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

The Tertiary Sector: Services and Economic Growth

The Tertiary Sector does not produce material goods. Instead, it provides essential services to people and other economic sectors. Examples include health care and education.

Growth and Importance in Developed Nations

In developed countries, the tertiary sector has undergone significant growth, both in terms of the number of people employed and the wealth generated, making it the most important economic sector today. This expansion coincided with the emergence of the Information Society.

Low-End Tertiary Services

The Low-End Tertiary Sector consists of jobs that require little specialized training and are usually poorly paid. Examples include cleaners and street traders.

Skilled Services and Professional

Growth of Medieval Cities

• Improvement in agriculture, particularly **ploughing** techniques.
• Increased food supply led to population growth, transforming towns into cities.
• This growth began in countries such as Italy, where ancient cities founded by the **Romans** had never completely disappeared.
• Urban areas also grew up in new places, such as Russia and Scandinavia.
• Cities often lacked a sewer system.
• Inside the city walls, houses were **crowded** together and streets were narrow.
• The center of daily life was the square, where the market was held.
• Monasteries and convents were also built in urban areas.
• Universities were founded, replacing monasteries as the main source of knowledge.

Urban Society and Social Groups

• A new social group emerged: the *

Industrialization: Definitions and Global Distribution

Types of Industries

Consumer Goods Industry

Examples: Bread, clothing

Heavy Industry

Example: Fire (representing energy production)

Capital Goods Industry

Example: Cars

Industrial Areas

Silicon Valley

A nickname for the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its concentration of computer companies.

Science Parks vs. Industrial Estates

Science Parks: Focus on high technology and promote research through collaboration between universities, businesses, and government.

Industrial Estates: Gather traditional industries in a physical location.

Major Industrial Areas

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" »