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

19th Century Britain: Social and Political Transformations

The Genesis of Modern Policing: Robert Peel and the "Bobbies"

Sir Robert Peel, serving as Prime Minister, was instrumental in the creation of the modern police force. The officers who worked for him became affectionately known as "bobbies," a direct reference to his name. This marked a significant step in establishing organized law enforcement in England.

Evolving Labor Laws and Working Conditions

Significant changes in working conditions gradually emerged, particularly impacting child and youth labor:

• Children under 9 years of age were prohibited from employment.
• Boys under 14 years could work a maximum of 48 hours per week or 9 hours per day.
• Young men (under 18 years) were restricted to

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" »

Causes of 19th Century Colonialism

Economic Motivations for Colonial Expansion

European countries sought new markets to buy raw materials at competitive prices. They also aimed to invest capital in regions with cheap labor for greater profits.

Demographic Pressures and Migration

By the 19th century, European population growth led to overpopulation and increased social tensions. Colonial policies offered an outlet for migration to other territories.

Political Rivalry and Strategic Control

With Europe's borders largely stabilized, the Great Powers engaged in military and political competition to control strategic geographical areas.

Ideological Justifications and Racism

Conservative nationalism promoted the idea of the superiority of certain nations... Continue reading "19th Century Colonialism: Drivers, Structures, and Global Partition" »

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" »

North American Geography

Major Rivers of North America

• Brazos River: A significant river in Texas.
• Churchill River: Rises in Saskatchewan, Canada, and flows into Hudson Bay.
• Colorado River: Beginning in the Rocky Mountains of Northern Colorado, it is vital for irrigation and has over 30 electric power plants.
• Columbia River: Originating in the Canadian Rockies, it flows south through the State of Washington, providing electricity to the Pacific Northwest.
• Mississippi River: The major river of North America and the USA, flowing from Northwestern Minnesota south to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the third-largest river system in the world.
• Missouri River: Beginning in Southern Montana in the Rocky Mountains, it is the longest river in the USA.

Prominent Mountain

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" »

• Afghanistan: Kabul
• Albania: Tirana
• Algeria: Algiers
• Andorra: Andorra la Vella
• Angola: Luanda
• Anguilla: The Valley
• Antigua and Barbuda: Saint John's
• Argentina: Buenos Aires
• Armenia: Yerevan
• Aruba: Oranjestad
• Australia: Canberra
• Austria: Vienna
• Azerbaijan: Baku
• Bahamas: Nassau
• Bahrain: Manama
• Bangladesh: Dhaka
• Barbados: Bridgetown
• Belarus: Minsk
• Belgium: Brussels
• Belize: Belmopan
• Benin: Porto-Novo
• Bermuda: Hamilton
• Bhutan: Thimphu
• Bolivia: La Paz
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo
• Botswana: Gaborone
• Brazil: Brasília
• British Virgin Islands: Road Town
• Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan
• Bulgaria: Sofia
• Burkina Faso: Ouagadougou
• Burundi: Bujumbura
• Cabo Verde: Praia
• Cambodia: Phnom Penh
• Cameroon: Yaoundé
• Canada: Ottawa
• Cayman Islands: George Town
• Central African Republic: Bangui
• Chad: N'Djamena
• Chile:

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" »