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Northern and ‘The countries of northern and western Europe have hada tremendous influence throughout the world, Great Britain and France were among the greatest colonial powers. They spread their languages, educational, and political systems worldwide. fe & Hii, My name is Lars, and L live in Tromso, in far Sipe northern Norway. liven a new house in the middle FY ai of town. We are so close to the sea that we eat fish 3 ys almost every day. For breakfast I have a slice of bread with a sweet goat cheese, smoked salmon, shrimp, or cod liver spread. T take two more of these sandwiches for lunch at school. For dinner we have salmon or cod or another fish about four or five times a week. The other days we like to eat pizza and hamburgers. — In the winter everyone skis to school along trails that look like (pieces fom Scand snowy streets. We live above the Arctic Circle, and it is completely dark in the winter. Because of this, the trails must have streetlights. The Sun does not shine at all in mm, \ ‘Troms from the end of November to January 20 or so. On January 20, when the Sun « appears again for just a few minutes, we have a big celebration for Sun Day. In the summer, the Sun never sets, so there is no nighttime at all, This is my fa- Vorite time of year. We have a huge bonfire and a cookout on June 21. But it still can be very cold. Last year the temperature in the summer was usually about 6° or 7°C (about 43° or 44°F), The British Isles Geography’s leo Series Watch the video to understand ‘the impact of ving below sea level «How has history affected the culture of the British Isles? sequent occupance 2. Why are the cultures of Ireland and the United Kingdom similar? famine 3. How has the British economy changed over the last 200 years? constitutional monarchy 4. What issue has caused tension in Northern Ireland? nationalized Locate, a iblin Reading Strat 7 Pa ng Strsteny __ London PEMaigeieiies4153) Use the headings to guide you British Isles Thames River in writing down what you know about the British Isles. Then . England Glasgow write down what you want to know. After you read the section, 4 \write down what you learned. Wales Edinburgh ‘Scotland Birmingham Northern ireland Belfast ELEVATION FEET METERS 13,120 FE 400 6560 ES 2.000 1,610 [soo 56 fee] 200 (Seatere) 0 fama 0 (Sealeveb Colon ME cae elev sealed Northern and Western Europe = 305 Stonehenge an ancient complex of mas 1 cles in England, wes built ‘beginning about 3100 ac. Modem archaeologists are unsure exactly why Stonehenge was built How is ‘Stonehenge an example of sequent ‘occupance? fe, 1920 History The British Isles are made up of two indepen- dent countries—the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland oc- cupics all but the northern part of the island of Ireland. The United Kingdom is often referred Britain or even Britain. It in- cludes four political regions—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Great Britain can be divided into two physical regions, low- land Britain and highland Britain. Most of England, except the far north, is part of lowland Britain. Northern England, ‘Wales, and Scotland make up highland Britain. Lowland Britain has developed a complex cultural geography. About 5,000 years ago, the earliest settlers left their mark with monuments like Stonehenge. Later the Celts—the ancestors of the Scots, Welsh, and Irish—occupied the island. Then the Romans came and built fortified towns. Later, Angles and Saxons, two Germanic tribes, came and drove the Celtic peoples to highland Britain. Vikings from Scandinavia raided the coastal areas and also built settle- ments. In 1066 William of Normandy conquered England. Normandy is now part of France. Each of these peoples left an imprint on lowland Britain, ‘This process of settlement by successive groups of people, each group creating a distinctive cultural landscape, is called sequent occupance. to as just G The British Empite was a worldwide system 1920, colonies such as Canada, South Aca, and Australia largely man- of teritores and dependencies administered by the British government. aged their own aff. What geographic factors might help explain ‘Areas within the empire had diferent levels of self-government and ty ow Britain was able to control such a arge empire? 306 » Chapter 14 The British Empire In the 1600s and 1700s, British explor- cersand settlers founded colonies around the world. By 1801 England had brought Ireland, Scotland, and Wales into the United Kingdom, The sur- rounding ocean helped protect this kingdom. The British also built a powerful navy to take further advantage of the sea. During the 1800s more than ‘one fourth of the world’s land was ruled by the British Empire. ‘The empire's colonies provided raw materials Yor British indus- tries. The colonies also served as markets for finished goods. The empire spread the English lan- guage, Christianity, British law, sports, and other British cus- toms around the globe. ‘The colonies that became the United States were part of the British Empire when they declared independence in 1776. Over time, most parts of the empire gained independence. Most former colonies became members of the ‘Commonwealth of Nations. They still meet to discuss economic, business, and scientific matters of common concern, Ireland did not win independence from the British until 1921. Before in- dependence, life had long been hard for many Irish. Then in the mid-1800s Ireland suffered from a potato famine. A famine is a widespread shortage of food that may lead to severe hunger and starvation. About | million Irish died ‘when the potato crop failed for several years in a row. The famine, poverty, and a lack of economic opportunities led many Irish to immigrate to other coun- ‘ries. Many migrated to the United States. (See the map.) af READING CHECK: | Environment and Society iy ci many people emigrate fom Ireland during the mid-18005? Culture Because of their shared history, Irland and Great Britain share many cultural features. Social life is often centered around local eateries. Sports such as soccer, rugby, and cricket are popular. In addition, English is the main language of both countries. However, a small number of Irish also speak Irish Gaelic, and some Scots speak Scottish Gaelic. The countries also differ in important ways. Both Ireland and Britain are democracies. However, their governments are organized differently. Ireland is a republic, and the president is the head of state. Britain is a constitutional monarchy. That is, aking or queen is the head of state, but a parliament led by 2 prime minister serves as the lawmaking branch of government. Crees 60 10: gohnucom erwonD: sw3 cHT6 FOR: Web sts aot ore and west Europe Northern and Western Europe = 307 cM This painting fom the late 1700s shows a seam engine beng used og a coal mine and represents the bginings ofthe Industrial Revolution in England, How ‘are people inthis painting using technology to modity the physical environment? 308 + Chapter 14 Another important difference is religion. The vast majority of people in Ireland are Roman Catholic. However, Protestants make up a majority of the population in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. As you will read, tensions between Catholics and Protestants have led to violence in Northern Ireland. Dublin is Ireland’s capital and its most populous city. London is the largest city, the cultural center, a world financial centers, and the capital of the United Kingdom. Both cities are home to government buildings and famous land- marks. Visitors to London can see historic buildings like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. For centuries, London's location on the ‘Thames (reMz) River made that city an ideal port for trade between continen- tal Europe and the British Isles. Today Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel centers, ties London to thousands of cities around the globe. of READING CHECK: (Huis S7st@m=) what ae some cultural features that Britain and Ireland share? What fone major diference? Economy ‘The Industrial Revolution began in Britain, By the 1700s the country had de- veloped coal and iron mining and a large labor force. Britain also built a good transportation network that used rivers and canals. By the early 1800s the British had built the world’s first railroads. Later in the century, London built the first subway system. (See Geography for Life: The London Underground and Mass Transit.) All of these features aided industrial development. Industrial Rise and Decline Britain's carly industries included iron and steel, shipbuilding, and textiles. Innovations such as spinning machines and steam power revolutionized how fabrics were produced: Wool and cotton from British colonies as well as from the United States supplied the textile industry. Industrial growth spread from London and central Eigland to southern Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh became industrial centers. Trade of raw and finished products between Britain and its colonies further aided development. Throughout muct of the 1700s and 1800s, Britain domi- nated global trade. (See Case Study: Global Trade.) By 1900, however, the British had lost their dominance to foreign com- petition, By the mid-1900s Britain’s coal mines and traditional industries were in rapid decline. British industries suffered be- cause many were inefficient and because their products were not in demand, In the years after World War Il, the United Kingdom nationalized many industries to try to stop the de- line, Nationalized industries are those that are owned and operated by the government. They are protected from domes- tic competition. Changing Fortunes Today Britain has returned most indus- try to private ownership, and the British economy is strong. ‘Many early industrial cities, such as Glasgow and Birmingham, have benefited from urban renewal. They have also attracted high-tech industries. Akhough the coal industry has declined, oil and gas wells in the North Sea have helped the economy. In addition, much of Britain’s labor force works in service industries rather than manufacturing, Tourism is also an important industry. The Irish economy traditionally was based on farming. However, Ireland now has one of Europe's most rapidly developing economies. Low taxes and a well-educated workforce have attracted foreign companies. They use the coun- try as a door to other European markets. The main industries are now bank- ing, computers, electronics, and food processing. Immigrants from other countries are moving to Ireland to get jobs. This situation is quite different from the past, when Irish emigrated from their poor country. J READING CHECK: Harman Systems) How has land's economy changed overtime? Issues and Challenges One of the greatest challenges facing the people of the British Isles is violence in Northern Ireland. The Irish call the problems there “the troubles.” Most of the people in Northern Ireland are descendents of Protestant English and. Scottish settlers. A large minority are Irish Catholic. Many Catholics believe that union with the Republic of Ireland would protect them from discrimina- tion in employment, housing, and government. However, Protestants want to stay part of the mostly Protestant United Kingdom, ‘The disagreement between the two groups has led to violence, particularly in the city of Belfast. British troops have tried to keep the peace. However, ter- rorist groups from both sides have killed thousands of people. A 1998 agree- ment created a shared government between Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland. However, the future of this arrange- ment is not clear, J READING CHECK: “Human Systems) How do Roman otolis andPaestntsin Northern Ireland view thie region diferent? Reading for the Main Idea 1 Define ‘sequent occupance, famine, const {tutional monarchy, nationalized 7 How has lan’: location af fected its growth? 2 How have cultura differences led to the division of leland? How did Great Britain's history as ‘a naval power contribute tothe effusion of cultural traits? How did innovation in Britain spur the Industrial Revolution? Working with Sketch Maps On amp of nether and west Europe that you daw or that your teacher provides label the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, British ses, England, Wales, Scotland Norther ireland, Dub, Loven Thames Ret, Glasgow, Ecinburgh, Birmingham, and Belfast. the margin of your imap, idenify the capital of the Unted Kingdom Critical Thinking 4. Analyzing Information What geographical factor has influenced Britain's power to control tertiary ‘around the word? How do you think that factor has influenced Britain's role in foreign affairs? ‘Orangemen parade in Portadown, ‘Northem lela. The Orangemen are ‘members ofthe Orange Society 2 Protestant organization formed in 1795 to ty to maintain Protestant contol in ‘Norther lela. In recent years Orangemen parades nthe regon have led to street vilence between Protestants and Cathois. Organizing What You Know 5. Create a chac ie tho one below Use it to list flerences between Bian’ old indus tial economy and its madem ecnom Wt a paragraph describing how Britain's economy has changed over the past 200 years ities ld mati econo Northern and Western Europe « 309 Greater London is home to about 7 milion people. ‘The city isalso home to the world’ first underground rail sys- ‘tem. Plansfor the Underground were part of an improvement plan of the mid-1800s. Construction began in 1860. Workers dug trenches along streets and buift brick walls to support their sides. Then these trenches were covered with brick arches, ard the roads were restored above them, London's clay soils nade construction ofthe underground railways eas- ier. The clay was easy to excavate and provided the raw ma- terial to make bricks for tunnel wall In 1863 the first subway line opened, using steam locomotives. These trains burned coal, producing unpleasant fumes. However, despite the pollution, the Underground was successful from the very beginning. During is first year, the line cartied 9.5 milion passengerst In 1890, electric trains began to replace steam engines. Expansion of the Underground, which Londoners cll the tube, continued over the years. Improved tunneling tech- niques were developed after World War |. These techniques made posible a rapid expansion of the underground net- work. As the system spread out from central London, large areas of rural land became prime locations for new housing developments. Asa result, the expansion of the Underground contributed to the development of London's modern suburbs. Now 253 miles (408 km) of track connect 275 stations. Each year, passengers fog more than 920 million journeys on the Underground. London's transit system served as an example for others. Why are such mass-transit systems important? Cities The World in Spatial Terms Geogiaphy fu Lye The London Underground | and Mass Transit | originally developed as places where people and resources were located close together. As cities grew and places became widely separated, improved transportation networks became more important. However, planning for transportation needs has not ak ways kept up with urban growth. Trafic jams on major high- ways and roads are common. Heavy traffic increases air pollution, Parking presents other problems. Building parking lots and garages takes up valuable land, Masstransit systems, including buses, subways, and surface trains, can help solve ‘these problems. Cities with efficent mass-transit systems usu ally run more smoothly than those in which people must de- pend mainly on cars. Masstransit networks help make many of the world'sbig cities more livable, Examples include Mexico City, Moscow, New York, and Pars. Applying What You Know 1. Summarizing How has the development of mass transit systems made big cities more livable? 2. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions How big do you think cities have to be to build and oper- ate underground ral systems? What types of mass ‘transit would you expect to find in smaller cies? f London's masswansitsys- {tem includes the Underground and a citywide sytem of buses which provide comectons tothe many Underground statins. Why do you think London's mass-transit system is so effective at moving large numbers of people? 41. What s French culture ike? primate city 2. What are some of the main industries in France? 3. What challenges does France face today? i Paris Marseille Readin« fading Strategy scien Seine River Alps Taking notes while you read will help you lyon French Riviera understand and remember the information in this section. Your ule Corsica Notes will be useful for reviewing the material. As you read this section, create an outline using the headings from the section Beneath each heading write the information you lear. Include key terms and their definitions. History and Culture f France is one of Europe's largest and most influential countries. L United Kingdom, France's culture shows the imprint of successive waves of migrants. Some of the peoples that have shaped French culture include the Gauls, Romans, Franks, and Vikings. a ee that blows from the Aps across France has a strong cultural identity unified by language sourtem France, can reach and religion. Although some people also speak regional dialects and languages, speeds of upto 100 miles per most speak French, About 90 percent of France’s population is Roman hour (161 kmh). ‘France has produced many world-famous artists, inculng Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), Reno’s Le Moulin de la Galette, a scene showing lien Pais is considered a masterpiece of impressions, “Impressionism isa syle of panting that developed mainly m trance i the late 1800s It attempts to show what one's fist ‘impression ofa scene is Northern and Western Europe + 311 Catholic. The French government spends money to promote French culture and language. France has had a long and friendly relationship with the United States. However, today some French people worry about the influence of American culture in Europe. They see the spread of American fast food and media, such as movies, as a threat to their own culture. Some French dislike the fact that English words are creeping into French. They think the United States is re- sponsible because English is becoming the global language of business and technology. To counter this trend, a 366-year-old government agency guards ' the French language from foreign influences. For example, it has declared that e-mail must be called courrier électronique (KoOH-ree-ay ay-lek-trohn-EEK).. Some French are also concerned that American corporations are buying a growing number of French businesses. Cities Paris is the capital and primate city of France. A primate city is one that ranks first and dominates a country in terms of population and economy. Paris is also one of Europe's largest and most important cities. About 11 million of Paris. It was built Sensor vo59 people live in the metropolitan arca. The city was founded more than 2,000 to celebrate the 100.year anniversary years ago on an island in the middle of the Seine (sav) River. ‘Today Paris is ofthe Ranch Revoliton. At 964 fet France's center for banking, business, communications, education, govern- (G00 m), the Eifel Tower was te tallest _-ment, and transportation. The city is also a center for fashion, French culture, ‘human-made structure in the world until and tourism. Important regional cities include Lyon (voHN), Lille (Leet), and the completion of New York City’s the Mediterranean seaport of Marseille (mar-say). ‘Chyler Building in 1930. of READING CHECK: Human SYSt@MS) How has France reacted tothe influences of American culture? French Waterways In the 1800s canals and rivers were @ popular and economical way to ‘move goods. Later the waterways fell from favor withthe introduction of railroads and long-distance trucking, However, today there is anew interes in using waterways for commerce, Frances working o increase ‘trade on its rivers and canals. It has Europe's longest system of canals deep enough to mave commercial barges. By moving more goods by ‘water, the govemment hopes to reduce traffic on its roads. ‘To accomplish this goal, the government lifted many old regula- tions. iver channels have also been deepened, and locks have been removed. These changes have helped peed up travel onthe waterays. ‘Asa result. more busneses are shipping their goods by wate. ‘Why is such shipping important? Barges are more than twice as energy-efficient as trans and more than five times as effient as tucks. ‘The increased energy efficiency is good for the economy as well as for the ‘environment. addon, bots are not as noisy as tris or trucks. This ‘means that they can operate at night n urban ares without bothering people. Boats also provide a safer way to carry dangerous goods. ‘Analyzing How has the French perception of their water resources ‘hanged? What hasbeen the resuit ofthis changed perception? 312 + Chapter 14 Economy France has a highly diversified, developed economy, Its workers are some of the most productive in the world. This is true even though they have the shortest ‘workweek—35 hours—and some of the longest vacations—one month—of any workers in the industrial countries, The French are famous for fashion design, They also produce perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, glassware, and furniture. Tourism is also important. Millions of people visit Paris, ski in the French Alps, and enjoy the famous Mediterranean coast known as the French Riviera. Farming remains an important part of the economy. France is second only to the United States in agricultural exports. The French produce high-quality food products and a great variety of agricultural produce. Farmers provide wheat, sugar beets, olives, grapes, and dairy products. France is the world’s leading wine producer in both variety and export income. France’s carly industries were centered in the northeast near large deposits of coal and iron ore. Those heavy industries are now in decline. However, the country’s high-tech industries are developing rapidly. The south is a growing center for aviation, communications industries, and space technology.

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