01.

PHYSICAL FEATURES OF US:

1) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN A CRUX:

Located in the northern part of the American continent

Comprises of the fifty states and one district named Columbia
Present area of the USA is 3.794 million sq miles
Population of US: more than 350 million third largest country population-wise
On its North Canada; South Mexico; West Pacific Ocean; East Atlantic Ocean

2) USA IN AN HISTORIC PERSPECTIVE:

The Northern states developed industrially; South progressed agriculturally

i) Population:

1607 Only 104 whites landed on the coast of Virginia. Afterwards, immigrants
came from European countries, especially England, Ireland, Germany
The population in 1900 touched 10 million mark. In 1960, it rose to 180 million

ii) Ever-moving frontier:

Growing population and immigration resulted in the growth of industrial cities,

urban population, and further movement/expansion to the West
These ever-moving frontiers made American life more democratic but it also
complicated its relations with bordering countries

iii) Emergence of a new culture:

Americans initially distinguished themselves as Northerners, Southerners and

Westerners. In some time, through a concerted effort, a new culture was evolved.
The causes that were decisive in helping a new identity to emerge were: political
factors (self rule, representation, etc) and the loosening connection with Europe.

iv) The Natives:

Before European invasion, America was inhabited by various natives such as Red
Indians, Mayas, Aztecs, Incas, etc. The entire population of Indians was in
between 25-30 million in 1492.

Notes by: Hataf Siyal, Assistant Commissioner (Ex-PCS)

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