Chapter 14 Section 3 Germany and the Alpine Countries History: Germany has had a strong influence on the world events. It has shaped both good and bad events. The romans called the region Germania from one of its tribes. 1871 Prussia (which is now Russia) untied Germany from many small states into one nation.

Chapter 14 Section 3 1914-1918 World War I Germany fought and lost the war Results: Germany had to pay for damages they caused and it hurt the German economy. The Germans found a strong leader: Adolf Hitler Hitler promised the Germans to restore their country to its former glory.

Chapter 14 Section 3 1939 Germany attacks Poland and that is the beginning of World War II. The German soldiers were called Nazis. The Nazis sought to kill all European Jews in what is called the Holocaust. 1945 Germany lost the war and was defeated.

Chapter 14 Section 3 After World War II The British, French, and the U.S. groups occupied West Germany . The Soviet Union occupied East Germany. It was because of the occupation of the one country by different countries that two countries emerged. Berlin was Communist East Germany. West Germany kept control of the western part of Berlin. 1961 Communists leaders built the Berlin Wall. Its purpose was to prevent East Germans from Fleeing to West Berlin.

Chapter 14 Section 3 After World War II ended in 1945, the U.S. helped West Germany rebuild. It became an economic power. East German rebuilt but its economy lagged (was really slow) and its people had limited freedoms. 1989 movements for democracy swept through Eastern Europe. Communist governments began collapsing. 1990 Berlin Wall is torn down and reunites East and West Germany as one country again.

Chapter 14 Section 3 Germany’s culture: Most German but attracting skilled workers from diverse groups making Germany more multicultural. Religion: Martin Luther, a German monk, starts the Reformation. Reformation is a religious reform movement that helped to develop Protestant churches. Customs: They celebrate the Christian season of Lent, Christmas and Octoberfest in Southeast Germany.

Chapter 14 Section 3 Arts and Sciences: Germany contributes through classical composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is an important writer. Germany has made contributions in chemistry , engineering, medicine, and physics.

Chapter 14 Section 3 Government & Economy Germany is a federal republic. A parliament chooses a chancellor or prime minister to run the government. The parliament helps elect a president whose duties are mostly for ceremonial. Germany has a market economy and is considered an economic giant . Germany exports: cars like BMW, Volkswagens, , agriculture is important for growing, grain, potatoes and grapes as well as some timber in the south. (Timber is another name for trees cut down and turned into wood that is useful for building things.)

Chapter 14 Section 3 Cities of Germany During World War II Berlin suffered major destruction. Today it is restored to its former splendor. Hamburg, Germany is a key port city on the North Sea Munich, Germany: cultural and manufacturing center Germany has an excellent transportation center and a great highway system.

Chapter 14 Section 3 Alpine Countries The Alps mountains draw many tourists to Austria and Switzerland, which are called the Alpine Countries. Austria: Once a center of powerful empires of Europe and the Habsburg family line ruled in the Netherlands Spain and much of Germany, Italy and Eastern Europe. 1918 German loses World War I and the Hapsburg family give up and Austria became a republic. Vienna is Austria’s capital and largest city, located on the banks of the Danube river. Economy of Austria: Service industry, banking, and tourism so restaurants, hotels, cleaning services, etc. dominate the employment section.

Chapter 14 Section 3 Switzerland Government: Federal Republic with26 districts called cantons. Citizens are active in local government. All male citizens serve for a period of time in the militia which is a citizen army. Switzerland remains neutral and has not joined the European Union or the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Language: Swiss has French and German as their main languages. Switzerland’s capital: BERN Switzerland has one of the world’s highest standards of living. Products: It is famous for its watches and other precision devices as well as cheese and chocolate.