Ep 2. The Great Plains, Trains and Automobiles

The Great Plains, Trains, and Automobiles is the second episode of the first season of How The States Got Their Shapes. In this episode, viewers will explore the Great Plains region of the United States and learn about how transportation played a significant role in shaping the geography of the area.

The episode starts by examining the history of the American railroad system and how it impacted the development of the Great Plains. Viewers will learn about the legendary transcontinental railroad, which was constructed in the late 1800s and connected the East Coast with the West Coast. Through mapping and animation, the episode will show how the railroad changed the landscape of the Plains by creating boomtowns and allowing settlers to travel and start new lives in the West.

Next, the show looks at the importance of highways and automobiles in shaping the Great Plains. Viewers will see how highways and roads played a role in creating a more accessible Plains region by making it easier for people to travel and transport goods. The episode will also examine the role of the automobile in popularizing road travel across the region and creating a new sense of mobility for Americans.

Another significant topic discussed in the episode is the role of states and borders in shaping the Great Plains. As the Plains region expanded, states had to establish official borders. Viewers will see how disputes and negotiations over state borders were influenced by natural landmarks, such as rivers and mountain ranges, but also by social, political, and economic factors.

Finally, the episode concludes by looking at the future of the Great Plains in the modern era. It examines current transportation trends and the impact of new technologies, such as self-driving cars, on the region's geography. Additionally, the show takes an environmental perspective on the Great Plains, discussing how climate change and other environmental factors will continue to shape the region in years to come.

Overall, The Great Plains, Trains, and Automobiles is an informative and engaging episode that explores the history and geography of one of America's most iconic regions. It uses mapping, animation, and interviews with experts to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of how transportation and infrastructure have played a significant role in shaping the Great Plains.