America’s Economic Regions

Section 2, Ch. 4
Part II
 The Northeast
The Northeast region’s rocky soil and
steep hills are a challenge to the farmers.

The area boasts plenty of deep-water

ports and swiftly moving rivers, though.

As a result, manufacturing, trade, and

fishing are the heartbeat of this region.
The Northeast
 The Northeast
Manufacturing, trade and fishing are the
heartbeat of this region.

Northeast was the 1st place mills were

powered by water and coal.

Boston, NYC, Philadelphia and Baltimore

are all important ports.
 The South
With rich soil on most of the Coastal Plains,
agriculture flourishes in the Southern states.

However, the traditional image of the South

as an agricultural region is changing.

As you tour the South, you see expanding

cities, growing industries, and diverse
populations.
The South
 The Midwest
The Midwest is called America’s
“breadbasket” because it is covered with
grain and soybean fields.

The products of the Midwest feed people

and animals all over the world.

Dairy farms in the upper Midwest produce

milk and cheese.
 The Midwest
Many of the Midwest’s rivers are navigable, or
wide and deep enough to allow the passage of
ships.
ex. St. Lawrence Seaway, Mississippi River and the Ohio River

As a result, many cities in the Midwest are major

ports – even though they are far from the ocean.
The Midwest
 The Interior West
Farming is difficult in the Interior West because it
has a dry climate.

Yet grasses thrive in much of the land, and where

the land is irrigated, you find agriculture.

Large areas are used for raising cattle and sheep.

The discovery of gold and silver in the mountains

and riverbeds drew settlers here more than 150
years ago.
The Interior West
 The Pacific Region
The fertile valleys of the Pacific Region
produce large amounts of food.

Fishing and lumber are major industries as

well.
The Pacific Region
 Discussion Question
What state contains the most farms?

What can you expect to find on these farms?