Chapter 15: EASTERN Europe

Countries included in Eastern Europe Poland Lithuania Latvia Estonia Belarus Ukraine Moldova Romania Bulgaria Macedonia Albania Serbia & Montenegro Bosnia & Herzegovina Croatia Slovenia Hungary Slovakia Czech Republic

Section 1: Physical Geography

Psychical Geography The physical geography of Eastern Europe varies widely from the north to the south. It includes wide open plains, rugged mountain ranges, and many rivers. The climate varies as well. The plains in this region include the North European Plain, Great Hungarian Plain There are 3 mountain ranges in this area: The Carpathians, the Dinaric Alps and the Balkans

Psychical Geography Rivers: The Danube River Largest river in the region Connects cities of the region and empties into the sea Provides outlet for trade Provides hydroelectricity

Psychical Geography Seas: The Black Sea Best for transpiration Its southerly location makes the Black sea accessible year-round The Adriatic Sea Baltic Sea All the seas serve as transportation routes and trade routes that have been used by the people in this region for hundreds of years and continue to be used today.

Psychical Geography The Balkan Peninsula Climate varies around the region; not one specific Baltic Coast is the coldest location Long harsh winters Interior Plains Mild climate with some very cold winters and pleasant mild summers Varied vegetation due to the mild climate The Balkan Peninsula Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters; making it a popular tourist destination.

Section 2: Poland and the Baltic Republics

Section 2: Poland and the Baltic Republics Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania History ties Poland and the Baltic Republics together. The region has often been a battlefield. The cultures in these areas differ in language and religion but they share common customs. Economic growth is a major issue in the region today.

Early History Early History The area around the Baltic Sea was settled by many different groups. Estonians Latvians Lithuanians Polish Independent kingdoms Strongest: Lithuania and Poland Weakest: Estonia and Latvia were often invaded.

World Wars World Wars Much of the fighting during WW1 took place in Poland During WW2, Poland was attacked by Germany in the West and the Soviet Union in the East. Property all over Poland was destroyed. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were occupied by the Soviet army

Soviet Domination Soviet Domination After WW2, the Soviet army dominated Eastern Europe. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania became parts of USSR. Poland remained free but was forced to accept a Communist government. Poland rejected it and elected new leaders in 1989. The Baltic Republics broke away from the Soviet Union in 1991 and became independent.

Culture Culture Languages are different and so are the religions. Poland & Lithuania – Roman Catholic, traded with RC countries Estonia & Latvia – once occupied by Sweden, are Lutheran Common customs Similar food Potatoes, Sausage, Seafood Entertainment Music and Dance Chopin – Polish pianist and composer Crafts Pottery, painting, embroidery

In the Region Today The Region Today All economies suffered because the Soviets did not build a decent infrastructure. Warsaw is becoming a major industrial center. Today they are building new factories with modern technology to replace outdated factories. Increased tourism to rich cultural areas.

Tallinn, Estonia Each year this Estonian city attracts many tourists to its medieval Old Town. Built in the 11th – 15th centuries, it is now a World Heritage site. Tallinn has many medieval churches and guild halls, places where craftsmen or wealthy merchants met. Another attraction is the Kadriorg Palace and Park, built in 1718 as a summer home for czar Peter the Great and his family.

Section 3: Inland Eastern Europe Czech Republic Slovakia Hungary Ukraine Belarus Moldova

history and culture The histories and cultures of inland Eastern Europe vary from country to country. Medieval churches stand near huge imperial fortresses and Soviet-built warehouses – all relics of the region’s history.

Czech Republic & Slovakia Once many small kingdoms Slav people were from Asia and moved to Europe in 1000 AD Slavic kingdoms were later conquered by Austria WW1 ended and the Allies took land away from Austria to form a new nation This land eventually split into Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993 Because of their location these two countries have many Western influences Roman Catholic Prague (capital of Czech Republic ) architecture

Hungary In the 900s a group of fierce invaders called the Magyars moved in and conquered what is now called Hungary. Eventually conquered by Austria Languages is based on the language spoken by the Magyars. People still refer to themselves as Magyars today.

Ukraine/Belarus/Moldova Settled by Slavs Vikings would later conquered the Slavs Group called the Rus build a settlement near Kiev, Ukraine and eventually created a huge empire. 1700s – it became part of Russia. USSR formed in 1922 and Belarus and Ukraine were made into Soviet republics. Moldova 2 years later. Independence in 1991 Russian influences Orthodox Christians Ukrainian and Belarusian languages are written in Cyrillic, or Russian alphabet.

Inland Eastern Europe Today Governments Communist governments during the Soviet era Today most are republics with elected leaders Belarus claims to be a republic but is really a dictatorship. International alliances with former USSR states. Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary seek to be closer to the West. Economy Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine have been successful All four have thriving Industrial centers and good farmland

Section 4: The Balkan Countries Albania Macedonia Slovenia Croatia Bosnia & Herzegovina Serbia Montenegro Romania Bulgaria Section 4: The Balkan Countries

The Balkan Countries The history of the Balkan countries is one of conquest and conflict. The presence of these many groups continues to shape life in the area today.

Early History The Ottoman Turks then conquered the region 600s – Ancient Greeks founded colonies on the Black Sea Later Romans conquered the region The Balkan Peninsula became part of the Eastern, or Byzantine Empire. Under this rule, most became Orthodox Christians. The Ottoman Turks then conquered the region Many people converted to Muslim 1800s, people rose up and drove the Turks out.

World War 1 and after Trouble between the Balkan kingdoms and their neighbors led to WW1 The Austro-Hungarian empire had taken over part of the peninsula In protest a man from Serbia shot the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, sparking the war. The Balkans changed after WW1, with the countries being divided and newly created. Conflict continued between ethnic and religious groups.

Culture and Language Language Culture Slavic - Russian ties Religion Romania – Latin connection Albanian – unique Roma – language of their own Culture Religion Most are Christian Orthodox Christianity Roman Catholic Protestant Albania – Most are Muslim

The Balkan Countries Today Once run by Communist governments Weak economic planning has left most of them poor and struggling to improve their economies. Problems among religious and ethnic groups Ethnic cleansing – the effort to remove all members of an group from a country or region.

The Balkan Countries Today Albania Poorest country High unemployment and crime rates Macedonia Once part of Yugoslavia Only country to break away peacefully

The Balkan Countries Today Slovenia Broke away from Yugoslavia Joined the European Union Croatia Ethnic Croats and Serbs fought over the land Many Serbs left Croatia Peace restored

The Balkan Countries Today Bosnia & Herzegovina Peace restored Rebuilding Serbia & Montenegro Once part of Yugoslavia These countries were united Ethnic fighting

The Balkan Countries Today Romania Largest of the Balkan states Poor leaders have left its government and economy in ruins Bulgaria Changed dramatically Working to develop a capitalistic economy based on industry and tourism