Ep 8. A Boom With A View

A Boom With A View is the eighth episode of the first season of How The States Got Their Shapes. In this episode, viewers will learn about the intricate relationship between geography, manufacturing, and population growth. Host Brian Unger explores how certain areas of the country were able to leverage their natural resources to create economic booms that drew settlers from all over the world. These fledgling communities eventually became the 50 states of the United States of America.

Throughout the episode, Unger showcases how the Industrial Revolution played a massive role in shaping the country into what it is today. From the steel mills of Pennsylvania to the textile mills of New England, viewers will see how manufacturing hubs sprang up practically overnight. Initially, these factories were located in rural areas, where land was cheap and resources were plentiful. However, as the demand for labor grew, so too did the surrounding towns and cities. Soon, these manufacturing centers became the epicenter of some of the most densely populated areas in the country.

One such area explored in this episode is Silicon Valley. While not a manufacturing hub in the traditional sense, Silicon Valley demonstrates how a region's natural resources can lead to explosive growth. In Silicon Valley's case, it was the proximity to Stanford University that attracted some of the brightest minds in technology. These new tech pioneers were able to create some of the most game-changing products in human history, all while taking advantage of California's sunny weather and beautiful vistas.

A Boom With A View also delves into how waterways played a significant role in shaping certain states. The Great Lakes region, for instance, was instrumental in the growth of factories that produced iron and steel. The rivers of the south, meanwhile, helped to transport goods quickly and efficiently. These waterways made it easier for industrialists to bring their goods to market and access the resources they needed to manufacture new ones.

Throughout the episode, viewers will also learn how some states struggled to keep up with changing times. Many rural areas, for example, faced severe economic struggles as the demand for agricultural products and raw materials decreased. This led to massive population shifts as people moved away in search of better opportunities. Other areas, such as the Rust Belt, saw their fortunes decline as factories shut down and jobs disappeared.

Despite the many challenges they faced, however, the states of the United States persevered, adapting to changing times and forging ahead. A Boom With A View demonstrates how the natural resources, geography, and human ingenuity of these regions came together to create a tapestry of unique identities that make up this great nation. It is through examining these varied histories that we gain a greater understanding of how the states got their shapes and the forces that continue to shape them today.