Europe’s SubregionsThe FRAME RoutineKey Topic

is about…

So What? (What’s important to understand about this?)

Eastern Europe

Essential details

Main idea

Northern Europe

Essential details

Main idea

Western Europe

Essential details

Main idea

Mediterranean Europe

Essential details

Main idea

Extend Understanding

The political, economic, and social characteristics which contribute to the regional divisions of Europe.

Europe’s Regions

Europe has four regions

• Mediterranean• Western• Northern• Eastern

Color… p. 288

In what area of Europe is a majority of the population located?

Why do you think this is so?

Mediterranean Europe• This region consist of

the Iberian, Italian and Balkan Peninsulas.

• The climate is……Mediterranean– hot summers– moderate (cool) and

rainy winters

Ancient Glory• The Mediterranean

region was home to the Greek and Roman civilizations.

• These ancient civilizations were successful because:

1. The region’s mild climate made survival easier.

2. The Mediterranean Sea encouraged trade and the spread of ideas.

Ancient Glory: Greece

• Started as an isolated city-state.

• Ancient Greece’s contributions to modern culture:– Developed the first democracy

– Developed the study of science

– Developed the ideas of drama, philosophy

• By 400 B.C., Athens lost to Sparta.

Economic Change• The economy of the Mediterranean region

has been primarily based on agriculture and fishing.– Depended on crops such as olives, grapes,

citrus and wheat.

• Since the 1900’s the region shifted to manufacturing to compete in world markets.

Portugal = textiles

Spain = automobiles

Economic Problems• Italy’s southern region is

less developed than the north b/c:

– The north is close to industrial Germany and France.

– Bad government choices & corruption.

– Lack of resources like oil, coal, good soils.

• Mountains– The Pyrenees have

kept Portugal and Spain isolated from the rest of Europe.

– The Balkans have kept Greece isolated.

– Why are mountains an economic problem?

Western Europe• France and Germany are

the dominant countries b/c of their size, access to ports, resources and trade routes.

• French culture strong in France and Monaco.

• German culture is strong in Germany, Austria & Liechtenstein.

Modern Conflicts• Harsh economic terms used to punish Germany

for starting the WWI, led to Germany starting WWII.

• The Holocaust was used by Germany in WWII to murder Jews and minorities.

• Jews and minorities were seen as economic, social and political threats

The Berlin Wall-•At the end of WWII, Germany was split into democratic west and communist east.

•Germany’s capital Berlin, was also split into west and east.

•Starting in August 1961, a wall was built that completely cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin.

•The Berlin Wall was finally knocked down by Berliners on both sides in 1989, precipitating the end of communism in Eastern Europe.

Modern Economics• Western Europe is rich in agriculture (the

Northern European Plain is located here).

• First region to industrialize.

• Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland are known for Dairy production

• Top manufacturing nations:

Netherlands, Germany = Electronics

Switzerland = Banking

Problems• Some “Guest Workers” that

entered Europe in the 1980’s are now facing economic and social discrimination.– Many European citizens believe

that Immigrants have not assimilated into the new culture.

– These Guest Workers came from Yugoslavia, Turkey, North Africa

– Children of immigrants may have a harder time finding work or school opportunities.

Click on the word to read the definition.

Northern Europe• United Kingdom• Ireland• Nordic Countries

– Denmark– Finland– Iceland– Norway– Sweden

Romans & Vikings, oh my!• Yes, the Romans

made it to Great Britain around AD 80.

• The Romans were driven out by Germanic tribes in the 400s.

• Vikings conquered (&

terrorized) Northern Europe from 795-1066ish– Came from Denmark,

Norway, Sweden

Vikings made it all the way to

Greenland and North America.

Growing an Empire• Historically, Britain had geographic advantages

which allowed it to become an empire:– It is Island nation– Experienced sailors– Access to trade

• By 1800’s, Britain had colonies in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.

• Colonization and trade spread the English language and culture around the world.

“The sun never sets on the British Empire”

The Modern AgeIndustrial Revolution• Large iron ore and coal deposits helped

Britain become the first country to industrialize.

• The Industrial revolution spread to other parts of Europe.

Industry used iron

and coal to make

machinery

Growth of industry

encouraged empire building

Britain imported

raw materials

from colonies

Finished goods sold to colonies

The Modern AgeConstitutional Monarchies• Britain has a monarchy

and a parliament- which is a representative lawmaking body whose members are elected or appointed.

• Iceland’s parliament is the oldest in the world, meeting since AD 930.

The Irish Question• In 1921, Britain

divided Ireland in two parts– Republic of Ireland– Northern Ireland, has

a Protestant majority, & remained part of the United Kingdom.

• Area plagued by– Religious conflict – anti-British sentiment

Economics• Northern Europe’s

economy benefits from its natural resources.– Fishing in Iceland, Norway– Timber in Sweden

• Manufacturing– Computers = Ireland– Aerospace = Sweden & UK– Paper, food products,

pharmaceuticals

Thursday, we will discuss more on

the European Union.

Where’s the commercial agriculture?

Life in Northern EuropeSocial Welfare• Finland, Norway and Sweden (Nordic countries)

give families yearly allowances to help raise their children.

• Nordic countries and Britain provide national health insurance. – -> socialism

– People in these countries pay very high taxes to fund these programs.

Eastern Europe

• Eastern Europe is located between Asia and the rest of Europe.– Area became a cultural

crossroads, due to traders, nomads, migrants, and armies that passed through the region.

• The region is less urban than the rest of Europe.

Why have many empires tried to

control this region?

A Little HistoryAD 476- 1300s Eastern Europe

part of the Byzantine

Empire

1300s-1400sArea controlled

by Ottoman Turks

1686Austria drives out Ottomans from Hungary

How did the Ottoman invasion change religion in Eastern Europe?

1912-1913Countries in the Balkan fight for

sovereignty

1914A Serb kills

Austrian Archduke

Ferdinand. WWI erupts

1946-1948Communist

gov’ts are set up in Eastern

Europe

1989-1991 End of

communist rule

Keep in mind: Many ethnic

groups moved into this region

How did the Soviet Union

use ethnic differences to its advantage?

Life Under the Soviet Union• The Soviet Union refused to

withdraw from Eastern Europe until it had set up Communist gov’ts there.– 1945-1989, Eastern Europe

was dominated by Russia = satellite nations

• Food shortages – Inefficient gov’t planning

• 5 Year Plans focused on heavy manufacturing over consumer goods• Limited number of ‘luxury’ goods• Consumer goods were of poor

quality

• Eastern Europe only traded with the Soviet Union

– Lacked technology the West used– Were not able to trade with the

West

• Families shared homes• Increased pollution

Freedom?1980s• The Soviet Union gave satellite

nations more freedom =

• Eastern Europeans demanded more political and economic reform.

• 1989-1990, countries ended communist control.

After Communism• People returned to ethnic

loyalties, creating gov’t instability.

• Countries moved to a free-enterprise economy– Inflation– Unemployment

• Not all countries have been successful– Albania, old equipment– Romania, no $ for investments– Poor infrastructure

Why?

Patchwork Culture

• The Roman Empire introduce Catholicism

• Byzantine Empire spread Eastern Orthodox Christianity

• Under the Ottoman Empire, some converted to Islam

• Small Jewish minority– Anti-Semitism

Wrap- Up Questions…1. How have landforms and resources helped Europe

become rich and powerful?

2. How do language and religion reflect the cultural division of Europe?

3. How is Eastern Europe different from Western Europe?

4. How did communist governments restrict economic development?