Economic and Political Characteristics of Europe

Resources  Tourism and recreation found in the mountain regions.  Mineral resources can also be found in the mountain regions.

 Industrial and transportation centers have developed near mineral deposits, coal, and iron ore. Examples: 76/Ruhr Read about it above! Ruhr Valley: located in Germany; grew during the industrial revolution because of coal mining and steel production

Po Valley: located in Italy, near the Po River Turin Fiat Headquarters Located in Turin, Italy! Along the PO River

 Oil can be found in the North Sea Click on the link: Answer the following questions on your worksheet- When was oil discovered in the North Sea? According to the article what is happening to oil supplies in the North Sea?

Trade Trade has been important to Europe for thousands of years.  By the 1540s, Portugal had established a chain of trading posts all the way to Japan!  Over time, European merchants and governments created new economic systems to meet the consumer demands for new products from around the world.

 The Industrial Revolution in the 1700s enabled European nations to ship traded goods faster and more efficiently with the railroad. Click on the link: text.html text.html Read the summary about the railroad and write 2 positive effects of the railroad on your sheet.  Today, many major trading routes cross the continent and rivers and canals serve as major transportation routes.

Industry and Infrastructure  Europe was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the 18 th and 19 th centuries.  The most populous countries (U.K., France, and Germany) are the major industrial powers.  A well-educated workforce uses the continent’s mineral resources efficiently in modern factories.

 The modern factories are linked together by well- organized transportation (infrastructure) Read about one of these forms of transportation by clicking on the link, then answer the questions on your sheet: e/channel.html

Role of Government in Economy  There is a large difference in the economies and industrial development of Eastern and Western European countries that dates back to communist times.  Many eastern European countries were poorly managed under the Soviet communist government in the 20 th century, leading to problems with infrastructure, industry, and pollution in these areas.

 In recent decades, Europe has taken important steps toward unity Click on the link; Read the information on the website; Answer the questions on the sheet. What is the European Union? What are its results?

Pollution Several areas in Europe are threatened by air and water pollution.  Forests: Black Forest in Germany is threatened with acid rain.

 Cities Venice, Italy  Rivers Rhine, Danube, Seine

You are now done with your Europe Economic Characteristics! You may now spend time improving your mental map of Europe: Go to the following website Click on Europe Geography Games Here you can practice labeling countries, capitals and rivers!