Unit 2 Europe

Introduction to Europe's Geography

Europe is a diverse continent characterized by a rich tapestry of geographical features, including extensive mountain ranges, expansive plains, and flowing rivers. These features significantly impact not only the environment but also the cultural and political dynamics of the nations within Europe.

Regions Explained:

Pyrenees

• Key Terms: Euskara, ETA, domestic terrorism

• Key Places: Spain, France, Andorra, Euskadi

• Key People: Basques, Francisco Franco

• Highlights: Andorra, a small Principality, is nestled between Spain and France within the Pyrenees mountain range, which serves as a natural border. Euskara, the Basque language, is unique as a language isolate and predates many Indo-European languages. In the mid-20th century, under the authoritarian regime of Francisco Franco, the Basque people faced significant persecution, leading to the emergence of ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna), a militant group seeking Basque independence through often violent means, reflecting the historical strife existing in the region.

Alps

• Key Terms: Alpine, hydroelectricity

• Key Places: France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Mont Blanc (15,766 ft), Matterhorn (14,692 ft)

• Highlights: The Alps, renowned for their stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, form a vital geographical barrier in Europe that has shaped cultural and economic interactions. This mountain range includes Liechtenstein, a small country tucked between Switzerland and Austria, showcasing a rich cultural history. The region is pivotal for hydroelectric power generation, benefitting from its steep terrain and abundant water sources. Hydroelectricity is valued for being a renewable energy source, producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions while providing reliable power generation alongside potential tourism income from mountain sports.

Apennines

• Key Terms: fault line, earthquake activity, moment magnitude scale

• Key Places: Italy

• Highlights: The Apennines mountain range, which runs down the length of Italy, is seismically active due to its geological composition primarily of sedimentary rocks. Understanding earthquake intensity measurements on the moment magnitude scale reveals a tenfold increase in amplitude per unit. The significant earthquake in August 2016 devastated central Italy, resulting in catastrophic damage, approximately 299 fatalities, and prompting discussions about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

Carpathians and Transylvanian Alps

• Key Terms: Muslims, Islam, Ottoman Empire, impalement

• Key Places: Transylvania, Wallachia, Romania

• Key People: Vlad III (Vlad Dracula)

• Highlights: The Carpathian Mountains encircle Transylvania, a region of Romania famous for its mythological ties to Dracula and rich folklore. Vlad III, often referred to as Vlad the Impaler, is renowned for his brutal methods against his enemies, particularly the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. His reputation led to him being viewed differently in Romania, where he is considered a national hero for defending the region, while simultaneously inspiring the Dracula legend that captivates global audiences.

Scandes (Kjølen Mountains)

• Key Terms: glaciation, fjord, vik

• Key Places: Norway, Sweden

• Key People: Vikings

• Highlights: The Scandes in Norway and Kjølen in Sweden appear geologically young, a result of impressive glacial activity and erosion over millennia. Fjords, which are steep inlets carved by glaciers, create breathtaking landscapes, now flooded by seawater, attracting tourists. The term "Viking" signifies a voyager or raider, reflecting the Norse culture known for sea exploration, trade, and conflict during the medieval period.

North European Plain

• Key Terms: prairie, steppe, barley, rye, oats, beer

• Key Places: Czechia

• Highlights: Formed by ancient glacial activity during the Ice Age, the North European Plain is vital for agricultural production, particularly barley and rye, which are crucial for beer brewing, a culturally significant practice in many European countries. Distinctions between prairie and steppe regions highlight differing temperatures, rainfall, and vegetation, influencing local ecosystems and practices.

Massif Central

• Key Terms: massif, volcanism, Lacaune sheep, Roquefort cheese

• Highlights: The term "massif" refers to a compact cluster of mountains primarily formed by volcanic processes, indicative of significant geological activity. The Massif Central region is known for its unique breed of sheep, the Lacaune, integral to the production of Roquefort cheese, which commands a reputation for its tangy flavor and distinct aging processes, contributing to regional economic and culinary traditions.

Scottish Highlands

• Key Terms: Highland line, Scottish whisky

• Key Places: Loch Lomond

• Highlights: The Highland Boundary Fault acts as a geological divide between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Loch Lomond, long revered as Scotland's largest lake, symbolizes both natural beauty and cultural identity. The region is noted for its rich heritage of whisky distillation, with numerous distilleries contributing to Scotland’s identity and economic prosperity.

Rivers of Europe

River Thames

• Key Terms: drinking water

• Key Places: London, United Kingdom

• Highlights: The River Thames, pronounced "Temz", is integral to London's water supply, providing approximately 70% of the city's drinking water, essential for urban life and highlighting the relationship between natural resources and city planning.

Seine River

• Key Terms: 2018 Paris Flood, climate change

• Key Places: Paris, Île Saint-Louis, Île de la Cité

• Highlights: The Seine plays a crucial role in Paris's geography and history, with the core of the city founded upon its islands, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. However, climate change has exacerbated flooding incidents; the severe 2018 flood caused significant damage and spurred discussions about urban resilience and infrastructure adaptation.

Po River

• Key Terms: spring-fed, irrigation, rice, hydroelectricity

• Key Places: Milan, Turin

• Highlights: The Po River, characterized by its spring-fed nature, maintains stable discharge rates, making it critical for extensive irrigation systems essential for rice cultivation in Northern Italy, a region known for its agricultural output, especially rice.

Rhine River

• Key Terms: navigability, Europoort

• Key Places: Rotterdam, Netherlands

• Highlights: As one of the world's busiest and most important rivers, the Rhine is vital for transportation and economic trade routes, facilitating trade across Europe. Europoort, located at the Port of Rotterdam, serves as a key commercial hub, linking Europe with global supply chains and industries.

Danube River

• Key Terms: Rhine-Main-Danube Canal

• Key Places: Black Sea, North Sea, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade

• Highlights: The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, connecting key regions in Central and Eastern Europe through the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, facilitating transportation between the North Sea and the Black Sea. Its historical significance shapes cities like Budapest, providing trade and cultural exchanges.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

• Key Terms: colonialism, sea power, Industrial Revolution, devolution

• Key Places: Great Britain, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

• Highlights: The UK, often inaccurately referred to as "England," comprises four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. At the height of its empire, the British Empire was a vast power controlling roughly 25% of the world’s landmass, shaping global cultures and trade. The establishment of the Prime Meridian at Greenwich remains a critical reference point for navigation and global time standards, reflecting the nation's historical maritime significance.

Republic of Ireland

• Key Terms: partition, "the troubles", Irish Potato Famine

• Key People: Northern Irish Catholics, Protestants

• Highlights: The 1922 partition of Ireland resulted in the creation of the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. The ensuing conflict, widely known as "the troubles," represents a complex interplay of political dynamics and ethnic tensions, not merely religious strife. The Irish Potato Famine, occurring in the 19th century, catalyzed significant emigration and triggered socio-political transformations, leaving a lasting imprint on the demographics and identity of Ireland.

Portugal and Spain

Portugal

• Key Terms: Age of Discovery, colonialism

• Key People: Prince Henry, Vasco da Gama

• Highlights: Portugal emerged as a leader in maritime exploration throughout the Age of Discovery, fundamentally reshaping global trade patterns. Prince Henry's initiatives laid the groundwork for explorers such as Vasco da Gama, who sailed a sea route to India, enriching Portuguese trade and influence. However, the empire's economic fortunes declined as Spain rose in prominence, leading to territorial losses that diminished its global standing.

Spain

• Key Terms: Reconquista, Spanish Empire

• Key People: Isabella, Ferdinand

• Highlights: The unification of Castile and Aragon, driven by Isabella and Ferdinand, marked a monumental turning point in Spain's ascent as a formidable empire. Their sponsorship of Columbus’ voyages significantly shaped the trajectory of the New World, facilitating Spain's expansion and wealth accumulation through exploration and colonization.

France

• Key Terms: Mediterranean Climate, viticulture

• Key People: Napoleon III

• Highlights: France is known for its diverse climatic conditions, with regions exhibiting unique Mediterranean climates characterized by dry summers and wet winters, ideal for viticulture. As a leading wine producer, France’s diverse regions enhance its cultural identity and contribute to its economy through wine tourism and exports.

Italy

• Key Terms: Roman Empire, unification

• Key Places: Rome, Vatican City, Milan

• Highlights: Italy’s unification in 1861 marked a significant moment in European history, intricately tied to the legacy of the Roman Empire. Modern Italy continues to navigate political challenges, particularly relating to church-state relations, given the Vatican's unique sovereignty within Rome.

Switzerland

• Key Terms: centrifugal forces, niche industry

• Highlights: Switzerland exemplifies unity amidst cultural diversity through its multilingualism and commitment to neutrality. The country boasts niche industries such as watchmaking and high-quality pharmaceuticals, reinforcing its international reputation for precision and innovation, while balancing economic prosperity with preservation of cultural heritage.

Austria

• Key Terms: Austro-Hungarian Empire, classical music

• Highlights: Austria, once the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, possesses a rich history in classical music, having produced renowned composers including Mozart and Strauss. This cultural legacy continues to influence global culture and arts significantly.

Germany

• Key Terms: WWI, Cold War

• Highlights: The aftermath of WWI instigated significant political and territorial changes in Germany, leading to the division of East and West Germany during the Cold War. These divisions represented contrasting governmental structures and alliances, reflective of broader geopolitical tensions that shaped European post-war history.

The Netherlands and Belgium

• Key Terms: Low Countries

• Highlights: Commonly referred to as the Low Countries, both the Netherlands and Belgium pioneered technology for land reclamation from the sea, illustrating human ingenuity and resilience in adapting to geographical challenges presented by their low-lying landscapes.

Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

• Key Terms: Soviet influence, NATO

• Highlights: The Baltic nations gained independence from Soviet rule, transitioning to democratic forms of governance and showcasing significant political evolution in the post-Soviet era. Their subsequent integration into NATO reflects strategic alliances aimed at countering potential threats from external forces.

Eastern Europe: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria

• Key Themes: This region shares common historical influences stemming from the Soviet Union, marked by ethnic conflicts and ongoing geopolitical dynamics. Poland’s shift from Soviet influence to NATO membership underscores the political transformations reshaping Eastern Europe, while Moldova's linguistic ties to Romanian emphasize ongoing regional identity issues and cultural connections which are vital to understanding contemporary challenges in the area.

The Former Yugoslavia

• Key Terms: Balkanization, ethnic cleansing

• Highlights: The fragmentation of Yugoslavia during the 1990s illustrates the complexities of ethnic divisions, which led to widespread conflict. This period prompted a reevaluation of national identities in the Balkans, affecting not only regional stability but also international relations in Europe.