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

The Spanish Arrival in the Americas (1492)

Christopher Columbus set sail from the port of Palos (Huelva) on 3rd August 1492, heading for the Canary Islands. The expedition comprised three ships (one nao and two caravels) and approximately three hundred men.

They arrived at Guanahani Island in the Bahamas, which Columbus named San Salvador. To impose their sovereignty on the discovered territories, the Catholic Monarchs requested a papal bull from the Pope. The Kingdom of Portugal protested, leading to an agreement: the signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, which divided the newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.

Pre-Columbian America

When Europeans arrived in the Americas, they encountered diverse inhabitants, known as Amerindians,... Continue reading "The Spanish Conquest and Pre-Columbian Civilizations" »

Exploitation Colonies: They had economic value. The indigenous population was governed and economically exploited by a white minority originating from the colonizing country. For example, India and Great Britain.

Settler Colonies: They had a socio-economic value. The majority were emigrants from the colonizing country, and they were considered overseas provinces with governmental autonomy. For example, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand under British control.

Protectorates: They were areas of strategic interest. The indigenous population maintained its own government and administration but under the supervision of the colonizing power. For example, Morocco was a protectorate of France and Spain.

The Evolution of Modern Industry

The First Industrial Revolution (c. 1770–1850)

Modern industry began in Great Britain. Industrial labor was carried out by machines, generally powered by steam engines fueled by coal. Manufacturing was focused in large mills or factories where many workers specialized in producing just one component, which was then assembled. This process resulted in abundant and cheap products.

During this period, industries were typically located near:

• Mining regions or other sources of energy (coal).
• Ports, cities, or train stations.

These factories created significant pollution, which explains why the area in England where the revolution started was historically known as "The Black Country."

The Second Industrial Revolution (

HOT ZONE

equatorial- between 10ºN 10ºS , temperatures around 25ºC with little variation. Hot all the year. Annual precipitation higher than 2000mm. Rainforest (dense green vegetation)

tropical-10º and 30º N, the same S, annual temperature 20ºc variation between 10, 3ºC. Precipitation 2000mm south east asia, less than 400mm near desserts. Tropical rainforest and savannah.

desert- shares latitudes with tropical climates.  annual 20ºc, bid differences between day and night. Unde 250mm, irregular. Vegetation only at oasis.

TEMPERATE CLIMATES

mediterranean. 30º and 40º. Hot summers , mild winters, annual temperature between 10ºc  and 18ºc. Between 900mm and 300mm a year irregular. Woodland (holm oak and cork trees) and scrub.

Oceanic or

What Was Felipe II's Attitude Towards Religion?

Felipe II was a staunch defender of Catholicism against Islam and Protestantism. His rule was characterized by religious intolerance, with the suppression of Protestantism and the strengthening of the Inquisition.

What Was the Purpose of Authoritarian Monarchies?

Authoritarian monarchies aimed to impose their authority on their kingdoms and limit the powers of the nobility.

What Were the Final Additions to Felipe II's Empire in 1580?

In 1580, Felipe II claimed the throne of Portugal after the death of the Portuguese king.

Which King Inherited Vast Amounts of Territory and Faced Two Revolts?

Carlos V, later known as Carlos I, inherited vast territories. His reign saw two major revolts:

• The Revolt of the

Global Demographic Challenges

In today's world, there are great inequalities and unfair situations that need to be addressed, corrected, and improved.

Population Growth Trends

The world's population is currently composed of 7.3 billion people. In 15 years, the world will have 1.2 billion more people. The growth rate varies greatly by continent:

• Africa: grows 2.5% per year
• Asia and Oceania: grow by 1% per year
• Americas: grows by 0.9%
• Europe: does not grow

Aging Populations and Youth Demographics

In recent years, developed countries have displayed a more pronounced increase in aging due to very low birth rates, which are unable to renew the population, and increases in life expectancy. The economic consequences of this demographic shift are significant,... Continue reading "Global Demographic Challenges and Cultural Diversity" »

Rural Habitats Across the World

Rural populations across the globe total 3.4 billion people, but they are decreasing quickly, especially in emerging and developing countries.

Traditional Houses and the Environment

Traditional rural houses are characterized by their use of natural materials found in the environment, as well as by their functionality:

• Stone Houses: Durable homes which are characteristic of sedentary populations.
• Mud Houses: These are made of adobe. They sometimes have a wooden frame and often have roofs made of branches.
• Wooden Houses: These are found in forest areas, such as the equatorial forests of Africa and the Americas.
• Houses of Fur and Fabric: These can be found in areas where nomadic livestock activities are carried out.
• Cave

How has the organization of the Chinese government and society since 1949 been consistent with their dynastic history over the past 2 millenia?

Collective identity, nationalism

Compare Xi to Putin in terms of techniques of consolidating power and degree of success.

Xi

Censoring Certain Words

• • Relating to Tiananmen Square

• No Term Limits

• Sweeping Tiananmen Square under the rug

Putin

• Poisoning Journalists

• Rigged Elections

• Changing the Constitution

• Controlling Media

How is Mao enabled by the political situation in China during the time of the Civil War against the Nationalists?

In 1937, Japan invaded China, which had a major impact on the Chinese Civil War. As a response to the invasion, Chiang Kai-shek and the nationalists fled into the far SW part