1. Europe: People, Economy, and Government

2. Culturally Diverse Europe’s open borders
People from former colonies have immigrated to Europe

3. European Languages More than 50
Can be divided into three *language families
Romance/Latin
Germanic
Slavic
*a group of languages related through descent from a common ancestor

4. Religion
Predominant religion is Christianity
Christianity is divided into three branches:
Protestant
Roman Catholic
Eastern Orthodox
More religions have been introduced as people have immigrated from other parts of the world

5. Key Events
The Renaissance-Began in Italy in the 1300s. A period of incredible scientific, artistic, and cultural advancement
Industrial Revolution-Began in England in the 1800s. Factories and machinery replace skilled labor.
WWII-a global conflict that pitted Germany, Italy, and Japan against the Allied Powers
European Union-28 European countries that work together to promote economic advancement
Euro-the currency used by member countries

6. Government of Europe
Mainly democratic, with some mix of monarchy, and other systems
After WWII Eastern Europe was dominated by the *Soviet Union and communism
Western Europe experienced democratic and economic growth
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe has come to resemble Western Europe
*Not just Russia, but made up of 15 different nation-states under the control of central government, located in Russia

7. Economy Many European economies have heavy government influence
Social safety nets:
Universal healthcare
Generous unemployment
Maternity/paternity leave
Old-age pensions

8. Population Problems
Europeans are having fewer children and living longer
This has caused a shortage of labor which makes it difficult to support social welfare programs
Immigrants from other countries have moved to Europe to fill the need for laborers

9. Causes of Immigration
Push Factors: something that forces a person out of their country
Natural disasters
Pull Factors: something that attracts a person into another country
Jobs

10. Nativism
A belief that “native” citizens of a country deserve preferential treatment over immigrants