why aren't Alaska and Hawaii considered part of the Continental U.S.?

Actually, it's probably more accurate to say that they are not part of the contiguous states.
http://www.answers.com/contiguous
Alaska is separated from Washington state by part of British Columbia, and Hawaii is out in the ocean.

Alaska is definitely part of the continent of North America. Hawaii is not part of any continent.

Confusing, yes? Sort of!

=)

what were some of the things that lead to civilization after the ice age?

what was the social contract

The term "Continental U.S." generally refers to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Alaska and Hawaii are not considered part of the Continental U.S. because they are not physically connected to the continuous landmass of the 48 states. Alaska is separated from the lower 48 by Canada, and Hawaii is an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean.

As for the factors that led to civilization after the Ice Age, there are several key developments that contributed to the rise of human societies:

1. Climate change: The end of the Ice Age brought about warmer temperatures and more stable climatic conditions, which allowed for the growth of diverse plant and animal life. This abundance of resources provided the necessary foundation for human populations to settle in specific areas.

2. Agriculture: The development of agriculture was a significant factor in the rise of civilization. As people began to domesticate plants and animals, they were able to establish permanent settlements, instead of relying on a nomadic, hunting-and-gathering lifestyle.

3. Surplus of resources: The ability to produce a surplus of food and other resources allowed for the development of specialized labor and the division of tasks within a society. This led to technological advancements, population growth, and the formation of complex social structures.

4. Trade and interaction: As settlements grew and became more advanced, people began to trade goods and ideas with neighboring communities. This exchange of resources and knowledge led to the development of more complex societies, advancements in technology, and the spread of culture.

As for the social contract, it is a philosophical concept that suggests that people have an inherent agreement or contract among themselves to cooperate for the betterment of society. In other words, individuals agree to give up certain freedoms and follow a set of rules and laws in exchange for protections, security, and social benefits provided by the larger community or government. This concept originated from the works of philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau during the Age of Enlightenment.

After the Ice Age, there were several factors that contributed to the development of civilization:

1. Agriculture: The end of the Ice Age brought about a warmer climate, which allowed for the growth of plants and the domestication of animals. This transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities led to the establishment of permanent settlements and the development of agriculture as a way of life.

2. Sedentary lifestyle: The ability to grow crops and domesticate animals meant that people no longer had to constantly move in search of food. This led to the development of permanent settlements, which allowed for the establishment of social structures, specialization of labor, and the development of complex societies.

3. Surplus food: With agriculture, communities were able to produce more food than necessary for immediate consumption. This surplus allowed for the division of labor, with some individuals specializing in tasks other than food production, such as governance, trade, or craftsmanship.

4. Increased population: The availability of a stable food supply resulted in population growth. Larger populations facilitated the development of more sophisticated social structures, as well as the sharing and exchange of ideas, technologies, and resources.

5. Trade and communication: As settlements and civilizations developed, trade routes were established, enabling the exchange of goods, resources, and ideas between different regions. This trade network contributed to the spread of culture, technology, and innovation.

The social contract theory, on the other hand, is a concept in political philosophy that examines the origins of society and the legitimacy of political authority. According to theorists like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the social contract is an implicit agreement between individuals and their government, in which individuals surrender certain freedoms and rights in exchange for protection and a well-ordered society. This theory explores the relationship between individuals and the state, and the mutual obligations that exist between them.

The concept of the social contract is an important idea in political philosophy. To understand it, we can look to the philosopher Thomas Hobbes.

To answer the question "What was the social contract?" we need to look into Thomas Hobbes's book "Leviathan," where he introduced the idea.

According to Hobbes, the social contract is a theoretical agreement between individuals to create a governing authority that will protect them from the chaos and violence that could arise in a state of nature. In this state of nature, Hobbes argued that people are driven by their own self-interest and will act in ways that could harm others, leading to a constant state of war.

The social contract, therefore, is a type of agreement where individuals willingly give up some of their rights and freedoms to a governing authority in exchange for protection and security. This governing authority can then enforce laws, maintain order, and settle disputes among individuals.

The social contract is essentially a foundation for establishing and maintaining a civilized society. It ensures that individuals have certain rights and protections, while also recognizing the authority of the governing body.

To understand more about the social contract and its significance, it is recommended to further explore Thomas Hobbes's book "Leviathan" and other works of political philosophy that discuss this concept in detail.