Sub-regions of the
United States
Notes!
the Northeast
the Midwest
the West
the South
The Northeast
The Northeast
Nickname: America’s Gateway
– Many immigrants came into
the U.S. through this region.
States in Sub-region:
– New England- Maine,
Vermont, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts , Rhode
Island, Connecticut
– Mid-Atlantic States- New
York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania
Major Cities
• Cities grew along major waterways and
the Atlantic coast
–
–
–
–
Boston
New York City
Philadelphia
Washington D.C.
• A megalopolis is a region where several
large cities have grow together.
– Example- BosWash
• Area is 500 miles long, from Boston to
Washington DC
• 1/6 of the US population lives in the
BosWash corridor
2008, TESCCC
World Geography, Unit 3, Lesson 1
Economy
Economic Activities
Economic Problems
• The Northeast is heavily
industrialized and urban.
• Traditional industries are being
replaced by service-oriented
jobs.
• Traditional industries: iron,
steel, petroleum, lumber.
• Shifting from traditional
industry to manufacturing &
service industries.
– electronics, chemicals,
communications, medicine,
finance, tourism
– Electronics, medical research
– Service-oriented jobs require
more training
• Traditional Industries such as
steel and petroleum production
have moved to warmer
climates.
The Midwest
The Midwest
Nickname: America’s
Heartland
– Central portion of the US
– AKA, the Breadbasket due
to large scale food
production
States in Sub-region:
• 12 states
• From Nebraska to Ohio
• This sub-region is know for its
flat plains, and numerous
waterways
– Mississippi River
– The Great Lakes
• The major cities of the Midwest developed
along waterways.
• Chicago on Lake Michigan- cultural,
financial and transportation hub
• Detroit- Motor City, home of major
automobile manufacturers
Chicago, Illinois
Detroit, Michigan
Economy
• Good climate and fertile soil
allow farmers to grow more
food in the Midwest than
anywhere else in the world.
• Main agricultural products:
corn, wheat, meat, dairy goods
• Agriculture is the
foundation for many other
industries
– Meatpacking, food
processing, farm
equipment, grain milling
• Other traditional
industries
– Steel
– automaking
Economic Problems
• Number of farms is
declining
– Why?
• Urban areas are declining
due to people moving to
the suburbs.
• People and industries
moving to the South and
West.
Massive, but abandoned
factories rusted away
and scarred the
landscape of once
vibrant cities.
The South
The South
• Nickname: the Sun Belt
– Due to its climate (hot
summers, mild winters)
• States in Sub-region:
– Made up of 16 states
– Texas to Virginia
• This sub-region covers
24% of the US, and
makes up about 33% of
the population.
The South
The Old South
• The area was mainly rural
• Economy was based on
agriculture
– Tobacco, cotton
– Fruits, peanuts, rice
– Livestock production
• In the 1950’s the economy was
boosted by energy resources.
– Coal, oil, natural gas, water
The New South
• Since the 1950’s, the
area has attracted
manufacturing & services
industries.
• Industries include
– Petroleum, steel
– Food processing
– Textiles
The Role of Climate
• The South’s humid
subtropical climate
hindered
industrialization.
 Why?
 What technological
advancement made it
possible for people & jobs
to move South?
The Effects
• Many industries and people have
moved to the Southern region since
the cost of living is cheaper.
• Metropolitan Areas
» Atlanta
» Miami
» Houston
» San Antonio
• However, an influx of people have
created more competition for jobs
and resources.
Houston, TX
The West
The West
Nickname: none
– Except New Mexico,
Arizona, southern Nevada
& California are called the
Sun Belt do to climate.
States in Sub-region:
Colorado to California, Alaska,
and Hawaii
• Covers 50% of the U.S.
land area, only has 20%
of the population.
Developing the West
• Development of the region has
been helped along by the use
of air conditioning and
irrigation.
• Cities like Phoenix, Tucson,
and Las Vegas have diverted
rivers and lakes to supply their
water.
 Why?
Irrigation Canal in
Arizona
Economic Activity
• Coastal cities such as
Seattle and Los Angeles
serve as entry ports for
foreign goods.
 Where is this trade coming
from?
• Metropolitan areas
•
•
•
•
Los Angeles, CA
Phoenix & Tucson, AZ
Las Vegas, NV
Seattle, WA
Economic Activity
• Economic activities vary
with the climate and
landscape.
– Farming
Economic Problems
• The West is the fastest
growing region of the
U.S.
– Food processing
– Mining
– Film making
– Export/Import of Goods
– Tourism
• Similar to the South, an
increase in population
has created more
competition for jobs and
resources.