Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Geography for Secondary education

Renaissance Features

Architecture during the Renaissance appeared in three distinct styles:

• Plateresque: Richly decorated facades imitating the work of silversmiths (e.g., Salamanca).
• Purism: A cleaner decorative style (e.g., Palace of Charles V).
• Herrerian: Characterized by austerity and a lack of decoration (e.g., Monastery of San Lorenzo).

Renaissance Sculpture and Painting

Sculpture focused on religious subjects, utilizing polychrome wood. Notable figures include El Greco and Berruguete. Painting is highlighted by elongated figures that convey spirituality, filled with rich color.

Characteristics of the Baroque

Baroque architecture utilized octagonal, elliptical, Greek cross, and Latin cross floor plans. Walls were often curved, pediments were...

1. The Crown of Castile

1.1 The Castilian Reconquista

The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 marked Christian superiority against Muslims and led to the reconquest of Andalusia. Ferdinand III took Seville, Jaén, and the city of Cordoba. Murcia was conquered by Alfonso X the Wise, who ensured fairness of the proceedings.

1.2 Control of the Strait of Gibraltar in the 13th Century

The Marinids crossed the Strait and attacked Christians. Alfonso XI defeated them at the Battle of Salado, securing Castilian control of the Strait of Gibraltar. This victory initiated expeditions to the Canary Islands.

1.3 Government of Castile

Ferdinand III achieved the union of Castile and León, creating a huge area where the king was considered sovereign by the grace...

Spain: Rural and Urban Settlements

Rural Settlement Types

• The dispersed settlement is typical of the northern peninsula.
• The predominant type of settlement in rural areas of the peninsula is concentrated.

Spanish Rural Houses

• Stone houses (predominantly in the mountainous periphery).
• Mud houses (interior peninsular, Valencia, and Murcia orchards).
• Buildings of mixed wood (wood, stone, or clay) are in rural areas of the Basque Country, the Central System, and the Iberian System.

Transformations in the Rural World

• Rural mountainous interiors of the peninsula were affected by the rural exodus.
• Rural communities located in coastal areas experienced a radical transformation.
• Rural populations close to large urban cities have taken office.

Urban Settlement in

Major Livestock Regions of Spain

Spain has four major livestock regions:

• Galicia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country: Specializing in bovine livestock for milk and meat production.
• Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra, and Northern Valencia: Focus on porcine and bovine cattle, along with other farm animals, for meat, milk, and egg production.
• Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura: Predominantly ovine livestock, with the western part specializing in bovine cattle for meat and milk.
• Andalusia: Significant ovine and porcine livestock production.

Integration into the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

Spain's entry into the European Community significantly impacted its agricultural sector, leading to modernization and access to a larger market. This integration offered...

The Composition of Medieval Jobs

Each trade was divided into three categories:

• Master: He was the owner of the workshop, tools, and raw materials.
• Journeyman: He was the skilled worker.
• Apprentice: This was a young person who wanted to learn the trade.

Journeymen could become masters; to do so, they had to produce a masterpiece.

The Strengthening of European Monarchies

Monarchs granted letters of freedom and privileges to cities, which allowed them to remain free from any feudal dependency.

Confrontations Between European Kingdoms

The claim of the English king to inherit the French throne gave origin to the Hundred Years War between England and France. In this war, the struggle of the French peasant Joan of Arc was highlighted.

The Gothic Era and the

Political Organization Over Time in Christian Kingdoms

Over time, the Christian kingdoms developed their own political institutions:

• The Monarchy: It had feudal allegiance, which established relations with their subjects. The king surrounded himself with officials who helped in the tasks of government. In Castile and Portugal, the monarchy was stronger than in Aragon and Navarre.
• The Cortes: They had their origin in an advisory body formed by people close to the king. Subsequently, they were constituted by representatives of the three estates: nobility, clergy, and residents of the cities and towns. Their role was to make laws and approve new taxes. In Aragon and Navarre, they had more decision-making power than in Castile and Portugal, and acted

AD 711: The Moors Invade Spain

In AD 711, the Moors invaded Spain from North Africa and conquered most of it.

AD 720: The Moors Cross the Pyrenees Mountains

In AD 720, the Moors crossed the Pyrenees Mountains and pushed into France.

AD 732: Defeat at the Battle of Poitiers

In AD 732, at the Battle of Poitiers, they were defeated and driven out of France.

13th Century: The Alhambra Palace

In the 13th century, the Moors built the Alhambra palace in Granada.

AD 1000: The Moors Begin to Lose Control

In AD 1000, the Moors began to lose control of Spain.

AD 1250: Moors Control Only Granada

In AD 1250, the Moors only controlled the area around Granada.

AD 1492: The Christian Rulers Drive Them Out

In AD 1492, the Christian rulers Ferdinand and Isabella drove them...

Miño River

The Miño, a 340km river in Spain, flows through Lugo, Orense, and Pontevedra in Galicia. Its final stretch forms the border between Spain and Portugal, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean between A Guarda (Spain) and Caminha (Portugal). Its main tributary is the Sil.

Douro River

Born in the southern slopes of the Picos de Urbión, in the Iberian System (Soria province), the Douro River stretches 895km, with 609km in Spain. Its basin is the largest on the Iberian Peninsula. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Oporto. Notable tributaries from the Cantabrian Mountains include the Esla, Duratón, Eresma, Adaja, Tormes, Órbigo, Arlanza, and Arlanzón.

Tagus River

The Tagus, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, originates in the Sierra...

Agriculture in Slovakia

Agriculture, encompassing forestry, mining, and fishing, is a primary sector of the economy. It produces:

• Food for the population
• Raw materials for industry

Historical Development

• Beginning of the 20th century: 60% of the population made a living by agricultural production.
• 1949: Collectivization of agricultural production (state property).
• 1970s: Agricultural cooperatives (poľnohospodárske družstvá) were established.
• 1989: Dissolution of agricultural cooperatives – land and property began to be returned to original owners (or descendants).
• Joining the EU: European agricultural policy – quotas.

Current State of Agriculture

• Agriculture employs less than 1.5% of the workforce.
• Contributes 0.9 – 1.5% to GDP.
• Agricultural land

China: Population 1.3 billion growing rapidly - 1 child policy used in the past

Most population in middle/middle-high income. Therefore spend a lot on luxury goods - more than any other country. Manufacturing hub Fashion industry - open to overseas brands, willing to spend a lot (not price sensitive) GDP growing fast, huge economy, dynamic & successful TRADE - surpassed US as a trading nation, rely heavily on emerging markets such as Brazil for exports but these EM cannot compete with their huge success and dominance. E-commerce industry is huge - no Facebook Whatsapp or Google, they use their own, WeChat has 900 million users. Use phones for everything. “Belt Road Initiative” - extend trade routes & integrate the economy. Opportunities...