1. Mrs. Curtiss Unit 4 Introduction Europe

2. Did you know? In the 1990s, several nations of Europe formed the European Union (EU) The EU is an alliance that works for the region’s economic and political unity Many European countries are replacing their national currencies with a common currency – the euro Europe has long had close political, cultural and trading ties with the United States

3. What makes Europe a region? Small continent Long, jagged coastline Sea reaches deep into the land Carves out bays, gulfs and channels Warm, Atlantic winds & currents bathe European shores Give Northern landmass a mild climate Also brings abundant rain Lush, green landscapes Fertile plains extend across northern Europe Rugged hills and mountain in southern Europe

4. What makes Europe a region? The Alps – continent’s highest mountain range across south-central Europe Forms barrier that shelters sunny Mediterranean area from northern winds Rivers in area link inland areas with the sea Danube – flows through/along more countries than any other river in world Rhine – source high in Swiss Alps, region’s most important waterway

5. Did you know? – The Danube River Major European waterway Source in Germany’s Black Forest Runs more than 1,700 miles through: Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania Diffuses into broad delta then flows into Black Sea Has more than 300 tributaries One of Europe’s major transport routes Accommodates large ships and barges Linked to other major rivers by series of canals Centuries ago – served as natural boundary for Roman Empire in east

6. Cultural Colossus Europe has a rich cultural heritage Art, architecture, science and math started in ancient Greece & Rome European culture spread throughout world by access to sea Modern Europe center for education and arts Home to many ethnic groups Differences among groups have led to conflicts through history Political reforms of late 20 th century changed Europe and brought unity & challenges