Western Europe Review Flashcards
Why do many people live in the Northern European Plain?
Farmland, easy travel and trade.
What is significant about the Danube and Rhine Rivers?
They are key navigable Rivers
What is a navigable river?
Rivers that are deep enough and wide enough for ships to navigate.
Why are climates so mild in Western Europe?
It’s close to the ocean and water temperatures change slower than air
What is the largest mountain range in Western Europe?
The Alps.
Why do most Scandinavians live near the coasts?
Farming is difficult, and the kjolen mountains run through the middle, more access to fishing
What was France called under the Roman Empire?
Gaul.
Who took over France after Rome fell?
The Franks, led by Charlemagne.
What was the relationship between the French and the English during the Middle Ages?
They often conflicted over control and territory. They fought in the 100 year war
How did France’s economy change in the 1950s and 1960s?
Many colonies gained independence, and they experienced rapid growth.
What is the most common religion in France?
Roman Catholicism.
What is the capital of France?
Paris.
What kind of government does France have?
Democratic republic, with a parliament and elected president
Name two cultural additions France has made to the world today.
Food and fashion.
What does secular mean?
Non-religious.
Name two significant factors in France’s economy today.
Tourism and agriculture.
What does Benelux stand for?
Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg.
What is the economy like in the Benelux?
They are more developed countries.
What language is spoken in the Netherlands?
Dutch.
What is a polder and why are they used in the Netherlands?
When people build dikes where they want land; so they can have more farmland
What does it mean that Belgium is cosmopolitan?
It is characterized by foreign influences
What languages are spoken in Belgium?
Dutch, French, and German.
What languages are spoken in Luxembourg?
Luxembourgish, French, and German.
How was Germany first united into a single country?
By Prussia
How was Germany related to both WWI and WWII?
They fought in both wars and lost.
What happened to Germany after each of the world wars ended?
Germany had to rebuild.
How was Germany split after WWII?
Germany was split into West and East Germany.
The Berlin Wall was a significant symbol of this division.
What does a population pyramid show?
A population pyramid is a graph that shows the percentage of the population by different genders and ages.
What is the capital of Germany?
The capital of Germany is Berlin.
What is the most common religion in Germany?
The most common religion in Germany is Protestantism.
What type of government does Germany have?
Germany has a federal republic.
What is a prime minister called in Germany?
A prime minister in Germany is called a chancellor.
Why does Germany have such a strong economy?
Germany has a strong economy due to a large workforce and many jobs.
What unifies/connects the Alpine Countries as a region?
The Alps unify the Alpine Countries.
What is the most common language in Austria?
The most common language in Austria is German.
How has Switzerland maintained its neutrality?
They stay out of any conflict that happens between other countries
How have the Alps impacted life in the Alpine Countries?
The Alps provide more protection but make trade harder.
Name three countries where fishing is a significant industry in Western and Northern Europe
France, Norway, Denmark
What is NATO?
A supernation organization that stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was initially built for protection from the Soviet Union
