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

Metropolis

Used by geographers and urban sociologists, referring to very large cities that serve as regional capitals and major business centers, whose influence extends over more or less close satellite towns. Within this sphere of influence, American authors apply the term 'metropolitan area', which tends to identify with an area of extra-municipal administrative competence. Depending on circumstances and the geographical structure of the affected urban complex, the metropolitan area corresponds to a cluster, a metropolitan area, or an urban area.

Shanty

Designates spontaneous and uncontrolled urbanization, characterized by crowded areas lacking minimal conditions of hygiene and habitability. Slums are fairly common in the suburbs of large cities... Continue reading "Key Urban Geography Terms Defined" »

Population Distribution: Influencing Factors

Physical Factors

Weather patterns, elevation, land relief, soil fertility, aridity, humidity, and land accessibility all influence population distribution.

Historical Factors

Historically, populations have concentrated near rivers due to fertile land and access to resources.

Economic Factors

Population tends to concentrate where resources are abundant, such as productive land, water sources, and established businesses.

Evolution of Population in Rich Countries

Long Phase of Demographic Stability

• Families typically had an average of 5 children, but many died young.
• Unsafe crops, hunger, epidemics, and wars were prevalent.

Phase of Population Increase (Demographic Revolution)

• The disappearance of famines due to

The Revolution of Transportation

Navigation:

1. Warships with steam engines (Fulton)
2. Iron vessels and propeller propulsion
3. Refrigeration
4. New infrastructure such as the Suez Canal (1869)

Railways:

Stephenson: 1830 - 1st steam locomotive passenger line between Liverpool and Manchester.

Implications:

1. Specialization in the global economy
2. Growth of trade
3. Diversification of diet
4. Facilitation of national and international migration
5. Integration and broader knowledge of the world

New Energy and Industry

1. New energy sources: electricity and oil
2. Key sectors: Steel, electricity, and chemicals
3. New transportation: automobile and aircraft
4. United States and Germany as new industrial powers

New Business Practices

1. New business structures: creation of the SA (Société Anonyme) and

Agriculture

Intensive Agriculture

Intensive agriculture is an agricultural production system that makes extensive use of the means of production.

Extensive Agriculture

Extensive agriculture is an agricultural production system that does not maximize short-term productivity.

Lease

Lease: To use and produce fruit in exchange for a good or compensation.

Sharecropping

Sharecropping: A lease in which the economic compensation is a part of the fruits or harvest.

Fallow

Fallow: Earth that is not planted in a given time so that it recovers its fertility through natural agents.

Bocage

Bocage: Fields of irregular and closed plots.

Exploitation

Exploitation: A set of plots of land that a farmer cultivates.

Erial

Erial: Fallow land or fields to farm.

Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration:... Continue reading "Agriculture, Fishing, and Economic Terms: A Glossary" »

England's Industrial Revolution

The Rise of Capitalism

England's industrial and manufacturing revolution facilitated the consolidation of capitalism, creating two primary classes: the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (workers who sold their labor for wages). Capitalism's origins trace back to the late Middle Ages (14th and 15th centuries) with increased trade and private property. However, its consolidation occurred in the 19th century as European powers sought new markets, eliminating local regulations and protective legislation. This included granting credits and trade advantages, often through diplomacy or war.

The Impact of Railways

The railway boom ignited the English economy. Unlike the textile industry, which required... Continue reading "Industrial Revolution: England vs. France - A Comparative Analysis" »

Globalization: Impact on Daily Life

Globalization significantly affects our way of life.

Daily Life and Globalization

Globalization is evident in various aspects of our lives:

• Global Trade: Facilitates the acquisition of similar products worldwide, stimulated by advertising.
• Food: The habit of eating quickly has become widespread globally.
• Brands: Compete to offer attractive models.
• Tourism: Proposes exotic destinations.

Science and Culture

Discoveries by scientists and technicians worldwide are widely known. Successful films and music reach millions.

Risks of Globalization

• Diseases: Rapid communication can facilitate the spread of diseases like AIDS.
• Terrorism: The globalized world faces threats from violent groups rejecting the political and social order,

Sources of Energy

Oil

Oil is a nonrenewable energy source derived from plankton fossils. Organic debris deposited in the sea, without air, has transformed into a hydrocarbon over time. Oil exploitation began in the nineteenth century, and it became the main source of energy. Refining is necessary for its use. The problems of oil include its significant impact on developed society and transportation by sea or pipeline. Oil-exporting countries have created an association (OPEC). Member countries include the USA, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Norway, Russia, China, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.

Coal

Coal is found in fossil plants from ancient forests that were flooded. It was first employed after the Industrial Revolution... Continue reading "Energy Sources and Industrial Sectors: A Comprehensive Look" »

Spanish Agriculture, Livestock, and Fishing

Labor productivity can be categorized as follows:

• High-productivity agriculture: Characterized by a high output volume relative to the labor input.
• Low-productivity agriculture: Requires a significant amount of labor.

Combining these factors, we can define four types of agricultural landscapes:

• High-productivity intensive agriculture: Results from substantial investments in mechanization and technology, achieving high yields with minimal labor.
• Low-intensive agriculture: Involves low capital investment and high labor input.
• Extensive low-productivity agriculture: Typical of countries with advanced machinery and a small workforce.
• Extensive farming of low productivity: Employs rudimentary techniques and limited

12.1. The formation of a society classes. 12.2. Agricultural changes in types of measures:

• Freedom of contract farming
• Elimination of the manorial system
• Measures against primogeniture
• Confiscation

Consequences of land reform:

• The ownership structure became fully capitalist
• Concentration of ownership in fewer hands
• Loss of economic power of the clergy
• Maintenance of economic and social power of the nobility
• Growth of a class of absentee landowners
• Plunder of small farmers and increasing rents for tenants
• Worsening conditions of the rural proletariat
• Evolution of agriculture with modernization and specialization

12.3. Industrialization in Spain:

Spain had good conditions for industrialization in the 19th century, but failed due to lack of agrarian revolution... Continue reading "The Formation of a Society: Land Reform and Agricultural Changes in Spain" »

Medieval Economic, Social, and Political Crisis

The late Middle Ages experienced a significant economic and social demographic crisis, characterized by an aging population. Reliance on outdated agricultural methods led to a subsistence crisis. The economic downturn stemmed from a deep recession, triggering social and political instability.

Agricultural Decline and Trade Disruption

Crop yields declined due to field abandonment. The plague and the Hundred Years' War severely impacted trade. Recovery began in the late fifteenth century, driven by population growth and increased demand. The burgeoning wool industry stimulated livestock farming, boosting trade with the north, particularly in Aragon and Castile.

Political Instability in Castile and Aragon

A... Continue reading "Medieval Economic, Social, and Political Crisis: A Demographic Study" »