Eastern Europe  Cultural Crossroads for people moving between Europe and Asia  Ottoman Empire held this area from 1300s to World War 1. –Many countries tried to get out from under Ottoman rule –Balkanization refers to the process of a region breaking up into small, mutually hostile units –A Serb assassinating an Austrian started WW1 –Germany seizing Poland began WWII and after the war Eastern Europe became a region of satellite nations (nations dominated by another country-Russia)

Recent Changes oLate 1980’s Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania ended Communist control of their governments o1990 Bulgaria and Yugoslavia did the same oThis resulted in a return to ethnic loyalties oIn early 1990s four of the six republics of Yugoslavia became separate states (civil war) oCzechoslovakia split into Czech Republic and Slovakia (peacefully)

Developing Economy  Until 1948, Eastern Europe was traditionally a farming region  Communism pushed industry, but it was outdated and hard to sell outside the region  1989 most of Eastern Europe moved toward a Market Economy which meant initial problems, but now growth  Problems within Eastern Europe: –Albania has outdated equipment, lack of raw materials, and few educational workers –Romania’s government still owns some businesses and few citizens have money to invest in business –1990 civil wars have damaged Yugoslavia’s buildings and now they have few workers

Culture and Life  Number of languages spoken makes it difficult to unify  Many different religions  Folk Art such as pottery and woodcarving  Less urban than the rest of Europe, but as industry grows so do its cities  Much discrimination and anti-Semitism throughout the region  Still trying to develop democracy

Chapter 13 Review  Four Sub-regions of Europe  Mediterranean Europe  Western Europe  Northern Europe  Eastern Europe

Mediterranean Europe  The influence of ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and renaissance Italy on art, philosophy, religion, and language shaped modern life.  In the late 1900s, Mediterranean Europe began to have more manufacturing and service industries.

Western Europe  Germany and France developed very different cultures, and throughout history, conflicts between them involved much of Europe.  Western Europe has a highly developed economy. It is a leader in the economic and political alliance known as the European Union.

Northern Europe  This region was a leader in the Industrial Revolution and the rise of representative government.  The region has a history of seafaring conquerors. Great Britain established an empire that spread British culture and the English language worldwide.

Eastern Europe  Because it is a cultural crossroads, Eastern Europe has a diverse culture with many ethnic groups.  Domination by outside powers, most recently the Soviet Union, has characterized the region’s history.