Eastern Europe

#1 Eastern Europe Eastern Europe encompasses a diverse stretch of land and a vibrant mix of ethnicities. Over the centuries countries in this subregion have been faced with political, economic, and ethnic challenges.

#1 Question How many countries in Eastern Europe can you write down.

#1: On poster Draw the names of all of the countries in Eastern Europe. The size of the names should be in proportion to how big the country is on the map.

#2: Ethnic Groups If you look at the map of Western Europe, there are a lot of countries that vary in size. There are also a large amount of different ethnic groups that occupy the area. Having this many different ethnic groups can cause frustration for many who want their own land. Another result of the different ethnic groups is the many languages that are spoken there. 

#2: Question Name one negative and one positive about the many ethnic groups in Eastern Europe.

#2: On your poster Illustrate the ethnic diversity of Eastern Europe (Can’t draw a map!)

#3: Orthodox Christianity The Roman Empire once covered almost the entire continent of Europe. When it began to fall, the Eastern side of the Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine Empire. As the Byzantine Empire gained power, missionaries spread a different form of Christianity called Eastern Orthodoxy. 

#3: Question Do you think it was hard to bring a new form of Christianity to Eastern Europe? Why/why not?

#3: Poster Draw the introduction of a new religious denomination into Eastern Europe.

#4: Communism After World War II, the Soviet Union gained immense control over Eastern Europe. Many countries fell under Communist control, which divided them from the Democratic countries in the East. Many countries and their leaders were not allowed the freedom that countries in Western Europe had.

How is communism different than democracy? #4: Question How is communism different than democracy?

Draw communism taking over Eastern Europe. #4: Poster Draw communism taking over Eastern Europe.

#5: Balkanization The Balkan Peninsula has long been a region of instability. The term, Balkanization, has come to mean the division of a region into smaller regions that are often hostile with each other. This term rose from the results of the many wars on the Balkan peninsula.

Why do you think there has been so much war on the Balkan peninsula? #5: Question Why do you think there has been so much war on the Balkan peninsula?

How would you draw the idea of “Balkanization?” #5: Poster How would you draw the idea of “Balkanization?”

#6: Ethnic Cleansing In the 1990s, Eastern Europe came under severe violence. Some people wanted to declare independence from the country they were living under. As a result, the Serbian leaders implemented a policy known as “ethnic cleansing,” where they killed other ethnic groups in the area.

#6: Question Why was this called “ethnic cleansing?”

#6: Poster Make a protest sign for ethnic cleansing

#7: Budapest Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the largest cities in Europe and is a thriving center of business and culture.

#7: Question Watch this short video on Budapest and write down three things you think are interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEQCkio1lq8

#7: Poster Draw those three things you thought were interesting about Budapest!

#8: Poland Poland is an eastern European country on the Baltic sea known for its medieval architecture, Jewish heritage, and hearty cuisine. Poland suffered greatly during both world wars and also came under Communist control of the Soviet Union. Even during times of national crisis, Polish culture has remained strong.

#8: Question Watch this video about Auschwitz. Tell me the two most powerful things you saw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O5-4uCU3T4

#8: Poster Draw a symbol for how Poland has recovered from the Holocaust.

#9: Ukraine Ukraine used to be one of the most powerful and cultural states in Europe. The capital, Kiev, is located along the beautiful Dnieper river, which allowed new ideas and products to travel fast. Recently, it has experienced much turmoil over land disputes with Russia. This fighting has occurred even in the modern day.

#9: Question Watch this video and write down the three most interesting facts about Ukraine! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSM8UkUF1bY

#9: Poster Draw your three most interesting facts on the poster.

#10: Czech Republic Czechoslovakia was created after the Austro- Hungarian Empire fell apart. In 1993, this area split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The culture and architecture dates back to the 9th century with the influence of Celtic and Germanic Tribes. The capital, Prague, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Go visit Prague!

#10: Question Watch this video and write down the three most interesting things you notice about Prague! https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=idg6vW3vXtE

#10: Poster Draw those three most interesting things on your poster!