Download - 4.1-2 North America Today
Diversity in the U.S. Immigration is an important part of cultural change in
the United States.
We are known as the “melting pot”
An immigrant is a person who takes up permanent residence in another country.
Waves of immigration in the United States:
1600s – European colonists
1820-1870 – Irish and German
1880 – Southern and eastern Europe
1960s – Asia and the Caribbean islands
Today – Mexico, China, the Philippines and India
Diversity in Canada
Rather than a “melting pot”, Canada refers to itself as a “mosaic”
Due to its history, Canada has two official languages: English and French
After WWII, many Europeans who had lost their homes moved to Canada
Historically, Canada has welcomed immigrants to help build their economy Canadian, Please (2:30)
The Changing Economy
Manufacturing, or using machines to make raw materials into a usable product, have long been an important part of the U.S. and Canadian economy
Both the U.S. and Canada have dynamic, or rapidly changing, economies
Technology – 8 out of 10 households have computers
Fiber optics – optical fibers that transmit data via voice, text, and visual messages
In 2007, the economy faced a recession, or slowdown in economic growth
Unpaid debts led to the collapse of several major banks
Globalization & Mexico
Globalization is the development of a world economy based on free trade and the use of labor from other countries
For much of Mexico’s history, major industries were nationalized, or placed under government control
In the 1980s, the government began to release control of industries to private investors
In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), encouraged trade between Canada, the United States, and Mexico
Economic activity in Mexico is divided between three economic sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, and service
Mexico & Democracy
Mexico has struggled to establish a democracy for over 200 years.
The government was dominated by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) from 1929-2000
In 1996, the government enacted reforms, or changes, to make elections more fair
The election of Vicente Fox in 2000 brought about a multi-party democracy, with more than one party running candidates in each election
Mexico’s Challenges
Mexico still faces many challenges and growth hasn’t happened for many poor people.
Many people migrate to the U.S. to find work. This causes tension between the U.S. and Mexico, since many people immigrate illegallyto the U.S
A war between the government and drug cartels that escalated in 2009 has caused hundreds of deaths and led to a decrease in tourism
One positive trend: climbing literacy rate
By 2000, nearly 90% of Mexicans could read and write
High literacy rates help society be more productive
Why DO People Migrate from one place to another?
1. STARTING OVER
Migrants are people who move from one region or country to another.
Immigrants are people who move specifically to a new country.
Why would people uproot their lives and start over in a new place?
Push-pull factors
Push factors- conditions that drive people away from an area, such as low standard of living or war.
Pull factors- conditions that attract people to a new area, such as high-paying jobs and good schools.
Why DO People Migrate from one place to another?
2. JOBS
International migration consists of people moving from poorer countries to wealthier countries.
Cities that attract larger numbers of immigrants are called gateway cities.
Immigrants can contribute to gateway cities by:
1. Paying taxes
2. Buying homes/paying rent
3. Purchasing goods
4. Reviving city neighborhoods
5. Bringing their culture
Challenges & Rewards of Migration
Learning a new language-Challenge/Reward
A new start at life- Challenge/Reward
Can you think of any other rewards or challenges?
U.S.A. / Canada Border
① Visualize the pictures that I showed you from the U.S.A. / Canada Border
② Tell your partner what you “see”
U.S.A. / MexicoBorder
① Visualize the pictures that I showed you from the U.S.A. /Mexico Border
② Tell your partner what you “see”
Border Comparisons① If I say “RING OF FIRE”, what song do you think
of??
① Let’s try another one….If I say “Pacific Ocean”
what song would you hear?
② How about “Rocky Mountains”
Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
The Tide is High by Blondie
Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
Keep the Fire Burning by REO Speedwagon
Free Falling by John Mayer
Border Comparisons
①What do you know aboutSIMILES?
②Try finishing these common similes:
• As sly as a __________
• As cool as a ________________
• As ___________ as a bone
• As ___________ as a bat