Government—constitutional monarchy; Parliament (law-making body); House of Lords (nobles); House of Commons (elected; most powerful body); prime minister (leads government; is from party with most seats in House of Commons); regional governments in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Economy—important trading and financial center; mining and manufacturing; many products, from china to sports cars; plenty of coal, natural gas; few other natural resources; needs to import raw materials, food.

Culture—exported culture around the world; Shakespeare (playwright in Renaissance); traditional melodies and popular music influenced Canada and United States; Charles Dickens (famous 19th-century novelist); George Orwell, Virginia Woolf, C. S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling (20 th century writers)

Causes—Conflict existed in Northern Ireland throughout the 20th century between Irish Catholics who wanted independence and Irish Protestants who supported the government of the United Kingdom. Riots broke out in 1969; violence continued off and on until 1998.

Effects—The agreement established the Northern Ireland Assembly, which represents Protestants and Catholics.

Sweden’s government—constitutional monarchy; Riksdag is assembly elected by people: four-year term, 349 members; prime minister; also ombudsmen, officials who protect citizens’ rights;

until 1976, Social Democratic Party in power; now other parties Sweden’s foreign policy—armed neutrality; even in peacetime, few military alliances; supports United Nations

Sweden’s economy—privately owned businesses important; exports metals, minerals, wood, etc.; engineering, communications, auto industries strong; highly educated labor force; high standard of living.

Power sources—hydroelectricity; nuclear energy; government studying solar- and wind- powered energy Acid rain—poisons trees; Sweden and others trying to control air pollutants from cars and factories

Sweden’s people—Ninety percent are native to Sweden and speak Swedish; most belong to Lutheran Church; some immigrants from Turkey and Greece since WWII

Recreation—long vacations; summer and winter sports; outdoor concerts popular Writers and filmmakers— playwright August Strindberg; children’s book author Astrid Lindgren; film director Ingmar Bergman

Along with its neighboring countries, Sweden has a problem with acid rain. Acid rain occurs when pollutants in the air come back to earth. To solve this problem, Sweden and its neighbors are trying to control air pollution.

Sweden is also working to develop new forms of energy, such as solar- and wind-powered energy, to replace hazardous nuclear power plants.

1. During World War II, Charles de Gaulle was a general in the French army, but he had to flee to England when Germany conquered France in While there, he worked with the French Resistance.

2. France is a parliamentary republic, with power divided between parliament and the president. The president serves for seven years with no limit to the number of terms.

The president makes sure that the government functions properly and safeguards the constitution. Parliament has two parts, the Senate and the National Assembly. The prime minister is chosen by the president.

3. It nationalized industry after World War II because the war had left the country poor and in need of rebuilding.

4. When the price of oil rose in the 1970s, harming the French economy, France explored other power sources, such as nuclear energy.

5. France exports wine, grains, automobiles, electrical machinery, chemicals, and agricultural products.

6. For centuries, Paris, nicknamed the “City of Light,” has been a major center for culture, especially the arts.

Edouard Manet was a famous Impressionist who inspired other artists, such as Monet and Renoir. Marcel Proust was the author of Remembrance of Things Past and an influence on other 20th century writers. Albert Camus was the author of The Stranger. Simone de Beauvoir was the author of The Mandarins.

1. Helped by loans from the United States, Germany rebuilt its factories and became a driving force behind the European Union.

2. With a restrictive Communist government, there was little contact with the West, and people were poor.

3. The Soviet Union’s control weakened, Hungary allowed some East Germans to cross its borders into the West, and the Berlin Wall was torn down.

4. The government has spent billions of dollars to rebuild East Germany. Berlin and the Reichstag have been rebuilt. Residents of the eastern part of the country complain of high housing costs and lack of jobs. Western residents resent the high taxes.

Ludwig van Beethoven—wrote music that is performed all over the world Richard Wagner—wrote many operas, including the Ring Cycle about German myths and legends

Maria Rilke—wrote poems about his experiences and feelings Thomas Mann—author; won Nobel Prize in 1929 Günter Grass—wrote The Tin Drum about horrors of World War II; won Nobel Prize in 1999

1956—Polish workers riot to protest low wages. 1980—Solidarity labor union is formed. 1981—Solidarity calls for free elections and end to Communist rule. 1990—Lech Walesa, solidarity leader, becomes president of free Poland. 1997—New constitution is approved.

During Communist Rule—Media and artists were censored; many writers could not publish their work. After Communist Rule—freedom from censorship; writers can publish their work; government helps writers, directors, and actors.