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

The Tertiary Sector: Definition and Scope

The tertiary sector is the economic sector that includes activities that do not produce tangible goods, but provide services to the population.

Superior (Quaternary) Activities

These activities are related to high technology and science, often involving specialized knowledge (e.g., business management, research, and development).

Banal Activities (Low-Skill Services)

This sub-sector is devoted to jobs that require little academic preparation and are usually poorly paid.

Drivers of Tertiary Sector Growth and Social Change

• Increased Life Expectancy: Leading to greater demand for elderly or dependent care services.
• Inclusion of Women in the Workforce: Increasing demand for services previously performed domestically

Crown of Aragon's Expansion in the Mediterranean

The expansion of the Crown of Aragon in the Mediterranean was based on successful long-distance trade with Italy, North Africa, and the East. From the 13th century, the city of Barcelona was the main driver behind this trade. The areas of greatest commercial interest for the Crown of Aragon were southern Italy, North Africa, and the ports of Syria and Egypt. Despite the commercial interests of the Mediterranean route, the military expeditions undertaken by the Aragonese monarchs were often motivated by dynastic issues.

The main steps of the Aragonese expansion were:

• The conquest of Valencia and the Balearic Islands by James I.
• The conquest of Sicily by Peter III (1282), which brought about war with

The Civilian Government of Primo de Rivera (1925-1930)

In September 1925, the military directory was replaced by a civilian government. This introduced a civil government led by the Patriotic Union (a single party), with some military personnel remaining. A corporate system was established, based on two key institutions.

Political and Economic Institutions

The new corporate system was built on two pillars:

• The National Consultative Assembly (Political): Established in 1927, it was comprised of 400 members from the country's elites, chosen by direct, limited suffrage to draft a new constitution. The final project in 1929 was rejected for granting enormous powers to the king, denying national sovereignty and the division of powers, and limiting popular

The road network uses only a tenth of its roads.

Transport and Communications System in Spain

The system of transport and telecommunications are two basic elements to boost the economy and promote regional balance. In recent decades, public investment in transport infrastructure has become a priority for the state, alongside the emergence of new telecommunications companies.

Infrastructure and Transport Features

Main features of our transportation system include:

• Adaptation to Physical and Socioeconomic Conditions

  There is a close relationship between physical characteristics, social and economic planning, and the provision of transport infrastructure. The network of roads and railways has had to adapt to the high average altitude of the Iberian

City Concept

Quantitative Criteria: Considers all core city populations exceeding a certain number of inhabitants.

Qualitative Criteria: Considers cities and villages that meet certain characteristics: high population density and high-rise dwellings, the predominance of economic activities and industries. The consideration of these criteria defines a core city as a large population center with high population density, a predominance of industrial activity, and an urban lifestyle.

Development Process

1. Pre-Industrial Cities (Until the Industrial Revolution)

Cities were small, served as centers of political and religious power, and fostered craft businesses.

• The first cities emerged in Mesopotamia on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, almost

The English Revolution (17th Century)

In England, power was traditionally divided between the monarch and the two chambers of Parliament (the House of Commons and the House of Lords). These chambers often restrained the King's actions, particularly regarding taxation and policy.

In the 17th century, the Stuart monarchs sought to limit the power of Parliament and bring to justice those who opposed them. This conflict led to the Civil War between supporters of Parliament and the Monarchy.

In 1649, King Charles I was executed, resulting in a republic. The system of government, whose president was Oliver Cromwell, eventually took a dictatorial form.

The monarchy returned in 1660 under Charles II. This government, with the help of Parliament, voted... Continue reading "Political Transformation: English and American Revolutions" »

Almost half the world's population, some 2.6 billion people, survive on less than $2 per day. The 500 largest fortunes in the world exceed the value of all income received by the 416 million poorest people on the planet. The 20% richer population accumulates about three-quarters of world income.

Developed Nations: Economic Characteristics

• High technological level
• Export of highly valued products
• Increased uptake of financial resources
• Significant investment in research, science, and technology
• Development of new technologies

Developing Nations: Economic Challenges

• Reduced technological level
• Exports of less valued goods
• Minor fundraising
• Low investment in research, science, and technology
• Inability to generate new technologies

Global Wealth Concentration

Highest Density of Population: Africa / America / Asia / Europe / Oceania

• Physical Factors: Flat relief, climate, suitability for agriculture, drinking water.
• Historical and Political Factors: The process of land occupation, land ownership, population policies (birth control, incentives or restrictions, etc.).
• Economic Factors: Natural resources, industrial facilities, communication facilities, proximity to the sea.

Population Density: Number of inhabitants per area, inhabitants / km ².

Levels of Population Concentration:

• Demographic Vacuum: (less than 1 sq/km ²): Land that is cold, arid, hot, and humid (Deserts: white, yellow, green).
• Intermediate Zones: (between 1 and 50 inhabitants / km ²): Regularly occupied areas that encourage high concentrations

Timeline of the European Union

• 1950: The Schuman Declaration proposed the establishment of a European Coal and Steel Community.
• 1957: Six countries decided to build a European Economic Community.
• 1968: Common policies were put in place.
• 1973: Membership expanded from six to nine.
• 1975: The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was established.
• 1979: A decisive step forward was taken (likely referring to the first direct elections to the European Parliament).
• 1981: Greece joined the Community.
• 1985: Hope sprang again for further integration.
• 1986: Spain and Portugal joined. The Single European Act was signed.
• 1987: The Single European Act came into force.
• 1990: German unification.
• 1991: The Soviet Union ceased to exist. The Maastricht Treaty was signed.

The Agrarian Problem in Spain During the Second Republic

Introduction

The Second Spanish Republic, born from the municipal elections of April 12, 1931, marked a new era of hope after the exile of King Alfonso XIII. The Republic aimed to address the urgent needs of the Spanish people, including a critical agrarian problem with deep historical roots.

The State of Spanish Agriculture

Despite advancements in literature and science, Spain suffered from high illiteracy rates, exceeding 50% according to some estimates. Vast areas remained isolated, contributing to what philosopher José Ortega y Gasset termed an "invertebrate" Spain. Income inequality further exacerbated the situation.

The core issue was the unequal distribution and exploitation of... Continue reading "Land Reform and the Second Spanish Republic" »