Western Europe France and Germany are the dominant countries Martin Luther published his 95 statements in 1517 criticizing the church practices. Reformation-a period when many Christians broke from the Catholic church and became Protestants. –France is Catholic, most others have a mix

Start of Nation-States Feudalism: –After Rome fell, powerful lords owned most of the land. –They gave some land to nobles in exchange for military service. –Peasants worked the land in exchange for protection –Overtime Kings gained power over the lords. Nationalism: –Belief that people should be loyal to their nation –People wanted their own countries (began with France) –Results in strong leaders like Napoleon and wars between nation-states due to strong competition. –Good example is Hitler who carried out the Holocaust to exterminate Jews. –Germany was not united again until the Berlin wall fell in 1989.

Economy Western Europe rich in agriculture 1800s it was one of the first regions to industrialize because it was rich in coal and iron ore They are also strong in high-tech and service industries (ex. Switzerland and money) Area is popular with tourists Main problem is in Germany where the West is much wealthier than the East.

Music, Art and Modern Life Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven in Germany and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Austria Jan Vermeer and Rembrandt were Dutch artists and Monet was French. Living in smaller homes means they meet out in public. More vacation time than Americans Immigration and political tension are problems in Germany and Austria