West-Central Europe
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Europe Unit Chapters 12, 13, 14, & 15 Southern Europe CHAPTER 12 A. Physical Geography 1. Southern Europe is comprised of 7 countries – Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Italy, Monaco, San Marino, & Greece 2. Southern Europe is largely made up of three large peninsulas. Iberian Peninsula Italian Peninsula Balkan Peninsula 3. Southern Europe also includes many islands. Some, such as Crete and Sicily, are very large. 4. Because the peninsulas and islands all border on the Mediterranean Sea, the region of Southern Europe is also called Mediterranean Europe. B. Features of Southern Europe 1. Landforms - 4 Major mountain ranges in Southern Europe Pyrenees – Spain, France, & Andorra Apennines - Italy Alps – Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France, Italy, & Monaco Pindus – Greece & Albania a. Islands Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Crete, Greek b. Coastal plains Spain, Portugal, Italy, & Greece C. Water Features 1. Seas Mediterranean – Borders all of Southern Europe Adriatic – Between Italy and the Balkans Aegean – Between Greece and Turkey Ionian – between southern Italy and Greece and Albania 2. Rivers Tagus – Portugal And Spain Po - Italy Ebro - Spain Tiber – Italy 3. River Valley Po River Valley D. Climate Southern Europe is famous for its pleasant climate. Most of the region enjoys warm, sunny days and mild nights for most of the year. Little rain falls during the summer, but rain is more common in the winter. 1. Geographers call the type of climate found in Southern Europe a Mediterranean climate. 2. Agriculture The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing many types of crops. Farmers plant citrus fruits, grapes, olives, wheat, and many other products. 3. Fishing The seas of Southern Europe are full of various types of fish and shellfish. Fishing is a profitable industry. 4. Tourism Millions of tourists visit Southern Europe each year because of its mild climate. Sunny beaches and breathtaking scenery are also tourist attractions. E. Greece 1. Greece has been called the birthplace of Western culture. 2. They created great art, designed amazing buildings, invented new forms of literature, explored many fields of science, and developed democracy. In the 300s BC Greece became part of Alexander the Great’s empire. As a result, Greek culture spread through Egypt and much of Southwest Asia. The Roman Empire conquered and ruled Greece. When the Roman Empire split around 400, Greece became part of the eastern half, the Byzantine Empire. The Muslim Ottoman Turks invaded Greece in the 1300s and 1400s. At that time some elements of Greek culture faded. 3. In the 1800s the Greeks won their freedom, becoming a monarchy. 4. Greece’s government has changed many times since it won its independence. It is now a democracy. 5.Culture Greek language is one of the oldest languages spoken in Europe Most people belong to the Orthodox Church, a branch of Christianity that dates back to the Byzantine Empire. Religion is very important to most people. Greek cuisine uses local ingredients such as lamb and olives, plus recipes borrowed from people such as the Italians and Turks. Family is central to Greek culture. 6. Life Today in Greece a. Life in Urban Greece About three-fifths of Greece’s population lives in cities. Athens, the capital, is the largest city. One-third of all people in Greece live there. Athens is an industrial center. b. Life in Rural Greece Life in the country is very different from life in the city. Many people live in isolated mountain villages, as Greeks have for thousands of years. Rural Greeks grow crops and raise sheep and goats. Village life often centers around the village square, where people meet to chat and make decisions. 7. Economy of Greece Greece’s economy is growing rapidly, but the country faces some challenges to further economic growth. — Few mineral resources — Relatively little farmland Greece’s shipping industry is one of the world’s most successful. It has one of the largest fleets of shipping vessels in the world. Tourism is another major industry. — Millions of people visit Greece each year. — Tourist attractions include ancient ruins, beaches, and islands. — The Greek government has worked to increase tourism. F. Italy 1. Ancient Rome Founded in the 700s BC - Formed empire that stretched from Britain to the Persian Gulf. Famous for great art, literature, and political ideas Helped spread Christianity 2. Renaissance Lasted from about 1350 through the 1500s - Period of great creativity that began in Italy and spread through the rest of Europe Saw the creation of some of the world’s greatest works of art and literature 3. Unified Italy Italy was not unified as a country until 1861. In the 1920s Mussolini took power as a dictator. He led Italy into World War II. After the war Italy became a democracy. G. Culture of Italy 1. Religion a. Most people in Italy belong to the Roman Catholic Church. In the past, the Catholic Church was the single most important influence in Italian culture. The pope, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, lives in Vatican City, an independent state located within the city of Rome. The importance of the Catholic Church in Italy can be seen in many ways: Italian cities are filled with Catholic churches. Rome alone contains hundreds of churches from various periods of history. Religious holidays and festivals are major events in Italy. 2. Food Olives, tomatoes, rice, and pasta are common. Recipes vary widely from region to region. For example, in the south people often serve pasta with tomato sauces, while in the north they serve creamier sauces. 3. Art Italy has been known as a center of the arts for centuries. Italian artists set trends that are followed all over the world. Italy has been home to some of the world’s greatest painters, sculptors, authors, composers, fashion designers, and filmmakers. 4. Economy of Italy a. Northern Italy Strong economy Italy’s most fertile farmland is in the Po Valley. Major industrial centers: Milan, Turin, and Genoa Tourists visit many northern cities, such as Florence, Pisa, and Venice. b. Southern Italy Poorer than the north Depends heavily on agriculture Tourists visit the region’s beaches and ruins. Italy’s government is trying to promote industry in the south, especially in the city of Naples. c. Italy’s capital, Rome, is in central Italy and has ties to both the north and the south 12.1 Review Read pages 286-289 and answer questions 1 (a-c) and 2 (a-b). 12.2 Review Read pages 291-294 and answer questions 1 (a-b), 2 (a-b), 3 (a-c), and 4. H. Spain and Portugal Both Phoenicia and Greece founded colonies in Iberia, the peninsula on which Spain and Portugal are located. Iberia later became part of the Roman Empire The Moors, Muslims from North Africa, invaded Iberia after Rome fell. They ruled the area for about 600 years. By the end of 1400s Christian rulers from Spain and Portugal had banded together to drive the Moors from Iberia. Spain and Portugal built huge empires that included lands in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Southern Europe – Chapter 12 Culture of Spain and Portugal Language Most people speak Spanish or Portuguese. However, other languages, such as Catalan and Galician, are also spoken in parts of Spain. The Basque people of northern Spain have their own language and customs. Many of them want independence. Religion Most people in Iberia are Roman Catholic. People gather to celebrate Christian holidays and saints’ festivals. Music & Art Portuguese fados and Spanish flamenco are popular music styles. Muslim influence can be seen in much Iberian architecture. Southern Europe – Chapter 12 Economies of Spain & Portugal Spain and Portugal were once the wealthiest countries in Europe, thanks to gold and silver from the Americas. Spain and Portugal did not develop industrial economies like other countries in Europe because they were already rich. As Spanish and Portuguese colonies became independent, the source of gold and silver disappeared. Because they had not developed industrial economies. As a result, they became poor. The economies of Spain and Portugal are growing rapidly, largely because of new industries such as tourism. Southern Europe – Chapter 12 Life Today in Spain & Portugal Spain Spain’s government is a parliamentary monarchy, which means it is ruled by a king with the help of an elected parliament. Manufacturing is a major economic activity. Cities such as Madrid and Barcelona are centers of industry, tourism, and commerce. Portugal Portugal is a republic with elected leaders. Lisbon, the capital and largest city, is an industrial center. In rural areas, agriculture is still very important to the economy. Portuguese farmers are famous for growing grapes and cork. Spain & Portugal Southern Europe – Chapter 12 Andorra Sovereign landlocked microstate in Southwestern Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe. The official language is Catalan, although Spanish, Portuguese, and French are also commonly spoken. Andorra is a prosperous country, mainly because of its tourism industry, Andorra has an alpine climate and continental climate. Andorran culture has both French and Spanish influences West-Central Europe West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 West-Central Europe consists of 8 countries: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, & Liechtenstein. Physical Geography of West-Central Europe The physical features of West-Central Europe include plains, uplands, mountains, rivers, and seas. Belgium, Luxembourg, & Netherlands are known as the Benelux Countries Switzerland, Austria, & Liechtenstein are know as the Alpine countries West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Plains The Northern European Plain is a low, broad coastal plain. Most of it is covered with flat or rolling terrain. The region’s best farmland is on the plains. The region’s largest cities are also on the plain. Uplands The Central Uplands region has hills, valleys, and plateaus. The Massif Central and Jura Mountains are part of the uplands. Forests and coalfields are common in the uplands. Mountains The Alps and the Pyrenees stretch into West-Central Europe from Southern Europe. Europe’s highest mountains are in the Alps. Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, is in this region. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Rivers Several rivers cross West-Central Europe. Many of the region’s rivers are navigable, or deep and wide enough for ships to use. Important rivers include the Danube and the Rhine. People travel and ship goods along these rivers. Seas The North Sea lies just north of West-Central Europe. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the English Channel. The Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean are west of the region. France is bordered to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Climate of West-Central Europe Most of the region has a marine west coast climate with mild summers, cold winters, and frequent rain. The region’s climate is kept mild by a warm ocean current that flows along Europe’s northwestern coast. Because of their high elevation, the Alps have a colder, wetter climate than the rest of West-Central Europe. Southern France has a Mediterranean climate. The region’s mild climate and ample rainfall make its farmlands very productive. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Resources of West-Central Europe The region’s farmlands support a variety of crops, including grapes, grains, and vegetables. In addition, upland pastures support the raising of livestock. Mineral resources of the region include coal in France and Germany, iron ore in France, and natural gas in the Netherlands. The region’s rivers are a good source of hydroelectric power. Tourists are drawn to the region’s breathtaking scenery. The Alps are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 History of France Kingdom France was once part of Gaul, which was conquered by the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome the Franks built a kingdom in Gaul. Their greatest ruler was Charlemagne. Groups such as the Normans moved into France after Charlemagne died. In the Middle Ages parts of France were ruled by England until the French drove the English out. Empire From the 1500s to the 1700s most French people were poor. In 1789 the French people overthrew their king in the French Revolution. After the Revolution a brilliant general named Napoleon took power in France. He conquered much of Europe. In 1815 a group of countries joined together to defeat Napoleon. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 History of France Colonial Power Even before the French Revolution, France was building a colonial empire. The French established colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia in the 1500s, 1600s, and 1700s. During the 1950s and 1960s many former French colonies gained their independence. Republic Today France is a republic. The government is led by an elected president and a parliament. France still controls many overseas territories. One such territory is Martinique in the West Indies. Since World War II the French economy has grown tremendously. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Culture of France Language & Religion Most people speak French and are Catholic. Many immigrants have brought their own languages and religions to France Customs The French enjoy life. They like good food, good company, and good conversation. The major national festival in France is Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14. Arts & Ideas In the Middle Ages the French built huge cathedrals like Notre Dame in Paris. France was a center of the Enlightenment. Impressionism began in France. France is still known for art, fashion, and film. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 France Today France has a strong economy. It is the EU’s leading agricultural producer. Its major crops are wheat and grapes. It is a major exporter of goods such as perfumes and wines. Tourism is also a major industry. The major city in France is Paris. Center of business, learning, and culture World-class museums, art galleries, and restaurants Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral Other major cities include Marseille and Lyon. Most people in France today live in cities like these. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 The Benelux Countries are Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. They are also called the Low Countries. Throughout history many nations and empires have ruled the area that now includes the Benelux Countries. After World War II the Benelux Countries joined NATO. Later they joined the group of nations now called the EU. Each of the Benelux Countries is ruled by a parliament and a ceremonial monarch. The countries are small and densely populated. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Belgium More than 95 percent of the people live in cities. Brussels, the capital, is the headquarters for international organizations. Cities are cosmopolitan, or influenced by other cultures. Two languages are spoken, Flemish in the north and French in the south. Known for lace, cheese, cocoa, and chocolate Netherlands Low and flat with some land below sea level The country is sometimes called Holland. The people and their language are called Dutch. Rotterdam is a busy seaport. Amsterdam - capital and the Hague are political centers. Known for cheese and tulips Luxembourg Very small country, smaller than the state of Rhode Island; Luxembourg City is the capital Has one of the world’s highest standards of living. Most people are Roman Catholic and speak French or German. Mostly forested and hilly Earns much of its income from banking Produces steel and chemicals West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 History of Germany Tribes from northern Europe settled in what the Romans called Germania. Over time many small states formed. Each state was ruled by a prince. With the support of the Roman Catholic Church, these small German states became the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire remained a loose association of states for hundreds of years. In 1871 Prussia, the strongest German state, unified the others into one country—Germany. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 History of Germany War and Division In 1914 Germany began World War I, which it lost. In 1939 Adolf Hitler and the Nazis ordered the invasion of Poland, launching World War II. Germany also lost this war. After the war, the victorious Allies occupied Germany and over time two countries, East Germany and West Germany, emerged. The city of Berlin was divided and the Soviets built the Berlin Wall through it. A Reunited Germany With U.S. aid, West Germany became an economic power. East Germany was poorer, and its people had few freedoms. In 1989 democracy movements swept through East Germany. The Communist government collapsed, and the Berlin Wall was torn down. In 1990 East and West Germany reunified. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Culture of Germany People Most Germans share a common heritage. About 90 percent are ethnic German and most people speak German. Recently, immigration has increased, helping make Germany more diverse. Religion Most people in north and central Germany are Protestant. Most people in the south are Catholic. People in the east are usually less religious because of their Communist past. Customs Religious festivals are very popular. Lent and Christmas are among the most popular festival times. Local festivals are also popular. Oktoberfest, held in Bavaria, a region of southeastern Germany, celebrates the region’s food and drink. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Culture of Germany The Arts and Sciences Music—Germany has produced famous composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. Literature—Authors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe are among the most famous in Europe. Science—Germans have made great advances in chemistry, engineering, medicine, and physics. Germany Today Government Federal republic headed by a chancellor, or prime minister, and parliament Belongs to EU and NATO West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Germany Today Economy Europe’s largest economy. Market economy with many exports Based on industry, such as chemicals, engineering, and steel The eastern region’s economy still lags. Cities Most people live in cities. Largest city is Berlin, the capital. Other key cities are Hamburg and Munich West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 The Alpine Countries are Austria, Switzerland, & Liechtenstein They are named for the Alps, which cover most of both countries. The beauty of the Alps draws many tourists to these two countries every year. Both Austria and Switzerland were once part of the Holy Roman Empire. Both countries have been heavily influenced by German culture. West-Central Europe – Chapter 13 Austria Most Austrians speak German and are Roman Catholic. The country’s capital, Vienna, is filled with historic palaces and is a center of art and music. Austria has a prosperous economy based on service industries such as banking. Tourism is also important. Switzerland Republic divided into 26 cantons, or districts, with capital at Bern Has remained neutral for centuries and has not joined NATO or the EU, but remains active in international organizations Several languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch Famous for banks, watches, chocolate, cheese, and for having the world’s highest standard of living Liechtenstein A doubly landlocked German-speaking alpine country in Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east and north. Its capital is Vaduz. Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world and the only country to lie entirely in the Alps Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Northern Europe has 7 countries – Great Britain, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, & Iceland Physical Geography of Northern Europe Changes greatly from one location to another. Two regions make up Northern Europe. British Isles—a group of islands located across the English Channel from the rest of Europe – Great Britain & Ireland Scandinavia—a region of islands and peninsulas in far northern Europe, including Iceland to the west – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, & Iceland Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Physical geography of Northern Europe Hills and Mountains Rugged hills stretch across Iceland, northern Scotland, and Scandinavia. The Kjolen Mountains divide Norway from Sweden. Rocky soil and uneven terrain make farming difficult. Fewer people live there. Farmland and Plains Fertile farmland and plains stretch across southern parts of British Isles and Scandinavia. Ireland’s rolling, green hills provide rich farmland. Wide valleys in Denmark and England also have fertile soil. Effects of Glaciers Jagged coastlines cut by glaciers Fjords, narrow inlets of the sea set between high, rocky cliffs, formed as glaciers melted. Thousands of lakes carved out by glaciers Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Resources of Northern Europe Energy Oil and natural gas deposits under the North Sea Hydroelectric energy produced by lakes and rivers Geothermal energy, or energy from the heat of Earth’s interior, from Iceland’s hot springs Forest & Soil Large areas of timber-producing forests stretch across Finland and Scandinavian Peninsula. Fertile soils provide rich farmland for crops. Livestock like sheep and dairy cattle are common. Seas & Oceans North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean provide rich stocks of fish. Fishing is key industry in Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Climate of Northern Europe Much of Northern Europe lies near Arctic Circle. North Atlantic Drift, an ocean current that brings warm, moist air across the Atlantic Ocean, results in Northern Europe’s mild climates. Much of Northern Europe has a marine west coast climate - Denmark, the British Isles, and western Norway Other parts have a humid continental climate -Central Norway, Sweden, and southern Finland Far north are colder climates- Northern Scandinavia has a subarctic climate. Iceland has tundra and ice cap climates. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 British Isles Two independent countries make up the British Isles. -Republic of Ireland & the United Kingdom United Kingdom, which is a union of four small countries – England, Scotland, Wales, & Northern Ireland Throughout their history, the people of the British Isles have been linked together. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 History of the British Isles Early settlers built Stonehenge, an ancient monument, some 5,000 years ago. 450 BC—the Celts arrived in the British Isles and settled in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Britain became part of the Roman Empire. AD 1066—the Normans from northern France conquered England and established a strong kingdom. Over time, England grew in strength and soon overshadowed its neighbors in the British Isles. By the 1500s strong rulers like Queen Elizabeth I had turned England into a world power. Rise of the British Empire England joined with Wales and Scotland to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Launched overseas empire and had colonies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Australia by the late 1800s Economy soared with the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s and 1800s. At its height the British Empire was the largest in history. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 History of the British Isles Decline of the British Empire In the 1900s the British Empire began to crumble. World War I and the Great Depression hurt the British economy. Rebellions in Ireland forced Britain to grant self-rule to all but the northern part of Ireland. Other overseas colonies began movements for independence. After World War II Great Britain gave up most of its colonies. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Culture of the British Isles United Kingdom Constitutional monarchy—a type of democracy in which a king or queen serves as head of state but a legislature makes the laws Magna Carta, a document drawn up in the Middle Ages, limited the powers of kings. Prime minister leads British government. Most members of Parliament, Britain’s legislative body, are elected. Republic of Ireland President as head of state Prime minister, appointed by the president, runs the government with the Irish parliament. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Culture of the British Isles People Common heritage—many people in the British Isles can trace their heritage to the region’s early settlers. Sports such as soccer and rugby are a shared trait among people of Britain. Regions, particularly Ireland and Scotland, maintain their unique identities. Immigrants from all corners of the world have settled in Britain, adding to the rich culture of the region. Popular Culture Influences people all around the globe English is the language of business, education, and the Internet in many places. British music and literature are popular. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Economies of the British Isles Conflict in Northern Ireland Catholics believe they have not been treated fairly by Protestants, who are in the majority. Bitter and violent struggle lasted for many years. Cease-fire in 1990s, but some groups refused to disarm, or give up all weapons Still working toward long-lasting peace Economies are strong. London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a center for world trade and industry. In Dublin, Ireland’s capital, computer equipment and software have become major industries. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 History of Scandinavia Vikings Vikings were Scandinavian warriors who raided Europe and the Mediterranean in the early Middle Ages. Excellent sailors who conquered the British Isles, Finland, and parts of France, Germany, and Russia Great explorers who established settlements in Iceland and Greenland First Europeans to reach North America After the Vikings In the 1100s the Viking raids ended and powerful Scandinavian chiefs competed for power in the region. By the late 1300s Denmark ruled a union of all Scandinavian kingdoms and territories. Sweden challenged Denmark’s power and left the union, taking Finland with it. By the 1900s Scandinavian countries wanted independence. Norway, Finland, and Iceland all became independent. Greenland remains a part of Denmark as a self-ruling territory. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Culture of Scandinavia Today, the countries of Scandinavia have much in common Similar political views, languages, and religion Large, wealthy cities, strong economies, and well-educated workers High standards of living Sweden, Denmark, Greenland, Finland, Norway, and Iceland are among the world’s most peaceful, stable, and prosperous nations. Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Scandinavia Today Sweden Largest and most populous Scandinavian country More than 80 percent live in urban areas Stockholm, capital and largest city, is built on 14 islands and part of the mainland. Sweden has been a neutral country for more than 200 years, meaning that it has chosen not to take sides in international conflicts. Denmark Smallest Scandinavian country and most densely populated About 50 percent of land is used for farming. Farm goods are important exports. Modern industries, such as iron and electronics, are important as well. Greenland Geographically part of North America, but is a territory of Denmark Thick ice sheet covers about 80 percent of the land. Much of island is uninhabitable, or not able to support human settlement. Most live on southwest coast where climate is warmest. Heavily dependent on imports and economic aid from Denmark Northern Europe – Chapter 14 Scandinavia Today Norway One of the longest coastlines in the world Fjords shelter Norway’s many harbors. Oslo, capital city, is the country’s leading seaport and industrial center. North Sea provides valuable oil and natural gas resources. Refused to join the European Union Finland Easternmost Scandinavian country, between Sweden and Russia Helsinki is the capital and the largest city. Trade is important. Paper and forest products are important exports. Shipbuilding and electronics are important industries. Iceland Fertile farmland along the island’s coast produces crops and supports cattle and sheep. Fish account for about 70 percent of Iceland’s exports. Steam from hot springs and geysers, or springs that shoot hot water and steam into the air, produce geothermal energy. Tourists come to see the geysers, volcanoes, and glaciers Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Eastern Europe consist of 20 countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, & Macedonia Physical Geography of Eastern Europe Landforms The Northern European Plain covers the northern area. The Carpathians mountain range stretches from the Alps to the Black Sea. The Great Hungarian Plain is a fertile area located mostly within Hungary. The Dinaric Alps and Balkan Mountains together cover most of the Balkan Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Europe. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Physical Geography of Eastern Europe Bodies of Water Many are important transportation and trade routes. Adriatic Sea in southwest Black Sea in east Baltic Sea in north Danube River begins in Germany and flows east. Central to economy Dams along its course generate much of the region’s electricity Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Climate of Eastern Europe Baltic Coast Winters long, cold, and harsh Less rain than other areas, but fog is common Huge forests Interior Plains Winters cold, but summers often pleasant and mild More rain in western parts than in east Huge forests in north; grassy plains in south Nuclear accident at Chernobyl in 1986 poisoned millions of acres of forest and soil across region. Balkan Coast Mediterranean climate—warm summers, mild winters Beaches are popular tourist destinations. Shrubs and hardy trees that do not need much water Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 History of Poland and Baltic Republics (Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania) The area around the Baltic Sea was settled in ancient times by many different groups. They developed into the people who live in the region today – Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, & Polish By the Middle Ages the Baltics had many independent kingdoms. Up through the 1800s there were many invasions. The large and strong kingdoms of Poland and Lithuania, invaded small kingdoms of Latvia and Estonia. World Wars World Wars I and II were devastating for the Baltic people. Poland was center of much fighting in World War I. Millions of Poles—both soldiers and civilians died & Thousands more killed in Baltic countries World War II began when Poland was invaded. Germans from west; Soviet Union from east Millions of people were killed. All countries occupied by Soviet army Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 History of Poland and Baltic Republics (Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania) Soviet Domination Soviet Union dominated Eastern Europe after World War II. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania became parts of the Soviet Union. Poland free, but forced to accept Communist government Many Eastern Europeans opposed Communist rule. Communist governments eventually fell. Poland rejected Communism and elected leaders in 1989. Baltic Republics broke from Soviet Union and became independent in 1991. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Culture of Poland and the Baltic Republics Cultural Differences Languages– because they were first settled by different groups, each country has its own language today Religion– trade patterns and invasions have affected religion Poland and Lithuania—most are Catholic Latvia and Estonia—most are Lutheran Cultural Similarities Many of the same types of foods Practice many of the same crafts, including pottery, painting, and embroidery Love of music and dance Famous Baltic musicians, such as Frédéric Chopin Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Economies of Poland and Baltic Republics Economies of all four countries suffered after decades of Soviet rule. Poor infrastructure—the set of resources, such as roads, airports, and factories, that a country needs in order to support economic activities. Today Poland and the Baltic Republics are working to rebuild and strengthen their economies. Cities like Warsaw, the capital of Poland, have become major industrial centers. Seeking new sources of income Tourism—people are drawn to the region by its fascinating cultures, cool summer climates, and historic sites. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 History of Inland Eastern Europe Inland Eastern Europe consists of six countries - Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Belarus, & Moldova Many different peoples have ruled those countries throughout history. Each ruling group influenced the culture and customs of the area. Czech Republic and Slovakia Slavs founded many small kingdoms. Strong neighbors conquered Slavic kingdoms. After World War I Allies formed Czechoslovakia. In 1993 it split into Czech Republic and Slovakia. Western influences Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, reflects Western influences in architecture. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 History of Inland Eastern Europe Hungary Magyars invaded in the 900s. Conquered by the Austrians Magyars continued to influence culture Hungarian language is based on language of Magyars. People in Hungary today still refer to themselves as Magyars. Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova Settled by Slavs and later invaded by other groups Rus settled in what is now Kiev, Ukraine, in the 800s and created empire. Late 1700s empire became part of Russia. 1920s made into Soviet republics Became independent after Soviet breakup in 1991 Culture influenced by Russia Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Governments, Economies, & Cities of Inland Europe Government Today, five are republics, and Belarus is a dictatorship that claims to be a republic. Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova belong to an international alliance, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which meets to discuss issues such as trade and immigration that affect former Soviet republics. Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary belong to EU. Economy Development has been a major challenge since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine have been most successful. Thriving industrial centers Productive farmlands Cities Life in Eastern Europe is centered around cities. Capitals are key economic and cultural centers. Prague, Kiev, and Budapest, the capital of Hungary, are the most prosperous and important cities in the region. Cities are popular tourist attractions—architectural and cultural sites draw visitors from all over the world. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Countries of the Balkans Albania—poorest country in Europe Macedonia—only country to peacefully break from Yugoslavia Slovenia—first Balkan country to join the EU Croatia—struggled with fighting between Ethnic Croats and Serbs after breaking from Yugoslavia Bosnia and Herzegovina—at peace and working to rebuild after years of ethnic and religious violence Serbia and Montenegro—has seen fighting among ethnic groups Romania—largest of the Balkan states; working to recover from years of bad government Bulgaria—working to develop a capitalist economy Kosovo – Declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 History of the Balkans Ancient Greeks founded colonies on the northern Black Sea coast that were later conquered by the Romans. When the Roman Empire divided into west and east in AD 300s, the Balkan Peninsula became part of the Eastern, or Byzantine, Empire. Under Byzantine rule many people of the Balkans became Orthodox Christians. About 1,000 years later Muslim Ottoman Turks conquered the Byzantine Empire. Under Ottoman rule many people of the Balkans became Muslims. In the 1800s the people of the region rose up, drove the Ottomans out, and then created their own kingdoms. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 History of the Balkans World War I Trouble between Balkan kingdoms and their neighbors led to World War I. In the late 1800s the Austro-Hungarian Empire took over part of the peninsula. In protest a man from Serbia shot the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, sparking the war. After the War Europe’s leaders divided the peninsula into new countries. Included Yugoslavia, which combined many formerly independent countries under one government Yugoslavia broke up in the 1990s because of conflict between ethnic and religious groups. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Culture of the Balkans Religion Most people of the Balkans are Christian. Most belong to the Orthodox Church. Many Roman Catholics in western part. Many countries have large Protestant communities. Because of the Ottoman’s long rule, Islam is also common. Language Many languages are spoken in the Balkans. Most are Slavic languages, related to Russian. In Romania, language developed from Latin. Some speak Germanic languages. Some are unique to the region, such as Albanian and Romany. Eastern Europe – Chapter 15 Economies of the Balkans Countries of the Balkan Peninsula were once run by Communist governments. Weak economic planning has left most of them poor and struggling to improve their economies. Poorest area in Europe today Many areas have struggled with religious and ethnic conflicts. When Yugoslavia broke apart, members of the largest religious or ethnic group in each country tried to get rid of all other groups who lived there. Ethnic cleansing, the effort to remove all members of a group from a country or region, resulted in terrible violence. In 1995, countries around the world sent troops to Bosnia and Herzegovina to help bring an end to fighting. When the fighting between groups ended, eight countries shared the Balkan Peninsula.
