Ap Human Geo Unit 6 Vocab

AP Human Geography Unit 6 Vocabulary: A Comprehensive Guide

Unit 6 of AP Human Geography, focusing on industrialization and economic development, introduces a wealth of crucial vocabulary. Mastering these terms is key to success on the AP exam. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key concepts, provides clear definitions, and offers examples to solidify your understanding. We'll explore the evolution of industrialization, its geographical distribution, and the resulting economic disparities. Let's dive in!

Key Concepts & Vocabulary: Industrialization and Economic Development

This section focuses on the core vocabulary related to the processes of industrialization and economic development, encompassing their historical context, geographical distribution, and lasting impacts.

Early Industrialization & The Industrial Revolution:

• Industrial Revolution: The period of major technological and social change that began in Great Britain in the late 1700s and spread to other parts of the world. This involved a shift from agrarian societies to industrial ones, characterized by mass production, new technologies, and urbanization. Key characteristics include the rise of factories, mass production techniques, new energy sources (coal, steam), and significant improvements in transportation.

• Cottage Industry (Putting-Out System): A pre-industrial system where manufacturing was done in homes rather than factories. Merchants provided raw materials to rural workers who processed them and returned the finished goods. This system was gradually replaced by the factory system during the Industrial Revolution.

• Textile Industry: The industry that played a pivotal role in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. The invention of new machines like the spinning jenny and power loom revolutionized textile production, leading to increased output and the growth of factories.

• Iron and Steel Industry: Another crucial industry during the Industrial Revolution. The development of new processes like the Bessemer process allowed for the mass production of steel, a stronger and more versatile material than iron, leading to advancements in construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Industrial Location Theories:

Understanding the factors influencing the location of industries is crucial. Here are some key theories:

• Weber's Least Cost Theory (Alfred Weber): This model seeks to explain the optimal location of a manufacturing plant by minimizing transportation costs, labor costs, and agglomeration costs. It emphasizes the relationship between the location of raw materials, the market for the finished product, and the cost of labor.

• Locational Interdependence Theory (August Lösch): This theory suggests that the location of an industry is influenced by the location of other industries. Industries often cluster together to benefit from shared resources, infrastructure, and a skilled labor pool (agglomeration economies).

• Hotelling's Model (Harold Hotelling): This model highlights the role of competition in influencing industrial location. Businesses often locate themselves close to competitors to maximize market access and minimize transportation costs for customers.

• Agglomeration: The clustering of businesses and industries in a particular area. This can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and a more skilled workforce. Examples include Silicon Valley (technology) and Hollywood (film).

Modern Industrialization & Economic Development:

• Fordist Production: A manufacturing system characterized by mass production, assembly lines, and standardized products. It was pioneered by Henry Ford and was highly efficient but also rigid and inflexible.

• Post-Fordist Production: A more flexible and decentralized system of production characterized by smaller production runs, customization, and just-in-time inventory management. This system allows for greater responsiveness to changing consumer demand and global markets.

• Global Production Networks (GPNs): Complex networks of companies and suppliers that cooperate to produce goods and services across national borders. These networks involve outsourcing, subcontracting, and intricate supply chains.

• Deindustrialization: The decline of manufacturing in a region or country. This can be caused by several factors, including automation, globalization, and the shift to service-based economies.

• Rust Belt: A term used to describe the region in the northeastern and Midwestern United States that experienced significant deindustrialization in the late 20th century. This was characterized by the decline of heavy industries like steel and automotive manufacturing.

• Sun Belt: A term used to describe the southern and southwestern United States, which experienced significant economic growth and population increase in the latter half of the 20th century. This growth was often fueled by industries such as aerospace, technology, and tourism.

Economic Development Indicators:

Measuring economic development involves using various indicators. Here are some key terms:

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given year. It's a commonly used measure of economic output but doesn't always reflect the distribution of wealth or quality of life.

• Gross National Product (GNP): The total value of goods and services produced by a country's citizens, regardless of their location. This differs from GDP as it includes income earned by citizens abroad.

• Gross National Income (GNI): Similar to GNP, it measures the total income earned by a country's residents, including income from foreign sources.

• Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): A method of comparing economic productivity and standards of living between countries by adjusting for differences in the cost of goods and services. This provides a more accurate comparison than simply using nominal GDP.

• Human Development Index (HDI): A composite statistic used to measure a country's level of human development. It considers life expectancy, education, and per capita income.

• Gini Coefficient: A measure of income inequality within a country. A higher Gini coefficient indicates greater income inequality.

• Core-Periphery Model: A model that describes the spatial distribution of economic activity, with a core region of high economic development surrounded by a periphery of less developed regions. This model illustrates the uneven development that often results from globalization.

Economic Development Strategies:

Governments and international organizations employ various strategies to promote economic development. Key terms include:

• Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI): An economic strategy where a country seeks to reduce its dependence on imports by developing its own domestic industries. This often involves protectionist policies like tariffs and quotas.

• Export-Oriented Industrialization (EOI): A strategy focused on developing industries that produce goods for export. This often involves attracting foreign investment and integrating into global markets.

• World Bank: An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for economic development projects.

• International Monetary Fund (IMF): An international organization that works to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, and promote high employment and sustainable economic growth.

• Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): Economic policy reforms implemented by developing countries as a condition for receiving loans from international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF. These programs often involve privatization, deregulation, and trade liberalization.

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all". They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

• Microcredit: The provision of small loans to individuals, particularly women, in developing countries to support their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Applying the Vocabulary: Case Studies & Examples

To truly grasp these concepts, it's essential to apply them to real-world examples. Consider analyzing case studies of:

• The industrialization of East Asia (e.g., South Korea, Taiwan, China): Examine their development strategies, the role of foreign investment, and the impact on their economies and societies.

• The deindustrialization of the Rust Belt in the United States: Analyze the factors that contributed to this decline and its consequences.

• The rise of new industrial centers in developing countries: Explore the factors that have attracted industries to these locations, including access to resources, labor costs, and government policies.

• The impact of globalization on economic development: Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of globalization for different regions and countries.

By studying these case studies, you can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between industrialization, economic development, and geographical factors.

Exam Preparation Strategies

To prepare effectively for the AP Human Geography exam, consider these strategies:

• Flashcards: Create flashcards for each vocabulary term, including definitions and examples. Regularly review these flashcards to reinforce your understanding.

• Practice Questions: Work through practice questions that test your knowledge of the vocabulary and concepts. Focus on identifying the key terms in the questions and applying your understanding to answer them accurately.

• Maps & Diagrams: Use maps and diagrams to visualize the spatial distribution of industrial activity and economic development. Understanding the geographical context is critical for success on the exam.

• Case Studies: Thoroughly analyze case studies of different regions and countries to understand how the concepts apply in real-world situations.

This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for understanding the key vocabulary of AP Human Geography Unit 6. Remember, consistent effort and active learning are vital for mastering this material and achieving success on the exam. Good luck!