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

Buenos Aires: A City of History and Diversity

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. The city is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the South American continent's southeastern coast. The name 'Buenos Aires' can be translated as 'fair winds' or 'good airs', but the former was the meaning intended by the founders in the 16th century, by the use of the original name 'Real de Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Ayre', named after the Madonna of Bonaria in Sardinia. The Greater Buenos Aires conurbation, which also includes several Buenos Aires Province districts, constitutes the fourth-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas, with a population of around 15.6 million.

Autonomous City

The... Continue reading "Buenos Aires: History, Culture, and Diversity" »

Territories of Charles I

From his father Philip: The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and part of France. From his mother Joanna of Castile: Castile. From his grandfather Ferdinand of Aragon: Crown of Aragon, Balearic Islands, Kingdoms of Naples, and Sicily. From his grandfather Maximilian of Austria: Austria. Territories of Holy Roman Empire: The Netherlands, Luxembourg, part of France, Austria, and Milan.

Changes in Philip II Territories

Inherited most of Charles I's territories, except Austria and the title of Emperor. In 1580, Philip incorporated Portugal into the Crown of Castile. In 1561, he made Madrid the capital.

Characteristic of Government of Philip II

Philip centralized government by making Madrid the capital. He never convened the Cortes and... Continue reading "Territories and Conflicts of Charles I and Philip II" »

Mayoral Powers and Limitations

The veto power helps distinguish between cities with strong and weak mayors. Another distinction between strong and weak mayors is determined by their powers of administration. Weak mayors have limited appointing powers and even more limited removal powers. They have little control over separately elected boards and commissions or separately elected offices such as clerk, treasurer, tax collector, and attorney. A mayor’s ability to provide strong leadership in many cities is limited by fragmented authority, multiple elected officials, limited jurisdiction over important urban services, and civil service.

Metropolitan Area Classifications

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget divides the nation's metropolitan... Continue reading "Urban Dynamics: Mayoral Authority, Suburban Growth, and Governance" »

HENRY VIII (1491-1547)

England from 1509. 2nd Tudor monarch.

Henry VIII had 6 marriages, including Catherine of Aragon (annulled) and Anne Boleyn. As England was a Catholic country, the Pope, as head of the Church, would not allow divorce, as Catholic marriage is for life. Henry VIII made Church officials swear that he was the leader, allowing him to arrange his own divorce. This process, called the Reformation, was confirmed by the Act of Supremacy (1534), which declared Henry VIII the Supreme Head of the Church of England. He declared any monks who spoke against him traitors and had them executed, leading to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this time, Thomas More was beheaded for refusing to support Henry VIII.

ELIZABETH I (1533-

Global Ocean: Covers 71% of the Earth's Surface

There are 5 major oceans:

• Pacific:

  Largest and deepest, reaching 4.3 km

• Atlantic:

  Second largest, reaching 3.9 km

• Indian:

  Third largest, reaching 3.9 km

• Southern:

  Located along the coast of Antarctica, at 60° south latitude

• Arctic:

  Smallest and often covered in ice

Latitude: Horizontal Lines from East to West

They measure the position north or south. The lines are parallel slices.

Longitude: Vertical Lines from North to South

They measure the position east or west. The lines run through both poles.

Some Animals that Live in the Open Ocean

Dolphins, sharks, whales, jellyfish, carcass, among others. They survive by adapting to their environment.

Main Gyres

• North Gyres:

  Clockwise rotation. Includes the North

Old Regime: Europe's 18th-Century System

The Old Regime was the political, social, and economic system prevalent in Europe during the 18th century. This society was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy (estates), an agrarian economy, and absolute monarchical rule.

Nationalism: Ideology of National Identity

Nationalism is a political ideology advocating for the right of nations to self-determination and to form their own independent states. It asserts that people sharing a common language, religion, and history constitute a distinct nation.

Liberalism: Championing Individual Rights

Liberalism is a political ideology that champions individual rights and liberties, typically protected by a constitution, as a safeguard against the absolute power... Continue reading "Historical Definitions: Europe's Transformative Eras" »

Trade unions:

It's a labour institution whose main aim is to unite workers to tackle injustices at work or in communities in order to get higher pay, more jobs, better and safer working conditions or promote more equality

1st Industrial revolution:

1780-1850, Energy sources: Steam, Coal Machines: Steam engine, spinning mule railway Basic industries: Textiles, Iron Transportation: Train Market: International, Europe Workforce: Factory work (artisan), unorganised workers Spread: England

2nd Industrial revolution:

1850-1945, Energy sources: Electricity, Petrol Machines: Combustion engine, automobile Basic industries: Electricity, Chemicals, Steel, Electric tools, Transportation: Steamship, Automobile, Aeroplane Market: World, Colonial Workforce: Factory... Continue reading "History of Trade Unions and Industrial Revolutions" »

Growth of the Economy and Bourgeoisie

Economy and population expanded along the 18th century.

Population Growth

European population increased from 100 million people to 200 million in the last half of the 18th century. The factors that contributed to this population growth were:

• the increase of agricultural production.
• fewer epidemics.
• rise of the birth rate.
• the decrease of the death rate.

The population growth had several consequences:

• increase of the agricultural production.
• more consumers to buy all kind of goods.
• economic expansion.

The Development of Agriculture and Manufacturing

(economic expansions). Factors to increase agricultural production were:

• new areas were cultivated (pastures and forests were cleared out).
• New crops such as potatoes and corn

Globalization: A Historical Perspective

The term "globalization," coined in 1961, is multifaceted and often interpreted differently. Generally, it refers to the increasing interconnectedness of people worldwide. However, some argue that it primarily revolves around economic interests.

When Did Globalization Begin?

Some scholars suggest that figures like Juan Sebastián Elcano, who circumnavigated the globe during the Age of Exploration, were early precursors to globalization.

The Three Waves of Contemporary Globalization

1850 - World War I: The Rise of Industrialization and Urbanization

This period, primarily driven by Europe and America, witnessed significant advancements in industrialization, technological innovation (e.g., the steam engine and... Continue reading "Understanding the Three Waves of Globalization: A Historical Overview" »

Hello, we are Zelai and Dylan, and we are going to talk to you about the Tasmanian Wilderness.

Location

Tasmania is a state that complies with the Commonwealth of Australia, which is located in Oceania. The state consists of the entire island of Tasmania along with some adjacent islands and is located 240 km southeast of the continent, separated by the Bass Strait.

Landscape

Okay, I'm going to start talking about the landscape of Tasmania. In Tasmania, there is a very different variety of landscapes. We can find very green landscapes full of trees and different types of plants to very large deserts. The Tasmanian *average* temperature is 23ºC during all the year.

Wildlife

The Tasmanian wilderness has one of the most special and rare wild fauna in... Continue reading "Tasmanian Wilderness: Wildlife, Landscape, and Conservation" »