Cretaceous Coastlines and Modern Voting Patterns

Contributor: Branson Becker

This module examines the relationship between modern voting patterns in the American south and the geologic history of North America. The curve of the democratic "blue" belt follows the curve of the Cretaceous coastline that existed there millions of years ago. This was the period of time in which the sediments were deposited that became the nutrient-rich source 19th century slave-driven cotton farming depended upon. Each slide in this module is accompanied by additional information in the companion guide.

Preview the slides below: