Ep 19. The United Shapes of America
- TV-14
- December 22, 2012
- 42 min
-
7.6 (11)
In How The States Got Their Shapes season 2 episode 19 titled "The United Shapes of America", host Brian Unger explores the various shapes that make up the United States and how they came to be.
The episode starts off by delving into the fascinating history of how the 13 original colonies were formed and why they ended up with the shapes they have today. Brian Unger travels to various parts of the East Coast, visiting landmarks that played a crucial role in the formation of states like Virginia, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Moving westward, the show explores how the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was instrumental in shaping the western portion of the United States. Brian Unger explains how the purchase created a vast swath of land that was incorporated into the United States, and how the boundaries of various states were redrawn as a result.
The episode also examines the role that geography played in the formation and shape of certain states. Brian Unger visits places like the Grand Canyon and the Mississippi River to understand how the natural landscape influenced the way states were created. He also profiles states like Alaska and Hawaii, which have unique shapes that were formed by historical events like the Alaska Purchase and Hawaiian annexation.
In addition to exploring the physical and historical factors that contributed to the shapes of various states, "The United Shapes of America" also highlights the impact that politics has had on state boundaries. The episode explains how gerrymandering, redistricting, and even the Mason-Dixon Line have all had a significant role in shaping the way the United States looks today.
Throughout the episode, Brian Unger provides fascinating insights and anecdotes about the creation of states that will appeal to both history buffs and geography enthusiasts. "The United Shapes of America" is a deep dive into the complex and fascinating history of how the United States came to look the way it does, and how certain decisions made centuries ago are still shaping the country today.
