Chapter 8 The Great Lakes and Corn Belt 

Chapter 8 first began with the Great Lakes and Corn Belt region being called the “heartland” of North America. This term was used to describe the region because it is the geographic center of North America. The island of Guam can be seen as a “heartland” as well but not only because of its geographic location. Guam is also known to be the main naval base in the Pacific Ocean.

According to a website called the Military Installations stated, “Guam is about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines and is across the International Dateline from mainland United States. The mission of Naval Base Guam is to support the forces of the US Pacific Fleet, the warfighters based on Naval Base Guam, the warfighters serviced and supplied by Naval Base Guam, the commands which provide support.” If at war, Guam’s location and supplies can help the US Pacific Fleet to refuel and to keep on fighting.

With the United States sending more Marines to the island, the U.S. has influenced Guam in a lot of ways. They created more traffic during rush hour, more military aircrafts creating more noise on the island, and having to get more supplies to accommodate to their needs and the locals. However, the locals try to maintain their way of life by having festivals and fiestas and by talking in their native language. They try to share their culture and the island in a peaceful manner with the Marines, other military personnels and their families.