Problems in American Democracy

a large part of the continent. A century and a half ago our industrial system was still a relatively simple one, giving rise to few pressing problems of nationa

n of all of them would carry us beyond the limits of this chapter. Nevertheless, it is important that we secure some understand

within the more favorable temperate zone, the greater part of the North American triangle is within the temperate zone. With regard to location for world trade the northern continent again has the advantage: the ports of South America face a relatively empty ocean on the west and the little-developed continent of Africa on the east; the ports of North America, in addition to being more numerous and more suitable for commerce than those of the s

ans, into the great Mississippi basin, and westward to the Pacific Ocean. Accompanying the increase and westward spread of the population has come a greater variety of racial types. Although our population was varied in colonial times, the great majority of the settlers were from the British Isles and northwestern Europe. In the latter part of the nineteenth century immigra

000. In 1912 our wealth was probably in excess of $180,000,000,000. Industrial and financial disturbances during the period of the World War make later estimates hazardous, nevertheless it is interesting to note that in 1921 the wealth of the United States was estimated as being between $350,000,000,000 and $400,00

million are engaged in agriculture and allied industries, while more than eleven million are busy in manufacturing pursuits. Almost four million are found in some form of trade, and another four million are employed in domestic and personal service. Transportation, clerical work, and professional callings utilize the services of several a

hose of any other country. Iron is found in most of the states in the Union, the high-grade deposits of the Lake Superior area being of special importance. We produce more than half of the world's supply of copper, which, after coal and iron, is the most important industrial mineral. Our supply of petroleum and natural gas is large, and in

world in the value of farm crops grown. Our production of wheat, corn, oats, barley, rye, and dairy products totals an enormous figure. The steady enclosure of lands formerly used for grazing stock is restricting our production of food animals, but we are still important as a producer of meats. Most of the world's tob

s developed, transportation was fostered, and larger and larger markets were supplied with the products of American manufacturers. Particularly since the Civil War has the importance of our manufactures increased. This increase has been due chiefly to the large scale production of foodstuf

Lawrence-Great Lakes system gives easy access to the most fertile section of the continent. The Mississippi and its tributaries drain a million square miles of farm land. W

rmous, a half dozen transcontinental lines being supplemented by numerous smaller roads and feeding lines. We have more than 2000 miles of canals in operation. Cheap and rapid transportation between the d

ve been kept busy supplying the domestic market. This fact, together with the American manufacturer's lack of knowledge concerning the possibilities of foreign trade, explains our neglect of foreign markets. In propo

ady demand in other countries for three classes of goods in the production of which we have a distinct advantage. These three classes of goods are, first, raw materials of which we have a great abundance, such as cotton and copper; second, specialtie

have furnished a substantial basis for industrial progress. On the other hand, we must note that the American people are energetic and versatile,-combining, to a happy degree, the qualities of i

d be remembered that no problem can be solved, or even intelligently attacked, until the essential facts are well in hand. We have briefly described the nature of American industry. What we have now to do, as a preliminary to

NS ON T

ter of American industry changed

ith South America with res

ve occurred in the population o

increase in our natio

ef occupations of t

dustrial minerals, and com

f characteristics of

wth of our manufac

unication encouraged by the physic

e of relatively greater impo

f goods is our predominan

rican people have contributed

RED R

ings in American De

f the fo

, Industry and Trade

History of the Unite

rn Economic Pro

e of the People of the Un

N THE REQUI

ions into which continental United Stat

merican continent declined in significanc

orests of the United States be classi

e temperature of the United

extent of rainfall in the Un

f water power in the United

es have been brought about in the

rban land in the United S

to measure the wealth of the Un

INVESTIGATI

of your state since 1880. What have be

mmigration from Europe? What attracts immigrants to your state? Have

basis of occupation. (Secure data from the State

y. What light does the result throw upon the dif

ance in the economic

gricu

Mi

Fore

nufact

our section. (Consult Dryer, E

ears ago with the America of to-day. (Pric

lation. (Burch and Patterson, Ame

cter. (Bryce, The American Commonwea

ving. (Carver, Elementar

tries in the United States. (Semple, American His

shop and Keller, Industry and Trade, part ii. Smith,

Bishop and Keller, Industry and Trade, part i

Commerce and Indu

and Keller, Industry and Trade, part iv. Smith, Com

he United States. (Bishop and Kel

America. (Smith, Commerce

ementary Economic Geography, chapter xxxii. See also a