Author Question: Why is the Great Lakes and Corn Belt region often referred to as America's Heartland? What will ... (Read 92 times)

Marty · **on:** Aug 7, 2018

Why is the Great Lakes and Corn Belt region often referred to as America's Heartland?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What factors account for the Corn Belt's decline in agricultural production during the past two decades, especially as compared to the region's tertiary and quaternary sectors?

What will be an ideal response?

Athena23 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 7, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Students can mention that the state of Ohio's shape is vaguely reminiscent of a heart; that this region is near the geographic center of the United States; that this region is a transportation hub with routes leading to all parts of the United States, kind of like the heart is the hub for all blood in the body; or perhaps that this generally conservative region is reputed to hold truly American values.

Answer to Question 2

The number of farms in the region and the amount of land in cultivation has declined during the 20th century. Farms have gotten larger and now use less labor per acre. These changes are a result of competition that keeps prices for commodities low. Less fertile lands can't produce as profitably and so are converted for other uses.