The U.S. is the 3rd largest country in the world behind Russia and Canada.

All but 2 states make up the main part of the country.

Alaska and Hawaii

East coast◦ Atlantic Coastal Plain- low area, which is flat and

close to sea level.◦ When you head west the land rises to the region

called the Piedmont Appalachian Mountains

◦ Mountains in the East◦ Very very old◦ Highest mountain is 6,700 ft

West of the Appalachians Filled with hills, lakes, and rivers Great Lakes- largest group of freshwater

lakes in the world. Important trade route to Canada.

Mississippi River-west of the great lakes. America’s longest and most important river.◦ Missouri and Ohio rivers are huge tributaries.

Rocky Mountains Continental Divide- divides the flow of rivers

in the US. Cascade Range Sierra Nevada Mount St. Helens- active volcano. Mount McKinley in Alaska is the highest

mountain in North America. 20,320 ft

The US has a greater variety of climates than any other country.

East and South◦ 3 different zones(humid continental, humid

subtropical, tropical savanna Interior Plains

◦ Humid continental West

◦ Dry◦ Northwest coast- mild coastal climate.◦ Alaska- subarctic and tundra.◦ Hawaii- tropical

US has lots of natural resources. Fertile soil in the interior plains Oil (Alaska, California, Louisianna) we

import over ½ the oil we need Coal- makesmore than ½ of electricity in

the us. 25% of the world’s coal is in the US Forests Farmland

Native Americans lived in the United States long before Christopher Columbus sailed here in 1492.

Europeans began settling North America and setting up colonies in the 1500s.

By the mid 1700s there where 13 colonies.

New York and Boston became major seaports.

Many people lived on Plantations.◦ Tobacco, rice, and cotton were produced◦ Thousands of African slaves were brought and

forced to work.

The American fought and defeated the British in the Revolutionary War. (The Battle of Yorktown)

◦ 1775-1783 July 1776 the colonies signed the “Declaration

of Independence”◦ Stated that “all men are created equal” and have the

right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Not everyone was considered equal The United States was granted independence

and all land east of the Mississippi River.

“But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

Moved west for Land and Resources.◦ 1840s the discovery of gold in California.

The US became a major producer of steel, oil, and cloth products.

The US economy became very strong and attracted many immigrants to the States.

7 out of 10 Americans are descended from European immigrants.

The US is home to many cultures and ethnic groups.

Some include:◦ Native Americans- western US◦ African Americans- southern states◦ Hispanic Americans- southwestern US (states that

border Mexico)◦ Asian Americans- California

2 major Wars (World War I & World War II) Cold War (with Russia)

◦ Lasted Until 1992 1950s Korean War 1960s & 70s Vietnam War Early 90s Persian Gulf War War on Iraq (War on Terrorist)

Democracy Based on the Constitution. President & Congress Most of the government is in the hands of

the state and local governments.