The New Eastern Europe
Poland and the Baltic RepublicsPp. 202-205
Hungarians, Czechs, and SlovaksPp. 206-209
Poland• One of largest
countries in Europe• On huge Northern
European Plain• Bogs – low swampy
areas• Carpathian Mountains
in south
Poland’s Economy• Communist state –
government had strong control over the economy and society
• Thousands of small farms
• Grow most potatoes and rye than any other country in Europe
Poland’s Economy• Mining and
manufacturing • Petroleum and natural
gas• Factories and
shipping• Acid rain – rain
containing chemicals that pollute water, air and land
Struggle for Freedom• Founded in 900 AD• Powerful kingdom in
Middle Ages• 1947 – communism• 1989 – democracy• 2004 – joined
European Union• 2/3 live in cities• Most are Roman
Catholic
Baltic Republics• Estonia, Latvia, and
Lithuania• On Baltic Sea• Large Russian
minority populations• Poor, swampy areas• Dairy farming, fishing,
shipbuilding
CHAPTER 7 SECTION 2
Hungary - Land of the Magyars• Landlocked – does not
border sea or ocean• Danube River
provides trade and transportation
• Hungarian Plain good for farming and grazing
• Rolling hills, forests, lakes, and Carpathian Mountains here.
Hungarian Economy• Farmers grow sugar
beets, corn, wheat, and grapes
• Manufacturing, financial services, and tourism
• Depends on Danube River for trade
Hungarians: People/Culture• Magyars came about
1,000 years ago; skilled horseriders
• Nomads – people who move from place to place, often with herds of animals
• Ottoman Turks and Austria ruled it
• 2/3 are Roman Catholic
HUNGARY: Government
• Capital = Budapest• Known as the “Paris of Eastern Europe”
Czech Republic: Land/Climate
• Known for beautiful buildings and great writers
• Large fertile plains and factories
Czech Republic
People/Culture• 2/3 live in cities• Highest Standard of
Living• Great play writers and
literature
Economy/Government• Capital = PRAGUE• Manufacturing• First president was a
playwright• Formerly Czechoslovakia
(split in 1993)
Slovakia• LAND: Carpathian Mountains in north are rich in
iron ore, lead, zinc, and copper• ECONOMY: Heavy industry & Popular vacation
spot
Slovakia• GOVERNMENT:
Privatize – factory ownership shifts from government to individual
• Outdated technology and pollution
• PEOPLE:Mostly Roman Catholic
• 60% live in cities