AP Human Geography Unit 4 Review Lecture Notes

Introduction

Review of major concepts from Unit 4
Study Guide: Available in the video description
Ultimate Review Packet: Includes unit review videos, practice quizzes, study guides, answer keys, full practice AP exams, FRQ resources, vocab lists, exclusive videos, and more
Goal: Help students get an A in the class and a 5 on the national exam

State: Geographic area with
- Permanent population
- Defined borders
- Sovereign government
- Recognition by other states
Nation: Group of people with
- Shared culture
- History
- Homeland
- Desire to govern themselves
Self-Determination: Right/desire of a nation to self-govern

Nation-State: Self-governing state with a uniform population (e.g., Japan, Iceland, South Korea)
Multinational State: State with multiple nations within its borders (e.g., Canada)
Multi-State Nation: Nation that exists across multiple states (e.g., Kurds, Basques)
Stateless Nation: Nation without a recognized state (e.g., Kurds, Basques)
Autonomous Region: Region with a high degree of self-rule (e.g., Native American reservations)
Semi-Autonomous Region: Region with moderate self-governance (e.g., Hong Kong)

Colonialism: Acquiring territories and settling to exert control
Imperialism: Exerting force over other nations for power without settlement
Impact: Diffusion of religions, languages, cultures, etc.
Colonial Boundaries: Often ignored local cultures (e.g., Berlin Conference)
Decolonization: Former colonies gaining independence post-WWII
Devolution: Transfer of political power from central to regional government (e.g., UK creating Scottish Parliament)

Territoriality: Establishing and defending specific geographic areas
Neocolonialism: Indirect political, cultural, or economic control (e.g., China in Africa)
Shatter Belt Regions: Areas caught between larger conflicting powers (e.g., Eastern Europe during the Cold War)
Choke Points: Strategic narrow passages (e.g., Panama Canal, Suez Canal)

Geometric Boundary: Straight lines (e.g., 49th parallel between USA and Canada)
Antecedent Boundary: Existed before human settlement (e.g., Argentina and Chile)
Relic Boundary: No longer recognized but impacts cultural landscape (e.g., Berlin Wall)
Superimposed Boundary: Imposed by external power (e.g., African boundaries from Berlin Conference)
Subsequent Boundary: Develops with cultural landscape (e.g., Europe)
Consequent Boundary: Separates ethnic, religious, or linguistic groups (e.g., India and Pakistan)
Frontier: Area with no state control

International Boundaries: Separate sovereign states
Internal Boundaries: Separate regions within a state (e.g., voting districts)
Redistricting: Redrawing of districts based on population changes
Gerrymandering: Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage
- Cracking: Spreading like-minded voters across districts
- Packing: Concentrating like-minded voters in a few districts

Unitary States: Power concentrated at the national level
Federal States: Power distributed between national and regional governments
Devolution: Transfer of power from central to regional governments
- Factors: Physical geography, cultural divisions, political instability, economic inequalities, government corruption, irredentism

Impact on Sovereignty: Easier information sharing, influence on state policies
Social Media/Internet: Role in democratization and revolutions (e.g., Arab Spring)
Supranational Organizations: Alliances of multiple countries working together
- Examples: United Nations, African Union, NATO, European Union, ASEAN, Arctic Council

Centrifugal Forces: Divide people (e.g., economic inequalities, cultural differences)
Centripetal Forces: Unite people (e.g., shared history, strong national government)
Failed State: No longer has a functioning government
Ethnic Nationalist Movements: Desire for control based on ethnicity or nationality
Examples: Catalonians in Spain, Kurds in the Middle East

Note: This review aims to help students succeed in their AP Human Geography course and national exam.