1. West Central Europe
Chapter 13

2. Physical Geography
Plains: Northern European Plain, low, broad coastal plain
Flat, rolling terrain
Good farmland
Home to the regions largest cities

3. Physical Geography Uplands: Central Uplands
Hills, valley’s, and plateau’s
Massif Central and Jura Mountains
Forests and coalfields are common

4. Physical Geography Mountains Europe’s highest mountains are the Alps
Alps and Pyrenees
Europe’s highest mountains are the Alps

5. Physical Geography Rivers: Many rivers are navigable Danube Rhine
People travel and ship goods along the rivers

6. Water Features
Seas
North Sea
Bay of Biscay
Mediterranean

7. Climate Most of the region has a marine west coast climate
Mild summers, cold winters and frequent rain
Climate is kept mild by ocean currents
Alps have a colder, wetter climate
Southern France has a Mediterranean climate
Ample rain makes for good farming

8. Resources Regions farmland supports a variety of crops
Grapes, grains, and vegetables
Upland region supports pastures and livestock
Mineral resources include
Coal in France and Germany
Iron ore in France
Natural gas in the Netherlands
Rivers are a source of hydroelectric power
Tourists are drawn to beautiful scenery

10. France and the Benelux Countries
France has been a kingdom, empire, colonial power, and republic

11. Kingdom
France was once part of Gaul, which was conquered by the Roman Empire
Charlemagne was Frances greatest ruler
Groups such as the Normans moved into France after his death
In the middle ages, France was ruled by England, until the French drove the English out
Charlemagne

12. Empire From the 1500s to the 1700s, most French people were poor
1789: French overthrew their king in the French Revolution
After the revolution, Napoleon took power
He conquered much of Europe
He was defeated in 1815

13. France France as a colonial power Today France is a republic
The French established colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia
During the 1950s and 1960s, colonies gained their independence
Today France is a republic
They have an elected president and a Parliament
They still have some territories
France has a strong economy

14. Language, Religion, and Customs
Most people speak French are Catholic
However, many immigrants have brought their own languages and religions to France
The French enjoy good food
Major holiday is Bastille Day celebrated on July 14

15. Art and Ideas
In the Middle Ages the French built huge cathedrals, such as Notre Dame in Paris
France was the center of the Enlightenment
Impressionism began in France
France is still known for art, fashion, and film He

16. Economy France has a strong economy
The EU’s leading agricultural producer
Major crops are wheat and grapes
Exports are perfumes and wines
Tourism is a major industry

17. France Today Major city is Paris Most people live in cities
Center of business, learning, and culture
World class museums, art galleries, and restaurants
Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral
Most people live in cities

18. Benelux Countries Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg
Also called the Low Countries
Part of the EU
Each is ruled by a parliament and ceremonial monarch
Countries are small and densely populated

19. Belgium More than 95% of people live in cities Brussels is the capitol
Cities are cosmopolitan, or influenced by other countries
Two spoken languages
Flemish in the North
French in the South
Known for lace, cocoa, cheese, and chocolate

20. Netherlands Low and flat with some land below sea level
Sometimes called Holland
Language is Dutch
Rotterdam is a busy seaport
Amsterdam and the Hague are political centers
Known for cheese and tulips

21. Luxemburg Smaller than Rhode Island High standard of living
Forested and hilly
Roman Catholic
Languages are French and German
Income from banking
Produces steel and chemicals

22. Germany and the Alpine Countries

23. History
Tribes from northern Europe settled in what the Romans called Germania
Over time many small states formed
Each was ruled by a prince
With the support of the Roman Catholic Church, the small German states became the Holy Roman Empire

24. Holy Roman Empire
Remained a loose association of states for hundreds of years
1871: Prussia, the strongest German state, unified the others into one country - Germany

25. War and Division 1914: Germany began WW1, which it lost
1939: Hitler and the Nazis ordered the invasion of Poland, launching WW2. Germany also lost this war

26. After the War The Allies occupied Germany Two countries emerged
East Germany and West Germany
The city of Berlin was divided and the Soviets built the Berlin Wall through it.

27. Germany Reunited With U.S. aid, West Germany became an economic power
East Germany was poorer with few freedoms
1989: Democracy swept through Germany
The communist government
collapsed
Berlin Wall was torn down
1990: East and West Germany
reunited

28. Population 90% are ethnic German Speak German
Recently, immigration has made Germany more diverse

29. Religion and Customs
Religion: Most Germans in the North are Protestant
In the South, Germans are Catholic
People in the East are less religious because of their communist past
Customs: Religious
festivals are popular
Lent and Christmas
Local festivals
Oktoberfest: Celebrates
food and drink

30. Arts and Sciences
Famous composes such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven
Germans are know for advances in chemistry, engineering, medicine, and physics
Beethoven

31. Government
Federal republic headed by a chancellor, or prime minister, and a parliament
Belongs to EU and NATO

32. Economy Europe’s largest economy Market economy with many exports
Based on industry, such as chemicals, engineering, and steel
The eastern region’s economy still lags
Most people live in cities
Largest city is Berlin, the capitol
Other key cities are Hamburg and Munich

33. Alpine Countries Austria and Switzerland
Named for the Alps which cover both countries
Alps draw many tourists
Both were once part of the Holy Roman Empire
Both countries were heavily influenced by German culture

34. Switzerland

35. Austria Most speak German and are Roman Catholic
Capitol is Vienna: A city of historic palaces, art, and music
Prosperous economy based on banking
Tourism is an important industry

36. Switzerland Republic divided into 26 cantons, or districts
Capitol is Bern
Has remained neutral
Has not joined NATO or the EU
Active in international organizations

37. Switzerland Languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch
Famous for banks, watches, chocolate, cheese
Has the worlds highest standard of living

38. Visual Summary