Chapter 3
The United States and Canada
Cultures of the United States and CanadaVocabulary
cultural diversity A wide variety of cultures
cultural exchange A process in which different cultures share ideas and ways od doing things
ethnic group A group of people who share the same ancestors, culture, language, or religion
reserve Land that set aside for a specific purpose, as by the Canadian government for indigenous peoples
Key People and PlacesNunavut
Gordon Lightfoot
Sample Questions1. Two examples of cultural exchange between Native Americans and Europeans in North America.
Europeans brought horses to North America, which changed the way many Native Americans lived. Native Americans taught the French how to trap and the English about local foods, such as corn and pumpkins.
2. Two examples of cultural exchange between Africans and Europeans in North America.
Africans learned English and used European tools. Europeans listened to African music and ate African foods.
3. An example of a cultural item that immigrants from different ethnic groups brought to the United States.
Russian farmers brought a hardy type of wheat to the Midwest.
4. Four examples from music, literature, or art from around the United States
Cajun zydeco music from Louisiana, bluegrass from the Southeast, Andrew Wyeth's pictures, the poetry of Langston Hughes
5. An example of the cultural mosaic of Canada
A Toronto radio station broadcasts in 30 languages
6. One way in which French Canadians are trying to preserve their heritage
By using French and promoting the French language and culture, by trying to make Quebec a separate country
7. One way in which native people in Canada are trying to preserve their culture
By using their own languages in their schools and by regaining parts of their homeland
8. An example of a way in which Canadians are trying to keep the United States from dominating their culture.
Canada established the national Film Board to support movies with Canadian national themes and concerns
9. Five examples from art, literature, music, or sports expressing Canadian culture.
Paintings by the "Group of Seven," Inuit prints and sculptures, Lucy Maude Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, the folk music of Gordon Lightfoot, Canada's hockey teams and the Stanley Cup
Sample Essay Questions1. Describe one example of cultural exchange in your community involving people from different ethnic groups.
Answers might include: An ethnic restaurant that includes more traditional American food on its menu.
2. In what ways is your community like a cultural kaleidoscope? In your answer, identify and briefly discuss two different cultural influences in your community.
Answers should include references to: Two cultural influences, such as ethnic music and ethnic restaurants.
3. What are two ways in which Canada's indigenous peoples are preserving their cultures?
Answers should include references to: New laws that allow native peoples to use their own languages in their schools. Also the Inuits, who were fearful of losing their cultural indentity, are moving to a new homeland in the Northwest Territory.
4. Explain a similarity and a difference in the ways different ethnic groups live in the United States and Canada.
Answers should include references to the following: Immigrants came to both countries in search of better lives.
Differences: In the United States, members of different ethnic groups may disagree, but they do not talk about forming separate states. However, many French Canadians of Quebec want to form a separate country.