Chapter 14: Northern Europe

Ireland/ United Kingdom/ Denmark/ Norway/ Sweden/ Finland

Section 1: Physical Geography

Independent Reading Read the section independently and fill in your

note sheet as you go. (pgs. 334-337)

Start working on the homework when you are finished.

Section 2: The British Isles

Two Independent countries: The republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom.

Where and what are they?

3100 BC: Ancient settlers in England build Stonehenge.◦ Middle ages a series of

invaders ruled the British Isles; The Angles, Saxons, Vikings all established

1558-1603: England becomes a world power during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.◦ Strong economy and Navy◦ England joined with Wales

and Scotland to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Early History/ Britain the Empire

1730-1860: The industrial revolution brings great wealth to England.◦ Industries like

Iron/steel/textiles and cloth products

1858-1947: The British Empire controls India, it’s most valuable colony.

Rise of the British Empire

In the 1900’s the British empire began to fall apart; WWI and the Great Depression hurt the British economy.

1949 after the Republic of Ireland gained independence movements for independence in many of Britain's other colonies emerged.

After WWII Great Britain gave up most of it’s colonies and the British Empire was no more.

Decline of the Empire

Government: Constitutional monarchy ( A democracy in which king or queen serves as head of state but a legislature makes the laws)◦ Magna Carta- From the

middle ages; limits the power of the kings.

People:◦ Many people in the British

Isles trace their heritage to regions early settlers such as the Celts, Angles and the Saxons.

◦ Each region still maintains its own unique identity. Irish Gaelic (Celtic Language)

spoken in areas of Ireland Bagpipes and Kilts of

Scotland

Culture

Toughest problem they face today is the conflict in Northern Ireland.◦ Disputes between the

people of Northern Ireland have a long history. Stem from Catholics in

Northern Ireland believing that the Protestants have not treated them fairly from years past.

Today hopes are high that there will be peaceful relations between groups and long lasting peace.

The economy of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are among the strongest in Europe.◦ London: capital of the

United Kingdom is the center for world trade and industry.

◦ Dublin: Irelands capital, computer equipment and software have become major industries.

British Isles Today

Section 3: Scandinavia

Home to the Vikings hundreds of years ago.

Vikings:◦ Excellent sailors used

quick and powerful long boats to attack villages along coasts and rivers.

◦ Vikings were the most feared warriors of their time.

◦ Conquered the British Isles, Finland, parts of France, Germany and Russia; they were the most feared warriors of their time.

◦ Great explorers: established settlements in Iceland, Greenland In the 800’s 900’s, Vikings

led by Leif Eriksson became the first Europeans to reach North America

History

-In the 1100’s Viking raids ended.

-Scandinavian chiefs focused on strengthening their kingdoms; Norway, Sweden and Denmark all of which competed for power in the region.

-For many centuries they will fight to conquer and control each other.

By the 1900’s Scandinavian countries all wanted their independence.

Today all are independent countries from one another; except for Greenland that remains apart of Denmark as a self-ruling territory.

History Continued

Today the countries in Scandinavia have a lot in common; political views, religion and languages.

They have some of the worlds highest standards of living.

Each country provides its citizens with excellent social programs and services as well as free health care.

Scandinavia Today

Each group will be assigned one country in Scandinavia to read about and tell the class the following information:

◦ Where is your country? What countries border your country?

◦ 3 facts that you learned about your country from the short reading

Jigsaw Activity

Scandinavian CountiesSweden Denmark

Scandinavian Counties

Greenland Norway

Scandinavian Counties

Finland Iceland

Viking Video (Lost Worlds- The Vikings 43 min)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_vVUK-gick