Did you know… that France gave us the Statue of Liberty in 1886? Statue of Liberty in New York City

Western Europe Find the answers and write ‘em down…

Which countries are part of Western Europe…

Countries of Western Europe France Germany Monaco Switzerland Belgium Luxemburg Netherlands Austria Tony Parker of France Dirk Nowitzki of Germany

France and Germany are the dominant countries in Western Europe They are the two largest countries and they have built productive economies Factoids about France and Germany

Feudalism Between the fall of Rome and Renaissance, feudalism developed in Europe Feudalism is a political system in which powerful lords owned most of the land. Over time, strong kings gained power and nationalism evolved

Nationalism Nationalism is the belief that people should be loyal to their nation and to the people with whom they share land, culture and history. It’s like “patriotism.” Is it a good thing or a bad thing to be “nationalistic?”

Wars in Europe The nation-states of Europe became strong rivals in the early- 1900’s and France, Germany, and Austria were constantly fighting each other Eventually these fights turned caused the first world war, known as World War I France, England, and the United States win World War I... but soon World War 2 starts…

Economy of Western Europe Nowadays, Western Europeans enjoy a high standard of living and can afford to buy material goods, such as cars and computers Their economy is doing just fine, now

France Do you know this guy?

French Revolution In the 1700’s, France developed into a strong nation-state with a king that had absolute power. In 1789, the people rebelled against the king and formed a republic. The French were inspired by the American Revolution of 1776! However a few years later an army officer named Napoleon Bonaparte seized power and became Emperor of France.

World Wars In both World Wars in the 20 th century, Germany took control of France. The United States helped liberate (free) France from Germany during both World Wars. Why can’t the French just take care of themselves?!

The Eiffel Tower Built in 1889 to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the French Revolution

Louvre Museum It once was a medieval fortress and a palace for the King of France. For the past 200 years though it has been a famous museum. Can you pronounce “Louvre?”

Palace of Versailles Home of King Louis XIII, XIV, XV, and XVI This is just one room in the palace of the Royal Family of France. France no longer has a Royal Family, but the Palace is still there…

Palace of Versailles

Notre Dame Cathedral

Mt. Blanc in France Tallest in Europe

Germany

The Reformation A religious movement created new differences in Europe. The Catholic church was questioned in 1517 by Martin Luther, a German monk and the Reformation began. Many people broke away from the Catholic church and started Protestant churches Mutual hostility between Catholics and Protestants started many religious wars in Europe

World War II Germany was led by Adolf Hitler when they tried to conquer Europe in the 1930’s and 1940’s Hitler convinced the German people that they were a superior race. They also carried out the Holocaust, a program of mass murder of European Jews and other minorities After the war, Germany was split into two nations: West Germany and East Germany. West Germany was allied with Western Europe and East Germany was with Russia.

Berlin Wall The capital of Germany was also split into two parts, divided by a physical barrier called the Berlin Wall. In 1989, the Berlin Wall was torn down and communism fell in Eastern Europe Germany reunited under a democratic government

GERMANY (and its capital) CHOPPED UP INTO FOUR PIECES AFTER WORLD WAR II Here’s a map of Germany when it was controlled by 4 different countries. The capital, Berlin, was also split into 4 sections… American-controlled English-controlled Russian-controlled French-controlled Berlin

“Checkpoint Charlie”

Berlin Wall Construction When the Berlin wall was first started it consisted mainly of barbed wire and armed guards. However, it did not take long for the wall to be fortified.

On the East Berlin side was a lighted control area. Anyone who reached this area were shot on sight, without warning..

Berlin Wall in Berlin, Germany 

1989 The people of Germany tear the Berlin Wall down!

1989 – Everywhere around the world, people were talking about…

Remnants of the Berlin Wall

The Arts Many famous fairytales are from Germany: (Goldilocks, Hansel & Gretel, Rumplestiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White…) All written by the Brothers Grimm Much Classical music by Germans: Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Handel… Famous German inventions : pocketwatch, bicycles, x-ray machines, printing press

Neuschwanstein Castle

This castle was one of several castles built during King Ludwig II’s reign. King Ludwig incurred much debt from building elaborate castles. In order to be released from paying his debt, a friend physician declared him insane, thus the nickname “Mad King Ludwig”. King Ludwig then resigned as king. Just weeks later, his physician friend was murdered and the former king mysteriously drowned in a pond. This is a typical German story .

“Mad” King Ludwig II lived in this castle for only six weeks before his resignation and death. Only a small portion inside this huge castle was completed. The majority of this castle was never completed and remains as it was before the king gave up his throne. Disney’s castle for Cinderella originated from Neuschwanstien.

Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg The BENELUX countries (get it?) Densely populated Windmills to pump water out of Polders

Tulip fields & Amsterdam

Switzerland Ever heard of… Swiss cheese Swiss army knife Swiss watches Swiss Alps

FLAG OF SWITZERLAND They stay neutral in world affairs – they don’t take sides, EVER! The capital of Switzerland is Bern

Matterhorn Mt. in the Swiss Alps

Switzerland & Austria -Both located in the Alps In this true movie “Sound of Music,” a family escaped from Austria and crossed over the Alps to Switzerland.

The Swiss Alps

Austria (NOT Australia) There’s the Danube River…

A Cathedral in Vienna, Austria Austria is famous for its musical composers such as Strauss and Amadeus Mozart, and a million others