Western Europe
Hook: Emile Durkheim, father of French sociology, used as an example to introduce the cultural differences between France and Germany.
I) A History of Cultural Divisions
France and Germany are the dominant countries of Western Europe (largest, have best access to resources, ports and trade routes). Other countries include: Austria, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Monaco.
A) Rome to Charlemagne
1) Roman Empire had conquered the Celtic tribes in France by 50 B.C.
2) French is one of the Romance languages evolved from Latin
3) In the late 700s Charlemagne, a Germanic King, conquered most of the region
4) His empire fell apart after his death
B) The Reformation
1) The Reformation was a religious during the Renaissance when people questioned the church
2) In 1517 Martin Luther published 95 statements that criticized church practices
3) Christians broke away from the Catholic Church and started Protestant churches
4) Hostility between the two led to religious wars that tore Europe apart
5) France is primarily Catholic and Germany is primarily Protestant
II) The Rise of Nation-States
Between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance, a period known as the Middle Ages, Europeans developed the nation-state, an independent nation containing common culture.
A) Nationalism
1) After Rome fell Feudalism developed. Feudalism is a political system in which lords owned most of the land.
2) Over time, strong kings gained power over feudal lords and nationalism evolved. Nationalism is the belief that people should be loyal to their national
3) Nationalism led to modern nation-states
4) France was one of the first nation-states. 1st Kings held absolute power. In 1789 the people rebelled during the French Revolution. Later, Napoleon seized power and tried to conquer Europe.
5) From 1600-1945 wars frequently broke out among nation-states of Europe particularly France and Austria and France and German States.
6) Germany united in 1872.
7) Industrialism in the 1800s caused European nations to set up colonies in other lands in order to gain raw materials.
B) Modern Conflicts
1) Competition for colonies led to World War I
2) The harsh terms imposed on German after the war and the resentment felt due to those terms led to World War II
3) During World War II Germany was led by Hitler and the Nazi Party
4) The Nazis carried out the Holocaust: a mass murder campaign that eliminated 2/3 of the European Jews
5) After the war Germany was split into two. West Germany was non-communist, and East Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union.
6) In 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and Germany reunited under a democratic government.
7) To end the rivalry between them Germany and France became leaders in establishing the European Union.
III. Economics: Diversity and Luxury
Region's economy remains strong due to agriculture, manufacturing, high-tech and service industries.
A) Agriculture to High-Tech
1) Farming and livestock important in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
2) France is the largest producer of agricultural products in Western Europe
3) France, Germany and the Netherlands are three of Europe's top manufacturing nations
4) Germany and the Netherlands are important producers of electronics
5) Germany also produces scientific equipment
6) France has one of the fastest passenger trains in the world, as well a space program and nuclear energy (80% of its energy is produced by Nuclear Power Plants)
7) Switzerland specializes in the banking industry.
B) Tourism and Luxury
1) Due to scenery, climate and historic sites, tourism in Western Europe is popular and an important part of French, Swiss and Austrian economy.
2) Western Europe also exports luxury goods: German Cars, Swiss Watches, high fashion clothes from France and flower bulbs from the Netherlands.
IV. Great Music and Art
A) Music
1) German and Austria are famous for music.
2) Some German musicians/composers include Bach and Beethoven
3) Austrian composers include Mozart
B) Painting
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