1. Northern and Western Europe
World Geography Today
3/31/2017
CHAPTER 14
Northern and Western Europe
Section 1: The British Isles
Section 2: France
Section 3: The Benelux Countries
Section 4: Scandinavia
Chapter 14

2. Objectives: Section 1 The British Isles
How has history affected the culture of the British Isles?
Why are the cultures of Ireland and the United Kingdom similar?
How has the British economy changed over the last 200 years?
What issue has caused tension in Northern Ireland?

3. A. Effects of history on the culture
I. The British Isles
A. Effects of history on the culture
1. 5,000 years ago, earliest settlers, Stonehenge.
2. Later, Celts—the ancestors of Scots, Welsh, and Irish—occupied England.
3. Romans arrived and built towns.
4. Angles and Saxons came, drove Celts to highland Britain.
5. Vikings raided and built coastal settlements.
6. Norman conquest of 1066 brought French influence.

4. B. Similarities of Ireland and the United Kingdom:
I. The British Isles
B. Similarities of Ireland and the United Kingdom:
1.Social life centers on local eateries.
2. Same Sports: soccer, rugby, and cricket
3. English is main language.

5. C. Changes in the British economy:
I. The British Isles
C. Changes in the British economy:
1. Britain industrialized in early 1800s.
2. It dominated global trade through much of the 1800s.
3. By 1900 Britain had lost its dominance; mines and industries declined.
4. Britain nationalized many industries after World War II; then privatized again.
5. Today the economy is strong: high tech industries, oil and gas, services, tourism.

6. D. Tensions in Northern Ireland:
I. The British Isles
D. Tensions in Northern Ireland:
1. Division between Protestants and Catholics has brought violence.
2. Britain has tried to keep peace.
agreement set up shared government, but future is unclear.

7. Objectives: Section 2 France What is French culture like?
What are some of the main industries in France?
What challenges does France face today?

8. Features of French culture:
Section 2 France
Features of French culture:
strong identity united by language and religion
mainly Roman Catholic
concern about American influence
strong desire to preserve customs

9. Major industries: Section 2 France fashion design
perfume and cosmetics
jewelry, glassware, furniture
tourism
high-tech—aviation, communications, space technology

10. Challenges: Section 2 France
privatization—converting state-owned businesses brings unemployment
immigration—integrating migrants from North Africa, Asia, West Africa
colonial empire—maintaining ties without unrest or violence

11. Objectives: Section 3 The Benelux Countries
What historical ties do the Benelux countries share?
What are the cities and economies of the Benelux countries like?

12. Historical ties: Section 3 The Benelux Countries
once part of the Netherlands
invaded by foreign powers
political and economic union after World War II

13. Cities and economy of Belgium
Section The Benelux Countries
Cities and economy of Belgium
Brussels—cosmopolitan capital; headquarters of EU, NATO
Antwerp—second city of Belgium; key port
industry, agriculture, services for international business

14. Cities and economy of the Netherlands:
Section The Benelux Countries
Cities and economy of the Netherlands:
diversified economy—agriculture (dairy, flowers), exports, natural gas
urbanized area (Randstad) includes major cities—Amsterdam (capital), Rotterdam (key port), The Hague (Parliament, International Court of Justice)

15. Economy of Luxembourg:
Section The Benelux Countries
Economy of Luxembourg:
highest per capita GDP in world—$36,400
traditional steel producer; international banking now more important

16. Objectives: II. Scandinavia
How are the cultures of Scandinavia similar to and different from each other?
What does the economy of this region rely on?
In what areas do most people in Scandinavia live?

17. A. Scandinavian cultures:
Section 4 Scandinavia
A. Scandinavian cultures:
Similarities
religion—mainly Protestant Lutheran
most languages related
democratic governments
Differences
Finnish language not related to others
Lapps a distinct culture

18. Economic foundations:
Section 4 Scandinavia
Economic foundations:
high-tech industries and export-oriented economies
commercial agriculture in Denmark
forest products in Sweden
fishing in Iceland and Norway
offshore oil and gas in Norway

19. Settlement patterns: Section 4 Scandinavia
Most people live in southern parts of countries, where climate is warmer.
85 percent of Swedes live in cities.
One-fourth of Danes and Norwegians live in or around capital cities.
Most Finns live near Helsinki.
People in Greenland and Iceland live near coast.