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

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" »

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

Free Ports in the Canary Islands (1822-1900)

The necessity to establish a new trade and fiscal framework prompted the search for a method to alleviate the islands' poverty and hardship. Free ports emerged as this solution, following a long process:

• 1822: Murphy promoted a reduction in tariffs.
• 1830: Establishment of the Canary Islands Development Board to promote tobacco and cochineal development.
• 1845: Tax Reform approved the instructions from the mainland tariff.
• Grueling fiscal effects occurred.
• A wave of death and emigration ensued again.
• From 1851: A powerful campaign demanded commercial freedoms.
• Protests, council discussions, and the unsustainable situation were acknowledged by the government of Juan Bravo Murillo, enacting the free ports in

1. Physical Geography of the Iberian Peninsula

1.3. Terrestrial Relief of Spain and Andalusia

The major sets of terrestrial relief in Spain and Andalusia include:

• The Old Beds: Dating from the Primary Era, these are associated with ancient folds. These large baseboards or shields form the heart of continents or some of their edges. In the Iberian Peninsula, this includes the Plateau (Meseta Central) and its peripheral units.
• The Mountain Ranges: Recent orographical formations (e.g., Alpine folding). These mountains border the Mediterranean (Southern Europe and North Africa) and continue through Asia to the Himalayas. In the Iberian Peninsula, the Betic Cordilleras and the Pyrenees are prominent.
• The Sedimentary Basins: Sunken areas covered with

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