Glossary
Air conditioning
A technology that cools and dehumidifies indoor air, significantly impacting population distribution and economic development in warmer climates.
Example:
The widespread adoption of air conditioning in the mid-20th century made living in previously uncomfortable hot regions, like the American Southwest, much more appealing.
Asian American
A diverse ethnic category encompassing people of Asian descent in the United States, representing a rapidly growing immigrant group.
Example:
The increasing number of Asian American immigrants, particularly those with high-skilled backgrounds, has contributed significantly to the U.S. economy and cultural diversity.
Country music
A genre of American popular music with roots in the folk music of the Southern United States, which gained widespread national appeal as the Sunbelt's cultural influence expanded.
Example:
From Nashville to Texas, Country music became a powerful cultural export, reflecting the values and experiences of a growing segment of the American population.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
An executive order signed by President Obama that provided temporary protection from deportation and work permits to certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Example:
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allowed young people, often called 'Dreamers,' to pursue education and careers without constant fear of deportation.
Hispanic
A broad ethnic category used in the U.S. to describe people, cultures, or languages that originate from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or Spain.
Example:
The rapid growth of the Hispanic population has led to significant cultural and political shifts, particularly in states like California and Texas.
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
Legislation that abolished the national origins quota system, leading to a significant increase and diversification of immigration to the United States.
Example:
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 fundamentally reshaped American society by opening doors to immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, rather than primarily Europe.
Latin America
The region encompassing Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, which became a primary source of immigration to the United States after 1965.
Example:
Many immigrants from Latin America sought refuge and opportunity in the U.S., often fleeing civil conflicts or economic hardship in their home countries.
Millennials and Gen Z
Generational cohorts following the Baby Boomers, representing younger segments of the population with distinct social, economic, and political characteristics.
Example:
As the Baby Boomer generation retires, the influence of Millennials and Gen Z on consumer trends, political discourse, and the workforce continues to grow.
NASCAR racing
A popular form of stock car racing, primarily associated with the Southern United States, that grew in cultural prominence alongside the Sunbelt's rise.
Example:
The roar of engines at Daytona International Speedway is a quintessential sound of the South, showcasing the cultural impact of NASCAR racing.
Nativist backlashes
Periods of intense anti-immigrant sentiment and policy, often characterized by xenophobia and a desire to limit immigration, recurring throughout U.S. history.
Example:
Despite periods of welcoming immigration, the U.S. has frequently experienced nativist backlashes, with calls for stricter border controls and reduced immigration levels.
Sunbelt
A region of the United States stretching across the South and Southwest, characterized by a warm climate and significant population and economic growth since World War II.
Example:
The shift of political power towards states like Florida and Texas reflects the growing influence of the Sunbelt in American demographics and elections.
U.S. Census Bureau
The principal agency of the U.S. federal statistical system responsible for producing data about the American people and economy, including demographic trends.
Example:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the demographic landscape of the United States has become significantly more diverse over the past few decades.