United States History Geography

University:
Concordia University Wisconsin
Course:
HIST 1210 | American Civilization I
Academic year:

2021
Views:

99

Pages:

2
Author:

Annalise Walters

United States History Geography Atlantic and Pacific Oceans mostly influenced U.S. foreign policy throughout the 18 th and 20 th, 19 th, century. The oceans on the east and west coasts helped the U.S. maintain its foreign policy of neutrality during most of the 1800s. ● Natural harbors o Contributed to the development of commerce. ● Appalachian Mountains o Served as the western boundary for British colonial settlements prior to the Revolutionary War. ● Proclamation Line of 1763 o Border established by Great Britain in order to avoid conflicts between American colonists and Native Americans. Early colonial settlements were similar in that each developed near the coastline. Eg) Jamestown (1607), Plymouth (1620), New Amsterdam (1625) ● New England Colonies o Influenced by good harbors, abundant forests, rocky soil, and a short growing season. o Geographic factors influenced the economy of New England by promoting the growth of trade and manufacturing. o Developed villages with town-hall meetings. o Had small farms, commercial fishing, and the first American college. ● Southern Colonies o The climate and topography of the southeastern U.S. had a major impact on the history of the U.S. before 1860 because the region provided agricultural products that were processed in the North and in Europe. o Developed plantations (large farms that used slave labor) because of fertile land and a long growing season. ● Great Plains o The relatively flat, grassy region of the U.S. between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains is known as the Great Plains. o The states with the largest percentage of land used for agriculture are located in areas with relatively flat terrain. o Known for producing grain crops