Chapter 4 The United States of America 英美文化概论 教学课件.ppt

Contents Warming-up Whenever mentioning U.S.A, what images will you recall in your mind or what images might symbolize U.S.A? Brief Introduction National Flag National Anthem Oh, say can you see, by the dawns early light,What so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleamingWhose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,Oer the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.O say, does that star-spangled banner yet waveOer the land of the free and the home of the brave National Flower National bird On the backs of the gold coins, the silver dollar, the half dollar and the quarter, we see an eagle with outspread wings. States original 48 states Alaska and Hawaii, separated from the continent, became the 49th and 50th states in 1959. Alaska—the largest Rhode Island—the smallest Texas—the largest on the mainland Three Geographic Divisions  The South Region including 13 states with plentiful rainfall and a mild to warm climate favorable climate for agriculture fast growing industry and population in recent years great size with few large cities New Orleans Miami Memphis Atlanta Birmingham including 11 states, like Washington, Oregon and California, etc. Oregon--wealth of beautiful forests and streams California striking natural features--central valley, high mountains, and hot dry deserts. notable cities San Francisco Los Angeles 14 percent of American gross domestic product predominant agriculture yielding high-tech industry centre Hawaii eight major islands mild temperature tourist business—largest source of income. River and Lakes The Mississippi River the longest and the most important river in the system of the Gulf. length—6,262 kilometers drainage area—3,225,000 square kilometers. the “father of waters” to American Indians Natural Resources rich in mineral resource