The North American Political Economy

The 21st century has brought the financial industry to Los Angeles. Many Research and Development operations are located near prestige universities in Los Angeles. This industry is critical to the growth of high- technology areas of California. The Top Ten Universities include two (2) in Los Angeles county.

Universities
1  Stanford University
2  University of California, Berkeley
3  University of California, Los Angeles
4  University of Southern California
5  University of California, San Diego
6  University of California, Davis
7  University of California, Irvine
8  California Institute of Technology
9  University of California, Santa Barbara
10  University of California, Riverside

The quaternary sector involving journalism, publishing, the media and entertainment is an enormous industry in Los Angeles. This in turn contributes to the high levels of tourism in Los Angeles. Many visitors are interested in taking tours to see homes of celebrities and production studio. Today, gossip shows such as TMZ have their own tour companies to accommodate for the high level of tourism. For aspiring actors, musicians and talent, Los Angeles is the place to be discovered. 

Historical Settlement of North America

Los Angeles was once a part of Mexico territory. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo added the Mexican Cession to the United States. This took place ending the Mexican-American war in 1848. This treaty included territory of what is now Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, California and parts of Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Despite efforts of the United States to end the war with Mexico, a resentment of taking away their land continued to linger. Today, a border separating California and Mexico is located in the Southern part of California. 

North America's Environmental Setting

The Santa Ana winds impact Southern California tremendously. It is a hot, dry regional wind that travels from high to low elevations over a mountain barrier or a high plateau. An interested fact pointed out in The Geography of North America, states " it was been documented that homicide and assault rates increase in the Los Angeles basin when this fierce wind blows". Additionally, the winds contribute to many wildfires that have swept away homes in the Los Angeles basin. The strength of the Santa Ana winds greatly impacts Los Angeles and surrounding counties.

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