CENTRAL WESTERN EUROPE

France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland

& the Benelux Countries

(Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands)

LESSON OBJECTIVES Explain France’s history, economic

characteristics, and culture. List and describe various historical landmarks and

attractions throughout Paris. Describe characteristics of the Benelux countries. Explain the Protestant Reformation and WWI. Explain the who, what, when, why, and impacts of

WWII. Explain the creation and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Formulate a conflict and demonstrate

Switzerland’s policy of neutrality. Identify the countries of Western Europe.

HistoryFormerly known as Gaul- Roman EmpireDominated by the Franks

Charlemagne- Holy Roman Empire

MonarchyEnded during the French Revolution

Napoleon Bonaparte

Government Type: Republic

FRANCE

Economic RegionsNorth-

Southwest-

Mediterranean-

East-

FRENCH CULTURE Strong sense of identity!

Language Intellectual and artistic

achievements René Descartes Jean-Paul Sartre Voltaire Claude Monet Pierre Auguste Renoir

How do the French greet each other?

BENELUX COUNTRIES Called the Benelux Countries because of the first two letters of their names

Also known as the Low Countries

BelgiumFormerly under the control of the

NetherlandsCapital- BrusselsFamous for…

NetherlandsThe Netherlands are ‘lying

low’Land Reclamation- Polders27% of land lies below sea-level

Role of RotterdamHolland

LuxembourgSmaller than the state of Rhode IslandOne of the highest standards of living in

EuropeVery, very wealthy!

One of the founders of the European Union!

GERMANY- DEUTSCHLAND

HistoryProtestant ReformationWWIWWII (see Episodic Summary)

Berlin Wall East and West Germany

Berlin- Capital

Germany is Europe’s leading industrial nation

THE AUTOBAHN Germany’s highway system

7,580 miles of highway No speed limit! (except for some vehicles)

Recommended speed limit: 81 mph!

CAR COMPANIES BMW Volkswagen Mercedes Porsche

AUSTRIA Austro-Hungarian Empire

Following WWI, empire collapsed

Capital: Vienna

Location for the filming of Sound of Music Set just prior to WWII

SWITZERLANDPhysical Characteristics

Swiss AlpsTourism!

Economic CharacteristicsSkilled Labor ProductsDevelopment of New MedicinesSwiss Bank AccountsNot a Member of the EU?

Why?

SWISS NEUTRALITY1515- Last war that the Swiss fought

Why do the Swiss want to be neutral? History and Tradition International Situation Law of Neutrality

Geneva War Convention Rules of War