West Central Europe Chapter 13

Physical Geography Plains: Northern European Plain, low, broad coastal plain Flat, rolling terrain Good farmland Home to the regions largest cities

Physical Geography Uplands: Central Uplands Hills, valley’s, and plateau’s Massif Central and Jura Mountains Forests and coalfields are common http://youtu.be/iGYPQLOUKeI

Physical Geography Mountains Europe’s highest mountains are the Alps Alps and Pyrenees Europe’s highest mountains are the Alps

Physical Geography Rivers: Many rivers are navigable Danube Rhine People travel and ship goods along the rivers

Water Features Seas North Sea Bay of Biscay Mediterranean

Climate Most of the region has a marine west coast climate Mild summers, cold winters and frequent rain Climate is kept mild by ocean currents Alps have a colder, wetter climate Southern France has a Mediterranean climate Ample rain makes for good farming

Resources Regions farmland supports a variety of crops Grapes, grains, and vegetables Upland region supports pastures and livestock Mineral resources include Coal in France and Germany Iron ore in France Natural gas in the Netherlands Rivers are a source of hydroelectric power Tourists are drawn to beautiful scenery

France and the Benelux Countries France has been a kingdom, empire, colonial power, and republic http://youtu.be/XcNvVX5_BJU

Kingdom France was once part of Gaul, which was conquered by the Roman Empire Charlemagne was Frances greatest ruler Groups such as the Normans moved into France after his death In the middle ages, France was ruled by England, until the French drove the English out Charlemagne

Empire From the 1500s to the 1700s, most French people were poor 1789: French overthrew their king in the French Revolution After the revolution, Napoleon took power He conquered much of Europe He was defeated in 1815 http://youtu.be/VEZqarUnVpo

France France as a colonial power Today France is a republic The French established colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia During the 1950s and 1960s, colonies gained their independence Today France is a republic They have an elected president and a Parliament They still have some territories France has a strong economy

Language, Religion, and Customs Most people speak French are Catholic However, many immigrants have brought their own languages and religions to France The French enjoy good food Major holiday is Bastille Day celebrated on July 14

Art and Ideas In the Middle Ages the French built huge cathedrals, such as Notre Dame in Paris France was the center of the Enlightenment Impressionism began in France France is still known for art, fashion, and film https://youtu.be/nppHDNH2zIQ He

Economy France has a strong economy The EU’s leading agricultural producer Major crops are wheat and grapes Exports are perfumes and wines Tourism is a major industry

France Today Major city is Paris Most people live in cities Center of business, learning, and culture World class museums, art galleries, and restaurants Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral Most people live in cities

Benelux Countries Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg Also called the Low Countries Part of the EU Each is ruled by a parliament and ceremonial monarch Countries are small and densely populated

Belgium More than 95% of people live in cities Brussels is the capitol Cities are cosmopolitan, or influenced by other countries Two spoken languages Flemish in the North French in the South Known for lace, cocoa, cheese, and chocolate

Netherlands Low and flat with some land below sea level Sometimes called Holland Language is Dutch Rotterdam is a busy seaport Amsterdam and the Hague are political centers Known for cheese and tulips

Luxemburg Smaller than Rhode Island High standard of living Forested and hilly Roman Catholic Languages are French and German Income from banking Produces steel and chemicals

Germany and the Alpine Countries

History Tribes from northern Europe settled in what the Romans called Germania Over time many small states formed Each was ruled by a prince With the support of the Roman Catholic Church, the small German states became the Holy Roman Empire

Holy Roman Empire Remained a loose association of states for hundreds of years 1871: Prussia, the strongest German state, unified the others into one country - Germany

War and Division 1914: Germany began WW1, which it lost 1939: Hitler and the Nazis ordered the invasion of Poland, launching WW2. Germany also lost this war

After the War The Allies occupied Germany Two countries emerged East Germany and West Germany The city of Berlin was divided and the Soviets built the Berlin Wall through it.

Germany Reunited With U.S. aid, West Germany became an economic power East Germany was poorer with few freedoms 1989: Democracy swept through Germany The communist government collapsed Berlin Wall was torn down 1990: East and West Germany reunited

Population 90% are ethnic German Speak German Recently, immigration has made Germany more diverse

Religion and Customs Religion: Most Germans in the North are Protestant In the South, Germans are Catholic People in the East are less religious because of their communist past Customs: Religious festivals are popular Lent and Christmas Local festivals Oktoberfest: Celebrates food and drink

Arts and Sciences Famous composes such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven Germans are know for advances in chemistry, engineering, medicine, and physics Beethoven

Government Federal republic headed by a chancellor, or prime minister, and a parliament Belongs to EU and NATO

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 Most people live in cities Largest city is Berlin, the capitol Other key cities are Hamburg and Munich

Alpine Countries Austria and Switzerland Named for the Alps which cover both countries Alps draw many tourists Both were once part of the Holy Roman Empire Both countries were heavily influenced by German culture http://www.smarttravels.tv/AdventuresWithPurpose/site/shows_geneva-matterhorn.html

Switzerland

Austria Most speak German and are Roman Catholic Capitol is Vienna: A city of historic palaces, art, and music Prosperous economy based on banking Tourism is an important industry

Switzerland Republic divided into 26 cantons, or districts Capitol is Bern Has remained neutral Has not joined NATO or the EU Active in international organizations https://youtu.be/5pRJDE4MlJ0

Switzerland Languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch Famous for banks, watches, chocolate, cheese Has the worlds highest standard of living

Visual Summary