1. France & Germany Sections 2-3

2. Section Vocabulary parliament Paris (p. 431) Berlin (p. 437) chancellor (p. 439) reunification of Germany federal republic (p. 439)

3. Brief History of France In ancient times, France was called Gaul. The Romans ruled it until AD 400s. Eventually England’s king, William the Conqueror ruled England and part of France. After the Hundred Years’ War (1337- 1453), the French drove out the English.

4. In the 1500s – 1700s, France built colonies in the Americas, Africa and Asia. 1789 the French peasants overthrew the king (Reign of Terror). Napoleon came to power and conquered much of Europe. ◦ He was exiled in 1815.

5. During WWI and WWII, German forces invaded France. France had to work very hard to rebuild its economy. During the 1950s-1960s many French colonies gained their independence. ◦ Many of these people ended up moving to France! Today, France is run by parliament AND an elected president ◦ (Parliament is a group of lawmakers)

6. France’s President, Francois Hollande French Parliament (below)

7. The Culture of France Most people in France speak French, and they are Catholic. Many immigrants live in France. The French enjoy good food, good company, and good conversation.

8. JOIE DE VIVRE! The joy of life!

9. The French have beautiful architecture (buildings) and works of art. France’s capital city is Paris (population 10 million). France has a strong economy (agriculture, tourism, perfume, fashion).

10. FOR HOMEWORK: READ ABOUT THE BENELUX COUNTRIES: PGS. 432-433 #3 & 4

11. The History of Germany In ancient times, Germany was part of the Roman Empire. Germany was made up of multiple small states until 1871 when Prussia, the strongest state, united Germany. Germany was an industrial and military world power.

12. From 1914-1918, Germany fought and lost WWI. Hitler promised to make things better. During WWII, a political party in Germany almost conquered all of Europe. ◦ Holocaust After WWII, Germany split into two countries: East Germany and West Germany.

13. ADD VOCABULARY WORD

14. Since West Germany was non-communist, aid helped it build. East Germany’s economy suffered under communism. In 1990, the reunification took place – the Berlin Wall was torn down and East and West Germany joined together again.

15. Culture of Germany 90% of the population speaks German. In north and central Germany, most people are Protestant (Christian, non- Catholic). In the south, most are Catholic. Religious festivals are popular. Germany has many famous musicians: Beethoven and Bach

16. Germany Today Germany is a federal republic – there is a parliament, a chancellor (also known as a prime minister), and a president. ◦ The chancellor has a more involved job than the president – the chancellor helps run the government in Germany. Angela Merkel – Germany’s current chancellor.

17. Today, Germany is an economic powerhouse! The economy is based on industry such as chemicals, automobiles, and steel. Agriculture (farming) is still important. ◦ Grain, potatoes, timber (trees)

18. Germany’s largest city is its capital – Berlin. Other large cities are Hamburg and Munich. Germany has an excellent transportation system ◦ Autobahn (highway)