Today in HistoryOctober 3, 2011

• 1863: President Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day– Civil War– United people

• 117 million people celebrate• 242 million turkeys• $3.6 billion• 931 pounds of pumpkins• 13.8 pounds – average consumed by Americans• Plymouth Rock: landing of 1st pilgrims

– 28 towns in U.S.• 1990: East Germany & West Germany united to

become Germany– 45 years after being split into 2 countries

following WWII

Middle Eastern Life

October 3, 2011

• Goal of Middle East: reduce influence of West, BUT:– Buy goods from West– West own most factories/ oil

• Many turn to socialism– A.k.a. communism– Gov’t control of EVERYTHING– EX: Iraq, Syria, Iran

• Population growth HIGH– Triple in size in 30 years– Double in 24 years

• Problems with rapid pop. growth1. Use more resources (water, wood, iron)2. Limit land to live3. Limited amount of water (desalination;

irrigation)• Egypt: encourage delay in marriage in

hopes have LESS children

Oil• Middle East has 60% of world’s oil• Oil determines whether country WEALTHY

or POORWealthy• Hospitals• Industry• Beautiful cities• HIGH standard of living• Example: Kuwait

– Free education & healthcareGrowth of Cities• Crowded/ jobs scarce• Ex: Baghdad – 5 million peopleWestern Influence• Try to eliminate western influence• Ex: Saudi Arabia/ Iran

– Ban western music, TV, & movies

Women• Veiled when leave home (Saudi Arabia/ Iran)• Not all women in Middle East require

women wear veils– Some women still prefer to wear

• Many marriages arranged• High education growth• Whether or not women work, responsible

for housework & kidsEducation• Very important/ $$ millions on schools• More boys than girls (but growing)– Many think girls don’t need to read/ write

• Independence– Own laborers, engineers, doctors, teachers

• Education levels vary– From High illiteracy to High Education areas