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

Global Population Dynamics

China's Population History and Challenges

• 1949 Baby Boom: Significant post-war population increase.
• 1958 Crisis: Following 2 million deaths (due to flooding/famine), the population was encouraged to have babies, leading to a second baby boom.
• 1979: Implementation of the One-Child Policy.
• 2015: Policy adjusted to the Two-Child Policy.
• Current Issues: Unbalanced population ratio (more men), the 4-2-1 problem (high age dependency ratio).

Population Density and Growth Rates

• Canada: Underpopulated (2.32 people per km²), but experiencing population growth (0.7% annual increase).
• Tanzania: Overpopulated (153 people per km²).

Russia: Factors Contributing to Underpopulation

• Low fertility rate and high death rate.
• Low GDP resulting in

The Industrial Revolution in Britain: 1750-1850

Britain transformed into an industrialized nation between 1750 and 1850. The Industrial Revolution dramatically altered the lives of people living in Britain. The population during this period was approximately 11 million people, primarily residing in villages and earning their livelihoods through agriculture. However, by 1850, the population had surged to about 21 million. People began to migrate to cities and work in factories, leading to a significant shift in their way of life. This essay will argue that the Industrial Revolution was spurred by three crucial factors: population increase, raw materials, and transportation.

Population Growth and its Impact

One of the primary reasons for industrialization... Continue reading "Industrial Revolution in Britain: 1750-1850" »

Environmental Factors

Climate Challenges

Africa often suffers from a lack of rainfall, making droughts common. Consequently, crops may suffer. Furthermore, tropical climates foster diseases such as malaria and yellow fever due to hot and humid conditions. While More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs) can cope with these issues, Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs) often struggle.

Natural Hazards

Floods, droughts, and tectonic activity can limit future growth, destroy buildings, and devastate agricultural areas. These events often force countries to divert essential income toward recovery efforts.

Landlocked Geography

Fifteen countries in Africa are landlocked. This creates significant trade barriers, as goods must be transported through... Continue reading "Factors Influencing African Development and Aid Impact" »

Understanding the Primary Sector

The primary sector includes economic activities related to obtaining resources from nature.

Main Economic Activities

Agriculture: Cultivating the Land

Agriculture is the cultivation of land to obtain:

• Grasses
• Vegetables
• Bushes
• Trees

Livestock Farming: Raising Animals

Livestock farming is the breeding of animals in order to obtain products for human use.

Fishing: Harvesting from Water

Fishing is any activity which obtains natural products from the sea. Products obtained include canned goods, frozen goods, and oils.

Factors Influencing Primary Production

Natural Factors: Climate and Land

Climate: The growth of plants depends on the temperature, humidity of the land, and the amount of light received.

Land Relief: The best lands... Continue reading "Understanding Primary Economic Activities" »

Consequences of the Industrial Revolution

A. Society

They were divided into social classes marked by money. Three groups:

• Upper bourgeoisie: bankers, landlords, owners of large factories.
• Middle bourgeoisie: traders, senior officials, professionals (lawyers, doctors).
• Lower bourgeoisie: shopkeepers, employees, artisans.

Workers: less important than the bourgeoisie. The factory workers and peasants were the proletariat.

B. Cities

General changes

• The cities grew.
• City walls were demolished.

The cities were divided

• Wealthy part of the city: water and sewage systems, rich houses, well constructed and with green areas.
• Workers' part: overcrowded, no hygiene, houses were small, dark, damp and dirty; streets unorganized, epidemics, no health services, no sewers,

Context: The Victorian Era

• This period was named after Queen Victoria, who reigned over Britain throughout this era.
• The Victorian Era lasted from 1837 to 1901.
• It was a time of significant reforms and social change driven by the Industrial Revolution. Under her rule, Britain became the world's largest empire.

Queen Victoria and Her Reign

• The Victorian Era marked the 63-year reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901.
• Queen Victoria ascended the throne at age 18. She was the granddaughter of George III and succeeded to the throne following the death of her uncle, William IV.
• The era was defined by rapid industrialization and the expansion of the British Empire.

Victorian Values

• Economic Growth: The middle class grew wealthy through industry, leading

Key Concepts in Agricultural Production

• Arable farming: Comprises the economic activities and techniques relating to the treatment of soil and cultivation of land for food production.
• FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization is an agency that leads international efforts to stop hunger.
• Open fields: These are made up of regular plots without boundaries.
• Bocage: This refers to irregular plots separated by walls or hedges.
• Irrigation system: Used as an alternative to rainfed farming, part of the water is brought to fields by artificial means.
• Rainfed farming: This is a type of farming that relies solely on rainfall for water.
• Intensive agriculture: Characterized by maximum productivity, reduced space, and large investment in fertilizers, special seeds,

Global Transformations: 1870–1991 Historical Dynamics

Population Growth and Urbanization (1870–1914)

Between 1870 and 1914, the European population accelerated its growth, rising from approximately 300 million to 400 million people.

Emigration Abroad: Emigration was favored by improved and less expensive means of transport. It initially originated from:

• The United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Scandinavia

The main destinations for these migrants were the United States, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Urbanization: Cities significantly increased their population. By the late 19th or early 20th century, cities were home to a third or half of the population, and some major centers, like Paris or London, held over one million people.

Imperialism and Colonialism:

Unit 1: Introduction to Canada 1900-1914

Immigration and Policy

Immigration: The movement of people from one country into another. Canada experienced its largest wave of immigration between 1901 and 1911. Three reasons for increasing immigration were to provide cheap labour for businesses, prevent the USA from expanding into territories, and satisfy railroads and businesses that believed there would be a high demand for Canadian natural resources.

Open Door Policy: An act providing few restrictions on who could immigrate to Canada, with the exception of criminals.

Imperialism:

Nationalism: A feeling of extreme patriotism toward one's country (Britain).

Métis: A person of mixed American Indian and Euro-American ancestry; in the 19th century, they... Continue reading "Canadian History 1900-1914: Immigration and Growth" »