European History, Culture, and Geography Essentials

Greece: Main and Big Ideas

Main Ideas

• Early in its history, Greece was the home of a great civilization, but it was later ruled by foreign powers.
• The Greek language, the Orthodox Church, and varied customs have helped shape Greece’s culture.
• In Greece today, many people are looking for new economic opportunities.

Big Idea

As the home of one of the Western world’s oldest civilizations, Greece is trying to reclaim its place as a leading country in Europe.

Religion in Greece: The Orthodox Church

A branch of Christianity that dates back to the Byzantine Empire.

Life in Greece’s Rural Mountain Villages

People are isolated: they grow crops, raise sheep and goats, and socialize in the village square.

Italy: Main and Big Ideas

Main Ideas

• Italian history can be divided into three periods: Ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and unified Italy.
• Religion and local traditions have helped shape Italy’s culture.
• Italy today has two distinct economic regions: Northern Italy and Southern Italy.

Big Idea

Once the center of a huge empire, Italy grew to become a prosperous European country.

Italy: History, Culture, and Modern Society

History

• Ancient Rome: Christianity arose and spread in the Roman Empire.
• The Renaissance: A period of great advances in art and literature.
• Unified Italy: Italy was officially unified in 1861.

Culture

• Religion: The primary religion in Italy is the Catholic Church.
• Local Traditions: Italians have long been trendsetters in shaping global styles.

Italy Today

• Southern Italy: Tourism is vital to the South’s economy.
• Northern Italy: Home to Italy’s major tourism centers.

Spain and Portugal: Main and Big Ideas

Main Ideas

• Over the centuries, Spain and Portugal have been part of many large and powerful empires.
• The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories.
• Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today have struggling economies.

Big Idea

Spain and Portugal possess a rich culture, stable governments, and struggling economies.

Government Systems in Spain and Portugal

• Spain: Parliamentary monarchy.
• Portugal: Elected leaders.

West-Central Europe: Physical Geography

Main Ideas

• The physical features of West-Central Europe include plains, uplands, mountains, rivers, and seas.
• West-Central Europe’s mild climate and resources support agriculture, energy production, and tourism.

Big Idea

West-Central Europe features a diverse range of landscapes, a mild climate, and rich farmland.