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

The Viking Resistance of Wessex

The Vikings defeated all the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms with one exception: Wessex. How was Wessex able to resist the Viking attacks?

Initially, the most important answer is the element of time. Because the attacks came from the North to the South, Wessex had time to anticipate the attacks and prepare. They were not caught by surprise.

Wessex adopted several key measures to combat the Vikings:

Defensive Measures

1. The Creation of Burhs

Wessex created strong defensive positions called Burhs. These structures provided a safe haven for people to defend themselves. Usually, these were created with the same structure (a kind of cross). We know that there were around 30 Burhs in Wessex thanks to a document of the age. In the... Continue reading "The Rise of Wessex: How a Kingdom Resisted the Vikings" »

Ireland

: The situation was very similar to Scotland one’s. Problems started in 1689 when James II counted with support in France, so a battle against William of Orange took place; it was the Battle of Boyne that ended with William’s victory.

It was a period of colonization and England used the colonies to obtain benefits. All of that is going to be known as the First British Empire. The 18^th century was a period of tremendous change. One thing that we need to do is to explain how things stand outside the British Isles.

For that we have to go back to the year 1588, which is the year of the Great Armada. That is an important year because this is the moment when England started the gradual rise for the power of the sea supremacy. There were... Continue reading "The First British Empire: Colonization and Sea Supremacy" »

Factors Driving Britain's Industrial Emergence

In its early stages, the Industrial Revolution in Britain was based on the abundant resources of iron and coal. The labor force, unlike some counterparts, was not entirely conservative; it readily accepted the challenge of new work routines and habits. British society was exceptional in that many of the aristocracy were prepared to take an interest or make an investment in commerce. The rapid weapon development of the 18th century fostered experimentation and flexibility in research. Furthermore, a definite pride in craftsmanship at all levels helped implement the imaginations of the inventors.

Key Inventions and Developments

The usual starting point of the Industrial Revolution is generally taken... Continue reading "Britain's Industrial Revolution: Origins and Innovations" »

Characteristics of Global Transport Distribution

The global distribution of transport is characterized by significant contrasts:

• Poor countries often have underdeveloped road and railway networks.
• Rich countries, in contrast, possess well-developed road and railway infrastructure.
• Most major ports are concentrated in key economic centers, connecting these centers with each other and with raw material-producing countries.

Key Features of Spain's Service Sector

• Contributes 68% of the GDP.
• Employs 65% of the active population.
• By region, Madrid has the highest concentration of services, followed by Catalonia, Andalusia, and Valencia.

Financial Services in Spain

• Highly competitive sector.
• The National Bank handles the majority of business.
• Four stock exchanges:

Child Labor in India: Legal Restrictions and Reality

Can a Child Under 12 Work as a Housemaid?

No. There is a government ban/law prohibiting it.

Why Might the Government's Measure Not Solve the Entire Problem?

Because in many cases, exploitation is never reported or goes unnoticed. The actual number of working children is likely much higher than official estimates.

True or False Statements

(0.5 points per answer)

Statement 1: Dhiraj has to work the whole night.

True. "His 12-hour work shift begins at 9 pm."

Statement 2: His family does not need the money he earns.

False. "Dhiraj's pay is crucial in the family's battle to survive."

Statement 3: In India, some children start working when they are five years old.

True. "Parents say poverty forces them to... Continue reading "Child Labor and Exploitation: Laws, Realities, and Solutions" »

Canary Islands Provinces and Institutions

This thematic description represents the provinces of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, highlighting the geographic division of the Canary archipelago into two provinces. Spain has a total of 44 provinces, among which are the provinces of Las Palmas (capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife). These two provinces comprise the Canary archipelago, which in turn is formed by the islands of El Hierro (capital: Valverde), La Palma (capital: Santa Cruz de la Palma), La Gomera (capital: San Sebastián de la Gomera), Tenerife (capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Gran Canaria (capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), Lanzarote (capital: Arrecife), and Fuerteventura... Continue reading "Canary Islands Provinces, Islands, and Governance" »

Historical, Economic, and Social Factors in Rwanda's Development

Historical Reason: Rwanda's period as a Belgian colony for over fifty years significantly impacted its development. Profits were often repatriated to Belgium, hindering local investment and growth.

Economic Reason: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS affects a substantial portion of the population. This reduces the workforce, decreases tax revenue, and increases government healthcare expenditure.

Social Reason: Improved living conditions and public health initiatives in developed nations reduce the spread of diseases.

Environmental Reason: Cooler climates can reduce the prevalence of certain viruses and insects, potentially impacting public health.

Human Development Index (HDI)

First calculated... Continue reading "Rwanda's Development Challenges: Historical, Economic & Social Factors" »

Trade

Internal Trade

Internal trade is widespread in Spain. Small businesses and traditional trade activities previously dominated. However, in recent years, internal trade has undergone a major restructuring characterized by:

• Modernization driven by new consumption habits and credit cards.
• Spread of new commercial forms like shopping malls.
• Challenges for traditional small businesses competing with supermarkets.

Foreign Trade

Foreign trade has experienced phenomenal growth. The Spanish trade balance remains in deficit, meaning imports exceed exports. Imports include capital goods, energy supplies, and consumer goods. Exports include manufactured goods, foodstuffs, industrial machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, etc.

Transportation

Road Transport

The... Continue reading "Spain's Trade Dynamics and Transport Networks" »

Transport and Communication in Spain

Importance of Transport for the Spanish Economy

Transport is a fundamental element of Spain's economy and urban planning. However, the country's transport system faces challenges related to development, leading to increased costs for goods due to Spain's size and the peripheral location of industry and population centers. Long journeys with low traffic volume, combined with limited interior communication routes, further complicate the situation. While Spain has made progress in adapting its transport infrastructure to facilitate trade, modernization efforts need to accelerate. A well-developed transport network is essential for a thriving economy, connecting various areas and facilitating economic activity.... Continue reading "Spain's Transportation and Communication Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities" »

Imperialism

Causes

Economics

• Search for Raw Materials: Industries were depleting their sources. To further increase production, they needed to find new sources of raw materials and cheap, abundant energy. Colonies were assigned the role of supplying metropolitan industries with:

  • Coal, oil, etc.
  • Raw materials for industries
  • Various industrial products such as tea, sugar, cocoa, etc.

• Search for New Markets: Colonies served as markets for industrial products, primarily catering to the population of the metropolis.

• Labor: The use of unskilled, cheap, and docile (often slave) labor reduced the cost of raw material extraction and contributed to the success of plantation agriculture.

Politics

• Prestige: States adopted policies of prestige to win over the masses.