The Sharjah American International School

Umm Al Quwain

Worksheet (5)

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Grade (8), Section ( )

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Vocabulary
TERMS AND NAMES

Basque (bask) an ethnic group living in the western Pyrenees and along the Bay of Biscay in Spain
and France; also the name of their language

Separatist a person who wants a region to break away from the nation it is a part of

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Spain and Portugal
Connecting to Your World
Without ever visiting Spain, most Americans know more about Spanish culture than they think.
For over 300 years, Spain had an empire in what is today Mexico and the southwestern United
States. In places where Spain once ruled, the impact of Spanish culture is easy to see. Many
southwestern cities have Spanish names and buildings influenced by Spanish architecture.
Throughout the United States, many people speak Spanish and eat Spanish food. Spanish culture
itself was the product of influences from many other cultures.

Spain
For centuries, Spain was part of the Roman Empire. When the empire fell, a Germanic tribe
conquered the peninsula and established a Christian kingdom. It lasted until the early A.D. 700s,
when the Moors, Muslim peoples from North Africa, took control of southern Spain. Spain’s
Moorish rulers brought a more advanced culture to medieval Europe. Muslim scholars made new
discoveries in medicine, mathematics, and other fields. They remained there form almost eight
centuries, when groups of Christians still living in northern Spain succeeded in driving them out of
the region.

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History
Spain remained neutral during World War I. in the 1930s, the Spanish fought a civil war over
whether the country should be a monarchy or a republic. During the struggle, Francisco Franco of
Spain’s fascist party won control of the government. He ruled as a dictator for almost 40 years.

Culture The Spanish share many cultural traits. Until a few decades ago, however, most people
identified more with the region they lived in than the country. Spain has many regional
languages, such as Catalan and Valencian, which emphasize cultural differences. The Roman
Catholic Church was the biggest common tie. Almost all Spaniards are Catholic.

In the 1950s 1960s, Spain’s economy developed quickly and changed the way many people
lived. Many people left forms to take manufacturing jobs in cities. Today, most of Spain’s people
live in cities or towns. Their homes are apartments rather than houses. Even in rural areas, better
farming methods and labor-saving machinery have made life easier.

While the shift to an urban society threatened some Spanish traditions, many Spaniards still
enjoy taking part in the old customs. Paella (pah*AY*yah), a flavorful dish of seafood, meat, and
vegetables mixed with yellow rice, remains a popular choice. Spaniards like soccer, but
bullfighting remains Spain’s most famous traditional sport. Audiences also enjoy watching
Spanish dances, such as the flamenco.

Government and Economics

Today, Spain’s leaders face demands by some in the Basque (bask) ethnic group to create a
separate Basque nation. The Basque people live in the Pyrenees Mountains. They have lived in
Spain longer than any other group and have kept a distinct language and customs. Some Basque
separatist groups have tried violence to further their cause.

For centuries, Spain’s economy depended heavily on fishing and forming. It lagged behind most
of Western Europe in industrial growth. After World War II, Spain’s economy grew more rapidly.
Factories began turning out cars and steel, and tourism increased. In the 1980s, Spain joined the
EU. Membership boosted the economy by promoting trade and by making financial aid from the
EU available.

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Portugal
Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, but occupies a much smaller area. it is located
on Europe's western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its small size, its location and
keen interest in exploration helped it build an empire.

History
For many centuries, the region that is now Portugal was, like Spain, under Muslim rule. In 1143,
Portugal became an independent kingdom. Because of its coastal location, the Portuguese
became skilled sailors, navigators, and shipbuilders. In the 1400s and 1500s, Portugal played a
key role in Europe’s Age of Exploration. Prince Henry of Portugal sponsored many expeditions.
Portuguese explorers helped their country build an empire.

For a time, overseas colonies brought prosperity. Portugal profited from the spice trade with
Asia and the gold, diamonds, and other resources taken from its African and South American
colonies. By the 1800s, however, Portugal had lost its position as a world power to larger
European nations. In 1822, Brazil, Portugal’s richest colony, declared independence.

In 1980, revolutionaries overthrew Portugal’s king and made the country a republic, but
political unrest continued. In 1926, military leaders seized control. Dictators ruled until 1976,
when Portugal became a parliamentary democracy in a peaceful revolution.

Culture
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. Like Spanish, Portuguese is a Romance language.
Most Portuguese are Roman Catholics. Especially in rural areas, Catholic priests play a key role in
political and social life. Traditional Catholic celebrations are important. Unlike much of Western
Europe, Portugal today is still a largely rural country with many small farming and fishing villages.
Just under half of its citizens live in rural areas. Although Portugal remains a rural country, its
cities are growing. Each year, many people move from the countryside in search of jobs in the
cities.
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 One-third of the population lives in or near its two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto. Lisbon, in
southern Portugal, is the nation’s capital and largest city. It is a center of tourism and commerce.
Porto is a major seaport and industrial center.

Government and Economics

Portugal’s colonies once made it the richest nation in Europe. Today, it is one of the poorest,
with the lowest per capita GDP in Western Europe. For decades, leaders failed to strengthen its
economy and neglected its roads, ports, and factories. Lack of energy resources and a poor
educational system also slowed its growth. Since joining the EU in 1986, however, Portugal has
worked hard to improve its economy. It has diversified and expanded the role of service
industries. Membership in the EU has helped increase trade. Today, Portugal continues its efforts
to develop its economy.

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Assessment Questions
1. How is Spain’s government different from Portugal’s government?

2. What role did Portugal play in the Age of Exploration?

3. In what ways are the cultures and histories of Spain and Portugal similar?

4. What are some reasons for Portugal’s slow economic growth?

5. How has EU membership changed Spain’s economy?

6.How has increased urbanization affected the societies of Spain and Portugal?

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Answers
1. Spain has a parliamentary monarchy. Portugal has a parliamentary democracy.

2. Portuguese-sponsored expeditions advanced European knowledge of the world.

3. Both part of the W. Roman Empire; under Muslim rule; part of the Age of Exploration wit
empires; mostly Catholic; speak Romance languages

4. Failure to strengthen the economy by building infrastructure (roads, ports, factories), a poor
educational system, and a lack of energy resources

5.Made trading partners and financial aid available

6.Life differs; people live in apartments instead of houses, old traditions are threatened