1、外语下载中心 http:/http:/Survey of AmericaPart 1 GeographyChapter 1 A General Introduction to Physical Geography The US is situated in the central part of NA with Alaska in NW of NA South: Mexico East: the Atlantic Ocean; West: the Pacific Ocean. Total area: 9 372 614 sq. Km1 Three Geographical Divisions1
2、) The eastern part Made up of the Highlands formed by the Appalachian. East: the Piedmont Plateau West: the Appalachian Plateau Middle: the Appalachian Range2) The western part Consists of high plateaus and mountains formed by the Great Cordillera Range. West: the Coast Range Middle: the Cascades Ea
3、st: the Rocky Mts. Two plateaus west of Rocky: the Colorado P (S) 1240m wide and 49m drop 3 Climate Since the United States covers a large area, there are different types of climate in different regions. The South, SW there is little rain; days hot; nights cool The Central Plain, NE Alaska, Hawaii M
4、ajor cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver etc.Alaska NW of North America, stretching S from the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific. Large peninsula full of glaciers, waterfallsHawaii 8 major islands in central Pacific. Comfortable climate 24c temperature The best kn
5、own island: Oahu shaped like a diamond. Honolulu is the capital city.Chapter 4 The Development of American Economy The American Independent War and Civil War eliminated British colonist governing and feudal handicaps, cleared the road for American capitalistic development. Since 1890, US has been th
6、e biggest industrial country in the world. US ranks first in many fields: computer, electronics, space and nuclear tech.Why has the US enjoyed great dominance in world economy? Geographically, US is rich in natural resources, fertile farmland, suitable climate for 外语下载中心 http:/http:/farming Historic
7、ally, no war has ever taken place in its own land, US got great benefits from the two world wars. Socially, US attached close attention to individual creativity, capability, perseverance Politically, US gov. plays an important role in the development of its economy through certain involvement. Chapt
8、er 5 The Main Cities Washington D.C.: District of Columbia, named after Christopher Columbus Washington: the Capital, named after George Washington, 1st president Headquarters of all branches of American federal systems: Congress, Supreme Court, Presidency Places of interest: National Mall, National
9、 Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Library of Congress, home of George Washington. Capitol Hill: the seat of US Government twin towers Broadway: an avenue in Manhattan; Symbol of New York theatre Time Square: theatrical center, Brilliantly lit by specta
10、cular illuminated signs, “Great White Way” Rockefeller Center: world largest privately-owned biz and entertainment complex, Striking architectural group UN Headquarters: owned by UN, international territoryPart 2 HistoryChapter 1 Colonization of North America American history is generally agreed to
11、have begun in 1607 when the 1st group of British colonists went to America and started to build their settlement there.外语下载中心 http:/http:/ The first Period: Colonization: 1607-1776 From first settlement of English colonists to the Independence of America1. Indians The “first Americans” were the red-
12、skinned, dark-haired Indians which have been identified as descendants of Mongoloid. They originated from Asia some 25,000 yrs ago, crossed Bering land bridge (Bering Strait), traveled southward from Alaska, scattered over the whole continent after centuries. The name was given by Christopher Columb
13、us because he mistook the natives for the people of India when he first discovered the American Continent. Social structure: Clan: smallest unit with kinship as basis Tribes: formed by clans Tribe confederacy: united by tribes The Indians lived on hunting, gathering, fishing and farming. Agriculture
14、: Maize, potato, cocoa, tobacco as major crops.2. The Discovery of America Through Renaissance in Europe, people became enlightened the colonists build the home, till the soil, Yale 1701. Government Governor: in each colony representing Br. King to govern colonies. He called the legislature meeting,
15、 vetoed the laws, appointed officers, but had no control over taxation, which belonged to the Legislature. Legislature: 2 groups The Council: advising Governor; highest court Assembly or House of Representatives: members form towns and counties.Chapter 2 The American War of Independence1. The Causes
16、 of the War The sharpening contradictions between Britain and Colonies. The economy in 13 colonies developed very fast. And with the development of economy, the people in the colonies wanted more power to determine their own business. UK sped up its economic exploitation strongly opposed to it. Sout
17、h plantation owners relied on slavery.2) Monroe Doctrine European countries ought not to start any new colonies in N N Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Tennessee; 11 States)5) Root cause A struggle between different social systems, the progressive and backward. Slavery system stood in the way for the f
18、urther development of capitalism. 2. The Progress of Civil War外语下载中心 http:/http:/1) Breakout of War (1861-1865) Southerners struck 1st blow by attacking and occupying Fort Sumter in 1861.2) Contrast between N. and S. North: mighty economy, 23 sates, 3/4 territory, 22 million people, 2/3 national wea
19、lth, convenient transportation South: agricultural economy, backward industry, 11 states, 9 million (3.8 slaves), poor in finance, incomplete transportation3) Progress of War On the whole, the Confederate Army won many battles on Eastern Arena and defeated again Oversea aggression Grabbed big slice
20、of Panamas territory; Exercised “Open Door Policy”, invading China4. Peoples Movements Last 3 decades of 19th c witnessed rapid capitalist development A process of capital accumulation, concentration with emergence of monopolies and trusts Cruel exploitation, oppression of workers resulted in large-
21、scale resistance and classes struggle. On May 1, 1886, national labor movement strived for 8-hour workday and succeeded. Since 1890, May 1 has been observed as an Intl. Labor Day On Mar. 8, 1909, Chicago women workers launched big strike for freedom the Allies (England, France, Russia) Direct fuse:
22、Assassination of Austria prince.2) US Entering the War Before 1917, US took a neutral stand but sold many munitions to the Allies Reasons of US entering the War: Germanys submarines would sink ships to England and injure American trade German plotted with Mexico to help M regain its lost territory D
23、estruction of German spies in US Both sides were weary after two years fighting, a good chance to enter the war. 1917 Congress declared war on Germany3) Wilsons Policy and the Paris Peace Conference Wilson proposed 14 points as the basis for peace negotiation: to establish US domination of the world
24、 in essence. It met with strong opposition from En. social security (pay pensions to the old, unemployed etc.) Deal with regulating finance, reorganizing industry, checking agricultural development, readjusting foreign relations by “Good Neighbor Policy”. Significance of the New Deal: Relaxed econom
25、ic crisis Made some concessions to people Stopped economy from collapsing Prevented US from being fascist state4. Second World War The cause of the War: the result of struggle between the great powers for control of the world and military expansion of the countries of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and
26、 militarist Japan. WWII broke out in Sep 1939, ended in Aug 1945. Situation in US before entering the War: Many neutrality acts were passed in Congress to keep a neural stand sell munitions on cash not differ much from Trumans Vietnam War: long-time US suffering, weakened US imperialism. 4) Attacks
27、on Iraq Gulf War I: 1991, backed by international coalition, US launched military attack coded Desert Storm on Iraq. (George Bush 89-93) Cause: Iraqi invasion, annexation of Kuwait West reliance on Middle east oil Gulf War II: 2003, US-led coalition army invaded Iraq. (George W. Bush 01-now) In Dec
28、2004, Saddam Hussein was captured. Cause: Iraq not cooperating fully with the UN inspectors on WOMDs; A suspected Iraqi connection with al-Qaida after 9.11外语下载中心 http:/http:/5) Attacks on Yugoslavia US-led NATO air strike on Yugoslavia in 1999 (Bill Clinton 93-01): aggressive Struggle against segreg
29、ation reached a climax in 1950s Boycotts, Sit-in and Freedom-rides against racial segregation. Martin Luther King: Outstanding leader of Civil Rights Movement, Assassinated in 1968Part 3 CultureChapter 1 Education Education has been greatly respected throughout US history The distinctive feature of
30、American educational system: Emphasis on education of the masses rather than on education of intellectuals. Each citizen should receive the best education possible, and everyone should get equal opportunity to receive at least some education.Higher Education General Introduction There are over 2000
31、universities, colleges, institutions in US. 60% of high school graduates can continue college education after graduation. Undergraduates: gain bachelors degree after 4 yrs study (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) 1st two yrs: a broad general edu, take courses in general junior stage: major in one
32、 particular discipline Seminars, small discussion groups, lectures Types of Institutions:外语下载中心 http:/http:/ Two-yr C/community C: a bridge connecting secondary schools Newsweek; US News and World ReportChapter 6 A Brief Introduction to American LiteratureComparatively short, Roughly 200yrs, 1st onl
33、y branch of British literatureFollowed English Literature, American literature formed, developed at Independent War1. Fiction外语下载中心 http:/http:/Washington Irving; pioneer of American fiction, Since him, American fiction began to flourishThen rose novelists of Romanticism, Such as: Cooper, Hawthorne,
34、 Melville, PoeMark Twain: fiction master, Employed real US elements in theme and styleWashington Irving (17831859)Father of US Literature1st to achieve international literary reputation1st to use local color of America“Rip Van Winkle”The Legend of Sleepy HollowNathanial Hawthorne(180464)Descendant o
35、f Puritan immigrants, Romantic fiction, Pioneer in psychological descriptionWrote as moralistCharacters reaction in their mindExposed evils of societyDescribing psychological activities of humansThe Scarlet LetterThe House of Seven GablesEdgar Poe(180949)Southern writer, Life miserable, critic, poet
36、, novelistRegarded as father of detective storiesMark Twain(18351910)Samuel Clemens, Outstanding realistic writer, Apprentice on steam boatMany humorous sketchesThe Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras county“The Prince and the Pauper”The Adventures of Tom SawyerAdventures of Huckleberry FinnRunning
37、 for GovernorOne Million PoundHumorist, Contributor to connecting folk humor and serious literature, Satirized evils of society Theodore Dreiser(18711945)Great US realist or naturalist, Dealing with everyday life, With details, but no commentsSister Carrie The American Tragedy: masterpieceThe Trilog
38、y of DesireRevealing tragedies of US societyJack London(18761916)Son of the Wolf: Martin Eden外语下载中心 http:/http:/The Call of the WildWhite Fang: The Sea WolfHe revealed severely evils of US society, Not finding ways to kill evils, Became pessimistic, Killed himself at 40Sinclair Lewis (18851951)Main
39、Street; Satirist, 1st in US to win Nobel PrizeDescribed daily life in small town with sharp eyeBabbit, typical American, with yearnings, fantasiesSelf-satisfied conformistWon Nobel PrizeErnest Hemingway (18991961)Golden time between 2 wars, Nobel winner, Subjects about war, its effect on people, Con
40、tests as hunting, bull fighting, After WWI lived in Paris, Lost generationThe Sun also RisesFarewell to ArmsFor whom the Bell TollsThe Old Man and the SeaStriking style of writingShort sentencesSimple wordsYet filled with emotions, deep meaningSaul Bellow(1915-)Descendant of JewNovel WinnerOutstandi
41、ng representative of Jewish literaturePoetryBefore Independent WarPoetry as main form of coloniesMainly followed European traditionProfusion of schools, diversity stylesSuch as Beat poetsNew York poetsNatural Mysticists; Black poetsHenry Longfellow(180782)Introduced European culture to USSpread US f
42、olklore in EuropeUS readers like his lyrical styleLike his subjects as home, family, nature, religion外语下载中心 http:/http:/Walt Whitman(181992)Remembered for The Leaves of GrassAbout man and natureCombined the ideal of democratic common man and that of rugged individualGreat innovator in US literatureH
43、e devised free verse, poetic stylePoetry without fixed beatWithout regular rhyme schemeRobert Frost(18741963)Chosen to read poem at inauguration of KennedyFamous poems as Mending WallThe Road Not TakenGreatly influenced young poetsLangston Hughs(190267)Formed a group in Harlem, New YorkHonored as Ha
44、rlem LaureatePoet, playwright, novelist, songwriter, biographer, editor, newspaper columnist, translator, lecturerDrama Eugene ONeill (18881953)Destroy old traditional dramaOpen new US theatreDestroy well-make conventionsBegan new epoch of US DramaNobel Prize WinnerFamous plays: The Hairy ApeTenness
45、ee Williams (1911-)Novelist, short story-writer, poet, playwrightWith Arthur Miller, dominated US theatre for 2 decades of 1940s, 1950sArthur Miller(1915-)Playwright of social philosophyConcerned with inner thoughts of individualsTheir conflicts with morality of societyMorality of US society is fals
46、eIt destroys honest individualsDeath of A SalesmanThe CrucibleJosiah Henson- “Uncle Tom”Josiah Henson- “Uncle Tom”外语下载中心 http:/http:/Part 4 Social LifeChapter 3 Customs and TraditionsTable of main American festivals1 月 1 日 新年（New Years Day）2 月 12 日 林肯纪念日（Lincolns Birthday）2 月 14 日 圣瓦伦丁节（情人节） （St. Va
47、lentines Day）2 月 18 日 华盛顿诞辰日（Washingtons Birthday ）3 月 17 日 圣帕特里克节（St. Patricks Day）4 月 1 日 愚人节（All Fools Day）4 月*日 复活节（ Easter） （一般指春分月圆后第一个星期日）5 月*日 植树节（ Arbor Day） （五月的第二个星期 五）5 月*日 母亲节（ Mothers Day） （五月的第二个星期日）5 月*日 阵亡将士纪念日（Memorial Day）五月的最后一个星期一）6 月 14 日 国旗日（Flag Day）6 月*日 父亲节（ Fathers Day） （六
48、月的第三个星期日）7 月 4 日 独立日（Independence Day）9 月*日 劳动节（ Labor Day） （九月的第一个星期一）10 月 12 日 哥伦布日（Columbus Day）10 月*日 退伍军人节（Veterans Day 十月的第四个星期一）10 月 31 日 万圣节（Halloween ）11 月*日 感恩节（Thanksgiving Day） （十一月的最后一个星期四）12 月 25 日 圣诞节（Christmas）12 月 26 日 节礼日 （Boxing Day）Thanksgiving DayThanksgiving Day is the most traditional holid
