and socio-political context.

• Conservationist: Their emphasis was on the sustainable use of the environment and the management of its resources to allow for future development.

• Preservationist: They advocate for the preservation of land and its resources in pristine untouched condition.

EVS Main Approaches

• Ecocentric (nature centred): They say that humans need to work within natural systems to conserve the ecological processes on which all life depends.

Feudalism in Europe

Dublin: Ireland's Vibrant Capital City

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and the country's largest city. Located on Ireland's east coast, there's plenty to see and do.

Political Changes in Europe

England

A civil war for the throne, known as the War of the Roses, raged between the Houses of York and Lancaster. The monarchy grew stronger during the reign of Henry VIII.

Spain

The Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, unified all of the Iberian Peninsula except for Portugal.

Characteristics of Authoritarian Monarchy

• National Territory: Considered the patrimony of the royal family.
• Bureaucracy: Managed by civil servants who controlled the territory.
• Permanent Court: Ended the tradition of traveling courts from the Middle Ages.
• Permanent Army: Established a standing army.
• Diplomatic Service: Utilized ambassadors for international relations.
• Taxation System: Implemented a system for collecting