UStudy Guide for Unit 1 - Middle East Geography
Unit 1 Test: Study Sheet
Geography Curriculum
The student will locate selected features in Southwestern Asia (Middle
East).
-Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Euphrates River,
Jordan River, Tigris River, Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz,
Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gaza Strip.
-Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the nations of
Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
The student will discuss environmental issues across Southwest Asia (Middle
East).
-Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts
irrigation and drinking water.
The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical
characteristics, Distribution of natural resources and population
distribution on Southwest Asia
-Explain how the distribution of oil has affected the development of
Southwest Asia
-Describe how the deserts and rivers of Southwest Asia (Middle East) have
affected the population in terms of where people live, the type of work they
do, and how they travel.
• Use your practice map and quiz to study. See the list of political
and physical features included in the curriculum above.
• Vocabulary (Be able to apply vocabulary to lessons): Gulf, Strait,
Climate, Arable Land, Irrigation, Map Key, Climagraph, Weather,
Desertification, Region, Characteristics, Physical Features, Political
Features, Vegetation, Arid, Relative Location, Absolute location, Impact,
Human-Environmental Interaction, Production, Extraction, Consumption,
Nomadic, Agriculture, Scarcity, Abundance, Trade, Industry and Desalination
(all terms defined on website)
• Describe how rivers and deserts affect where people live, their
occupation and the form of transportation used.
• Describe the importance of water in agricultural and industrial
development of Southwest Asia. Focus on the reasons for the conflict over
the Jordan River, who is involved, why is there a dispute, and some
solutions.
• Explain how the distribution of natural resources has affected the
development of Southwest Asia. Be able to describe the impact of water
rights, how the discovery of oil has changed the lives of the Bedoins, OPEC,
and the extraction of oil.
• Describe the climate in the Middle East both in terms of
precipitation and temperature, as well as how these factors influence
vegetation.
• Describe how the location of the Middle East impacts trade,
agriculture and industry in terms of physical features and natural
resources.nit 1- Middle East Geography
2009-2010 Notes
CHINA
After World War I, Japan was able to take over parts of China.
Chaing Kai-shek, leader of the Nationalists Party (KMT) tried to strengthen
the republic, however another leader, Mao Zedong was working against him.
Mao Zedong was the leader of the Communist Party. (CCP)
Chaing’s troops surrounded Mao’s Red Army, but Mao’s army was able to
escape. The communists began the Long March gathering support for the
Communist Party along the way.
When World War II broke out, the two parties controlled different sections
of China.
The Nationalists (KMT) fought with the Allies. By the end of World War II
the Allied forces had driven the Japanese out of China, civil war broke out
between the Communists and the Nationalists.
By 1948, the Communists controlled most of mainland China, and the
Nationalists fled to Taiwan. China became the People’s Republic of China
with “Chairman Mao” as their head.
Mao instituted the Great Leap Forward. This was his attempt to become equal
to the western nations in agricultural and industrial production. He
depended on the peasants for results. Instead of success, the Great Leap
Forward proved to be disastrous, where famine occurred and millions died.
Mao wanted to renew the spirit of the revolution and equalize the elite and
peasants. He implemented the Cultural Revolution. His supporters wrote
articles and made posters against the bourgeoisie (the elite). Plays and
art were developed to glorify Mao. Mao encouraged high students to form
groups known as the Red Guards. Many people were mistreated. Old ideas and
foreign influence was frowned upon. Books, religious temples, or anything
representing the past was destroyed. Schools and universities were closed.
This Cultural Revolution lasted for ten years and ended when Mao died in
1976.
In 1989, a large protest in Tiananmen Square erupted as students gathered
to protest the communist regime and to help force the establishment of
democratic principles. The Chinese government sent in tanks to break up the
nonviolent protests killing hundreds of protestors. The government outlawed
any further protests. The government executed students and some escaped to
the West seeking political asylum.
The Communist party is still in control, although there is more economic
freedom in China today.
Roll of Communism – to spread wealth evenly to everybody
India
Colony of Great Britain until after WWII
Great Britain used India for raw materials , like cotton
Nationalism sparked their quest for independence
Leader of independence – Gandhi, Hindu lawyer
Used passive resistance – non-violent protests
Also referred to as civil disobedience
Food strikes, boycotts, and Salt March
When India received independence, conflict between Muslims and Hindus led to
the establishment of East and West Pakistan. Many Muslims moved to the
Pakistans and the Hindus took what is now India. East Pakistan later became
Bangladesh.
India today is the world’s largest democracy.
Words to know:
Nationalism – love or loyalty for one’s country or people
Cottage industries – the manufacturing of products in homes or small shops
Passive resistance- fighting for a cause without violence
Civil disobedience - refusing to follow a law that one feels is unjust
Boycott – a refusal to buy and use goods
Strike – refusal to work
ECONOMICS
What goods and services will be produced?
How will these goods and services be produced?
Who will use the goods and services that are produced?
What are the types of economies?
Traditional: decisions made based on custom and habit, usually based from
one generation to the next. In this type of economy people usually produce
enough for their own families and their neighborhoods. Sometimes this
economy might be referred to as a subsistence economy. Often, this economy
does not produce in large quantities. The exchanging of one good or service
for another, with no money involved. (Bartering)
Bartering today occurs mostly in small communities that are isolated from the
outside world.
Command - decisions answering the economic questions are made by government
groups. In a pure command economy individuals cannot decide to start a new
business.
Market – decisions are made by individuals. Other names synonymous with
market are capitalism, free enterprise and laissez-faire (“to allow one to do
as he/she pleases”).
Individuals take economic risks, if the business is successful the individual
will profit, however if the business fails the individual or investors will
lose money.
Mixed- in real life, most economies fall under this category. This type of
economic is located somewhere between a market and command economy. Most of
the African economies have mixed economies, where government control may vary
from country to country.
SS7E1 The student will analyze different economic systems.
c. Compare and contrast the economic systems of South Africa and Nigeria.
Student will be able to describe the differences in the South African and
Nigerian economies.
AREA South Africa
Type of economy
Technologically advanced
More of a mixed economy with some
government controls and some free market.
One of the strongest economies
In Africa.
Mining (diamond, gold, platinum) Textiles, steel and iron
Exports, minerals, machinery and equipment
GDP per capita $9,800Labor Force
distribution
Services 65%
Industry 26%
Agriculture 9%
Unemployment rate is a problem at 24%
NIgeria
Poorly organized economy after period of military dictatorship and
corruption. Nigeria is trying to allow more private enterprise and to take
advantage of the world oil market
Oil and petroleum are the primary market goods. At one time, Nigeria
exported food products, but now must import food for its mass population.
Leading Exports
Oil and petroleum products
GDP per capita -$2,000
Industry 10%
Services 20%
Agriculture 70%
Unemployment Rate 4.9%
What does the chart indicate might be a concern for the South Africa economy?
SS7E3 The student will describe factors that influence economic growth and
examine their presence or absence in Nigeria and South Africa.
a. Explain the relationship between investment in human capital (education
and training) and gross domestic product (GDP).
b. Explain the relationship between investment in capital (factories,
machinery, and technology) and gross domestic product (GDP).
Human capital refers to the skills and knowledge that workers have in order
to produce goods or services. The more education that workers have the
better they are at producing quality products and learning new jobs as the
technology becomes available. Companies that spend more money on training
and educating their workers usually make more profits. Companies also should
be sure that working conditions are safe. In addition, countries where
training and education are more readily available often have higher GDPs and
higher standards of living.
South Africa has invested in their human capital. South Africa has
diversified their economy and has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on
the continent. South Africa’s electronic and mining businesses depend on
highly skilled workers. South Africa has a high unemployment rate. Most of
the unemployed are members of the black community which are still suffering
due to the affect of the apartheid system.
Nigeria should have a strong economy due to its large deposits of oil and its
educated population. However, due to government corruption, military rule,
and civil wars, 70% of the Nigerian people live on less than $1 a day.
Nigeria must import food in order to keep its large population fed.
Capital goods include machines, technology, factories and other tools that
people use to produce goods or sell. Technology makes production more
efficient and less expensive which leads to greater profits. Higher profits
lead to a larger GDP.
South Africa has invested in capital goods. They have the necessary
equipment to mine diamonds, gold, and platinum and to assemble cars and
trucks.
Nigeria has invested in capital goods to support their oil industry.
However, the lack of diversification in the investment of capital goods in
other industries has led to many Nigerians without proper food and housing.
Uranium, Oil, Gold, and Diamonds
Uranium, gold, and diamonds are all worth extremely high prices on the world
market. These natural resources are not distributed evenly among the African
countries. In many cases, the riches have been stolen or used to purchase
weapons to fund civil wars.
Uranium
Uranium found in Nigeria and is an element that is an essential part of
nuclear weapons. For that reason, undercover trade in the element has been
brisk. The world watches purchases of uranium very closely to keep track of
how it is being used. Uranium has peaceful uses as well. Uranium can be
used in nuclear power plants as well as helping to process the age of
artifacts. Africa currently supplies about 20% of the world’s uranium.
Oil
Another of Africa’s resources is oil. Some of the world’s newly discovered
oil deposits are coming from Africa. In Sub Saharan countries profits from
oil sales often go into the pockets of corrupt government officials. Nigeria
is one of the fastest growing countries in Africa, and the revenue from oil
sales could do a lot for the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Instead, the
concentration on oil has led to the government paying little attention to
agriculture.
Gold and Diamonds
The discovery of gold and diamonds in Africa has been a mixed blessing. The
wealth from the diamond mining has been used for good in the country of South
Africa. The diamond business is dominated by the DeBeers Company, but this
company recognizes that political stability is good for business. The
diamond business is well regulated and the South Africans enjoy the benefits
of the diamond industry. However, in other countries, diamonds have led to
chaos where the selling of stolen or smuggled diamonds for weapons has led to
wars and civil conflicts. This is why the trade is often referred to
as “conflict diamonds”.
South Africa is believed to have approximately 40% of the world’s
gold. The South African government has been able to use the profit from the
gold to help its people and improve its country. However, the unemployment
rate in South Africa is still high and those Africans working in the gold
mines work under difficult and unsafe conditions.
Please see the notes for African history on the
teacherweb.com/GA/AutreyMillMiddleSchool/SocialStudies
website.
AFRICA Geographic Understandings SS7G1 The student will locate selected
features of Africa.
a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: the Sahara, Sahel,
savanna, tropical rain forest, Congo River, Niger River, Nile River, Lake
Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Atlas Mountains, and Kalahari Desert.
b. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the countries of,
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South
Africa, and Sudan.
SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues across the continent of
Africa.
a. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts
irrigation, trade, industry, and drinking water.
b. Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-
Saharan Africa.
c. Explain the impact of desertification on the environment of Africa from
the Sahel to the rainforest.Notes for quiz - Africa's Geography- November 17
Can I locate the Sahara, the Sahel, the Savanna, and the Tropical Rainforest
zones of Africa?
Can I answer the questions about each of these areas?
Can I locate the following physical features?
Congo River
Nile River
Niger River
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Victoria
Atlas Mountains
Kalahari Desert
Can I locate the following countries on an African map?
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)
Egypt
Kenya
Nigeria
South Africa
Sudan
Can I describe some of the environmental issues in Africa?
Water pollution
Desertification
Deforestation
Oil spills
Environmental Issues
Egypt: polluted water due to chemical fertilizers and population growth
South Africa: deforestation due to clearing trees for farmland and cutting
down trees for fuel.
Kenya: deforestation – people cutting down trees for fuel and for farming
Oil spills off shore
Nigeria- oil spills
Sudan- desertification, due to overgrazing and droughts
Notes from November 3
Students participated in a mass production activity making maps. Each
student was specialized for one square of the map.
Key terms covered
Specialization: When a country or person emphasizes one service or good.
Specialization often increases the amount of the good and the quality of the
good. Specialization also promotes more trade.
Productivity: the amount of goods and services produced in a certain amount
of time with the same amount of resources.
Notes from Thursday, Oct. 29
Trade Restrictions and their effects:
In spite of the benefit of international trade, many nations put limits on
trade for various reasons. The main types of trade restrictions or trade
barriers are tariffs, quotas, embargoes, standards, and subsidies.
A tariff is a tax put on goods that are imported from another country. The
effect of the tariff is to raise the prices of the imported product.
What are the advantages and disadvantages for the tariff?
Advantages: encourages people to buy domestic products. The country that
imposes the tariff gets to collect money.
Disadvantage: The foreign products cost more.
A quota is a limit on the amount of goods that can be imported. Putting a
quota on goods creates a shortage of that good.
How would a quota on foreign cars help the American automobile industry?
How could it hurt the American consumer?
____Promotes American citizens to buy domestic made cars. It makes it so
that the consumer has to pay more for foreign cars (supply and demand), It
limits the choice for consumers.
An embargo stops exports or imports of a product or group of products from
or to a country. Embargoes are usually implemented for political reasons.
How does an embargo affect you as a consumer? ____It limits your choices of
products, however it may help some American businesses.
How does an embargo affect the citizens of the foreign country?
__It limits their choices of American products. It could help some foreign
businesses that are in competition with American made products.
Standards are laws or regulations that nations use to restrict imports or to
help with safety.
How do standards affect the price of goods?
________Standards usually make prices go up. Safety measures on products
can sometimes be costly.
Countries often use trade restrictions to protect their own industries.
In general it is in the best interest of the world economy for each nation
to specialize in the goods or products it makes best and to trade them
freely with other nations.
SS7E5 THe sutdent will analyze different economic systems.
Different Economic Systems
An economic system describes the organization of each country’s economy.
Every country has an economic system. Every country has a scarcity of
productive resources (natural resources, labor resources, and capital
resources). There are not enough of these resources to provide all the
goods and services that citizens want that live in the country. Because of
this scarcity, a country needs an economic system to determine how these
resources will be used.
An economic system answers the questions:
What to produce? (What kinds of services and goods should be produced?)
How to produce? (What productive resources will be used to produce goods
and services?)
For whom to produce? (Who gets to have the goods and services?)
There are basic economic systems that answer these questions.
Traditional Economies: In this type of economic system, economic decisions
are based primarily on custom and tradition. For example, most tribal
societies have jobs that are based on what their ancestors did.
Command Economies: In a command system, the government usually owns most of
the property, and governmental planning groups make the basic economic
decisions. These groups often determine such things as the prices of goods
and services and the wages of workers. This type of economy has not been
very successful.
Market Economies : There are many names that describe a market economy
including capitalism and free enterprise. In a market system most of the
resources are owned by private citizens. Citizens own their own businesses
and can keep the profits earned from them. The questions of what, how, and
whom are not answered by the government. People have the freedom to make
choices on what job they do, what products they will make, and what price
they will charge.
When individuals make decisions in a market system, they are usually guided
by prices. Suppose the wages of a skilled auto worker is $45 an hour. This
wage might indicate that skilled auto workers are in demand. This provides
an incentive for individuals to get the training necessary to become a
mechanic.
The key idea is that it is the price that guides the workers, businesses,
and consumers, not the government.
Mixed Economies:
Very few countries have a pure economic system.
Most countries can be placed somewhere between a market and command
economy.
In a mixed economy there are some government controls placed on products
(goods) or services. Some governments have more control than others. In
other words there is a range in how much freedom an industry or consumer may
have.
Vocabulary
PRODUCTIVE RESOURCES
Natural resources – gifts of nature, present without human intervention.
Renewable and non-renewable
Capital resources- goods people produce and use to make other goods and
services
Human or labor resources- the quantity and quality of human effort directed
toward producing goods and services
Consumer
someone who buys goods or services.
Profit
the amount of money made by a business that is more than the amount put in
at the start or paid out as expenses. Income minus expenses = profit
Scarcity
When wants or needs are greater than available resources
Incentive
something that makes a person want to work or do something.
THE STUDENT WILL EXPLAIN the significance of GDP
Gross Domestic Product measures the total output of final goods and services
in the economy in a year.
When divided by the population, you have the GDP per capita.
The GDP tells one about the health of the economy.
GDP is calculated by adding consumption plus investment plus government
spending plus net exports. GDP over time reflects periods of economic
growth or recessions.
Factors that influence economic growth
Investment in human and physical capital
Incentives to save, invest, and increase productivity
Low inflation
Political stability
Economic Freedom
Free trade
Explain why we trade internationally. How does it benefit both countries
involved in the trade.
Terms covered:
Interdependence- reliance on trade with other countries to fulfill a
countries needs
Globalization – cooperation among nations in production and exchange of
goods and services
International trade game: What did you learn from this experience?
SS7G5 The student will explain the structures of the national governments in
the Middle East (Southwest Asia).
Describe the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iran is a theocratic republic. Its government is based on Sharia Law and
the majority of the Iranian people are Shiite Muslims. Iran is considered a
theocracy because most of the decisions in Iran are made by religious
leaders.
All citizens of voting age can vote. (universal suffrage)
The citizens elect the parliament, the president, and the Assembly of
Experts. However, who can run for these offices is determined by the
Council of Guardians.
The president selects a cabinet.
The Assembly of Experts selects the Ayatollah (Supreme Leader). The
Ayatollah controls the military, the intelligence and security services, the
judges, and the radio and television stations. The Ayatollah is a religious
leader which has the final authority on all government matters including
domestic and foreign policy. The Ayatollah also selects the Council of
Guardians. He serves for life unless he is dismissed by the Assembly of
Experts.
Describe the parliamentary democracy of Israel.
Israel is a parliamentary democracy.
Citizen participation is a democracy, all citizens over 18 can vote.
Israel has a unitary power distribution, there are no states or provinces,
the power lies in the central government.
The citizens elect the Knesset, which is the legislative branch.
The Knesset elects the prime minister who is generally from the majority
party in the Knesset. The prime minister is the head of the government.
The Knesset also elects the president. In Israel the president is more of a
ceremonial position.
Describe the monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy.
Citizen participation is autocratic (little or no citizen participation)
The power distribution is unitary.
Saudi Arabia's monarch position (king) is inherited. The kingdom is ruled by
Sharia Law. Sharia Law is based on the Quran and the teachings of Mohammed.
There is no formal constitution in Saudi Arabia, so the Quran could be
considered the constitution.
The legislative branch is the Consultative Council(Assembly). This
legislative branch is appointed by the king. This group advises the king
and the Council of Ministers.
The Council of Ministers is similar to the United States' cabinet. They too
are appointed by the king and can be removed by him.
Governors preside over the provinces. The king appoints the governors.
Judicial branch- The Saudi Arabians courts base their decisions on Sharia
Law (teachings of the Quran). The king can overrule any decision.
Sharia Law dictates individual freedoms, such as dietary restrictions,
dress, any religion other than Islam is prohibited.
SS7G5 The student will explain the structures of the national governments in
the Middle East (Southwest Asia).
Define the types of governments
Dictatorship -
Leader takes control sometimes with the help of the military.
The dictator has absolute power and total control over the government
Citizens have few rights and very little power
Saddam Hussein was a dictator in Iraq.
Theocracy
Government control is based on religios laws and religious leaders have the
most control
Iran has a theocracy which is based on Islamic law
Constitutional Monarchy
A government with a king or queen (monarch) whose powers are limited by the
constitution
The position is inherited.
Absolute Monarchy
A government where the king or queen has total control. The monarch makes
all of the decisions.
The position is inherited.
Saudi Arabia has this type of monarchy.
Democracy (Direct)
Citizens vote for everything
No modern day national examples of a direct democracy
Closest example is the kibbutz in Israel
Republic (Representative Democracy)
Indirect type of democracy
Citizens vote for representatives to vote for them on issues
Examples: Israel, Egypt, and the United States
Transitional
The type of government that exists when a country is changing from one
government to another
The duration of a transitional government can be long or short depending on
the new leadership
Iraq is classified as a Transitional government
SSyCG4 The student will compare and contrast various forms of government.
a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power:
unitary- strong central government, very little power in regional governments
central government has control over regional governments
federal - power is distributed between national(central) and
regional governments. (United States is an example)
confederal or confederation - states or regionals have more power than the
central government. Often, the regions can voluntarily join with the central
government when they choose. The southern states formed a confederal
government in the Confederate States of America before the Civil War.
b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation:
autocratic - very little citizen participation in government. Usually the
government is controlled by either a dictator or absolute monarchy.
oligarchic- citizen has little participation, the government is run by a few
chosen people. The chosen people may be commonly joined by religion,
wealth, social status, or the military
democratic - This form of government has the most participation by its
citizens. Citizens are allowed to vote for different issues or candidates.
c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments:
parliamentary and presidential.
parlimentary democracies- a parliamentary system has citizens elect the
legislative branch of government. This legislative branch is usually known
as the parliament, but may go by different names in different countries.
The parliament elects the prime minister from its members. The prime
minister is usually a member of the majority party in parliament.
presidential democracies - in a presidential democracy the citizens vote for
both the legislative branch and the executive branch (president). The
president is separate from the legislative branch and is not controlled by
them. The United States has a presidential form of democracy.
History Unit Test Study Guide
• Map of the Middle East- Know all places from the Geography Unit
• Ottoman Empire
1. What caused the fall of the empire?
Not open to new ideas
Had trouble controlling the land politically
Joined the Central Powers during WWI
2. What was their religion? Islam
3. What were the European countries that took control of the empire?
Great Britain and France
• The State of Israel
1. Zionist movement
2. Balfour Declaration
3. The creation of the Israeli state
4. Anti-Semitism
5. Pogroms
6. Dreyfus Affair
7. Holocaust
• Arab-Israeli Conflict
1. Causes Land, water, religion, and history
2. Wars? Six Day War –1967
Arab countries, Palestinians against Israel Results
Israel gained the West Bank, the Golan Heights,
and the Sinai Peninsula
Camp David Accords- President Jimmy Carter meets with the Prime Minister of
Israel and the President of Egypt to promote peace – Results: Israel gave
back the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt and Egypt accepts Israel as a country.
3. Important places in Israel.
Jerusalem – holy city for all 3 religions
Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock, Church of Sepulchre
• Persian Gulf War
1. Who was involved?
Iraq and Kuwait, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil
Iraq invades Kuwait
United States imposes sanctions
Coalition of countries including the US, Great Britian and Australia drove
the Iraqi troops out of Kuwait
Saddam promises to get rid of his WMDs.
• Invasion of Afghanistan
1. Reason: Looking for Osama bin Laden and the Al-Qaeda
2. Result: Didn’t find him, but we drove out the Taliban
• Iraq War
1. Reason: USA looking for Weapons of Mass Destruction,
Also, thought Saddam Hussein might support terrorists
2. Results of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Saddam was driven out of power, captured, and tried by his people and hung
3. Why do we remain?
To keep the Sunnis and Shiites from attacking each other.
And to help establish a democracy
What is the difference between ethnic and religious groups? Ethnic groups
share common characteristics, such as physical appearance, language or
traditions. Religious groups share a common belief system.
The Middle East is home of the 3 largest and oldest monotheistic religions,
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism is the oldest, then Christianity,
and Islam. All three religons believe in one God, consider Jerusalem to be
holy place, originated in the Middle East, believe in the divine creation of
the earth, and consider Abraham to be a patriarch of their faith. Each of
these religions has a holy book. For the Jewish it is the Torah, which
includes the first 5 books of the old testament. In Christianity, it is the
Bible, where in Islam the holy book is the Qu'ran. All three religions have
sects within the faith that follow different guidelines.
The Islamic faith is divided into Sunni and Shia Muslims. The division
occured after the death of Mohammed and was the result of a disagreement as
to who would lead the Muslims, Mohammed's family or someone selected from
Islamic holy leaders.
The Middle East also contains several ethnic groups, with Arabs being the
largest ethnic groups. Arabs speak Arabic and can be found in a majority of
the Southwest Asia countries and Northern Africa. Most Arabs are Sunni
Muslims. The Persians are mainly Shia Muslims and are found generally in
Iran. Most Persians speak Farsi. The Kurds do not have an identification
with a country of their own. They generally live in the area where Turkey,
Syria, Iran, and Iraq meet. The majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslim, however
they are other religions practiced within the Kurdish community.
Study Guide for Unit 1 - Middle East Geography
Unit 1 Test: Study Sheet
Geography Curriculum
The student will locate selected features in Southwestern Asia (Middle
East).
-Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Euphrates River,
Jordan River, Tigris River, Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz,
Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gaza Strip.
-Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the nations of
Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
The student will discuss environmental issues across Southwest Asia (Middle
East).
-Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts
irrigation and drinking water.
The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical
characteristics, Distribution of natural resources and population
distribution on Southwest Asia
-Explain how the distribution of oil has affected the development of
Southwest Asia
-Describe how the deserts and rivers of Southwest Asia (Middle East) have
affected the population in terms of where people live, the type of work they
do, and how they travel.
• Use your practice map and quiz to study. See the list of political
and physical features included in the curriculum above.
• Vocabulary (Be able to apply vocabulary to lessons): Gulf, Strait,
Climate, Arable Land, Irrigation, Map Key, Climagraph, Weather,
Desertification, Region, Characteristics, Physical Features, Political
Features, Vegetation, Arid, Relative Location, Absolute location, Impact,
Human-Environmental Interaction, Production, Extraction, Consumption,
Nomadic, Agriculture, Scarcity, Abundance, Trade, Industry and Desalination
(all terms defined on website)
• Describe how rivers and deserts affect where people live, their
occupation and the form of transportation used.
• Describe the importance of water in agricultural and industrial
development of Southwest Asia. Focus on the reasons for the conflict over
the Jordan River, who is involved, why is there a dispute, and some
solutions.
• Explain how the distribution of natural resources has affected the
development of Southwest Asia. Be able to describe the impact of water
rights, how the discovery of oil has changed the lives of the Bedoins, OPEC,
and the extraction of oil.
• Describe the climate in the Middle East both in terms of
precipitation and temperature, as well as how these factors influence
vegetation.
• Describe how the location of the Middle East impacts trade,
agriculture and industry in terms of physical features and natural resources.
2nd semester
India
Colony of Great Britain until after WWII
Great Britain used India for raw materials , like cotton
Nationalism sparked their quest for independence
Leader of independence – Gandhi, Hindu lawyer
Used passive resistance – non-violent protests
Food strikes, boycotts, and Salt March
When India received independence, conflict between Muslims and Hindus led to
the establishment of East and West Pakistan. Muslims moved to the Pakistans
and the Hindus took what is now India. East Pakistan later became
Bangladesh.
India today is the world’s largest democracy.
Words to know:
Nationalism – love or loyalty for one’s country or people
Cottage industries – the manufacturing of products in homes or small shops
Passive resistance- fighting for a cause without violence
Boycott – a refusal to buy and use goods
Strike – refusal to work
Japan –
Before World War II, Japan had spread its empire into the Koreas, parts of
China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia (Indochina and Indonesia). Japan at that
time was led by an emperor.
Japan joined forces with Italy and Germany during World War II. After
Germany surrendered, the Japanese still would not give up.
Therefore, the United States led by Harry Truman decided to drop the atomic
bomb on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Japan finally gave up the fight and their empire was split apart.
When the new Japanese constitution became official the emperor was stripped
of his power and was to become a figurehead only. The constitution stated
that Japan would never again become an aggressor in war. Japan could no
longer use its military to settle disputes. Japan became a sovereign
nation. The Japanese elected the Diet (legislature) and every adult was
allowed to vote. Japan now has a constitutional monarchy.
KOREA
At the end of World War II, Korea was divided in half along the 38th
parallel, with the Northern part going to the USSR and the southern part
being led by the Allies.
The south became the Republic of South Korea, a democracy. North Korea
became a communist state.
In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. The United Nations sent troops
to defend South Korea. The forces were pushed back to the Chinese border,
led by General Douglas MacArthur. The Chinese then became involved in the
Korean War.
The Korean War is often referred to as the SeeSaw War, since the border
continued to change.
Although an armistice was signed, the war ended in a stalemate. Korea was
still divided and there is now a demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two
countries. South Korea is prosperous as a democratic nation. Whereas,
North Korea remains communist and has suffered severe economic problems.
CHINA
After World War I, Japan was able to take over parts of China.
Chaing Kai-shek, leader of the Nationalists Party (KMT) tried to strengthen
the republic, however another leader, Mao Zedong was working against him.
Mao Zedong was the leader of the Communist Party. (CCP)
Chaing’s troops surrounded Mao’s Red Army, but Mao’s army was able to
escape. The communists began the Long March gathering support for the
Communist Party along the way.
When World War II broke out, the two parties controlled different sections
of China.
The Nationalists (KMT) fought with the Allies. By the end of World War II
the Allied forces had driven the Japanese out of China, civil war broke out
between the Communists and the Nationalists.
By 1948, the Communists controlled most of mainland China, and the
Nationalists fled to Taiwan. China became the People’s Republic of China
with “Chairman Mao” as their head.
Mao instituted the Great Leap Forward. This was his attempt to become equal
to the western nations in agricultural and industrial production. He
depended on the peasants for results. Instead of success, the Great Leap
Forward proved to be disastrous, where famine occurred and millions died.
Mao wanted to renew the spirit of the revolution and equalize the elite and
peasants. He implemented the Cultural Revolution. His supporters wrote
articles and made posters against the bourgeoisie (the elite). Plays and
art were developed to glorify Mao. Mao encouraged high students to form
groups known as the Red Guards. Many people were mistreated. Old ideas and
foreign influence was frowned upon. Books, religious temples, or anything
representing the past was destroyed. Schools and universities were closed.
This Cultural Revolution lasted for ten years and ended when Mao died in
1976.
In 1989, a large protest in Tiananmen Square erupted as students gathered
to protest the communist regime and to help force the establishment of
democratic principles. The Chinese government sent in tanks to break up the
nonviolent protests killing hundreds of protestors. The government outlawed
any further protests. The government executed students and some escaped to
the West seeking political asylum.
The Communist party is still in control, although there is more economic
freedom in China today.
Roll of Communism – to spread wealth evenly to everybody
Vietnam
Formally under the control of France,
France was interested in Vietnam’s valuable rice and rubber crops
Vietnam was taken over by the Japanese during World War II.
After the war a group of communists soldiers under the leadership of Ho Chi
Minh refused to let France gain control and fought to establish the
Democratic Republic of Vietnam. 8 years of war pursued between the French,
the communists, and the anti communists. Finally, France agreed to end the
war and Vietnam was divided along the 17th parallel between the Communist
North and South Vietnam. Over the next several years, North Vietnam began
sending troops into South Vietnam. The United States began sending help to
South Vietnam and the Communist Chinese and the Soviet Union began helping
the North Vietnam troops. The United States was worried that if this country
fell to communism, others would follow. This was known as the domino
theory. There was a growing anti-war movement in the United States and in
1974, President Nixon pulled U.S. soldiers out of Vietnam. The war ended in
1975, when the Communist forces captured the capital city of Saigon and took
over South Vietnam.
Today Saigon is named Ho Chi Minh City after the Communist leader. The
country is now one and has made progress under the Communist leadership.
The economy grew and Vietnam is now even a tourist destination.
Words to know:
Armistice – an agreement to stop fighting
Cold War – a long interval of tension between communist countries and those
of the free world.
End of Quiz for March 31
Extra credit opportunity
Each student that is interested in the extra credit opportunity will draw
from several subject areas on Asia.
The poster is due on Monday, March 16th, no exceptions.
15 points, 10, or 5 points depending on presentation will be added to test
grade. (You can pick the test, past or future.)
The ½ size poster should contain :
a title (neatly written or typed)
3 pictures that relate to the assigned subject
And a neatly typed one page report about the subject. (14 font, single
spaced)
Please make sure you either use color posterboard or mat each item.
Make sure all corners are glued down adequately.
It is important that you use 3 resources, and that you document the
resources on the back of your poster. 2 of your sources should be from
print material,
such as encyclopedias, magazine articles, or books. Your pictures can be
from the internet.
My subject is ____________________________________.
If you have an edifice like the Great Wall or Taj Mahal, please include the
historical value for the building or landmark.
If you have a person, please focus on his importance to the country, the
changes or policies the person implemented, and the lasting results.
If you have a country, please include: the flag, the type of government,
the major industries or crops, the currency, and environmental issues that
the country faces.
If you have an event such as Tiananmen Square, please include what prompted
it, and what was the conclusion.
If you have a war, please include the basic cause, why the United States was
involved, and the result.
Timelines should be 20th century only. You should include 5 pictures for
this and 8 events.
PLEASE DO YOUR BEST, posters that are not properly presented will not count.
Asia:
You must be able to locate the countries and physical features.
SOUTHERN AND EASTERN ASIA Geographic Understandings SS7G9 The student will
locate selected features in Southern and Eastern Asia.
a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Ganges River,
Huang He (Yellow River), Indus River, Mekong River, Yangtze (Chang Jiang)
River, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, Sea of Japan, South China Sea, Yellow
Sea, Gobi Desert , Taklimakan Desert, Himalayan Mountains, and Korean
Peninsula.
b. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the countries of
China, India, Indonesia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Vietnam.
SS7G11 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical
characteristics, distribution of natural resources, and population
distribution on Southern and Eastern Asia.
a. Describe the impact climate and location has on population distribution
in Southern and Eastern Asia.
b. Describe how the mountain, desert, and water features of Southern and
Eastern Asia have affected the population in terms of where people live, the
types of work they do, and how they travel.
Geography has made life difficult for many Asian countries. Oceans have
isolated some on islands such as Japan and Indonesia. Some climate zones
are too extreme for human life, such as the areas of the Gobi Desert and the
frozen tundra of northern Siberia. Mountains provide tough barriers too.
Asia has more mountain ranges than any other continent. Many of the rugged
highlands in East Asia have harsh climates and poor soil. Sharp mountains
such as the Himalayas have kept whole cultures separated. In other areas
mountains have brought life. The melting snow from mountain tops feed Asia’s
main rivers and millions of farmers crowd into valleys where the rivers then
deposit silt.
The rivers and monsoons are the livelihood of Asian cultures, yet they can
have deadly consequences when they overflow or bring too much rain.
India is bordered to the north by the Himalaya Mountains, which are one of
the world’s highest mountain ranges. India is about one-third the size of
the United States.The Ganges River, often referred to as “Mother River” by
the Hindu people begins on the slopes of the Himalayas and flows southeast
across northern India. It forms a huge delta before flowing into the Bay of
Bengal. The delta has made the Gangetic Plain which is India’s farming
heartland and is one of the most densely populated areas of the world. The
Indus River can also be found in India.
India is second in population to China, however future estimates show that
India will surpass China by 2050. Seventy (70%) of India’s people are
involved in farming. New Delhi is India’s capital, but Mumbai is India’s
most populous city.
ChinaThe vast majority of China's people live south of Shanghai, Although,
Beijing is the capital. In parts of China, people rather than machines do
most of the work. Rice is the dominant crop, and rice farming requires more
labor than other crops. Farmers have learned to use every bit of land
possible to feed the large population. The warm climate of southern China
allows farmers to have two and sometimes three harvests. Farmers have
learned to use every bit of land possible. Hills are often ringed with
terraces in order to create more farmland. North China's severe winters
limit the growing season to about half the year. China manages to feed about
twenty-three percent of the world's population from about seven percent of
the world's arable land. Rice is one of its most productive crops.
Western China is less populated than Eastern China. Very few people live on
this barren, rocky land. Many people who live in Western China are nomads
who raise cattle, sheep and goats. Many continue to live in felt tents
called yerts, while others live in simple clay homes. The Gobi Desert in
Northern China is also sparsely populated.
There is very little meat in the Chinese diet because there is no room for
grazing animals. More than ninety percent of China's arable land is used for
growing food; in the United States more land is used to raise animals than
is put into crops. Farmers cannot afford to allow any farmland to go to
waste.
Japan is an archipelago, with many islands, but 4 main ones. The largest
is Honshu. All the islands together are about the size of California.
Japan is very mountainous, and many of Japan’s islands are the tops of huge
undersea mountains. Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak. Mount Fuji is a
sacred Japan is located on the Ring of Fire, which is a very unstable part
of the earth’s crust. This causes many volcanoes and earthquakes. When the
earthquakes take place underwater, this creates huge waves known as
tsunamis. Tsunamis can bring much destruction and the lost of lives.
Typhoons also plague Japan. Typhoons are strong storms that bring heavy
downpours. Because of limited space in Japan ( only 15 % of Japan’s land
can be farmed) less people are involved in agriculture than in the past.
Only 6 percent of the population is involved in agriculture. In addition,
Japan’s economy has turned to technology industry for its success. Because
of Japan’s limited area and large population tall buildings for are often
seen.
Be sure to read your handouts on Massive Mountains and Monsoons.
African Economies-
Stock market unit.
What relationship does the percentage of people working in agriculture have
to a country’s GDP?
If Africa has so much energy and mineral wealth, why is Africa one of the
poorest regions in the world? (4 reasons)
How have organizations like the AU been able to help to African continent
economically?
How does a one crop economy hurt a country’s economy?
How did South Africa’s economy help advance the end of apartheid? 3 points
Much of South Africa’s economy focuses on the mining of their resources.
List 3 of these resources.
South Africa’s standard of living is better than Nigeria’s, why?
Nigeria should be one of Africa’s success stories, after all they have oil,
gas deposits, arable land, and a large industrial base. So, why do the
majority of the Nigerian people live on less than a $1 a day? (Give 3
reasons)
What are two reasons that child labor is on the rise in Africa?
What is a reason that education is so critical to the advancement of Africa?
What does the stock’s P/E stand for?
What are two reasons that a company goes public? (allow people to buy
shares in their company)
________________________________________________________________________
When assessing the health of an economy, what are the 3 indicators that
economists monitor?
What is the DOW?
What is the term for the fee a broker charges to buy or sell a stock?
What is the reasoning behind protectionism?
What establishes the exchange rate between two countries?
What is good about specialization?
Factors that influence long-term economic growth
Investment in physical and human capital
Strong incentives to save, invest, and increase productivity
Low inflation
Political stability
Economic freedom
Free trade
Terms: Government and Economic for retake quiz on Monday, Feb. 2
Imports- products a country buys from another country. (U.S. buys diamonds
from Africa)
Exports- products sold to other countries. [Africa sells diamonds to the US.]
Rural-relating to less-populated country areas
Urban- cities
Literacy Rate- the number (or percent) of people who can read and write.
Birthrate- births per 1,000 people in a year (how many babies are born)
Death Rate- number of deaths per 1,000 people (how many people have died)
Gross National Product (GNP) is the value of ALL goods and services a
country (like the U.S.) produces in one year. That includes the profit from
factories located in foreign countries, but still owned by the citizens of
the country (for example the U.S. may have factories in countries in Africa,
but the factories are still owned by the U.S.)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the value of the goods and services produced
ONLY within the country.
Per Capita- average per person (this would show how much money each person
would have if money were divided equally)
Industrialized Countries – (also known as developed countries, First World
Countries or Wealthy Countries) these countries have a strong GDP, GNP, per
capita GDP, long life expectancy and high literacy rate.
Developing Countries – (sometimes referred to as Third World Countries,
Agricultural countries, Poor Countries) the people in developing countries
usually work in farming or industries that pay LOW wages. These countries
are usually: overpopulated, the citizens may be poorly educated; they have
poor health care, and little to no access to telecommunications.
Migration – movement of people from one area to another (Bantu migration)
Emigrant – a person who leaves one place to live in another area.
Refugees- Are people who leave their country or homeland and go to a new
country to seek refuge (protection). They need food, shelter, and a job.
Infrastructure- essential buildings, roads, bridges, rail lines, airports,
etc.
Productivity-amount and quality of goods and services produced by workers
Labor Union- an organization of workers that protects the interest of its
members (in terms of wages, working conditions, etc.)
Management- people who control a company
Market – the demand for a product or service; to sell a product or service
Profit- income or gains from investments
Currency- money
Trade Barriers
Embargo- a forced stop to trade, often for political reasons
Standards- laws or regulations establishing health and safety standards for
imported products
Subsidy- payments made by governments to their domestic producers to enable
them to complete with foreign competitors
Tariff- a tax on imports
Quota- a legal limited on the amount of a good that can be imported.
Interest- payment for the use of borrowed money
Debt- condition of owing money
Bankruptcy- a legal means of being excused from debt
United Nations- organization of countries that works for peace and
development in the world
Tourism- recreational travel
Economic Systems:
Market Economy- business owner, and consumers (or customers) decide what to
make, sell, or buy.
Command Economy- the Government owns the businesses and the government
decides what to make and sell.
Tradition-Based Economy-Based on customs and tradition. The economic
activities are based on laws, rituals, and religious beliefs. (Algeria
mother, daughter making rugs)
Mixed Economy- an economy that has both market economy, but certain products
are regulated by the government.
Capitalism (Free Enterprise) –. This mixed economic system has the people
(NOT the government) decide what to make, sell, or buy but has government
oversight. An Entrepreneur has the opportunity to start his or her own
business but the government makes sure products are safe and purchased goods
are taxed. (Bill Gates, Stephen Bechtel, Donald Trump, Curtis Jackson – his
clothes are (G-Unit) Madame Alexander)
One Crop Economy (or single-source economy) –economy based on one crop.
(coffee, cacao, cotton, bananas, sugar cane) If crop is ruined by weather or
bugs, little to no money (income) can be made for that country.
Specialization- to concentrate production on fewer kinds of goods and
services than are consumed. This encourages trade and can be a positive
factor in a country’s economy.
Interdependence – countries depend on each other for resources or goods and
services. (U.S. depends on Mexico for crude oil; Mexico depends on U.S. for
computer equipment.]
Globalization- how countries are linked together and how time and distance
in the world is shrinking. (through computers and web cams we can talk and
see relatives half way across the world.)
Famine –shortage of food (as in Mali, and Ethiopia)
Drought- lack of rain which prevents farmers from growing enough food to
feed the country’s population.
Humanitarian Aid- includes medicine and food
Economic Activities
Produce- to make or manufacture goods or services and present them to the
public.
goods= purses, pencils, clothes, cars
services= Dentist, Lawyers, Electricians
Exchange – trading goods for money, trading goods for other goods. North
Africa and West Africa traded gold for salt.
Consume- (consumption) to buy or use up goods or services
Save- to put aside for future use (money, food)
Invest- to lay out money so as to return a profit. (Stocks, bonds,)
Interest- money (profit) paid for the use of the money you invested into a
company, or stocks.
Types of Economic Resources
Natural- trees, diamonds.
Human (people)- Loggers cut trees, miners mine for gold and diamonds
Capital- money used in business to buy equipment (saws to cut down trees)
Entrepreneurial- person with an idea to start a business. Entrepreneur has
the opportunity to start his or her own business (Bill Gates, Stephen
Bechtel, Donald Trump, Curtis Jackson – his clothes are (G-Unit) Madame
Alexander)
Distribution of power:
Unitary- Central government has absolute power
Confederation- States voluntarily joined by a central government. States
haves more power.
Federal- States joined by a central government that provides for their
common needs. Participation is not voluntary and states are subordinate to
the federal government.
Types of citizen participation:
Autocratic- one person has unlimited power and the citizens have little any
opportunity to participate
Oligarchic- government by the few, a select group may exercise control for
selfish reasons. The citizens have little power.
Democratic- all citizens have the opportunity to participate directly or
indirectly
Forms of democratic governments:
Parliamentary- a system of government in which real executive power is
vested in a cabinet composed of members of the legislature who are
individually and collectively responsible for the legislature. They may
have a Prime Minister elected by the legislature.
Presidential- a system of government in which the president is
constitutionally independent of the legislature.
Types of Government Systems
Direct Democracy- a government ruled strictly and directly by the people. A
kibbutz in Israeli the best example.
Republic-is a government in which representatives are freely elected to
serve the people’s interest. Examples: Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt.
Absolute Monarchy- a government in which the country is ruled entirely by a
monarch. Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar,
Constitutional Monarchy- a government in which the power of the king or
queen is limited by the Constitution and shared with elected leaders.
Jordan, Kuwait
Theocracy-is a government controlled by religious leaders according to
religious laws. Iran
Dictatorship- is a country whose leader rules with absolute power. Iraq
prior to the fall of Saddam Hussein
Federation- is a government that joins together political groups or smaller
governments. United Arab Emirates
Transitional- a government in the process of changing, or transitioning,
from one type of government to another. Iraq is transitioning from a
dictatorship to a republic.
Some objectives of the European nations included acquiring power and
strategic advantages, exploiting resources, settling African territories,
and converting Africans to Christianity. The British wanted to establish
permanent settlements in Africa. European nations would appropriate (take
over) African lands, when this occurred; the territory’s occupants were
often moved, sometimes forcibly, into reserves of less-productive land. By
the 20th century most European powers ruled either directly or indirectly
the territories under their control. European nations did improve both
transportation and communication infrastructures so African resources could
easily be exported, and to improve conditions for Europeans living in
Africa. Improvements in housing health facilities and education were
provided. Africans learned some things about market economics, and Africans
educated abroad came back and helped their countries. Europeans ruled Africa
for over 70 years. During this time, Europe did have some positive effects
on Africa. New roads and railroads were built throughout Africa, new crops
and new ways of farming were introduced. European medicine helped save and
improve the lives of Africans. Europe developed trade relations with Africa,
however; they exploited African wealth to their own advantage. Many Africans
were Christianized during this time, but only few were educated. European
countries looked upon Africa a great source of military as well as economic
advantages. Europe could depend on the African colonies to provide not only
new markets, but the natural resources needed to help the Industrial
Revolution in Europe grow, and Europeans had a great supply of cheap labor.
Some Africans were even granted citizenship to France, and European
countries spent money to establish “basics” of society like government and a
judicial system. Even though European imperialism did benefit some Africans,
most objected to European rule. However; European powers had to fight
against rebellions from a growing resentment of Africans being exploited.
Africans started to fight against colonial powers, they resented being
forced unto poor land while the Europeans took over the good land. Africans
were forced into hard labor for low wages and they lost control of their
natural resources. Many African leaders were removed from power and
Europeans divided Africa.
Nationalist Movements in Africa
Africans began to express resentment over European control. Many Africans
stopped working for low wages on land owned by European colonist. Many moved
to cities to find better work, They organized workers’ associations and
protested unfair treatment by colonial governments. They developed more
pride in their own cultures and national identities. These feelings of
nationalism led to demands for self-rule. By the early 20th century many
colonies in Africa were calling for independence, and by the second part of
the 20th century African nations worked to free themselves from European
control. A Nationalist movement grew. Nationalism is having strong pride in
your country and a desire for self-government.
1st semester notes
AFRICA Geographic Understandings SS7G1 The student will locate selected
features of Africa.
a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: the Sahara, Sahel,
savanna, tropical rain forest, Congo River, Niger River, Nile River, Lake
Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Atlas Mountains, and Kalahari Desert.
b. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the countries of,
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South
Africa, and Sudan.
SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues across the continent of
Africa.
a. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts
irrigation, trade, industry, and drinking water.
b. Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-
Saharan Africa.
c. Explain the impact of desertification on the environment of Africa from
the Sahel to the rainforest.
SS7G3 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, and physical
characteristics on population distribution in Africa.
a. Explain how the characteristics in the Sahara, Sahel, savanna, and
tropical rain forest affect where people live, the type of work they do, and
how they travel.
SS7G4 The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live
in Africa.
a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group.
b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arab, Ashanti, Bantu, and
Swahili ethnic groups.
c. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living.
MIDDLE EAST ECONOMICS
Different Economic Systems
An economic system describes the organization of each country’s economy.
Every country has an economic system. Every country has a scarcity of
productive resources (natural resources, labor resources, and capital
resources). There are not enough of these resources to provide all the
goods and services that citizens want that live in the country. Because of
this scarcity, a country needs an economic system to determine how these
resources will be used.
An economic system answers the questions:
What to produce? (What kinds of services and goods should be produced?)
How to produce? (What productive resources will be used to produce goods
and services?)
For whom to produce? (Who gets to have the goods and services?)
There are basic economic systems that answer these questions.
Traditional Economies: In this type of economic system, economic decisions
are based primarily on custom and tradition. For example, most tribal
societies have jobs that are based on what their ancestors did.
Command Economies: In a command system, the government usually owns most of
the property, and governmental planning groups make the basic economic
decisions. These groups often determine such things as the prices of goods
and services and the wages of workers. This type of economy has not been
very successful.
Market Economies : There are many names that describe a market economy
including capitalism and free enterprise. In a market system most of the
resources are owned by private citizens. Citizens own their own businesses
and can keep the profits earned from them. The questions of what, how, and
whom are not answered by the government. People have the freedom to make
choices on what job they do, what products they will make, and what price
they will charge.
When individuals make decisions in a market system, they are usually guided
by prices. Suppose the wages of a skilled auto worker is $45 an hour. This
wage might indicate that skilled auto workers are in demand. This provides
an incentive for individuals to get the training necessary to become a
mechanic.
The key idea is that it is the price that guides the workers, businesses,
and consumers, not the government.
Mixed Economies:
Very few countries have a pure economic system.
Most countries can be placed somewhere between a market and command
economy.
In a mixed economy there are some government controls placed on products
(goods) or services. Some governments have more control than others. In
other words there is a range in how much freedom an industry or consumer may
have.
Vocabulary
PRODUCTIVE RESOURCES
Natural resources – gifts of nature, present without human intervention.
Renewable and non-renewable
Capital resources- goods people produce and use to make other goods and
services
Human or labor resources- the quanity and quality of human effort directed
toward producing goods and services
Consumer
someone who buys goods or services.
Profit
the amount of money made by a business that is more than the amount put in
at the start or paid out as expenses. Income minus expenses = profit
Scarcity
When wants or needs are greater than available resources
Incentive
something that makes a person want to work or do something.
Entrepreneur - a person who organizes and starts his/her own business and is
willing to take risk in order to receive profits
Factors that influence economic growth
• Investment in physical and human capital
• Incentives to save, invest, and increase productivity
• Low inflation
• Political stability
• Economic freedom
• Free trade
Gross Domestic Product - The market value of final goods and services
produced in a country in a year. Economists measure GDP by totaling these 4
major categories of goods and services:
consumption - the spending by people on goods in services such as
cars, houses, visits to the doctor
investment - spending by businesses on machinery, factories,
equipment, tools, and buildings
government spending - the spending on all levels of government
including the military, highways, schools
net exports - the spending of people outside the United States on
our goods and services minus what we spend on products and services made or
produced outside of the United States.
When Consumption, Investment, and Government spending decreases, the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP ) decreases.
When exports go up, the GDP goes up because it means that more is produced
in the United States.
When imports go up, the GDP goes down because it means that people in the
United States are buying what is produced in other countries.
When the GDP increases, the economy experiences economic growth and
unemployment goes down.
When the GDP decreases for two consecutive quarters (3 months), the economy
is in a recession and unemployment goes up.
GDP is often reported in per capita.
Per capita means per person.
More Vocabulary
Interdependence: Reliance on trade with other countries to fulfill a
country's needs
Globalization: Cooperation among nations in production and exchange
of goods and services
Specialization- concentration on a narrow range of products and/or services
Diversify - to increase the variety of goods/services
Currency -
exchange rate - the price of one country's currency compared to another
country's
trade surplus - situation when a country imports more than they export
TRADE BARRIERS
Policies that restrict the free flow of goods and services between countries
Tarriff : Taxes on imported goods and services (raises the price for
consumers
Quota: Limit on the amount of an imported good allowed in the country
during a given period of time (thus supply decreases making the price
increase for consumers)
Export subsidy: Government financial assistance to a firm or business so
that they can sell their product for less, therefore being more competitive
overseas
Product standards: Most countries set standards for product safety,
content, and packaging. Products imported to a country must meet these
standards. This will probably increase the price to the consumer.
Embargo: Embargoes prohibit trade to another country. Embargoes ban
imports and/or exports to a particular country.
Notes on presentations
Israel’s economy
GDP $25,800 Literacy rates 99% males 96% female
Israel has a mixed economy. Israel does not have many natural resources,
although it does have some copper and small amounts of natural gas reserves.
In general, there are not enough resources to support the economy of Israel,
therefore the country must make money in other ways.
Israel’s sources of income are from the sale of computer software, medical
equipment, and telecommunications equipment. Major industries are diamond
cutting and weapon production. Other products that influence the Israeli
economy are wood and tobacco.
Israel must import grain, oil, military equipment, and rough diamonds. The
country must import most of their energy sources.
The government controls much of the agriculture in Israel this also includes
the fishing and forestry. Agricultural products which are exported include
citrus fruits, poultry, and vegetables.
Israel’s currency is the shekel.
Israel imports more than it exports.
Israel depends on economic assistance from the United States. The growth of
the economy, unemployment, and inflation changes with immigration and the
peace process.
Saudi Arabia’s economy
GDP $23,200 Literacy rates 85% male 71% female
Saudi Arabia’s main economic resource is oil production. The country is a
member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries). It has the
largest oil reserves in the world. Most of the businesses are owned by the
government including the oil business. The profits from the oil industry
help fund the country’s education, defense, transportation, housing, and
health.
Only 25% of the businesses are privately owned.
The Saudi Arabian government is encouraging private sector growth and
diversifying their industries to lessen the kingdom's dependence on oil and
increase employment opportunities for the swelling Saudi population. Over ½
of their population is under the age of 25. The Saudi government is asking
all businesses and industries to begin hiring a certain percentage of Saudi
workers.
Saudi Arabia lacks fresh water, so any agriculture is hard. Saudi Arabia
does not have enough workers (human capital) to fill the jobs needed.
Therefore, many of their management positions are filled by foreign
workers. Saudi Arabia exports almost 3 times as much as it imports.
Saudi Arabia’s currency is the Saudi Riyal.
Iran’s economy
GDP $10,600 Literacy rates 84% males 70% women
Iran’s natural resources consist of oil, copper, and natural gas. Almost 90
percent of the country’s income comes from the oil that is exported. The
oil companies are controlled by the government as is the automobile
industry, the rail system, airline, and the media.
Other exports include Persian rugs, pistachios, dates, and caviar. Iran has
a high unemployment rate.
Imports include food, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, military
equipment, and electrical appliances.
There are few entrepreneurs in Iran. Private sector activity is typically
small-scale - workshops, farming, and services.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran and will not trade with
them. (Embargo)
The Iranian currency is the Rial.
Turkey’s economy
GDP $12,900 Literacy rates 95% male 80% women
The government controls much of Turkey’s economy. The government controls
much of country’s industries. However in the last 20 years, the Turkish
government has allowed more private businesses and entrepreneurs to take
part in their economy. It has a strong and rapidly growing private sector,
yet the state still plays a major role in basic industry, banking,
transport, and communication. A significant amount of the country’s economy
is based on agriculture. 45% of the population works in farming. Most of
the time, Turkey produces enough food to feed their own people and to sell
the surplus abroad. The largest industrial sector is in textiles and
clothing. Cotton and tobacco are major crops, along with fruits, nuts,
apples, raisins, and tomatoes. Livestock is also another agricultural
product with wool being a major product. Textiles and clothing are major
exports.
Turkey is rich in mineral resources, one of which is coking coal which is
used in making steel.
Turkey has some coal and hydroelectric power, but much of their energy is
imported.
One fourth of the population is in the manufacturing sector and many people
are working in the tourist industry. (hotels, restaurants etc.) especially
along the Mediterranean Sea.
Many Turks work in neighboring European countries. Turkey is trying to join
the EU. To help its application for the EU, Turkey has enacted a series of
reforms, such as abolishing the death penalty and increasing women’s rights.
Currency is the New Lira.
OPEC
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is composed of several
Middle Eastern Countries as well as some from Southeast Asia and Venezuela.
OPEC regulates the production of oil and its price. OPEC can decide whether
to put more oil in the market place or less oil. If oil prices are too low,
OPEC may reduce production in order to drive up price. (supply and demand)
GOVERNMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST - Unit 3
SS7CG4 - The student will compare and contrast different forms of government.
Hammurabi was the king of the Babylonians, and ancient civilization located
in Mesopotamia from 1792 to 1750 BCE. Hammurabi recorded 292 laws on a
black stone. The Code of Hammurabi was not the first written set of laws
but we study it because it is the best preserved. After reading over an
excerpt from his code of laws, record some positive and negative
implications of this code of laws.
Distribution of power:
Unitary- Central government has absolute power
Confederation- States voluntarily joined by a central government. States
haves more power.
Federation- States joined by a central government that provides for their
common needs. Participation is not voluntary and states are subordinate to
the federal government.
Types of citizen participation:
Autocratic: In an autocracy, one person holds supreme power. The
individual cannot be restricted by an institution or group. In some
autocratic governments leaders have held elections in order to conceal their
power. The powerful ruler holds control without the consent of the
citizens. Often in an autocracy, a strong police or military enforces harsh
and strict laws on the people.
Oligarchic: In an oligarchy, a small group of privileged people have
political power. Sometimes this is based on family status, wealth, position
in the military, or race.
The members of this small group often enact laws that strengthen their
status and control.
Democratic: In a democracy, citizens hold the power and are free to
participate in the government. There are two types of democracies: direct
democracy and representative democracy.
Forms of democratic governments:
Parliamentary- a system of government where executive power lies within the
cabinet which is made up of members of the legislature (parliament). The
Prime Minister is chosen by the legislature who is individually and
collectively responsible to the legislature. So long as they have majority
vote they may remain in office.
Presidential- a system of government where the president is constitutionally
independent of the legislature. All executive power lies with the
president.
Democracy- a government ruled strictly and directly by the people. A
kibbutz in Israeli the best example.(direct democracy)
representative democracy- people elect representatives
Republic-is a government in which representatives are freely elected to
serve the people’s interest. Examples: Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt.
Absolute Monarchy- a government in which the country is ruled entirely by a
monarch. Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar,
Constitutional Monarchy- a government in which the power of the king or
queen is limited by the Constitution and shared with elected leaders.
Jordan, Kuwait
Theocracy-is a government controlled by religious leaders according to
religious laws. Iran
Dictatorship- is a country whose leader rules with absolute power. Iraq
prior to the fall of Saddam Hussein
Federation- is a government that joins together political groups or smaller
governments. United Arab Emirates
Transitional- a government in the process of changing, or transitioning,
from one type of government to another. Iraq is transitioning from a
dictatorship to a republic.
Sovereign: Independent
SS7CG5 The student will explain the structures of the national governments
in the Middle East. How are the governments in the Middle East organized?
Compare the governments of Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia distinguishing
between form of leadership, role of the citizen in terms of voting and
personal freedoms.
ISRAEL
Parliamentary democracy
The prime minister is the head of government.
President is head of state – ceremonial.
Cabinet = Knesset
Knesset members are elected directly by the public.
President = Shimon Peres
Prime Minister = Tzipi Livni
Universal suffrage
Every citizen over 18 has right to vote.
Every citizen has one vote. All votes carry equal weight.
Entire country is a single electoral district.
All citizens free to vote conscience. Human rights and liberties part of
basic law of Israel.
Israel ranks 50 out of 168 for freedom of the press by reporters without
borders.
Amnesty International disapproves of Israel’s human rights records due to
Arab-Israeli conflict.
SAUDI ARABIA
The Saudi kingdom was founded in 1932. Since that time several members of
the Ibn Saud family have ruled the country and developed it into one of the
world’s wealthiest nations. The Saudi government has made alliances with
western countries such as the United States, Great Britain and France. When
Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, the United
States helped defend the Saudis, since it was feared that Iraq would also
try to invade Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is a hereditary monarchy with a king that is the chief of state
and the head of the government. The royal family is the most important
political group. The Saudi princes select the king. Their choice is
approved by religious leaders. The king rules the kingdom according
to “Sharia”, Islamic law. The Sharia is based on the Qur’an.. The Qur’an
is considered the country’s official constitution. A Council of Ministers,
who are appointed by the king help run the government. The legislative
branch of Saudi Arabia is the Consultative Council. This group advises the
king and the Council of Ministers. The Consultative Council can also
initiate laws. Governors preside over the provinces and are also appointed
by the king. Local tribe leaders are also instrumental in government
proceedings.
Saudi Arabia does not base punishment on infractions on past judgments.
Each case is decided on its on merit. The religious courts base their
decisions on the teachings of the Qur’an. A judge makes all the decisions,
as there are not any juries. The Saudi justice system has been criticized
by many human rights groups, especially one known as Amnesty International.
This group believes that the Saudi practice of torture and unjustified
arrests are inhumane. On Fridays, which are Muslim holy days, murderers and
criminals are publically executed in Riyadh’s (capital city) square.
Saudis have access to their leaders, as they are allowed to meet with them
to discuss and petition issues. Male citizens only 21 and over can vote.
They are only allowed to vote in local elections.
Strict Sharia law restricts individual freedoms. Women are banned from
driving on public roads and must wear modest clothing in public. Dietary
laws forbid eating pork and drinking alcohol. Public theaters and cinemas
are prohibited. There is very little freedom of the press. Public practice
of any religion other than Islam is prohibited.
The flag of Saudi Arabia features a green background, a white sword, and an
Arabic saying: “There is no god but God: Muhammad is the messenger of God”.
IRAN
Iran’s form of government – Theocratic Democracy
Based on Islamic law “Sharia”– therefore a theocracy
All citizens 16 and over can vote.
The citizens elect the parliament, the president, and the Assembly of
Experts. However there are restrictions on who can run for these offices,
see below.
The president selects his cabinet.
The Ayatollah – Supreme Spiritual Leader- most powerful individual
*Not elected by the people, instead is selected by the
Assembly of Experts and can be dismissed by them.
* Has final authority of all government matters
*Establishes Iran’s direction in domestic and foreign affairs
*Commander and Chief of all armed forces and
intelligence services
*Can appoint and dismiss judges
*Has control of the state owned radio and television stations
*Appoints 6 of the 12 members of the Council of Guardians
*Officially ratifies the presidential elections
*Serves till death
The Assembly of Experts are elected by the people but the Council of
Guardians determines who among the Islamic clerics can run for the Assembly
of Experts.
The Secretive Council of Guardians consists of 12 members. 6 of the members
are appointed by the Supreme Leader, 6 are legal scholars who are appointed
by the Senior Judicial Official (who is appointed by the Supreme Leader).
The Council of Guardians decides who can run for president, parliament, and
the Assembly of Experts. The council can also reject any law passed by
parliament.
Unit 2
SS7H2 The student will analyze continuity and change in Southwest Asia
(Middle East) leading to the 21st century.
a. Explain how European partitioning in the Middle East after the breakup of
the Ottoman Empire led to regional conflict.
b. Explain the historical reasons for the establishment of the modern State
of Israel in 1948; include the Jewish religious connection to the land, the
Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and Zionism in Europe.
c. Describe how land and religion are reasons for continuing conflicts in
the Middle East.
d. Explain U.S. presence and interest in Southwest Asia; include the Persian
Gulf conflict and invasions of Afghanistan
History of the Middle East - Unit 2
What is a sultan? Who was the first sultan of the Ottoman Empire?
Where did the Empire spread?
What religion did the Ottoman leaders follow?______________________
Why was the Ottoman Empire so successful?
How did the Ottoman Empire lead to the Age of Exploration?
The Ottoman Empire declined over a 300 year period, give reasons for this
decline.
When the Ottoman Empire was split at the end of World War I, what countries
were involved in its partitioning?
When we think of the Ottoman Empire today which country comes to mind first?
What three beliefs and events led to the creation of Israel?
What was the Zionist movement?
Who originally led this movement?
What was Anti-Semitism?
What are pograms? Why did they begin? What was the Dreyfus Affair? Why
would the Jews want to leave parts of Europe?
What was the Holocaust? ____________________________________________________
Give reasons for the build up of tensions in Palestine after World War I.
http://www.mideastweb.org/unpartition.htm Suggested partitioning in 1947
Maps overtime of Israel
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/Israel+in+Maps/
Lesson 19 – Israeli and Arab Conflict
What happened on May 15, 1948? What happened the day after?
What do the letters P.L.O. stand for? What was their goal and who was their
leader?
What was the Six-Day War and what did it change?
What happened to the P.L.O. in 1971?
What happened at the Munich Olympics in 1972?
Who is Menachem Begin and who are the other two world leaders that he met
with at Camp David?
What is the Camp David Accord?
In 1982, the Israeli army invaded _____________________, led by
________________________ and drove out the __________________.
Who are Hezbollah and Hamas? Where are they based? What do they have in
common?
In 2004, __________________________ died and was succeeded by
______________________.
What did President Abbas encourage?
What is a ceasefire?
When did the Israeli’s leave the Gaza Strip? Who has control of it now?
What happened in July 2006 involving Hezbollah?
Persian Gulf War
Iraq, Kuwait, United States and other countries from the UN
Iraq invaded Kuwait because they thought that Kuwait was stealing the Iraqi
oil by drilling along the border
Iraqi Army was defeated and driven from Kuwait
Saddam Hussein was left in power in Iraq
U.S. Invades Afghanistan
U.S. and some allied countries Afghanistan
The United States felt that the
al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden were hiding out there after the 9-11 attack.
Taliban (a very extreme Islamic group) was driven out of Afghanistan and the
people had a taste of democracy.
Former refugees of Afghanistan were able to come home.
However, Osama bin Laden has yet to be found.
Iraq War
Iraq, United States,Britian, and several other countries
Joint effort against Iraq and its army is known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Iraq was suspected of having WMDs,
(chemical weapons) and ties to terrorists
Saddam Hussein was overthrown, captured, and sentenced to death
The Iraqis are working to establish a democracy.
BEginning of Unit ONE Test info for Unit 1 Test scheduled for August 29.
Locate these physical features in the Middle East
Jordan River
Tigris River
Euphrates River
West Bank
Gaza Strip
Suez Canal
Persian Gulf
Strait of Hormuz
Red Sea
Arabian Sea
Know location of these countries:
Israel
Jordan
Saudi Arabia
Iran
Iraq
Syria
Lebanon
Kuwait
Turkey
Afghanistan
VOCABULARY
Desertification- Changing of usable land into desert (land becomes
increasingly dry, or arid until almost no vegetation grows on it, making it
a desert.
Region-an area of Earth’s surface with one or more shared characteristics.
Characteristics- distinctive trait or quality.
Perception-the way an individual views or sees an object through the five
senses.
Physical Feature-natural element such as rivers, mountains, deserts oceans,
etc…..
Political Features- boundaries made by man defining where countries may
begin and end.
Vegetation-plant life.
Arid- ground that can be farmed.
Relative location-the position of a place in relation to another place.
Absolute location-the exact spot on earth where something is found, usually
stated in latitude and longitude.
Impact-to influence or effect a decision.
Human-environmental Interaction- relationship between people and the
environment,
Production-the making or producing of an item, either manufactured or grown.
Extraction- taking out or removing of something, like a natural resource
such as oil.
Consumption-the using up of goods or services.
Nomadic-traditionally Arabs that move from place to place, sometimes called
Bedouins.
Agriculture-also known as farming, cultivation or crop growing.
Scarcity- an insufficient amount or shortage of goods or services.
Abundance- a great supply or large quantity of a goods or service.
Trade-an exchange of products.
Industry-the making or manufacturing of a product.
Desalination- process to remove salt from sea water.
Describe the importance of water in the development of Southwest Asia.
Be able to give a solution to the water crisis along the Jordan River.
Which countries are involved in this crisis? What are some of the solutions
offered? Which solution did you think was the best? Why?
What does the Middle East have an abundance? Oil
Where is this abundant resource located? Persian Gulf
What is scarce in the region? water
What is OPEC? Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries- International
group of countries. What decisions does OPEC make? OPEC regulates the
extraction and price of oil, sometimes the member countries make political
decisions together.
What is contained on a climagraph? Can you collect the data correctly
from a climagraph?
