Introduction to Europe A Crash Course : Summer School Style

The location

Recently in the news Mass amounts of debts and violence due to frustration Standardizing currency in recent years Hope to build unity and strength in numbers Hoped to make travel and trade easier with one currency Wanted to re-build a European idea of an empire Reality? Way harder than they thought! Too many other factors in the mix

The Basics Physical + Cultural Region Europe and Asia is one landmass Envied by many due to higher living standards Has many peninsulas (areas that jut into the sea and surrounded by water- island and country life) Ethnicity: Caucasians speaking mix of European languages Greek, Dutch, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish and the list continues Many immigrants have found themselves in Europe over the years of conflict and migration Diversity is occurring

Pulling apart the region Nationalism Mass amounts of pride for your country, superiority complex– not willing to bend or assimilate where you are living but connect to your heritage How did this happen? People have been shuffled by re-drawn borders or pushed out due to conflict and war All they have is WHO they are and it is connected strongly to place or religion or nation where they were born Nationalism is so strong that it breeds a lot of tension and conflict

What pulls Europeans apart or Unites them? Difference in Political Views (NATO) Religion Competition on Global Market for Products Trading Alliances and preferential treatment Rejection of Military decisions

The Forces that Unite : THE EU European union was developed out of the need to rebuild TOGETHER after WW2 Eastern Europe was shut out for years, ties to Germany and Hitler but now those barriers are relaxed Countries apply to join and if accepted they follow “rules and guidelines” Must agree to NATO (no war) The EU has 5 main objectives

The EU Objectives To maintain and build on the EU laws To promote economic and social progress Assert identity of the EU at the international level Introduce unified European citizenship (ease of travel and motivator) To develop an area of freedom, security and justice

Travelling in Europe Barriers down, trading up, Travelling encouraged

Main Strategy for Tourism Efficient Transport Eurostar Train Connects France to UK GOES UNDERWATER!! Could travel up to 250km/hr Always on time Affordable Fares Alternative to high gas prices Flying between countries is not popular

Travel Policy in the EU They look like they are on to something? Raise awareness of travel importance to the EU Improve quality of tourism is EU Encourage cross European travel and joint tourism projects/efforts Increase internal employment (local workers) Use the same currency, no loss of money Re-route money for tourism development Preserve natural and cultural heritage Promote alternative tourism Extend tourist seasons in an attempt to reduce crowding They look like they are on to something?

Tourist Experiences 63% of Europeans go to the beaches of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea

25% visit the mountains for spa-ing and winter sports 23% to the cities like Paris

City Attractions Why? London Paris Rome Amsterdam Brussels Barcelona Athens Why?

Historical and Cultural Sites Romance Food Festivals Nightlife Focus Ethical Tourism Restoration Government Supplies $$$ to promote and preserve