Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Geography

Historical and Sociocultural Context of 18th-Century Europe

In 18th-century Europe, absolute monarchies dominated much of the continent, with exceptions such as Great Britain (a constitutional monarchy), Venice, and Switzerland. In Eastern Europe, where feudalism persisted, a form of government known as enlightened despotism emerged, extending to Prussia, Russia, Austria, and Spain. In 1776, the United States declared independence from Great Britain and, in 1787, proclaimed the first Constitution of the country and the entire world. The English parliamentary system, the U.S. Constitution, and the French Revolution of 1789 would serve as the starting points for the modern organization of society.

In economics, efforts were made to achieve industrialization.... Continue reading "18th Century Europe: Society, Politics, and Culture" »

Cold War

The Cold War was an ideological confrontation between the capitalist West, led by the United States, and the communist East, led by the Soviet Union. This conflict spanned the latter half of the 20th century, from 1945 until the dissolution of the USSR and the fall of communism between 1989 and 1991.

Globalization

Globalization is a large-scale process characterized by growing communication and interdependence among the world's countries. This process unifies nations through a series of transformations, giving them a global character.

Autonomous Region (Spain)

Within Spain's constitutional system, an autonomous region is a territorial entity with its own legislative and executive powers, exercised by its elected representatives.

Gender

Ancient Roman Economy

The economy was centered on agriculture and livestock. During Roman domination, the economy registered significant development due to rationalization and technical improvements.

Agriculture and Resources

The primary agricultural sector was based on the Mediterranean triad. Olive oil exports to Rome were among the largest in the empire. The Roman presence led to the emergence of technical innovations, such as draft animals, fallow land, or irrigation. Fishing was also remarkable.

Mining Activities

The development of mining revealed that the region was rich in mineral deposits. Most mines were owned by the Roman state, but private mines also existed, generally corresponding to smaller fields.

Labor and Slavery

The Roman economy... Continue reading "Ancient Roman Economy: Agriculture, Trade, and Society" »

Importance of Industry in Contemporary Society

Industry makes a significant contribution to the economic structure and triggers a series of changes. Key concepts include:

• Industrial Area: The area occupied by the physical plant of industry.
• Industrialized Space: The network of visible and invisible flows generated by industrial activity.

Classical Theories of Industrial Location

On the Location of Industry by Alfred Weber (1909) proposes that the optimum location for any business is one that minimizes the costs of transporting raw materials and energy consumed at the factory, and processed products to markets, measured in tons/km (isodapana concept).

To explain industrial areas, the following should be considered:

1. Industrial activity occupies a definitive

Population

Concept

The distribution of people living in an area or place has its own characteristics and pursues common goals.

Distribution of the Population by Region

• Coast-Mountain Region: 20% of the territory, 78.7% of the population
• Llanera Central Depression: 35% of the territory, 15.5% of the population
• Guayana Region: 45% of the territory, 5.5% of the population

Causes of the Uneven Distribution of Population

• Geographical position of the Andean region
• Climate-friendly agricultural soils and abundant water
• Construction of good communication channels
• Extensive network of services

Consequences of the Unequal Distribution of Population

• High population concentration in small areas leading to overcrowding, crime, and lack of services
• Abandonment of farming

Characteristics

Diverse Settlement and Ethnic-Cultural Landscape

In a very short time, our continent received a lot of migration, which left a special imprint on the native people. In the U.S., the first British colonizers were joined (17th and 18th centuries) by nearly 1 million African slaves. In the 19th century, many European immigrants arrived, adding well over 400 million people, not only from Europe but also from Asia. In Canada, the population growth was slower, reaching only 600 thousand inhabitants, while the U.S. had 4.5 million. This was mainly due to the installation of the railway, which favored the central plains, doubling the population. In general, poor immigrants were arriving in these two countries in search of jobs and economic progress,... Continue reading "Migration and Cultural Diversity in the Americas" »

Roman Hispania: Conquest and Influence

The Romans dominated the Italian peninsula and aimed to control Mediterranean trade and create a vast empire. Their main rivals, the Carthaginians, were established in the Iberian Peninsula. To dominate the peninsula, the Romans landed in Emporion in 218 BC. The Roman conquest of the peninsula lasted 200 years and was conducted in three stages:

Mediterranean Coast

The Romans defeated the Carthaginians. The Iberian peoples did not offer resistance.

The Plateau

Its conquest was longer. Indigenous peoples offered greater resistance.

Cantabrian Coast

The geography and the fierceness of its inhabitants (the Celts) made it difficult to conquer.

Roman Cities and Society

Roman City Characteristics:

• Walled
• Grid layout
• Forum

Tourism Services

Many services are common to all tourist destinations, especially those related to hospitality. However, other services depend on the location's dominant expertise.

• Sun and beach destinations: Offer numerous hotel and nightlife services, along with significant commercial sectors dedicated to textiles, souvenirs, and cultural tourism.
• Cultural/Religious tourism destinations: Provide specialized guidance and information services, with religious tourism attracting visitors during specific dates or times of year.
• Congress and business tourism: Focuses on attracting large groups with high spending potential, utilizing purpose-built exhibition centers and conference venues, often located in central or peripheral urban areas.
• Sports tourism: